Google Pixel 4a/aL

[drinkingtea]

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.

Same. Sometimes I regret getting the Apple Watch because I’m tied into the Apple ecosystem for years now and when I‘m ready to upgrade, I’m stuck buying the bulky, heavy iPhone 11/12/whatever or the very expensive Pro model. I’d probably be fine with something light, cheap, and convenient like the 4a (I’d really miss the iMessage, though) as well. Most consumers just do no need phones that cost 1k+.

 

[mjschabow]

Same. Sometimes I regret getting the Apple Watch because I’m tied into the Apple ecosystem for years now and when I‘m ready to upgrade, I’m stuck buying the bulky, heavy iPhone 11/12/whatever or the very expensive Pro model. I’d probably be fine with something light, cheap, and convenient like the 4a (I’d really miss the iMessage, though) as well. Most consumers just do no need phones that cost 1k+.

Yes, and in reality I've become one of those consumers. I have a work phone now but can't use it for personal, but I still use my personal phone a lot less now because for 5 days per week, I'm conducting all of my business on the work phone. So why do I have this $1,000 brick sitting there?

 

[drinkingtea]

Yes, and in reality I've become one of those consumers. I have a work phone now but can't use it for personal, but I still use my personal phone a lot less now because for 5 days per week, I'm conducting all of my business on the work phone. So why do I have this $1,000 brick sitting there?

I use my phone a lot, but I use my iPad a lot more. I think I’ll keep my XS for two more years because I’m happy with it and it will allow me to save money. I’ve had this phone for almost a year now, and I’ve had 0 issues with it. I can see it easily lasting me another 2+ years. Phone prices are getting out of control. I’d rather save up for a new iPad instead.

 

[5105973]

One thing about getting basic black plastic, I’m not as picky about finding a good clear case. I used my Amazon points to get the Google blue fabric case preordered for free. I still had points but didn’t want to hog them in case my husband wanted to use them for something. So I sprang for a $27 MNML case in white. That’s kind of a lot of money for a case for a budget phone. But it was the only one I found that would give me the look I wanted of a white Pixel like my beloved “Snowball” (Pixel 2 that arrived frozen in the dead of winter. And my Pixel 3.

In 30 days Google will credit me $34 I can put to another case from their store. That’s good because I like to switch up my cases frequently.

The Supershieldz display protectors arrived today. I’ll be all set when this phone finally arrives.

They aren’t hesitating to send me the trade in package. Which is annoying because I don’t want to send my 3XL in until I get to test and make sure the 4a is a keeper. I’ll have to see how much time I have allotted to me before the terms of the trade are voided.

I hope it’s a good piece of hardware. I can’t help but hope I’ll have as much fun with it and regard for it as I have for my Pixel 2 and other people have had for their old school Nexus phones.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

One thing about getting basic black plastic, I’m not as picky about finding a good clear case. I used my Amazon points to get the Google blue fabric case preordered for free. I still had points but didn’t want to hog them in case my husband wanted to use them for something. So I sprang for a $27 MNML case in white. That’s kind of a lot of money for a case for a budget phone. But it was the only one I found that would give me the look I wanted of a white Pixel like my beloved “Snowball” (Pixel 2 that arrived frozen in the dead of winter. And my Pixel 3.

In 30 days Google will credit me $34 I can put to another case from their store. That’s good because I like to switch up my cases frequently.

The Supershieldz display protectors arrived today. I’ll be all set when this phone finally arrives.

They aren’t hesitating to send me the trade in package. Which is annoying because I don’t want to send my 3XL in until I get to test and make sure the 4a is a keeper. I’ll have to see how much time I have allotted to me before the terms of the trade are voided.

I hope it’s a good piece of hardware. I can’t help but hope I’ll have as much fun with it and regard for it as I have for my Pixel 2 and other people have had for their old school Nexus phones.

I always cheap out when it comes to cases for phone and tablets. I found this Pixel 4a case which I think looks pretty slick and comes with 3 tempered glass scrren protectors for $8.99 with a 5% off coupon code at checkout but it’s black/carbon fiber.

I have it saved in my cart when Amazon gets another P4a shipment from Google.

ivoler Case for Google Pixel 8 Pro Drop Protection Shock Resistant Protective TPU Slim,Anti-Scratch for Google Pixel 8 Pro Bumper Case - Carbon Black

case

www.amazon.com

 

[Vegastouch]

One thing about getting basic black plastic, I’m not as picky about finding a good clear case. I used my Amazon points to get the Google blue fabric case preordered for free. I still had points but didn’t want to hog them in case my husband wanted to use them for something. So I sprang for a $27 MNML case in white. That’s kind of a lot of money for a case for a budget phone. But it was the only one I found that would give me the look I wanted of a white Pixel like my beloved “Snowball” (Pixel 2 that arrived frozen in the dead of winter. And my Pixel 3.

In 30 days Google will credit me $34 I can put to another case from their store. That’s good because I like to switch up my cases frequently.

The Supershieldz display protectors arrived today. I’ll be all set when this phone finally arrives.

They aren’t hesitating to send me the trade in package. Which is annoying because I don’t want to send my 3XL in until I get to test and make sure the 4a is a keeper. I’ll have to see how much time I have allotted to me before the terms of the trade are voided.

I hope it’s a good piece of hardware. I can’t help but hope I’ll have as much fun with it and regard for it as I have for my Pixel 2 and other people have had for their old school Nexus phones.

Google says on their trade in's that you will probably want to transfer your data over to the Pixel before you send it in so that tells me you don't need to send it in immediately.
I'll most likely go this route as well. My screen is cracked so I'll only get $80 for a trade in but it's better than spending $200 to fix the screen on something I'm ready to upgrade.
Cases aren't real plentiful yet for the Pixel 4a so I may get a cheapy just to have something til the selection gets better.

Saw the white one you like and agree, $27 is kinda steep. Hec an OtterBox is a bit cheaper and will be better but they don't have any yet. I did save that white one in my shopping list though lol.....just in case.

It's also going to get a tempered glass protector. Didn't have one on the S9 because of the stupid curved edges I don't like.
It's got a plastic type/film of protector on it which is holding it together.

 

[5105973]

I always cheap out when it comes to cases for phone and tablets. I found this Pixel 4a case which I think looks pretty slick and comes with 3 tempered glass scrren protectors for $8.99 with a 5% off coupon code at checkout but it’s black/carbon fiber.

I have it saved in my cart when Amazon gets another P4a shipment from Google.

ivoler Case for Google Pixel 8 Pro Drop Protection Shock Resistant Protective TPU Slim,Anti-Scratch for Google Pixel 8 Pro Bumper Case - Carbon Black

case

www.amazon.com

That is really nice! It’s cool it comes with screen protectors, too.

I was going for a certain look so I splurged. Though if I had to do it again I would just use more Amazon points and get it for free like I did the Google fabric case. I order so many pet supplies and household goods from Amazon that we earn points pretty quickly. Yeah I’m kind of kicking myself though. But it’s already in shipping so I can’t cancel it.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

That is really nice! It’s cool it comes with screen protectors, too.

I was going for a certain look so I splurged. Though if I had to do it again I would just use more Amazon points and get it for free like I did the Google fabric case. I order so many pet supplies and household goods from Amazon that we earn points pretty quickly. Yeah I’m kind of kicking myself though. But it’s already in shipping so I can’t cancel it.

If it’s coming via Amazon delivery, there is a shipping option that allows you to cancel the delivery. I’ve done it before and I don’t have Amazon Prime.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

What are the chances that Google will discount the P4a on BF like they did last year with the 3a $100 off on BF?

 

[noobinator]

What are the chances that Google will discount the P4a on BF like they did last year with the 3a $100 off on BF?

I can't think of a more iconic duo that Black Friday and Pixels.

 

[Steven-iphone]

What are the chances that Google will discount the P4a on BF like they did last year with the 3a $100 off on BF?

I purchased the Pixel 3a at an awesome discount during Memorial Day at Best Buy - $279

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I can't think of a more iconic duo that Black Friday and Pixels.

What might we expect this year for BF $50, $100 off the P4a?

 

[The Game 161]

Has anybody seen one for the UK anyway or is it not coming til October?

 

[BMox81]

Has anybody seen one for the UK anyway or is it not coming til October?

Pre-order next month, arrives October 1st.

 

[Aneres11]

Google are so stupid with the release of this phone.
USA first, then Aus, then UK.

Makes absolutely no sense. And it absolutely will not be Covid related as Google ALWAYS do this where the give USA priority and we get it weeks (months, in this case) later.

It's silly.

Looking at the phone, I think the back of it is one of the ugliest devices I've ever seen. It legit looks like one of those dummy plastic phones that phone shops use as display models.

I want to love the Pixel line, but I am losing faith in Google by the second. The 3 is the only phone they made that felt premium to me.

 

[michael9891]

I want to love the Pixel line, but I am losing faith in Google by the second. The 3 is the only phone they made that felt premium to me.

It's the cheapest Pixel ever made, it's not supposed to be premium. You're comparing it to one of their flagship phones.

They've done a great job on the front of it for such a cheap phone. Can't imagine many users spending much time looking at the back of it in disgust.

 

[Aneres11]

It's the cheapest Pixel ever made, it's not supposed to be premium. You're comparing it to one of their flagship phones.

They've done a great job on the front of it for such a cheap phone. Can't imagine many users spending much time looking at the back of it in disgust.

I never said I wanted the 4a to be premium.
I merely stated that the 3 was the only phone Google have ever made that was premium to me.

Totally different point to the post.

 

[michael9891]

I never said I wanted the 4a to be premium.
I merely stated that the 3 was the only phone Google have ever made that was premium to me.

Totally different point to the post.

Fair enough. Aside from a delayed release, what's making you lose faith? For the money, you can't really ask for more with the 4a. Top quality camera, strong battery life and the clean Pixel experience so many like.

And while I personally feel a back fps is a step backwards, plenty of people like it that way. And all for £350.

 

[5105973]

The back is really cheap looking from what I can see of the pictures. It is plastic, after all. I read one review warning users to be careful with the sim tray because the plastic “door” part is easy to deform.

But at $350, (or in my case about $160 with trade and not counting taxes) I can just smile and shrug about such things. I can enjoy picking out pretty cases again instead of trying to get clear cases.

Which is really pretty liberating and echoes the joy I have in only driving hand me down cars; the lack of being bugged about dents and scratches and peeling paint. I still enjoy looking at my old cars, but I don’t feel really bummed and awful if somebody nicked the door in the ridiculously tight parking spaces at the grocery store.

I have friends who drive stunning expensive automobiles and they’re in a constant state of anxiety whenever they have to drive or park the car. For them, the stress is worth it because they value owning a car that is also stunningly beautiful and premium.

It is the stress I feel trying to keep my 11 Pro pristine. In addition to not wanting to mess up that gorgeous finish for my own sake, it’s so flipping expensive to get another Pro iPhone that I don’t want to do anything to it that might take away resale or trade in value. I keep checking it over.

I didn’t used to do that even with iPhones back in the iPhone 5s and earlier days. I didn’t even always use a case and I didn’t use display protectors at all. And I had a blast owning those phones

I’m not trying to keep the 4a pristine but it will get a case because it’s fugly. I want something pretty on it to look at. I’m expecting to have a LOT of fun with this phone.

I had a ton of fun with my Pixel 2. I still do. It was just a few months ago I had a sim back in it and was using it. I’m sad it won’t get updates anymore in a few months. It’s still a perfectly capable phone. The battery is good because it was never my main phone and hadn’t gotten the wear and tear one would expect in a phone of this age.

My Pixel 3XL is also very nice. It still has significant advantages over the 4a. I’ll be kind of sad to see it go. But it’s a bit big for my little hands and doesn’t justify its size by being the high quality cinematic display that my S20 is. I will appreciate the little extra $$ it can shave off the 4a for me.

 

[Aneres11]

Fair enough. Aside from a delayed release, what's making you lose faith? For the money, you can't really ask for more with the 4a. Top quality camera, strong battery life and the clean Pixel experience so many like.

And while I personally feel a back fps is a step backwards, plenty of people like it that way. And all for £350.

I haven't lost faith in the 4a as a device. It's great value.
I'm losing faith in Google as a company as they can't seem to get their **** together. Pixel 2, bad battery. Pixel 3, bad battery. Pixel 4, bad battery. And that's just one problem in a very long list with their phones.
Google have all the components to make a great phone, but they continually miss the mark with hardware. That extends to both their flagships and their cheaper phones. My opinion, of course. I've never been satisfied with any Google phone - maybe the 3a was the only one that ticked enough boxes for me.

Compare the 4a to the OnePlus Nord and it's night and day in terms of hardware. And they're virtually the same price.

I think the mid-range market is very interesting at the moment. So many good options for little cash compared to flagships.

 

[Vegastouch]

Eh, I've had plastic back Samsung phones too. Never bothered me. All phones get a case so don't care.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Not that it matters but I went in a different direction. I purchased a Moto G8 Power which is on sale at Amazon for $180. It’s the Int’l version but the specs between that and the Moto G Power (US) are basically identical and the G Power is $230.

I was leaning towards the P4a but the Moto series is basically stock Android. OS updates are not that important to me as the core apps get updates from the Play Store. But reading some of the recent comments about the quality of the Pixel phones such as the back cover coming loose because of a swollen battery made me rethink going P4a.

 

[mclld]

I would go with that if the camera was as good as the Pixel, the battery life would be awesome

 

[ackmondual]

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.

Seems to be one of the trends with some phones. I'm using a LG G4, and the "bottom row Home buttons" are generally "always on" in the home screens. In the OS Settings, you can customize each app to have it on or off. If it's off, you can swipe from the edge inward to reveal it, and then tap on what you need (e.g. Back, Home, app switcher, extend notifications from the top, etc.).

I've used a Samsung Galaxy s9, and same deal here. There's an additional feature here where no matter what app you're in, you can always press the space where the home button is to take you Home, but it has to be BOTH physical pressure and capacitive. So just tapping on that spot doesn't contain the former. Using a plastic stick and pressing on it doesn't contain the latter.

I've played around with store models of the iPhone X, and same thing. There's a "grabby bar" at the bottom that if you flick up, you get options there. You need to flick it in particular manners to switch between apps or return Home.

With the above, you do maximize the screen real estate which is nice. It may seem scary, but it's something you should get used to. Hell, I had similar doubts when I switched to a flip phone to a smartphone (Galaxy s2)... No physical buttons for the numpad! That doesn't seem like it could possibly work! :x Yet again when I lost the physical home button going from a Galaxy s4 to the LG G4.

 

[BMox81]

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.

Pretty sure you can enable the buttons within the settings if you wanted.