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mclld

macrumors 68030
Nov 6, 2012
2,658
2,127
I think I’ll be getting the 4a as my next phone, one video I watched said the camera is as good as the Pixel 4. My pixel 3 camera and hell even the 2 was already good enough, the battery life and price is amazing. Can’t imagine spending flagship prices when something like this exists
 

forestinjersey

macrumors 6502
Oct 24, 2013
354
357
Looks great, if it wasnt for the delay in the UK I would have grabbed one. Instead I picked up a sealed 3XL from eBay. (bet I still get one anyway) I have just returned to Pixels after a time on iOS.
 

drinkingtea

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2016
1,240
3,271
I think I’ll be getting this phone during Black Friday. I absolutely love my iPhone XS and my Apple Watch, but I’ve wanted a Pixel for so long and I’m sure we’ll see a good discount on it during BF (or sooner). I’ve heard rumors that a 4a with a bigger screen is coming around October, and I hope that’s true. Having a cheap Android to tinker with will be nice. I’m too much of a nerd to just own an iPhone. 🤓

(I still absolutely love the design of the white Pixel 4 XL, but I just can’t justify spending that much money on a Pixel, even with a sale price. I also read that Google had already discontinued the 4 series. Wow.)
 
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
I just checked and if I trade in my 3XL I can get this phone for $160, not counting taxes. I just don’t know how the two compare. 3XL hurts for RAM sometimes. The display suffers from black crush, but maybe the 4a display does, too???

I guess I give up wireless charging and since I do have the Pixel dock that would suck. I also would need to know if the camera is improved in any way.

I’m probably not going to bother.

Lol Samsung will give me $400 for the 3XL on a trade in for the Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra. However, not gonna happen. Good lord that thing is expensive.

I’m using an SE as my daily driver so I think I have a bit of flagship price (and size) fatigue going on, too. It’s kind of fun to push the reasonably priced phones to their limits.
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
This is getting decent reviews. Looks like Google may have finally turned a page, on the design, battery & memory departments.

Hoping this sells well & very interested in what the Pixel 5 will bring.
 

Heat_Fan89

macrumors 68030
Feb 23, 2016
2,931
3,817
This is getting decent reviews. Looks like Google may have finally turned a page, on the design, battery & memory departments.

Hoping this sells well & very interested in what the Pixel 5 will bring.
It should as Amazon has already sold out of their initial batch and it's their #1 seller. I was looking to buy one 2 days ago and saw it was unavailable for purchase.
 
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Lol I could not resist. I processed a preorder with my 3XL as trade in. I want the headphone jack and smaller size. I will miss the IP water resistance and squeeze for Assistance. Not sure about the display. Oh well it’s a venture I could afford to try and I am firmly planting myself in the mid-range game of this little “hobby” for now, having gone whole hog on the fancy Samsung S20 this year (thankfully for under $400).

To be perfectly honest it is a bit disappointing to own such a fancy flagship phone as the S20, that has an often disappointing camera experience for pet photos and an almost useless fingerprint sensor, at least for my fingers. That being the case, I figured I may as well see what the Pixel 4a will bring me for around $180, after trade and taxes are factored in. Will I find the cheaper display and weaker external speakers an unacceptable compromise or will I decide this is the right direction for my future?

I’m on a similar path in iOS comparing my SE 2020 to my 11 Pro.

I really enjoyed being back on my Pixel 2 for a couple of months this year but its display was not good. I hope to recapture some of that fun but with a more usable display. I hope pwm won’t bite me in the face, though. It’s always a little nerve wracking trying a new OLED display.
 
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ackmondual

macrumors 68020
Dec 23, 2014
2,446
1,151
U.S.A., Earth
Are preorders on Amazon already done? I'm not seeing it listed on there, or do we need to wait until it actually comes out on Aug. 20th to order? (I guess I should see if my mobile provider has one in-store)

$349 is a solid price. I'm not sure I care about a 5G model as I don't even think I have 5G in my area.
I'm confused about this. Some are saying 5G won't make a significant difference for most of us right now (I sure as heck don't live near a city). Or the speed isn't that much better than 4G LTE. Contrary remarks say that it's super great, and should be nationwide "soon enough". For now, I'm going go with the non-5G model. The $150 is a tangible benefit that I can know for sure is there.

I'm on that route. Don't want to spend 1K in a phone. Not even 800$. But I do miss some features too. Phones have gotten too expensive.
Some of the $700 to $1200 phones are REALLY nice though. However, I'm the same way... I have to justify it "beyond a novelty". I'm on a used, $150 LG G4, and except for the camera lens that's gone blurry, it's worked out for me VERY WELL. I figure I'd like to have a working camera again, it's only a matter of time before the battery goes (even though I do have replacements on hand), and may as well get a more recent version of Android OS
 
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Are preorders on Amazon already done? I'm not seeing it listed on there, or do we need to wait until it actually comes out on Aug. 20th to order? (I guess I should see if my mobile provider has one in-store)


I'm confused about this. Some are saying 5G won't make a significant difference for most of us right now (I sure as heck don't live near a city). Or the speed isn't that much better than 4G LTE. Contrary remarks say that it's super great, and should be nationwide "soon enough". For now, I'm going go with the non-5G model. The $150 is a tangible benefit that I can know for sure is there.


Some of the $700 to $1200 phones are REALLY nice though. However, I'm the same way... I have to justify it "beyond a novelty". I'm on a used, $150 LG G4, and except for the camera lens that's gone blurry, it's worked out for me VERY WELL. I figure I'd like to have a working camera again, it's only a matter of time before the battery goes (even though I do have replacements on hand), and may as well get a more recent version of Android OS
I do believe Amazon ran out of their allotment of preorder stock. I would have preferred to order through Amazon, myself, but because I’m trading in an older Pixel, I of course have to go through Google store. Which isn’t the worst thing as now they let you earn store credits. Just purchasing the 4a earns me enough credits to get a fabric case for about $6 in 30 days.

The reviews I’ve seen for the camera and the phone itself have been overwhelmingly positive.

I’m trying to figure out if I want to skin it. I’ve never tried to skin a phone before. I’m afraid I’d make a mess of it and waste my money. But that matte black is almost too tempting to resist skinning. I was thinking of just skinning it and putting a bumper on it. It’s been so long since I have owned a phone that didn’t have glass on the back to worry about, I’m getting a little giddy with my possibilities. 🤣
 

Harthag

macrumors 68020
Jun 20, 2009
2,014
2,566
U.S.
Lol I could not resist. I processed a preorder with my 3XL as trade in. I want the headphone jack and smaller size. I will miss the IP water resistance and squeeze for Assistance. Not sure about the display. Oh well it’s a venture I could afford to try and I am firmly planting myself in the mid-range game of this little “hobby” for now, having gone whole hog on the fancy Samsung S20 this year (thankfully for under $400).

To be perfectly honest it is a bit disappointing to own such a fancy flagship phone as the S20, that has an often disappointing camera experience for pet photos and an almost useless fingerprint sensor, at least for my fingers. That being the case, I figured I may as well see what the Pixel 4a will bring me for around $180, after trade and taxes are factored in. Will I find the cheaper display and weaker external speakers an unacceptable compromise or will I decide this is the right direction for my future?

I’m on a similar path in iOS comparing my SE 2020 to my 11 Pro.

I really enjoyed being back on my Pixel 2 for a couple of months this year but its display was not good. I hope to recapture some of that fun but with a more usable display. I hope pwm won’t bite me in the face, though. It’s always a little nerve wracking trying a new OLED display.
Interested to hear your impressions. I'm on a small phone kick myself. I opted to get the SE rather than the Pixel 4a to use alongside my 11 Pro Max. I always come back to Apple when trying Android so figured the SE was the better buy for me for now. Very surprised at how much I like using the SE. Definitely considering getting the smaller 5.4" iPhone 12 rather than the Max size.
 
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slitherjef

macrumors 65816
Feb 8, 2012
1,402
1,189
Earth
Been kind of mulling over the thought of grabbing one. My 3a has been off the last couple weeks. My 2xl is showing its age. My 4 XL hasn't been used much either. I don't think I'm going to drop the 1k+ for the 5 XL since I got a fairly new 4.
 
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5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Interested to hear your impressions. I'm on a small phone kick myself. I opted to get the SE rather than the Pixel 4a to use alongside my 11 Pro Max. I always come back to Apple when trying Android so figured the SE was the better buy for me for now. Very surprised at how much I like using the SE. Definitely considering getting the smaller 5.4" iPhone 12 rather than the Max size.
I love my SE! It’s a great phone for the times we are currently in. I do prefer iOS myself. And I do have some concerns about something I read in Ars Technica about a security vulnerability with Qualcomm chips. It was worked on, but they don’t know if the phone manufacturers applied the fix.

Because of my lockdown lifestyle, I might be able to switch my main phone over to the Pixel for a couple of weeks. It’s not as critical that I have iMessage on me at all times. Or I can just wear my Apple Watch for that. It would be a fun experiment.

But a lot of my social ties related to school are facilitated with iMessage, so I can’t really leave the ecosystem.
 
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Vegastouch

macrumors 603
Jul 12, 2008
6,185
992
Las Vegas, NV
Been taking my sweet time before I get another phone.
I'm not a big fan of stock Android but this 4a is looking like it may jump to the front of the line for me.

I recently ruled out the Xiaomi Redmi 10x 5G for network reasons which is, lack of a couple of important bands for TMobile.

The Samsung A71.....man I just don't want a 6.7" phone and that was my front runner. ...til now and because of the smaller 5.8" screen, the price of $350, a nice display and stereo speakers. Just hope it is loud enough.

I am real concerned about the 3140 battery. Seems smallish and they could of at least made it a 3500. I also dont like black phones either but..... I will be getting a case on it.
My options are increased a bit so that's good.
 

Heat_Fan89

macrumors 68030
Feb 23, 2016
2,931
3,817
Been taking my sweet time before I get another phone.
I'm not a big fan of stock Android but this 4a is looking like it may jump to the front of the line for me.

I recently ruled out the Xiaomi Redmi 10x 5G for network reasons which is, lack of a couple of important bands for TMobile.

The Samsung A71.....man I just don't want a 6.7" phone and that was my front runner. ...til now and because of the smaller 5.8" screen, the price of $350, a nice display and stereo speakers. Just hope it is loud enough.

I am real concerned about the 3140 battery. Seems smallish and they could of at least made it a 3500. I also dont like black phones either but..... I will be getting a case on it.
My options are increased a bit so that's good.
According to Google they are using a new type of battery mgmt. I can't say if it's AI but the phone learns which Apps you use more and shuts off power to those you don't use frequently. All the reviews i've read and listened to on Youtube all say the same thing, battery life is solid, much better than the Pixel 4 series phones.
 
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Vegastouch

macrumors 603
Jul 12, 2008
6,185
992
Las Vegas, NV
Just watched a couple hands on reviews. There are no bottom buttons on this. Is that a Pixel standard?
How the heck do you go to home from where you are? Or open the multi windows you had been to to go back to a previous window?
This has me a bit concerned and might take some getting used to.
 

hallux

macrumors 68040
Apr 25, 2012
3,443
1,005
There are no bottom buttons on this. Is that a Pixel standard?
This would be gesture navigation. It's an Android standard. It MAY be possible to enable the home button in the device settings (I still can on my Pixel 2 XL)
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Just watched a couple hands on reviews. There are no bottom buttons on this. Is that a Pixel standard?
How the heck do you go to home from where you are? Or open the multi windows you had been to to go back to a previous window?
This has me a bit concerned and might take some getting used to.
I just desperately claw at the screen like a cat scratching around in the litter box until something I more or less intended happens. 😜

I wish I were joking but I switch routinely from my S20, to my 11 Pro to my SE2, and occasionally to my older Pixels. Oh and don’t forget my iPad Mini. Muscle memory does eventually kick in, but the first few minutes after I switch phones are always interesting. 😬. The gesture controls on Android are close enough to what I’m most familiar with on my 11Pro that I’m not thrown too much. But there are differences between stock Android and Samsung One UI that sometimes throw me for a loop.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Yeah I've thought about preordering this phone as it does seem like it has enough little improvements over the 3a, and I would just use it as a second phone. It's so tough to break away from the "OMG I need the most expensive/premium phone" mindset, which is too bad because I could probably rock this device as a daily and be happy.
 
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Vegastouch

macrumors 603
Jul 12, 2008
6,185
992
Las Vegas, NV
Yeah I've thought about preordering this phone as it does seem like it has enough little improvements over the 3a, and I would just use it as a second phone. It's so tough to break away from the "OMG I need the most expensive/premium phone" mindset, which is too bad because I could probably rock this device as a daily and be happy.
It's not hard for me to break that mindset. I don't like spending what they want for the flagships these days.
I know it's harder for some of you but phones aren't a hobby for me. It's kinda old hat now and a necessary item and the mid-spec phones are actually pretty good these days.
I've never really cared about waterproof and i wouldn't mind having wireless charging, but it's not deal breaker.
 
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mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
It's not hard for me to break that mindset I already have. I don't like soending what they want for the flagships now my I know what's harder for some of you but I don't have a phone hobby And the mid-spec phones are actually pretty good these days .I've never really cared about waterproof but i wouldn't mind having wireless charging, but it's not deal breaker.

Wireless charging is the tough one for me. I own 3 that I use daily but waterproof isn't as huge.
 
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