Pixel 3a first impressions

[ribogushter]

Tried to post this in the real life review section but it wouldn't let me.

So I had a 1, then a 2, and then a 1 again. I've had the 3a for a week now and although that's a very short time to have impressions, some things are that obvious. First, very often when I put the phine in my pocket and then take it out, the phone is unlocked and a bunch of things have happened. Thank god it hasn't called someone at an inappropriate time... Second, GA does not understand me anymore. Previously, it was nearly flawless. Third, I'm still stuck on Sprint. The previous phones, although also starting out on Sprint, learned very quickly that t-mobile is way better in my area. And I copied the old phone to the new with all settings and stuff, so the new one should know. Forced switching with Fi-switch doesn't help. And last, I don't see any improvement in speed over the 1. Both phones are plenty fine in this regard, with some stutter here and there, but I would expect the new one to be at least somewhat better. So there it is, not impressed at all...

 

[dollarpapa]

Tried to post this in the real life review section but it wouldn't let me.
And last, I don't see any improvement in speed over the 1. Both phones are plenty fine in this regard, with some stutter here and there, but I would expect the new one to be at least somewhat better. So there it is, not impressed at all...

Yeah, but the 1 was considered Google's flagship phone. I know it was 3 years ago and whatever components they used in that should have already made it to the budget category, but apparently not.
When Google planned this phone, I think there were a few things they considered and one was probably not to completely ruin their flagship line, it wasn't doing great already and even now I think the Pixel 3a is cannibalizing the Pixel 3 now, but also the Pixel 4 has to feel as a step-up so they ] cut corners in many places for the 3a.
My dissatisfaction after 2 months using :
1. The screen. Lately it's been very sunny and the screen is hard to make out on max brightness. It actually looks worse than some 4-5 year old phones, even if it's OLED.
2. The sound quality and Sound effects. The speakers on this phone just not doing it for me. Could be because the phone made of plastic or the speakers aren't well insulated and causes some vibration . The sound effects on this phone is like..this is the first phone I'm considering downloading new sound effects or make my own, because I just don't like them.
Other things, like the camera and the fingerprint reader and the software are great, but regardless what reviewers say, I can't escape the feel of it, of being a cheap phone and the screen and the sound quality only confirms it. Good thing I only paid $180 for it with a trade-in.

 

[PGHammer]

Just joined #teampixel today - my 3a (not 3a XL, as I originally planned) is currently charging. First off, the fingerprint sensor is faster than the S7 it will replace - a serious surprise. The data import (also from the S7) is fast as heck, too. Why the 3a (instead of the XL)? Amusingly, it has to do with TWRP - it's ready for the smaller of the two (just not for the XL yet). Other than that, I kept the same choices otherwise (including the color - a tasteful Just Black). good thing I'm giving myself a week to get used to it - I'm going to need it.

 

[ribogushter]

4 months later, I sold the 3a and got a 3. Overall it was a fine phone but it turned out I really needed a waterproof phone. Kinda wanted to get the 4 but decided to let it mature a bit first.

So, off to the 3 forum Good luck to y'all 3a'ers

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

I am looking to buy 3a and would like to know if proximity sensor issue (I assume that's what it was) described in original post is widespread. If so - was it ever fixed?

 

[AndDiSa]

I am looking to buy 3a and would like to know if proximity sensor issue (I assume that's what it was) described in original post is widespread. If so - was it ever fixed?

I never had any issues with proximity sensor or noticed any other issue. In contrary I was even surprised that the pixel 3a has some pretty nice features which are not even promoted, e.g. it supports RSAP connections to my car which is very difficult to find nowadays.

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

I never had any issues with proximity sensor or noticed any other issue. In contrary I was even surprised that the pixel 3a has some pretty nice features which are not even promoted, e.g. it supports RSAP connections to my car which is very difficult to find nowadays.

You don't experience something like that:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a/help/screen-wakeup-proxi-sensor-covered-t4000395

?

 

[Skittles9823]

You don't experience something like that:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a/help/screen-wakeup-proxi-sensor-covered-t4000395

?

That's not a bug. That's just how it works.

Sent from my Google Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

That's not a bug. That's just how it works.

Sent from my Google Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs

Can you explain? I still use original Moto X with JellyBean and not up to date on any Android version after that, so I may be missing something. How does it make sense for the phone to randomly answer calls while in the pocket? My current phone certainly doesn't do that.

 

[Skittles9823]

Can you explain? I still use original Moto X with JellyBean and not up to date on any Android version after that, so I may be missing something. How does it make sense for the phone to randomly answer calls while in the pocket? My current phone certainly doesn't do that.

Not every device has a pocket mode. It's as simple as that.

It's not like calls are automatically answered, it's just really an issue if you keep the screen facing your leg in the pocket.

However as I've stated it is possible to get a pocket mode if you root and use edxposed (there is probably a way to do it without edxposed and just root but I haven't really looked into it)

Sent from my Google Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs