Adaptive Battery, Night Side mode, App Timers: 10 things you need to know about Pixel 3a

To begin with, users need to connect with WiFi to setup certain features of the device. An already embedded eSIM lets users setup a connection as soon as the device is powered on.

It facilitates quick transfer of data from previous devices with the help of Quick Switch Adapter. It comes up automatically as the device is logged in and can also be done with a USB-C to USB-C cable. After this, users can proceed with the setup while the transfer takes place in the background. The device supports transfer from iOS 8 and higher, and Android Lollipop and higher.

For iOS users, the device supports transfer of calendar appointments (local/iCloud), contacts (local/iCloud), messages (iMessage/SMS), music (non-DRM) and photos/videos (local on iPhone). Users must turn iMessage off before removing the SIM card.

For Android users, it supports transfer of apps, app data (for compatible apps) contacts (local/SIM), device settings, Google accounts, music (non-DRM), photos/videos (local on device), call history and SMS.

The device sports a Setup Pixel Imprint for unlocking the device. A PIN, password or pattern is also required as backup.

Make sure that all Google services are enabled during the setup. This facilitates features like Smart Storage and location services. In-box charger is recommended for fast charging.

The Pixel Tips App is built in to give users an overview of the device. From location of apps to their organisation, it offers an overall guide for the phone.

Pixel 3a users will also get Youtube Music Premium service for three months for free. The offer is valid on devices activated by September 30, 2019, in countries where the service is available.

Always on Display
Pixel 3a sports an Always on Display feature. Users can see the time, date and notifications with just a glance. If a new notification comes up, it will blink for a few seconds before turning into an icon.

Display Color Modes
For this device, the default colour is set to 'Adaptive' mode for natural rendition of colours preferred by most users. Those who prefer muted colours can use 'Natural' (sRGB) and the 'Boosted' (sRGB + 10%) modes. The brightness management technology is where the phone's display automatically adapts to changing lighting conditions.

Now Playing
The Now Playing feature, when turned on with Always on Display, tells users the name of the song and the artist of music playing nearby. Now Playing History lets users revisit the songs they've already heard and discover new tracks. With this feature, users can also play music videos on YouTube, add it to playlist, open in Assistant, and share. The recognition can also be done offline.

At-a-Glance
Once unlocked, the device displays At-a-Glance space which lets users see latest updates about the weather, calendar events and more.

Quick search
This feature, present at the bottom of the home screen, lets users search anything on the phone or on the web. Notification dots are present to alert users if a new message or email comes. Dual stereo speakers facilitate full sound experience tuned by a Grammy award-winning company and music producer.

The mode switcher
Pixel 3a sports a new mode switcher which makes it easier and faster to switch camera modes while shooting. Another noteworthy feature is the double wrist-twisting to switch to front face camera. Portrait mode and Super Res Zoom are also the camera setup highlights.

Time Lapse
This feature records a video by capturing 6 frames per second to one frame in 4 seconds. This way, it creates the effect of a sped-up video at 30 frames per second.

Night Sight
This feature facilitates low-light camera shooting. It uses software instead of flash and tripods to capture vibrant, detailed low-light photos.

Photobooth Mode
This feature now comes with the ability to capture a kiss. The feature recognises smiles, kisses, funny faces along with the lighting and motion. It offers a hands-free photo experience.

Top Shot
This feature captures additional moments while users conduct a shoot. It uses machine learning to recommend the best shot from the moment it was captured. It also has the ability to detect blur, gaze and focus to recommend good shots.

Playground
This feature lets users insert Playmojis in pictures and videos. Some of the latest Playmojis include a Childish Gambino.

Fused Video Stabilization
This feature allows users to shoot videos like a pro. It works only with the rear camera. However, the 'digital video stabilization' is now enabled for the front camera.

Motion Auto Focus
This feature allows users to stay focused on the main subject in the frame. Users just need to tap on the object that needs to be in focus; a white circle appears around it and stays locked on it.

Super Res Zoom
This feature ensures that every detail in zoomed in pictures remains sharp and clear. It uses hand movements to add resolution to zoomed shots. The new Pixel device also lets users save RAW files along with JPEGs.

Flip camera
With a double twist, users can switch to the front-facing or rear-facing camera.

Gesture Navigation
The new feature is introduced on Android 9 Pie and makes navigation around the device and between the apps easier.

Packed with new functionality, the Pixel 3a features a tighter integration with Google Lens. With this, users can search for similar clothing, home décor, identify landmarks and animals with the help of the camera. This one requires an internet connected.

An early version of Augmented Reality in Google Maps, to ease navigation, in now coming to pixel devices.

Active Edge
This feature allows users to get help from the Google Assistant in an easier way. Users can just squeeze the sides of their phone to get the Assistant started. This works even if the device has a cover on it.

Call Screen
Pixel users now have an option to screen calls from unknown numbers. From this, the caller receives an automated message from the Assistant seeking more information. Users can watch the discussion in real time text and can hang up or take the call.

Pixel 3a users will get access to Unlimited Storage at High Quality. The Smart Storage option automatically clears older, backed up pictures and videos when the device memory is full. Users can also free up space manually or ask the Assistant to free up storage.

Pixel 3a sports duo integration in phone dialer which lets users start a video call from the dialer. It also lets users upgrade an ongoing audio call to a video call. Android Messages app comes pre-installed as the default texting app.

Users can opt for Smart Reply option to respond to messages with a tap. Dark mode makes reading messages an easier task at night.

Real Time Text
The RTT feature allows deaf and hard of hearing users to communicate, in real time, over a phone call.

The device comes with Adaptive Battery setup. This feature uses Machine Learning to determine which apps are used less and limits their battery usage. The Battery Saver extends battery life when needed.

The Fast, Wired Charge feature allows 7 hours of run time in 15 minutes of charging. Users must note that an active display or data usage will drain battery life.

Digital Wellbeing
The Pixel 3a comes with the 'Digital Wellbeing' feature which shows users how much time they spent on their phone, how many times they unlocked the phone and how many notifications they received. It also offers an insight of trends overtime.

App Timer
Users can setup app timers to limit the amount of time they spend on every app. When the time is up, a notification will pop up, the app icon will turn gray and won't be useable until the app timer settings are changed.

New Do Not Disturb
This feature will not just silence the notifications, it will also not show visual notifications. As soon as this one is turned on, all notifications will disappear.

Winds Down
This feature reminds users to switch off at night. It sets a schedule to fade the screen to Grayscale and DND mode silences notifications. Users can also ask the Assistant to turn on the feature.

Flip to Shhh
The 'Shhh' setting on Pixel 3a enables the DND mode. All you need to do is flip your phone facedown. Sounds and vibrations will come back on once the device is flipped face up again.