The OnePlus devicewill appeal to people who want power and specs, effectively bang for their buck.
But, personally, Id choose the Pixel 4a every time.
Its no secret Im a fan of Googles a range of phones.
I truly believe it delivers what much of the public want from a mid-range Android gadget.
The good parts of the Pixel 4a
The software.
Goddamn, if the Pixel version of Android isnt the cleanest and smoothest experience around.
The Pixel 4a though?
Well, everything is silky.
Its a joy to use.
The experience is more like iOS, than my traditional view of Android.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Next up, isthe price.
$350 is a goddamn bargain.
Basically, Ive used phones that cost more, and work worse.
The bezel-less displayis something Im also happy about.
For example,the sizeof Googles phone.
Its not bad, but a 10% increase wouldve been ideal.
Another double-edged sword isthe Google ecosystem.
As someone who uses a lot of Google services, the 4a is a dream.
It connects to everything seamlessly and just slots into my pre-existing workflows.
Something else that certain people might find frustrating isthe lack of wireless charging.
Theres alsothe feelto talk about.
Surprising, of course not.
But it can matter to some people (myself included).
Finally,the fingerprint unlock.
I actually like having the feature, but I dont dig its placement on the back of the unit.
But is it a deal breaker?
First,the lenses.
Basically, the 4a should have an ultra-wide lens.
This was a tough one, and potentially unfair, but I wouldve likeda face unlock feature.
Do I understandwhythe Pixel 4a doesnt have this feature?
Yeah, the regular Pixel 4 has to retain some functionality above its budget cousin.
Plus,Googles face unlocking tech is expensive.
Conclusion
The nature of phones in the sub-$400 category is therell be corners cut.
But the Pixel 4a is the closest Ive seen to achieving that impossible goal.
Is it lacking some some great features?
Is it as powerful as other devices?
But is it an ideal Android gadget for the majority of people?
Youre damn fucking right it is.
And, lets be honest, thats the majority of us.
