As you may already know, Google has unveiled the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL – two phones jam-packed with premium specs but at a mid-range price point. So, we decided to take one for the team (you’re welcome) and head on over to Google HQ to see exactly how these phones stand up against the three previous Google heavyweights.

The ABCs of the Google Pixel 3a

After being walked through all of the advances on Google Assistant in the Google Home Hub, talk moved on to the two phones everyone has been talking about. One of the first points being that the top specs to shout about are A, B, C – Assistant, Battery and Camera. So, let’s go in for a closer look…

Google Assistant on the Google Pixel 3a

We all love Google Assistant, and we’ve grown to rely on it more and more over the years. Google gets this. In fact, an expert told us that voice-powered assistants are the way Google envisions the internet being used from now on. This is because it lets people stay in the moment without being distracted by all of the notifications on their phone.

Let’s say you’re at a party and you and your friends desperately want to settle a debate. Google Assistant lets you find the answer without a stream of social media alerts taking your attention away.

The Google Assistant on the Pixel 3a uses the same grade Google Assistant as the Pixel 3 – and it’s super smart. All of your questions, requests and commands will be answered, just like that. But we have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Google Pixel 3a’s battery keeps on going

It doesn’t matter what you use your phone for, its battery power is key. The 3,000mAh battery on the Pixel 3a and 3,700mAh battery on the Pixel 3a XL charges in a flash and lasts all day long. Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+, a fast charge technology that combines the features of USB Power Delivery and a powerful Qualcomm Charge, makes this possible.

You’ll get through the entire day on a battery’s charge – whether you’re a non-stop WhatsApper or like to binge Netflix shows on your journey.

The same incredible camera as the Pixel 3

And lastly, the camera. The Pixel 3a’s snapper comes with tonnes of amazing flagship camera tech. Our favourite feature has to be Google’s Night Sight Mode.

We got hands on with it at Google HQ by switching off all the lights and photographing a colourful bouquet of flowers – and the results were to put it simply, incredible. In fact, the detail of the flowers was so rich and colourful that you’d assume the photos were taken with the lights on! Honestly, you’ll never have to use a flash again with Night Sight mode.

If we’re talking megapixels, the Pixel 3a has the same 12MP Dual-Pixel Rear Camera as the Pixel 3. It also comes with the same motion auto-focus which gets everyone in the frame perfectly in focus. Are you fan of portrait mode? The Pixel 3a lets you snap stunning photos with a professional-looking bokeh effect. Watch out social media, awesome new photos are on the way.

Other reasons to love the Google Pixel 3a

The price is a big one. This phone can do most of the things the flagship Pixel 3 can do, at a much more affordable price tag. That’s a benefit we can totally get on board with.

We can’t finish without talking about the screen. The Pixel 3a has a 5.6-inch FHD+ OLED display that is bold and rich in colour – and makes everything you’re doing or watching look its very best. The Pixel 3a XL’s display is slightly bigger at 6 inches, for those who need a bit more screen for their viewing pleasure.

We left Google HQ feeling so excited about what these new releases mean for Google Pixel users, as well as what the tech giant has in store for us next.

Google brings innovation to our homes, too. Learn how to make your home a fortress with the Google Nest.