No Tech Specs Overload Here — Sorry!

I won’t bore you with an extensive breakdown of the Pixel 4a’s specifications; I find that tedious. For those interested in the nitty-gritty, Google’s official website has you covered. Here are the highlights that excite me about this £350 device:

• OLED display
• Always-on feature
• 5.8-inch screen
• 12 MP dual-pixel rear camera
• USB-C charging

That’s all I really need. My smartphone priorities have shifted over the years.

What follows are my scattered thoughts on how the Pixel 4a performs from the viewpoint of a seasoned iPhone user.

Price Point

My iPhone XS Max was around £1200. The Pixel 4a costs £350.

Let’s be clear: the Pixel 4a is an amazing phone, especially for its price. Its camera outperforms the XS Max, and its compact size has made me appreciate the convenience of single-handed use.

In short, if you want a fantastic phone without fussing over specs and brand names, the Pixel 4a is a no-brainer (you can stop reading here).

Notch vs. Hole: Which is Worse? (And Thoughts on the Fingerprint Reader)

The iPhone’s notch stirred up quite a bit of controversy when it debuted. While I initially disliked it, it has since become a hallmark of the iPhone design; a visual cue that someone is an iPhone user.

However, the Pixel’s minimalist camera hole in the top left is nearly invisible during use.

One downside is the absence of facial recognition. I’m a fan of Face ID; it’s seamless and unobtrusive. The Pixel, on the other hand, relies on a fingerprint sensor located on its back. While it’s positioned conveniently, using it feels a bit unnatural to me.

I often find myself instinctively swiping up to unlock the phone, only to remember that I need to press my finger against the sensor. This requires some adjustment. I also occasionally trigger the fingerprint unlock while the phone is in my pocket, which could be problematic.

In my view, Face ID is superior, but it’s not enough to compel me to spend significantly more on a flagship Apple device.

The Camera Experience

Let’s cut to the chase: how is the Pixel 4a’s camera?

To be blunt, it’s fantastic.

It does apply heavy processing to some images, but the results can be stunning. For example, this shot taken from Calton Hill in Edinburgh was captured straight from the phone, no edits:

The image is sharp with good contrast, capturing the atmosphere perfectly. The weather was windy and overcast, and the camera did a remarkable job showcasing Edinburgh’s diverse architecture.

While I love the camera, I understand that some may find the processing excessive.

The Pixel 4a does lag behind the iPhone in terms of speed, but it doesn’t hinder capturing moments. The processing time for most photos is about three to four seconds.

Here’s another example, straight from the camera:

Taken at Bamburgh Castle, this photo demonstrates the Pixel’s impressive dynamic range. My Canon 5D Mk III struggled in the same lighting conditions, but the Pixel handled it flawlessly.

The exposure is spot on, with vibrant colors and well-defined shadows.

I’m genuinely impressed.

What about Night Sight?

It’s remarkable. Here’s a tweet showing a comparison between the Pixel 4a and an older iPhone XR:

Despite the XR being outdated, this illustrates the advancements in smartphone photography.

Here’s another stunning example from my time in Edinburgh:

No tripod needed, and it was handheld after a few drinks. Amazing.

If you’re in the market for an affordable smartphone with a top-notch camera, the Pixel 4a is the way to go.

Transitioning from iOS to Android

Let’s shift gears — what’s it like moving from iOS to Android?

Surprisingly smooth. My previous experiences with Android were marred by sluggish performance and unsatisfactory typing.

While it remains highly customizable, the lag has disappeared (this phone is quite snappy), and typing feels more akin to iOS (though the autocorrect mishaps can be annoying).

I don’t use many apps on my iPhone, but I worried about losing access to crucial platforms while testing the Pixel. Since I’m on holiday, I’m not using the apps that support my business.

If you rely on specific iPhone apps, check their availability on Android before making the switch. However, the interaction between iOS and Android has become increasingly similar, which is a positive development.

Miscellaneous Observations

During my week with the Pixel, I noted a few interesting points, whether you’re an iPhone user or not:

• Setup was incredibly straightforward.
• The wallpapers are appealing, especially the option to change them periodically (iOS wallpapers are often dull).
• The Android user experience feels slightly more enjoyable than iOS, akin to comparing two friends—one is impeccably efficient, while the other is more laid-back.
• Some apps (like Instagram and WhatsApp) leave a slight gap at the bottom, indicating they aren’t fully optimized for the Pixel 4a’s display.
• The battery life is decent; initially impressive, but drains more quickly with heavy use. Still, it should last a full day under most conditions.
• GPS struggled at times with Google Maps for walking directions, occasionally failing to adjust to our direction.
• The OLED display is truly beautiful.
• The ‘now playing’ feature on the home screen identifies music playing in the background.
• USB-C charging is incredibly convenient given my array of compatible devices.

Will I Switch from iOS to Android?

No.

I purchased the Pixel 4a to review it and assist my YouTube audience in deciding whether it’s worth the investment. However, I secretly hoped it might persuade me to leave iOS behind.

As I write this, Apple’s iPhone 12 launch is on the horizon, and I’ll be reviewing those devices as well.

One significant difference is that one of those iPhones will become my daily driver. The Pixel 4a simply didn’t entice me enough to make a permanent switch.

It’s not the Pixel’s fault; rather, it’s the realization that much of the smartphone experience is tied to the ecosystem, and I’m deeply embedded in Apple’s.

Here’s why:

• Music
• Specific apps
• Photos
• Safari’s password manager
• iMessage (yes, just for one group chat)
• AirDrop

I’ve invested years into these services, making the idea of switching to Android quite daunting, regardless of the Pixel’s impressive camera.

This is why I found myself frequently checking my iPhone during my holiday.

But there’s another, more significant reason I can’t fully transition to Android.

Curse You, Apple Watch

I recently acquired the Apple Watch Series 6. Here’s the unboxing video:

I’ve been an Apple Watch user since its inception, and the Series 6 is the most refined version to date.

However, during this holiday, it has functioned merely as a fitness tracker. This is disappointing because it offers so much more when paired with an iPhone.

I’m unwilling to part with my Apple Watch, and thus, my iPhone remains a necessity. This is frustrating.

If you want a clear example of ecosystem lock-in, look no further than the Apple Watch and iPhone relationship. Apple will likely never allow the Watch to connect with Android devices.

If they did, I would be seriously tempted to switch to Google’s platform despite my other self-imposed limitations. The Pixel 4a is an excellent phone and has truly opened my eyes.

Looking to earn more money online? Sign up for my weekly tips. Join my mailing list here.

Watch my Pixel 4a review on YouTube:

Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on October 7, 2020.