There are issues plaguing Google’s Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, and you should be aware of them if you already own or are considering making one of them your next phone.
If you’re on the hunt for a new cheap smartphone, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL should be at or near the top of your shopping list.
Google’s budget models usually start at $399 and come in three different colors (White, Purple, Black) with a single storage size (64GB). They are available on Google, verizon, sprintSelect retailers such as T-Mobile, US Cellular and below Amazon.
The two devices provide great value, thanks to their great cameras and software. Unlike Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL come with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
While most of the feedback has been good, we’ve also heard about bugs, performance issues, and various other issues.
With that in mind, we want to involve current Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL users, as well as potential buyers, to current Pixel 3a issues.
This guide covers some of the bigger issues, some places to find feedback and fixes if you’re having issues, and some helpful tips every time Google releases a new update for the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. .
Prepare for Android 10 Updates
Google will release a new update every month for Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. These security updates usually arrive on the first Monday. Google’s updates usually focus on improving security, but sometimes they also bring bug fixes with them.
These updates can fix ongoing issues, but they often come with their own set of issues. That’s why it’s important to prepare.
It’s hard to predict what you’ll encounter after installing new Android software on your phone and that’s why you need to spend some time preparing. A little prep work will help reduce the amount of problems you see.
Before installing Android software on our Pixel devices, we have prepared a guide to walk you through the boot process we usually use.
If you don’t have a lot of time to boot, at least make sure your data is properly backed up before switching from one version of Android 10 to another.
Pixel 3a Issues
The list of Pixel 3a problems continues to grow as devices get into the hands of consumers. We haven’t heard about a common “gateway” issue yet, but we’ve seen reports of annoying bugs and performance issues.
One thing that stands out among the rest is, random reboot issue. Some Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL models, looks like it’s closing without warning throughout the day.
Some users say that a hard reset fixed the problem but in some cases the problem persists. Google has yet to fix this issue, and it’s unclear whether the company will issue a permanent fix.
We also hear about issues with first- and third-party apps, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, battery life, sound and volume, and more.
We expect the list of issues to grow as more people buy Google’s budget devices throughout the year.
Where to Find Feedback
If you’re struggling with issues or wondering what issues Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL users are facing, you’ll want to explore feedback from early adopters.
If you have a Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, this feedback will alert you to potential issues (and benefits). If you’re undecided about buying a Pixel 3a, this feedback will help you decide whether to buy now or wait.
There are loads of places to give feedback on Pixel 3a issues, but here are the best we’ve found so far:
We also recommend checking out social media sites like Twitter and YouTube for feedback on Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL performance.
Each month we will provide you with the latest information about Google’s Android updates, so be mindful of these generalizations.
How to Fix Pixel 3a Issues
If you encounter a problem with your Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, there’s no need to panic. You can fix the problem on your own in a few minutes.
Before taking your device to a store or contacting Google, check out our list of fixes for the most common Pixel 3 problems. We’ve also prepared a guide to fix bad Pixel 3 battery life.
If you can’t find a fix in our guides or through any other resource, you may want to contact Google or your carrier to see if a solution is available for your issues.
what’s next
At this point, we haven’t heard anything about the Android 10.1 maintenance release. Google may decide to release one on the way, but that’s far from a guarantee. The company has not released an Android 9.1 Pie update.
The only Android 10 updates for the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL currently on our radar are Google’s monthly security updates, which again usually come with bug fixes.
Again, watch out for an update on the first Monday of next month.
If your Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL is really struggling with Android 10, you can try downloading Google’s Android 11 Developer Preview.
Android 11 is the next operating system from Google and it comes with some major upgrades. There is also a chance to improve (or harm) the performance of your device.
For more information on Android 11 and the Developer Preview, please check out our guide.
