I've been in a period of self-imposed exile from Google phones for several years now, but I admit that the Google Pixel 4a caught my eye, despite my initial reservations. I've always loved the pure Android experience that only Google's line of smartphones can deliver. Having access to the latest OS updates without being at the mercy of a manufacturer's rollout plans has always been a blessing, and I hate bloatware that's riding on other devices (I'm looking at you, Bixby). First announced over a decade ago, I couldn't have imagined a more perfect combination. An affordable yet innovative line of smartphones that took advantage of the best parts of Android got me sold, and then I jumped into the Google ecosystem first. I became the proud owner of the Nexus 4, the Nexus 7 tablet, and ultimately a Nexus 6P, and I have fond memories of each of these devices. They have hit the sweet spot of being powerful enough, without coming at an exorbitant price. When Google announced its Pixel line a few years later, I was quickly disappointed. I thought their line of phones would only get better, but instead of collaborating with proven phone makers like LG and Huawei, Google went its own way. He decided that he could make better devices on his own, and in turn felt that his phones were now worth the kind of premium that only Apple had demanded before. Under the #MadeByGoogle banner, the first generation of Pixel devices seemed average at best. They were plagued with huge chins and questionable build quality that just wasn't up to par with Samsung or Apple. Unsurprisingly, it left me quite confused and the worst forced comparisons to high-end devices that I previously would have skipped due to the value of the Nexus line. As a result, I ended up ditching Google phones.
Google i'm home
![Nexus 6P]()
The Nexus 6P was the last Google phone I owned. (Image credit: Google) However, after using the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus for over a year, Google's Pixel 4a turned my head. Not quite, but enough to seriously consider getting the rumored phone. For one, its price would be a competitive €349 without being littered with glaring caveats. If the supposed 5G model keeps that promise of being affordable, it might as well be an ideal upgrade to my old 4G phone. Leaked photos of the phone's design are quietly thrilling to me, too: the glaring chins of previous Pixel models seem all but gone, and the camera is likely going for a hole-punch design over Apple's dreaded notch. favored. The reported 5.81-inch display may seem a bit small, but it's probably more than enough for my needs. The simple idea that the Pixel 4a can include a 3.5mm headphone jack is also a huge win in my books - I'm not ready to start using a proprietary dongle or pair of headphones anytime soon.
Snap back
What really intrigued me, though, was that the Pixel 4a was able to use a camera strikingly similar to the Google Pixel 4, which is widely regarded as one of the best smartphone cameras. I could skimp on some features, which I'd probably find superfluous for the most part anyway, but it's safe to take advantage of Google's clever software tricks that give Pixel cameras quite a punch. I also miss the pure Android experience. As great as the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is, I can't stand Samsung's unnecessary apps and software. The sooner you can leave the Bixby button for good, which you accidentally activate at least once a day, the better. With the Google Pixel 4a unveiled on August 3, it looks like I won't have to wait long to see if my expectations are met or if my exile will continue for a few more years. I just hope Google complies. Today's best deals for the Google Pixel 4 XL Google Pixel 4 XL smartphone ...