Google Pixel 4a Review: Simple and Clean! 

Small correction on the speaker: 4a does use the earpiece up top for a subtle stereo effect. I think they could bump up the volume on it a bit more, but it is there!

Top 3 things I look forward to when watching MKBHD's videos: 1. "I've been using this for a week now" 2. Roast towards cheap quality macro cameras 3. The crispy video quality

Got this phone and works just like my pixel 3. Great camera, battery life, and user friendly gui. Updates continue till November 2023. Will keep you guys updated if this gets likes. :) Have a good day.

Update: Zach didn't manage to snap this phone in half

Pixel 4A's camera is the phone version of "Quality" over "Quantity" Who needs a quad-camera setup anyways when only 2 of the 4 cameras are *actually* usable

“No extra useless cameras” finally someone being honest about this camera craziness

I've had mine since the beginning of January. I'm happy they're giving system updates up until 2023. Camera is good for the price. Have no negative to say about this phone, it's just a good all-around phone. 🔥

Still rocking it in 2024 button -->

"I have been using this phone for quite a long time now" it never gets old tbh.

Hey, the Pixel 4a actually has Stereo speakers! Just letting you know, small mistake 👍

The repeated use of "budget" for a phone that's still €400 made me feel poor 😂

Using it for a week at this point. Im super happy with it. It runs super smooth, great camera, clean pictures, very detailed screen. I like it a lot!

Loving the new more "affordable" category that these companies are investing into. It perfectly fits the average person that wants the lastest model to keep up to date with the bear basic stuff in a smartphone with really good hardware that's just ok but not flagship. How they maintain their value over time is what I'm interested in

I'm liking this trend of major smartphone makers finally concentrating on the low budget phone market instead of flagships and trying to one up each other when it comes to price. First apple with the iphone SE2, oneplus with their nord and now google with their new pixel, i'm hoping for more phones in the future with better specs in this price point. Let's face it not everyone can afford 1000$+ phones

reviewers: "its slow" *has millions of apps open*

MB: "It's doesn't feel very fast" He flicks and everything moves very smooth.

everybody else : making videos based on leaks MKBHD: been using it for a week now

"Its a Simple Phone" - So basically should be more than enough for like 75% of people out there?

Smartphones aren't made for bending, just for some calls and internet ..

The 4a actually has stereo speakers and they sound pretty decent :)

"Without spending the extra money for extra useless cameras" *Oneplus has left the chat*

I absolutely love that Google aren’t putting glass backs on phones without wireless charging.

Havent watched your videos since the last time I bought a phone, but glad to see you are still successful with your channel. Thanks for the content!

Thank you for this review! This is exactly what I needed. My Pixel 2 XL just kicked the bucket after a nasty fall, and I've been looking for a quick, affordable replacement. I love the Pixel so much that I didn't want to deviate from the brand, but I also didn't want to splurge on the 5 (the Pixel camera is so great to begin with, I have no need for more). I believe the only downgrade from the 2XL to the 4a is that it's not water resistant, so I'll just have to be more careful. The flimsiness is fine as I'll be putting a case and screen protector on it.

It's Black.. Just Black...Matte Black. MKB: Take my Money!

The biggest selling point for me is the relatively compact size, probably the smallest decent android phone around in 2020.

Marques: Talks about performance hitches Me, still using a Nexus 5X: can't see a single hitch

This phone just doesn’t feel smooth. Shows phone being very smooth

0:36 he said it. he said the thing.

5:48 *Dave:* video speculating about 4a *Marques:* watches that video on the 4a

In India we buy a $100-120 Phone and use it for 3-5 years 😁

That has got to be one of the best intro songs I've ever heard.

"Plus *Zach* does his durability tests." *Me intensely muttering* : "Scratches at level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7"

"Matte Black Everything" First time I've seen a tech company make a phone specifically for Marquez. Nice!

Finally! This is a perfect simple phone. I need the 3.5mm phone Jack.

Compact size, light in weight, excellent cameras, stereo speakers, good haptic feedback, physical fingerprint sensor, headphone jack, stock Android OS. Pixel 4a is really good

Marques " I've been using it for a week now" Brownlee at this point this dude is legit saying it just to keep the meme alive

"I've been using this for a week " Has become an iconic line

Every single one of Marques's phone reviews is a delight to watch. At this point, it's safe to say that Marques is the best tech youtuber on RU-vid.

Reads this thumbnail. Simple and clean immediately starts in my head

The phone looks great and the specs aren't that bad for the price. I'm glad they kept the headphone jack.

Verge: "Basics" Marques: "Simple"

I've had mine for a couple weeks. Big fan of the incredible battery life compared to my Pixel 3, the headphone jack, the uniform bezels, and so on. I sort of miss the wide-angle selfie lens, even though I didn't use it very often, because when I did it was incredibly useful. Otherwise, I am very happy with my purchase thus far. Gesture navigation has become very easy to use, the stereo speaker is pretty good (not as good as the Pixel 3, but good enough that I don't mind using it), and the camera is always the star of the Pixel show.

3 years with this phone and still kicks ass

Marques: It’s really clean and simple, clean and simple. Very clean and simple. Title: Simple and clean.

Everyone: When will the vaccine for COVID be ready? MKBHD: So I've been using the vaccine for about a *year* now

probably not a big deal and you’ve been doing this for a while, but i just appreciate that you make your videos in the wider screen. it fits better in the zoom mode for the new iphones 😌

Great review as always M

Me streaming mkbhd's video in 144p RU-vid: brings up an ad in full hd

useless things: 0% too large size: 0% minimalism: 100% i love it

jerry gave this the most durable smartphone award tho

Greatly appreciate your honest feedback. Have been looking to buy another phone and believe this is the one for my travels (whenever that is).

It's a device for people looking to save money and get a phone that is enough for you without all the more premium features.

I’ll probably buy this. Not because I love it. But because at least I can trust Pixel to give me the best camera for this price. That is all.

Great review been waiting for a good phone at a lower price. Was really getting tired of putting the same money on a phone as a down payment on a car 🤦‍♂️

I am wondering who cares for how phones outer body looks like these days ! As most of them get the case on the day 1.

Marques: I've been using the Pixel 4A, 4A week now.

Just wanna say: I really respect you Marques. Amazing videos and time is clearly spent on visuals. Keep up the grind. You’re appreciated! DAM that’s a lot of likes😳 Thanks Guys!

After a week with the 4a, I honestly can't imagine ever shelling out for another flagship, as long as companies keep making phones this good for the midrange market. The 4a does exactly what I need it to do with minimal frills and no fuss, and at an unbeatable price. The camera is a marvel of software and processing - it's actually a challenge to take a bad picture with it. I don't really notice the lack of superwide or telephoto lenses - the 4a's standard focal length is plenty wide enough for my day-to-day photo taking, and it does just fine with close-ups. I also don't miss wireless charging - it's neat, but not a deal-breaker for me. Not sure how the 4a's lack of water resistance will play out over time, but my phones are never around water anyway (I'm paranoid, even with IP-rated phones). The clean, minimal Android interface and integration with Google services makes setup a breeze - less than 10 minutes out of the box and I was good to go. Basically this phone is a treat, and I can't recommend it highly enough for people who want a user-friendly phone with a shockingly good camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

I started watching all of these phone videos before picking a new phone and even though I made my choice, I can't stop watching them 😅

All one piece: SIMPLE One size : SIMPLE One colour: SIMPLE One spec: SIMPLE Not gonna be launched in your country: SIMPLE *crying inside

iPhone SE: Super Processor Pixel 4A: Super Camera OnePlus Nord: Super Screen

1:50 I could sense the excitement when he was talking about the matte black

Love the fingerprint reader on the back. I've got a LG v20 with the removable battery and fp reader on the back. Love that feature.

"Simple and Clean" Just like Marques' new haircut Looking sharp bro!

Google: "What's BEST thing about this phone?" Every TECH RU-vidr: "The CAMERA." MKBHD: *"JUST BLACK."*

To improve the speed, disable animations and turn off automatic features

0:50 OP spoiler alert: this is one piece. So one piece does exist.

2:05 when he said supper clicky I was like how much could it be , but after hearing the click , DAMN they are damn clicky

MKBHD: *"Finally a MATTE BLACK phone. Wait why isn't the FLASHLIGHT MATTE BLACK?"*

I've had this phone for a week now and it is exactly what I want in a phone at this point. Nothing wrong with Simple and you gotta stop and think of the times we live in where we call a $350.00 phone budget. Loving that there is one price point and non of that bump in price for a few more gigs of storage. The only thing I have found lacking to my needs is the speaker.

Did I hear “headphone jack”? I want it

Truly love the honest, professional; yet relatable content which guides me to make the right tech purchases! Thanks MKBHD!

I see a headphone jack...I like it already

I've had it for almost a week and I definitely think it's worth it if it's what you're looking for.

It won Zacks "most durable phone of the year award" ......

Marques Brownlee: "Simple and Clean" Mrwhosetheboss: "Ridiculous"

Dave 2D: This is going to the kill the market when it comes out Marques: **chuckles in early access**

Decide to pick this up and i'm impressed

I'm still using Nexus 6P!! It's been 5 years! I'll upgrade now. Middle class things!!

Everyone in the comment section : so we've been using the same joke for years now

"If you are clumsy or worried about dropping your phone" Linus has entered the chat

Proud Pixel 4a owner here. I genuinely do not understand how someone could buy an iPhone SE over this. There's no IP rating or wireless charger, but the iPhone SE also has an ancient screen from 2010 who cares if it has the latest apple chip.

2:46 Here's an update for you Marques! Zach just declared it to be the Most Durable Smartphone of 2020.

i was so hyped for this phone.. 5 months ago.

Have had mine since January 2021 & I'm still impressed by it. Stock Android, still getting around 2 days battery life, battery 'life' is good thanks to adaptive charging... Just a very good, reliable phone!

Thank you for your review. I already bought it and your review is right on with what I am finding. Just working out a few clitches

What we have learned from the Pixel 4a: • Doubled down in specs • Headphone jack • Marques hating the living hell out of macro cameras • $399 > $349

My man really had the drop clip to flex his Jordans 😂😂

Yoh, words cannot describe what a joyful surprise it was to see you open Spotify to play... Hocus Pocus - and the classic album 73 touches, at that!

I got one and I'm loving it. Awesome little phone with an amazing camera. But I get what he means when he said the phone doesn't feel fast, the scrolling animation is pretty slow compared to my older iphone and the photos take a few seconds to precess. Other than that it's a great phone for sure

At this price, a 60Hz screen is fine. $1150 iPhone 11 Pro Max has left the room.

Mid range is getting hotter...and everyone is gonna love this trend

i just got this Pixel 4a,in part with your Honest review of it. You hit it right on the buttom. but i really love this phone. i dont take alot of pictures, but this phone fits me n my life style. i always buy the phones as cheap that i can, this is the most that i ever spent on a phone, but I Love this Phone, Thank You for being as honest with on your Reviews!!

I've been using this phone for over a month and it's been an enjoyable experience. I like flagships more, but this phone definitely has its place.

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone he had 3 missed calls from MKBHD, legends say MKBHD had been using the Telephone for 2 months 🤣

December 2020 MKBHD: "I've been trying 2021 for about a month now and here's my opinion."

I'm watching on the 4a, it's actually a huge upgrade for me and the first contract phone I've been able to get, since CCJs from years of poor decisions. I'm very very happy with it. Would recommend to people used to pay as you go phones, coming in at around £150. As an upgrade to a low range PAYG it's actually fairly amazing to me. Must be getting old. Looking forward to upgrading in 2 years after increasing my credit score. Thank you for the video.

Thx u soo much I really needed to hear this review ✌🏾

I'm sure you've started using the iPhone 12 by now