Current Events > Google Pixel 4a rumored to launch at $350

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/pixel-4a

Google taking a shot at Apple

I might trade in my S9 for one if true. Coming up on two years old now so not sure if I'll be getting any more Android updates from Samsung.

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I don't know if a $50 price difference (or even $100 if you're considering the 128 GB iPhone SE) is enough of a "shot" at Apple.
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the "a" series of pixel phones have been extremely successful so far

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I've been pondering my next phone purchase. I've been a Pixel guy, and I've been buying every other one (got the first one, currently have the 3). In theory, I'd normally be buying the 5 later this year. But, I'm starting to wonder if I really "need" the primary model, at least right now. I'm pondering on the Pixel 4a, although I don't know if it's much of a step up from my Pixel 3 (not 3a, just 3) to be worth spending the money, or if I should just wait and get the 5.

The midrange market ($400-$500) I think is really going to take off this year. People already weren't buying the $1000 flagships before the pandemic and they sure as hell won't now with the economy in a much weaker state. I think the iPhone XR was the best selling iPhone last year and the 11 has surpassed it in Q1 2020. On the Android side, the Galaxy A51 was the best selling in the same quarter. People generally don't buy flagships.

However, I still maintain that the best buy for anyone on a budget is a former flagship that's a few years old.

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No wireless charging is still a deal breaker for me. It's the only thing keeping me from jumping from my mainline 3 XL and going to the a series.
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I still use my first gen Pixel and it still works fine for me.

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Southernfatman posted...

I still use my first gen Pixel and it still works fine for me.

It still gets new Android updates, right? That's the main reason I want to switch from Samsung to Pixel

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Tired-Insomniac posted...

Southernfatman posted...

I still use my first gen Pixel and it still works fine for me.

It still gets new Android updates, right? That's the main reason I want to switch from Samsung to Pixel

The OG Pixel was finally EOL'd, I believe. Pixels always get at least 3 years of updates, though.
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I think Google shuts it down after 3 Android OS updates, so I don't believe the Pixel 1 (late 2016 device) is getting anything more than the Android 10 it has now. Its last security update was December 2019. Comparatively, the Galaxy S7 was an early 2016 device that got 2 OS updates (on Android 8 Oreo) and 4 years of security updates (last one I think was in March of this year).

The S9/Note9 lineup however is due to get One UI 2.1 which debuted on the S20 series. Should have a number of software updates (like Quick Share, Music Share) that bring them closer in line with the current flagships.

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Corrupt_Power posted...

The OG Pixel was finally EOL'd, I believe. Pixels always get at least 3 years of updates, though.

Yeah this, but it hasn't bricked or had horrible slowdown either. It still works fine for the limited stuff I do on my phone. All I really do is call, text, and browse the internet.

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Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

Comparatively, the Galaxy S7 was an early 2016 device that got 2 OS updates (on Android 8 Oreo)

I can't believe there's people that legitimately support a company that does this shit.
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Im in need for a new phone. Cant wait for this to come out.

My girlfriend has the Pixel 3a XL and its pretty sweet

Bio1590 posted...

I can't believe there's people that legitimately support a company that does this shit.

Lol it's not a good look, but the longest I've ever had a phone was my former iPhone 6 Plus that I had for 2.5 years. So, after about 2 years or so, I'm looking to upgrade. My wife had her former iPhone 7 Plus for about 3 years before she upgraded.

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Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

Lol it's not a good look, but the longest I've ever had a phone was my former iPhone 6 Plus that I had for 2.5 years. So, after about 2 years or so, I'm looking to upgrade. My wife had her former iPhone 7 Plus for about 3 years before she upgraded.

Yeah, my main issue is that they do it with their tablets as well. Like for example, the Galaxy Tab S3 was released in March/April 2017 with Android 7 and is never moving passed Android 9, which it only received late last year.

Meanwhile the 2017 iPad is guaranteed to get the iPadOS released in 2022 (iPadOS 16), and maybe even longer now that iOS and iPadOS are split.
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I went from the Pixel 2 to the One Plus 7T and I've been happy with it. I decided to not go for the Pixel 4 at the time because of the price discrepancy and the terrible battery for the base 4, meaning you had to pay extra for the 4XL if you wanted the extra battery. And even then you had to deal with all them bezels. Kinda happy that I don't really hold brand loyalty that so many people do so I can experience different things for the better.

I'm glad that they're continuing the a line tho and I hope companies continue putting effort into the mid-range market.

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Bio1590 posted...

Yeah, my main issue is that they do it with their tablets as well. Like for example, the Galaxy Tab S3 was released in March/April 2017 with Android 7 and is never moving passed Android 9, which it only received late last year.

Meanwhile the 2017 iPad is guaranteed to get the iPadOS released in 2022 (iPadOS 16), and maybe even longer now that iOS and iPadOS are split.

My Galaxy Tab S4 is sitting on Android 9 now and will probably get 10 sometime this year. Frankly, I wouldn't even care if it doesn't. Call me strange, but I purchase these devices based on what they do now as opposed to promised software updates in the future. DeX works great, the display is fine, battery still lasts a long time, and all my apps get updated through the Play/Galaxy Store as usual.

We can make the argument that multi year software updates give you more value for the device you purchased, but this Tab S4 is not going to blow up after 2 years. Whenever I do decide to replace it, it will be because something about it it is broken or doesn't work as opposed to a lack of software updates. So long as these devices do what I need it to do, I'm happy.

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Imagine not having a $1,000+ phone lol

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If you're looking for a Pixel, please don't buy this unless you just don't give a damn lol. Android budget phones are just outdated garbage. Sure, if you only call, text and use social media, you probably won't notice, but you're still getting ripped off. It having an outdated ass Snapdragon 730 is just insane.

Get the Pixel 4 if you really want a Pixel. It already hit $500 unlocked last month.

Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

My Galaxy Tab S4 is sitting on Android 9 now and will probably get 10 sometime this year. Frankly, I wouldn't even care if it doesn't. Call me strange, but I purchase these devices based on what they do now as opposed to promised software updates in the future. DeX works great, the display is fine, battery still lasts a long time, and all my apps get updated through the Play/Galaxy Store as usual.

We can make the argument that multi year software updates give you more value for the device you purchased, but this Tab S4 is not going to blow up after 2 years. Whenever I do decide to replace it, it will be because something about it it is broken or doesn't work as opposed to a lack of software updates. So long as these devices do what I need it to do, I'm happy.

The average ownership of phones is not 2 years. And major shit can be lost like I've explained to you before.

Any device without Android 10 can never use the Dualshock and Xbox controller support that 10 brought. Older devices are exactly the types you can set up as portable gaming/remote play machines, and now millions will be useless.

And why would you recommend getting older flagships when most of them have already stopped updates? Your advice in these topics are so bad lol.


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The average ownership of phones is not 2 years.

Umm, did I say it was? You quoted a post of mine where I was talking about a tablet.

Any device without Android 10 can never use the Dualshock and Xbox controller support that 10 brought. Older devices are exactly the types you can set up as portable gaming/remote play machines, and now millions will be useless.

Talk to someone who gives a crap about any of that. That's not why I bought my tablet.

And why would you recommend getting older flagships when most of them have already stopped updates?

Because an older flagship will still have things like premium builds, OLED displays, wireless charging, IP certification, and versatile multicamera setups. Android and iOS are stable nowadays to the point that each new subsequent generation actually doesn't introduce nearly as much as it used to. If I'm on a budget, this is where I'd like to make those cuts.

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Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

Umm, did I say it was? You quoted a post of mine where I was talking about a tablet.

Talk to someone who gives a crap about any of that. That's not why I bought my tablet.

Because an older flagship will still have things like premium builds, OLED displays, wireless charging, IP certification, and versatile multicamera setups. Android and iOS are stable nowadays to the point that each new subsequent generation actually doesn't introduce nearly as much as it used to. If I'm on a budget, this is where I'd like to make those cuts.

You said that you own phones for 2 years, so updates beyond that don't matter because you upgrade.

I'm saying that's not the average length of time a person owns a phone anymore. My controller example is just one thing. My point is that by cutting off updates, things are lost. There's games on Android 7 that need 8 and those phones need to be upgraded. Again, just one of many.

And no, a flagship from several years ago as you recommended is probably one of the dumbest advices ever. It's not about x, y, or z being in there. Things get more powerful and demanding as time goes on and major updates alleviate that.

It's also 2020. We're in the decline phase. There's no need to buy phones from several fucking years ago when the newest shit can be found at extreme discounts because smartphone demand has dropped dramatically.

Essentially, your advice is both dumb and outdated and only going by your own personal usage and shit.

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I'm saying that's not the average length of time a person owns a phone anymore. My controller example of just one thing. My point is that by cutting off updates, things are lost. There's games on Android 7 that need 8 and those phones need to be upgraded. Again, just one of many.

I'm looking up data from Statista showing that the average length of ownership is just under 3 years. I said earlier that the longest I've held onto a device is about 2.5 years, so I'm sitting at around that average. If I'm turning over phones before I've had them for 3 years then I don't care for example if Android OEMs like Samsung only give 2 years of OS updates. Like I said earlier, not a good look for them, but for my own specific case, I'm not affected. A lot of other people are, which of course I understand, and they will make their purchases according to their use.

And no, a flagship from several years ago as you recommended is probably one of the dumbest advices ever. It's not about x, y, or z being in there. Things get more powerful and demanding as time goes on and major updates alleviate that.

So you would by an iPhone SE for $399 instead of the iPhone X devices I'm seeing all over Swappa for about the same price? The X still has years of life left since even the ancient 6S generation is on iOS 13. What does the budget SE offer over the X besides the A13?

There's no need to buy phones from several f***ing years ago when the newest s*** can be found at extreme discounts because smartphone has stopped dramatically.

Everything can be found at a discount, genius. If you're pissing away your money because you don't know how to shop, I'm more than happy to help you out.

Essentially, your advice is both dumb and outdated and only going by your own personal usage and s***.

Call me crazy for purchasing devices based on how *I* use them. Midrange devices have come a long way, but their total package is not flagship grade. These things are $400-$500 for a reason.

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Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

I'm looking up data from Statista showing that the average length of ownership is just under 3 years. I said earlier that the longest I've held onto a device is about 2.5 years, so I'm sitting at around that average. If I'm turning over phones before I've had them for 3 years then I don't care for example if Android OEMs like Samsung only give 2 years of OS updates. Like I said earlier, not a good look for them, but for my own specific case, I'm not affected. A lot of other people are, which of course I understand, and they will make their purchases according to their use.

Yes, 3 years average and people on here talking about how they've had it even longer. If 3 is the minimum average, there's no fucking need to end support after 2 years. We've seen stuff like the Pixel, S8, Note 8, S9 and Note 9 turn into brand new phones with 9-10 updates, so they do matter

Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

So you would by an iPhone SE for $399 instead of the iPhone X devices I'm seeing all over Swappa for about the same price? The X still has years of life left since even the ancient 6S generation is on iOS 13. What does the budget SE offer over the X besides the A13?

Warranty and support. Buying from swappa is dumb because it's mostly out of warranty. Nonetheless, there's very little official stock left of the X, but if you can still find it officially, go ahead. Apple keeps updating for years. The discussion here is how Samsung only does 2 and then you recommending buying shit with no update support. The other manufacturers are even worst. Only Google is worth it, and in that case, you can grab a Pixel 4 for $500 and lower as we get closer to the Pixel 5.

Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

Everything can be found at a discount, genius. If you're pissing away your money because you don't know how to shop, I'm more than happy to help you out.

My dude, they were basically giving out the S20 for free during March and April. Get the fuck out of here with your "you should buy years old shit" garbage advice.

Super Saiyan 3 Goku posted...

Call me crazy for purchasing devices based on how *I* use them. Midrange devices have come a long way, but their total package is not flagship grade. These things are $400-$500 for a reason.

It's like the point went totally over your head. You're pointing out anecdotal use to give advice to others, while I'm giving out actual technical information not based on some blind anecdotes.

Do you what you want. No problem. Don't give out dumb ass advice that makes very little sense though.

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I was going to get the 4a but needed a new phone a few months back so I got the 3a instead. It's got a headphone jack, so it's automatically superior to the main flagship phone.

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That's a pretty weak response to the iPhone SE tbh. I was expecting something like the Pixel 4 in a cheaper body.

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Why do you need to spend $350 on a black, oversized, cookie cutter CAMERA when you can spend $20 and get a flip phone?

Also I just saw TC saying he wants to upgrade from the S9 to this in the OP.

Bro. It's a downgrade lol. Get a Pixel 4 instead.

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im using the pixel 3a and i love it. i can only imagine how the 4a will be. the 3a was really a home run.

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No SD card slot? Joke phone confirmed.

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Phones in general have been moving away from SD cards in hopes that they can collect your data to the cloud and have it hacked next year.

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P4wn4g3 posted...

Phones in general have been moving away from SD cards in hopes that they can collect your data to the cloud and have it hacked next year.

also, a removable slot is a big issue for water sealing

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pogo_rabid posted...

also, a removable slot is a big issue for water sealing

A touch screen is a big issue for being water proof.

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P4wn4g3 posted...

A touch screen is a big issue for being water proof.

a touchscreen is necessary, an SD slot isn't. gotta pick and choose what really matters

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Tired-Insomniac posted...

It still gets new Android updates, right? That's the main reason I want to switch from Samsung to Pixel

Sometimes updates are downgrades, I hate how android pie doesn't let you hide icons on the home menu. Also froyo used to have the ability to install apps to the sd card then it got removed in kitkat(I think) and recently came back

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pogo_rabid posted...

a touchscreen is necessary, an SD slot isn't. gotta pick and choose what really matters

That's a weak argument. They can make a touchscreen that is waterproof, it just costs them too much, and the SD card doesn't gain them money for their cloud service.

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pogo_rabid posted...

the "a" series of pixel phones have been extremely successful so far

I almost picked one up a couple days ago but ended up grabbing a MotoZ4 instead

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ClunkerSlim posted...

Heres hoping they actually use gorilla glass this time instead of the cheap shatter-prone bullshit they used on the 3a.

Are there any new phones nowadays that are not shatter prone? Most of the ones I've seen failed the drop test a lot easier than my Galaxy S4.

BignutzisBack posted...

I almost picked one up a couple days ago but ended up grabbing a MotoZ4 instead

Motorola makes spy machines.

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P4wn4g3 posted...

Motorola makes spy machines.

I don't think there's a single brand of cell phone that doesn't spy on you.

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BignutzisBack posted...

I don't think there's a single brand of cell phone that doesn't spy on you.

They are specifically company driven to do so.

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P4wn4g3 posted...

They are specifically company driven to do so.

I see, they're going to have some stiff competition going up against my Amazon Alexa and Smart HDTV.

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BignutzisBack posted...

I see, they're going to have some stiff competition going up against my Amazon Alexa and Smart HDTV.

Not necessarily since they practically invented the industry.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/national-security/cia-crypto-encryption-machines-espionage/

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P4wn4g3 posted...

Not necessarily since they practically invented the industry.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/national-security/cia-crypto-encryption-machines-espionage/

Yeah..... I'm not reading a novel about 1970s American espionage, you're going to have to summon those 10 + pages up as to what that has to do with a Motorola phone

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I'm not here to handhold you. Ctrl f Motorola, boomer.

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P4wn4g3 posted...

I'm not here to handhold you

That's correct, you're here to get butthurt over someone buying a Motorola phone, whining about who spies on who more, posting a novel with nonsense about world war II, Nixon escapades in Switzerland that was literally at least 10 pages long, and then taking your ball and going home.

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BignutzisBack posted...

That's correct, you're here to get butthurt over someone buying a Motorola phone, whining about who spies on who more, posting a novel with nonsense about world war II, Nixon escapades in Switzerland that was literally at least 10 pages long, and then taking your ball and going home.

I also don't care if you're willfully ignorant. I just brought up something that most sane individuals might actually find interesting.

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This topic is classic CE

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Do not buy this phone.

The Google Pixel 4 is one of the worst phones I've ever used

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hyperpowder posted...

Do not buy this phone.

The Google Pixel 4 is one of the worst phones I've ever used

whys that, whats wrong with it

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