Product test
Putting the Google Pixel 3a XL to the test: all of the software for less
by Jan Johannsen
Google presents Pixel 4a and announces the Pixel 5
4.8.2020
Translation: machine translated
Three months later than expected, Google has unveiled its new low-cost smartphone, the Pixel 4a. As with its predecessor, the Pixel 3a, the software is a big argument in favour of the mobile phone. And the hardware doesn't speak against it either.
Update from 30 September 2020 [[marketingpage:17786]]
Update end
The Pixel 3a was the best smartphone of 2019 for me - if you take the price of the device into account. The Pixel 4a has big shoes to fill, but I'm optimistic that it can fill them.
As a Pixel smartphone, the Pixel 4a receives its software updates directly from Google. Compared to many other manufacturers, this means faster updates with new functions and security gaps closed over a longer period of time. Google promises three years. Only Apple offers more. Then there's the subjective factor for me. I like the tidy user interface of the basic version of Android. The interfaces of other Android manufacturers, which are packed with apps and functions, have not impressed me so far.
Software first, hardware second
Because the Pixel 4a is only less than half the price of the top smartphones, you have to accept some compromises in terms of features. However, experience has shown that the equipment should still ensure a mobile device that is easy to use. The Snapdragon 730G chipset and six gigabytes of RAM should provide enough power for everyday use. However, you cannot expand the 128 gigabyte internal memory.
At the front, you look at a 5.81-inch OLED display and hold a unibody housing made of polycarbonate - or plastic, as it is colloquially known - in your hand. You have no choice of colour. There is only the "Just Black" variant with a mint-coloured power button. There is a fingerprint sensor on the back, which has become more relevant again. I don't have it on the Pixel 4 since the face recognition no longer recognises me with a face mask.
On the back of the Pixel 4a, there is only one camera with a resolution of twelve megapixels. Although you have to do without wide-angle or telephoto shots, the built-in Sony IMX363 image sensor is the same as in the Pixel 4. Together with the software, this gives hope for good photos.
This also applies to the front camera, which is located in a hole in the touchscreen. At eight megapixels, the resolution does not seem particularly high compared to the otherwise advertised resolution, but the IMX355 image sensor from Sony has already delivered good images in the Pixel 3a.
The Pixel 4a also comes with the Titan M security chip, which is designed to protect your personal data. The new Google Assistant, which was introduced in autumn 2019, is also pre-installed and has learned more commands and improved multitasking. In addition to English, it can now also speak German, French, Spanish and Italian.
The Achilles heel of the Pixel 4a could be the battery. Google promises that it will last a day. However, at 3140 mAh, it has a comparatively low capacity and the low battery capacity was the weak point of the Pixel 4.
Pre-orders should be possible from September, but sales will not start until October. In Germany, the RRP is €349 - minus VAT, which will be reduced by three per cent by the end of 2020 - which is another €50 less than the Pixel 3a over a year ago.
Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 in autumn
In the same breath as the Pixel 4a, Google has announced two more smartphones for the autumn. These are a 5G version of the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5, which will also feature 5G. However, as things stand, neither of these will be released in Germany or Switzerland.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
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