Find the best product and price, effortlessly.

Discover deals on products actually worth buyingthe best products

We do the research. You save the money.
Loading
Google Pixel 4a (2020)
Google Pixel 3a (2019)
See Top Ranked Smartphones

Google Pixel 4a (2020) vs Google Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XL (2019)

Analysis:

The Google Pixel 4a (2020) makes for a good, if unremarkable, Smartphone for people with a $310 budget.

The Google Pixel 3a (2019), however, is merely mediocre at its $149 asking price, when compared to similarly priced products, and won't satisfy the needs of most people.

In either case, we suggest that you first take a look at some other options at the $310 and $180 price points before committing to one of these - it's likely that you'll be able to find some better alternatives.

If you're still interested in learning more about the Google Pixel 4a (2020) and Google Pixel 3a (2019), however, we wrote a summary of what we could find about them:

The Google Pixel 4a (2020) got praised by Tom's Guide and CNET - two highly trusted sources that perform in-depth hands-on testing. It was awarded the "The best small phone at an unbeatable price" title from Tom's Guide and "Ranked 3 out of 10" from CNET in their respective Smartphone roundups.

As for our Google Pixel 3a (2019) analysis - two highly trusted sources that perform well-thought-out hands-on testing have found it to be a great product - it earned the "Cheaper Pixel 3 with same great camera" and "Ranked 3 out of 10" awards from CNET and Tom's Guide, respectively, which is quite an impressive feat.

Out of the sources that tested and rated both of these Smartphones, ePHOTOzine, T3, reviewgeek.com, PhoneArena, Android Authority, Lifewire, slashgear.com, TechSpot, and hardwarezone.com.sg preferred the Google Pixel 4a (2020), whereas reviewers at techaeris.com, Digital Camera World, Photography Blog, techadvisor.com, Top Ten Reviews, Digitaltrends, PCmag, reviews.org, and DXOMARK liked the Google Pixel 3a (2019) better. Expert Reviews, PhoneArena, Android Central, PCWorld, Tom's Guide, TrustedReviews, and Techradar gave them identical review scores.

We also took a look at which sources liked these products best - the highest Google Pixel 4a (2020) rating came from ePHOTOzine, whereas the Google Pixel 3a (2019) most impressed reviewers at Expert Reviews; they earned scores of 10 and 10, respectively.

Lastly, we averaged out all of the reviews scores that we could find on these two products and compared them to other Smartphones on the market. We learned that both of them performed far better than most of their competitors - the overall review average earned by Smartphones being 7.5 out of 10, whereas the Google Pixel 4a (2020) and Google Pixel 3a (2019) managed averages of 8.5 and 8.5 points, respectively.

Due to the difference in their prices, however, it's important to keep in mind that a direct Google Pixel 4a (2020) vs. Google Pixel 3a (2019) comparison might not be entirely fair - some sources don't take value for money into account when assigning their scores and therefore have a tendency to rate more premium products better.

Comparison of expert ratings
Highly Recommended
Recommended
Mentioned
Not Mentioned
Tom's Guide
ePHOTOzine
Laptop Mag
Digital Camera World
Photography Blog
PCmag
GSMArena
DXOMARK
CNET
SoundGuys
Tech. Specs Comparison
Google Pixel 4a (2020)
$370
Google Pixel 3a (2019)
$149
Operating System
Android
Android
Screen size
5.81 (inches)
5.6 (inches)
Reddit Threads (24)
r/melbourne
in "It’s the r/Melbourne daily discussion thread [Tuesday 01/06/2021]"
Last updated: 1 Jun 2021
r/SeattleWA
in "Tonight's twilight - Looking east from Bellevue [Google Pixel 3a phoneshot]"
Last updated: 8 May 2021
r/AndroidQuestions
in "How is the reputation of Google Pixel devices?"
Last updated: 15 Jan 2021
r/mintmobile
in "eSIM and pixel 3a XL"
Last updated: 14 Jan 2021
r/memes
in "New age of phone technology"
Last updated: 14 Oct 2020
r/GrapheneOS
in "Considering getting a Pixel for GrapheneOS as my next device. A few doubts:"
Last updated: 29 Jul 2020
r/phones
in "How much of an upgrade would the Pixel 3a XL be from a Nokia 5.1?"
Last updated: 28 Jul 2020
r/GooglePixel
in "Google Warranty Support is absolutely terrible"
Last updated: 22 Jul 2020
r/GooglePixel
in "Forget the iPhone SE, get the pixel 3a for $150 less"
Last updated: 4 May 2020
r/gadgets
in "Apple announces the new $399 second generation iPhone SE"
Last updated: 15 Apr 2020
r/UKPersonalFinance
in "Sim-Only Vs Phone Contracts"
Last updated: 12 Jan 2020
r/nfl
in "Shitpost Saturday"
Last updated: 11 Jan 2020
r/GooglePixel
in "Pixel 3a the best all round mid range phone for long term usage?"
Last updated: 3 Jan 2020
r/unpopularopinion
in "The camera is the least important thing on a newly announced phone."
Last updated: 29 Dec 2019
r/GooglePixel
in "Pixel 3a or Pixel 4 - what to choose this November?"
Last updated: 10 Nov 2019
r/google
in "At this point I just wanna cancel my order 😔. I was very hyped at the beginning, but the lies I have been given since the 23rd is driving me nuts"
Last updated: 29 Oct 2019
r/GooglePixel
in "Buy new Pixel 3a or refurbished 3?"
Last updated: 20 Jun 2019
r/lgg6
in "Bidding adieu after two years and numerous problems"
Last updated: 18 Jun 2019
r/GooglePixel
in "Google Pixel 4 Leaked Model Hands On"
Last updated: 11 Jun 2019
r/GooglePixel
in "I LOVE MY PIXEL 3A XL FOR ALL WHO ARE SEARCHING ISSUES!"
Last updated: 23 May 2019
r/gachagaming
in "Which phone are you using?"
Last updated: 7 Mar 2020
Recommended by trusted experts
Tom's Guide
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “Google Pixel 4a 5G review: The best 5G phone value” 
Last updated: 13 Sep 2021
Popular Mechanics
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “The 9 Best Cheap Phones to Buy Right Now” 
Last updated: 18 Apr 2022
Android Central
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “Best phones for Ultra Mobile 2022” 
Last updated: 3 Mar 2022
reviewgeek.com
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “Which Budget Phone Has the Best Camera?” 
Last updated: 9 Feb 2021
Techradar
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
The best pictures you can get from a budget smartphone
in “Best cameras for kids 2022: the best cameras for children and teens” 
Last updated: 15 Sep 2022
Expert Reviews
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
The best 5G camera phone
in “Best 5G phone 2022: The finest 5G smartphones from Samsung, Apple, Motorola and more” 
Last updated: 23 Jun 2021
Phandroid
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Ranked #4 out of 10
in “Best Android Phones” 
Last updated: 11 Sep 2021
gfinityesports.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Best Google Phone Under 500
in “Best Phone Under 500 2023: Our Top Picks” 
photographypx.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Ranked #3 out of 10
in “Best Camera Phone” 
Last updated: 17 Feb 2022
Tom's Guide
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
The best small phone at an unbeatable price
in “Best small phones 2023” 
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023
reviewgeek.com
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Runner Up
in “The Best Affordable Phones” 
Last updated: 23 Nov 2020
Techradar
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Ranked #6 out of 6
in “Best phones for music 2022: top choices for audio on your smartphone” 
Last updated: 1 Feb 2022
Techradar
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Ranked #8 out of 10
in “Best small phone 2022: the top tiny, compact smartphone choices” 
Last updated: 31 Oct 2022
Techradar
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Ranked #8 out of 10
in “Best Pixel phones 2022: we've ranked all the Google Pixel handsets worth buying” 
Last updated: 13 Oct 2022
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best phones to give as gifts: iPhone 12, Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 4A 5G and more” 
Last updated: 4 Jan 2021
SoundGuys
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best smartphones for audio” 
Last updated: 12 Apr 2020
PhoneArena
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The best small and compact phones in 2023” 
Last updated: 16 Jan 2023
iMore
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best Mint Mobile phones 2022” 
Last updated: 7 Dec 2021
Comics & Gaming Magazine
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The Best Smartphones of 2020” 
Last updated: 12 Oct 2021
The Independent
Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “9 best 5G phones for next-generation speeds” 
Last updated: 17 Aug 2021
experiencedmommy.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Experienced Mommy” 
Last updated: 1 Feb 2023
xda-developers.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “XDA” 
Last updated: 15 Dec 2021
Phandroid
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best Android Phones of 2023” 
Last updated: 19 Jul 2021
xda-developers.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “XDA” 
Last updated: 5 Jul 2021
xda-developers.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “XDA” 
Last updated: 31 Dec 2020
Recommended by trusted experts
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Cheaper Pixel 3 with same great camera
in “Best phones of 2019: iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, Motorola...” 
Last updated: 30 Dec 2019
PCmag
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Rated 9.0 out of 10
in “PCMag Startup Toolkit: June 2019” 
Last updated: 3 Jun 2019
Phandroid
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “Best Cheap Android Phones in 2020” 
Last updated: 22 Mar 2020
Gear Patrol
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Editor’s Pick
in “The 100 Best New Products of 2019” 
Last updated: 25 Aug 2022
Popular Mechanics
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Ranked #5 out of 10
in “The 10 Best Tech Gadgets of 2019” 
Last updated: 6 Feb 2023
xda-developers.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Best Overall Mid-range Device
in “XDA” 
Last updated: 31 Dec 2019
PCmag
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Rated 9.0 out of 10
in “PCMag Startup Toolkit: June 2019” 
Last updated: 3 Jun 2019
Gear Patrol
Trusted Source
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Editor’s Pick
in “The 10 Best Tech Products of 2019” 
Last updated: 25 Aug 2022
Gadget Review
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Best Overall
in “Best Unlocked Phone” 
Last updated: 24 Jan 2023
Tom's Guide
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The best smartphone cameras” 
Last updated: 22 Apr 2020
kommandotech.com
-
Depth of
analysis
No
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best Smartphone for Music Lovers & Audiophiles in 2022” 
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best US Cellular phones for 2022” 
Last updated: 6 Oct 2021
Tom's Guide
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The best small phones: Top picks under 6 inches” 
Last updated: 22 Apr 2020
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best prepaid phones of 2021” 
Last updated: 3 Jan 2021
Tom's Guide
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The best Android phones” 
Last updated: 9 Mar 2020
PCmag
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “The Best Tech Products of 2019” 
Last updated: 26 Nov 2019
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best phones for back to school 2020” 
Last updated: 10 Jul 2020
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “Best phones to gift to your grad in 2021” 
Last updated: 29 Apr 2020
CNET
Highly Trusted Source
Depth of
analysis
Yes
In-house
Testing
Mentioned
in “20 best phones that still have a headphone jack” 
Last updated: 9 Aug 2019

Find the best product and price, effortlessly.

Discover deals on products actually worth buyingthe best products

We do the research. You save the money.