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nospleen

macrumors 68030
Dec 8, 2002
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1,591
Texas
I'm just the king of indecision lately. After going back to my Galaxy S10+ today, I'm really missing the form factor of the regular Pixel 3a. I'm thinking that most likely the regular Pixel 3 is still the best one for me because I want wireless charging but not so far on this whole returning this device yet.

I landed back on the 3a from the 3a XL. In your case a used 3 may be the ticket. Battery life would be the only negative.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
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I landed back on the 3a from the 3a XL. In your case a used 3 may be the ticket. Battery life would be the only negative.
That's true. Is the battery life that much worse on the 3? I actually think I'd rather have better battery life than wireless charging.

Also, have you used yours outside? I heard you can't see the screen in sunlight... Or is that overblown?
 

nospleen

macrumors 68030
Dec 8, 2002
2,726
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Texas
That's true. Is the battery life that much worse on the 3? I actually think I'd rather have better battery life than wireless charging.

Also, have you used yours outside? I heard you can't see the screen in sunlight... Or is that overblown?

I would get 3-3.5 hours on the 3 and get 4.5-5 on the 3a and I live in the sticks. My cell signal goes from poor to horror movie can't call the cops bad if I move an inch.

It's the worst modern phone I've used in the sunlight. It's visible, but barely. (this is like Texas sun, no clouds when it's really bad) It bothered me at first, but I work in an office. So I took a step back and figured this phone gives me 85% of what I want, so I'll not let the 15% bother me.

In your case, you like the software, camera, form factor, etc. Is the wireless charging and incredible screen worth it over the Pixel, or is that more the 15%? I've found that Pixels are greater than the sum of their parts. It's the totality of what it offers that makes me stick with one. Incredible camera, no bloat, quick software updates, what's playing near me, etc.

The 3a checks my most important boxes, even though it misses some things I like. When you add in the price, it makes it a keeper in my book.
 
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mjschabow

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Dec 25, 2013
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I would get 3-3.5 hours on the 3 and get 4.5-5 on the 3a and I live in the sticks. My cell signal goes from poor to horror movie can't call the cops bad if I move an inch.

It's the worst modern phone I've used in the sunlight. It's visible, but barely. (this is like Texas sun, no clouds when it's really bad) It bothered me at first, but I work in an office. So I took a step back and figured this phone gives me 85% of what I want, so I'll not let the 15% bother me.

In your case, you like the software, camera, form factor, etc. Is the wireless charging and incredible screen worth it over the Pixel, or is that more the 15%? I've found that Pixels are greater than the sum of their parts. It's the totality of what it offers that makes me stick with one. Incredible camera, no bloat, quick software updates, what's playing near me, etc.

The 3a checks my most important boxes, even though it misses some things I like. When you add in the price, it makes it a keeper in my book.
Yeah you bring up really good points. Big picture, I have two kids. And I took some amazing shots with my S10+ tonight, but I also took twice as many blurry shots.

I think the only thing that's gonna be a bit tough is using in the outdoors. I'm in Wisconsin so I of course really want to take advantage of the 2 months of summer lol. But like you, I also work in an office.
 
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nospleen

macrumors 68030
Dec 8, 2002
2,726
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Yeah you bring up really good points. Big picture, I have two kids. And I took some amazing shots with my S10+ tonight, but I also took twice as many blurry shots.

I think the only thing that's gonna be a bit tough is using in the outdoors. I'm in Wisconsin so I of course really want to take advantage of the 2 months of summer lol. But like you, I also work in an office.

It will be fine to take pics and text, etc. I wouldn't want to read this forum at length or anything in the bright sun. But, it's tolerable.
 
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mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
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It will be fine to take pics and text, etc. I wouldn't want to read this forum at length or anything in the bright sun. But, it's tolerable.
Ok nice. And I've been to Texas. The Texas sun is a completely different sun that Wisconsin. Haha.

And I believe you've had it for about a week. Any performance concerns?
 

nospleen

macrumors 68030
Dec 8, 2002
2,726
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Texas
Ok nice. And I've been to Texas. The Texas sun is a completely different sun that Wisconsin. Haha.

And I believe you've had it for about a week. Any performance concerns?

None at all! I turned off Digital well-being as soon as booted it up. I read that slows the Pixels down. I saw some reviews showing it was slower than the 3. But, I can't see anything. I don't play games, so I can't account for that. But, in every day use, I simply forget it doesn't have the high end chip. It feels plenty snappy to me.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
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None at all! I turned off Digital well-being as soon as booted it up. I read that slows the Pixels down. I saw some reviews showing it was slower than the 3. But, I can't see anything. I don't play games, so I can't account for that. But, in every day use, I simply forget it doesn't have the high end chip. It feels plenty snappy to me.
Thanks! I think the deal breaker for me is wireless charging. I just tentatively agreed to buy a pixel 3 on Facebook marketplace, so we'll see how that goes, haha.
 
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Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
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I'm just the king of indecision lately. After going back to my Galaxy S10+ today, I'm really missing the form factor of the regular Pixel 3a. I'm thinking that most likely the regular Pixel 3 is still the best one for me because I want wireless charging but not so far on this whole returning this device yet.

I honestly do think you'd love the regular 3 as it is that in between which I think you're after.
All I will say is, be prepared for a rubbish battery as the Pixel 3 I'm using has terrible battery life.

If anyone mentions a locker I'll hunt you down. :D
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
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I honestly do think you'd love the regular 3 as it is that in between which I think you're after.
All I will say is, be prepared for a rubbish battery as the Pixel 3 I'm using has terrible battery life.

If anyone mentions a locker I'll hunt you down. :D
I laughed out loud at the locker comment.

Other than the locker, has your battery been any better?
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
I honestly do think you'd love the regular 3 as it is that in between which I think you're after.
All I will say is, be prepared for a rubbish battery as the Pixel 3 I'm using has terrible battery life.

If anyone mentions a locker I'll hunt you down. :D
PS. The only other problem I have with the regular Pixel 3 is price. Wireless charging and possibly better screen in bright conditions is nice, but not $400 nicer.
 
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Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
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I laughed out loud at the locker comment.

Other than the locker, has your battery been any better?

Haha.

Battery no better at all.
It is slightly better when I turn off AoD. But I really don't want to have to do that.

I don't think I'd put up with it in any other device, but honestly, the Pixel 3 is a fantastic phone. I love almost everything about it.
Screen could be brighter, and battery a bit better, but that aside I love it. It's such a great device.

I love the simpler nature of stock Android. I felt like I could never be happy with the S10 I had, despite really liking the phone, as there was just too much to do and change if you wanted. I was changing my set up with it daily.

With the Pixel, I've had the same wallpaper basically since going back to the stock launcher, and I've not changed anything. I just love the simplicity. I use this device like I use my iPhone (which is a good thing) and it makes using the phone way more refreshing. As I just use it when I need to use it, rather than using it to change some home screen set up or icon pack or wallpaper etc.

The camera, haptics, feel in hand all just add to the amazing experience. I'm a big fan.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Haha.

Battery no better at all.
It is slightly better when I turn off AoD. But I really don't want to have to do that.

I don't think I'd put up with it in any other device, but honestly, the Pixel 3 is a fantastic phone. I love almost everything about it.
Screen could be brighter, and battery a bit better, but that aside I love it. It's such a great device.

I love the simpler nature of stock Android. I felt like I could never be happy with the S10 I had, despite really liking the phone, as there was just too much to do and change if you wanted. I was changing my set up with it daily.

With the Pixel, I've had the same wallpaper basically since going back to the stock launcher, and I've not changed anything. I just love the simplicity. I use this device like I use my iPhone (which is a good thing) and it makes using the phone way more refreshing. As I just use it when I need to use it, rather than using it to change some home screen set up or icon pack or wallpaper etc.

The camera, haptics, feel in hand all just add to the amazing experience. I'm a big fan.
Exactly my thoughts. Do you think this is a good deal for the XL 128gb?

Google Pixel 3 XL Unlocked GSM/CDMA - US Warranty (Clearly White, 128GB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMFL973/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Rot6CbVDGPQBM
 

Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
4,353
9,551
Exactly my thoughts. Do you think this is a good deal for the XL 128gb?

Google Pixel 3 XL Unlocked GSM/CDMA - US Warranty (Clearly White, 128GB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMFL973/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Rot6CbVDGPQBM

Hmm, US prices confuse me haha.
For comparison, a full price 3XL over here (UK) currently goes for £869 from Google (which is way way way over priced), so that seems like a decent deal.
I don't think anyone has any complaints on the 3XL battery so you'd be good to go there. :)
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Hmm, US prices confuse me haha.
For comparison, a full price 3XL over here (UK) currently goes for £869 from Google (which is way way way over priced), so that seems like a decent deal.
I don't think anyone has any complaints on the 3XL battery so you'd be good to go there. :)
Yeah I could get an unlocked regular 3 at Best Buy today but it's $799. Wish I had taken advantage of those $200 of deals.
 
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mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
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Dammit. If it weren't for the screen brightness complaint, I think I'd definitely rock the 3a. But like I said, I'm in Wisconsin and we're finally entering decent weather for outdoors.
 

slitherjef

macrumors 65816
Feb 8, 2012
1,402
1,189
Earth
Well. I just ordered that Pixel 3XL off of Amazon. Hopefully it's a legit item and not locked

Just a heads up, when my Nexus 6p I ordered from Amazon (sold and shipped by Amazon!) started to go junk (phantom touches) and other issues I contacted Google and they basically wouldn't touch the defective device and I had to take it up with the seller, and this was a couple months after I bought the device...

So just to let you know, caveat emptor I suppose :(

Though I'm sure if I caught the defect shortly after purchase Amazon would have taken care of me
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Just a heads up, when my Nexus 6p I ordered from Amazon (sold and shipped by Amazon!) started to go junk (phantom touches) and other issues I contacted Google and they basically wouldn't touch the defective device and I had to take it up with the seller, and this was a couple months after I bought the device...

So just to let you know, caveat emptor I suppose :(

Though I'm sure if I caught the defect shortly after purchase Amazon would have taken care of me
Yeah I actually cancelled it already. Looked up the seller and there were some not so great reviews.

I'm kind of in a pickle. I definitely want a Pixel but just can't decide which to go with. The 3a is a good device but I have so many wireless chargers including the Pixel Stand. So I'll like to be able to use those. The regular 3 is at Best Buy for 799. Kind of pricey but it looks like my S10 is selling finally so I need something I can pick up at a store.

I'm leaving towards regular 3 just because I far that the 3a will not be running so well months down the road and I'm worried about being able to see it in direct sunlight.

Ugh
 
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