Google is on to something here because despite all the scores and stars bestowed upon other camera phones, it is the Pixel 3 that actually and consistently comes out on top,
It was around the time of the Pixel 2 when people starting taking notice of Google’s smartphone photography prowess. These phones — designed and made by Google — didn’t feature too many fancy camera features. Instead, they relied on something else — computational photography. The idea that you can start with a good photograph and make it great using software and machine learning. The Pixel 3/3XL really cemented this notion, catapulting Google to the top of the smartphone photography game. Google is on to something here because despite all the scores and stars bestowed upon other camera phones, it is the Pixel 3 that actually and consistently comes out on top. Things like low light photography, dynamic range, beautiful colour, convincing portrait blur and just overall sharpness are what the Pixel 3 nails — each and every time. And it’s the Pixel 3 that most current phones are still trying to emulate and best.
And that’s the starting point of this new Pixel 3a and 3a XL. Google’s idea is to take the same camera hardware (for the primary camera, at least) and cut corners on the rest of the device to give more people the benefit of the Pixel camera experience. In theory, that sounds good — but it’s not something we think will work in ultra-competitive markets like India.
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So lets’s talk about the cut corners to understand why. Keep in mind the price of the 3a/3aXL. The polycarbonate shell is nice but it’s a fancy name for plastic. Now that even Rs 10k phones in India have glass backs, it feels out of place — Rs 14k phones have a Snapdragon 675, better than the 670 on the Pixel 3a. The display is still an OLED thankfully but it has lost a lot of its mojo. It’s lower resolution, slightly smaller, the older 18:9 aspect ratio with thick bezels, doesn’t have DCI-P3 certification and is not as bright. The IP68 certification from Pixel 3 is gone and so has the fantastic dual front camera with ultrawide lens. The Pixel 3/3XL includes unlimited storage with Google Photos at full resolution — but 3a drops that feature. This last omission is a shame because it’s something Google could have easily included and it’s what makes the 64GB non-expandable storage less of a big deal. What you’re left with a phone that’s unmistakably a Pixel, one that takes absolutely brilliant photos, indistinguishable from the Pixel 3 photos in about 99% of scenarios. But it has cut corners that make a lot of the competition seem very, very attractive. We’re thinking of the OnePlus 7, 7 Pro, Galaxy S10e, OPPO Reno and even past flagships like Galaxy Note 8 (currently at Rs 37k). We will even ask you to consider the proper flagship Pixel 3XL which is Rs 55k now after a significant price cut.
Google Unveils Pixel 3a at 2019 I/O: Here's What You Need To Know About The New Device
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Pixel 3a was unveiled at the 2019 Google I/O event today. The Pixel 3a came with major upgrades from its predecessor. The new smartphone sports a better camera, a smarter Google Assistant and also has Digital well-being features.
Here's a sneak peak into the specifications of Google's Pixel 3a.
Pixel 3a was unveiled at the 2019 Google I/O event today. The Pixel 3a came with major upgrades from its predecessor. The new smartphone sports a better camera, a smarter Google Assistant and also ..
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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.
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..
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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.
Always on DisplayPixel 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 befor..
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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.
The mode switcherPixel 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..
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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.
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..
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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.
An early version of Augmented Reality in Google Maps, to ease navigation, in now coming to pixel devices.Active EdgeThis feature allows users to get help from the Google Assistant in an easier way. U..
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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 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 ..
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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.
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-i..
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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.
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 need..
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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.
Digital WellbeingThe 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 t..
Performance wise we faced no issues — stock Android interface runs smoothly and even PUBG plays well at medium settings. Battery life is one full day on a single charge and there is support for fast charge as well.
However, 64GB of non expandable storage is something we feel will be limiting to heavy users.
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One small caveat with the Pixel 3a camera? It’s also missing the Pixel Visual Core that the Pixel 3/3XL has. This means it can be slightly slower with HDR+ processing but the end results are often the same. The Purple-ish colour (official name) is not available in India — only white and black. Ultimately, it all boils down to how badly you want that Pixel camera. If you want it so bad that you’re willing to compromise on all these other things, go ahead by all means. It’s not a bad phone — just a little out of place in a hypercompetitive market.
