The Pixel 3a is already going cheap

The Google Pixel 3 is one of the best Android phones you can buy, but at full price it was a bit of a tough sell. That’s less a criticism of the Pixel 3, and more a reflection of its tricky release date: by November, rivals from Samsung, Sony and Huawei have typically dropped enough in price to make the Pixel seem a bit of an outlier.
 
The Pixel 3a though: that’s a whole different proposition. A cut-down version of the Pixel 3 that maintains the vast majority of the handset’s strong points and a tempting price of £399. And now at the Carphone Warehouse, you can get it even cheaper.
 
The regular Pixel 3a is going for £349, while its larger sibling – the Pixel 3a XL – goes for £399. That’s a saving of £50 and £70 respectively.
 
So what do you miss out on when you buy a cheaper Pixel? The main saving is in the processor, which goes from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 to a 670. It’s also made of polycarbonate instead of glass, and therefore lacks wireless charging. Water resistance is also a casualty, as is one of the front-facing cameras.
 
However, the main perks of Pixel ownership – namely top-of-class camera and the latest Android software – are present and correct, and it also gains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is something the more expensive Pixel 3 lacks.
 
In other words, it’s a fantastic midranger. But if you’re not completely sold, Carphone Warehouse has also reduced the top-end Google handsets. The Pixel 3 can be had for £539, while the Pixel 3 XL is going for £569.
 
Whichever you get, you’re in for a treat. Somehow, Pixel phones feel like more than the sum of their parts, and the advantages of having the software and hardware in perfect harmony can’t be overstated. Just ask Apple.
 
Buy now from Carphone Warehouse