Wait for Pixel 4A or Buy an Alternative?

L[Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 16:38
Last edited 02/06/2020 - 16:42

My phone broke in April and it cost way too much to fix it. While looking for a new phone, I read about the Pixel 4a, which was supposed to come out on May 22. But the release has been delayed until July, and it might not even become available in Aus until August.

I've managed without a phone ever since, but it's going to be a lot tougher to not have one when the quarantine ends and we all go back to work or school or whatever.

What I'm looking for:
6GB or 8GB RAM
128GB storage or better
Snapdragon 730 or better
48MP main camera or better
Android: 9 Pie or Q 10 (no iPhones, please. Nothing against Apple, I'd just prefer a software I'm familiar with)

The most I'm willing to spend on a phone is AUD $700 (including shipping and tax). I know it's presumptuous of me to want flagship features for a midrange price, but I really can't spare anymore $$$ and I want my new phone to be an upgrade from the one that broke in every way. Even last year's flagships turned out to be too expensive for me. If anyone knows of a (brand new, not refurbished) phone that fits my criteria, let me know.

All of my previous phones have had stock android, but I don't mind reskins now. I can just replace some of the default apps with Google ones, install the Google launcher, and an appropriate icon pack.

I prefer a hole punch or notchless screen because there's this guy I work with who would take every opportunity to mock me or make me uncomfortable, and he's criticized my now-broken phone, which had a waterdrop notch, as well as the phone I had before that, which had large bezels (the words "poor" and "unfashionable" were directed by way).

I've researched and compared phones from Google's older releases, Samsung, OnePlus, LG, Oppo, Motorola, and Nokia. None of them felt like a good fit for me. Huawei I didn't give a second glance because of the ban.

I've yet to do a thorough search on Vivo so I don't know if their phones are any good.

The only phone on my shortlist is the Realme 6 (AUD $469 from the official Realme AU store).
Pros: Good specs for the price, 30W fast charger, 90Hz refresh rate, quick fingerprint sensor.
Cons: Plastic body, Mediatek chip, IPS screen, camera struggles in low light, "splashproof" but no IP water rating.
With a Honey coupon applied, it costs $446, and they throw in a free Realme Band but I already own a fitness tracker, so I could sell the band for $46 and essentially bring the cost down to $400.

Sorry for the long post.

Mobile Google Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • Doy on 02/06/2020 - 16:50

    Xiaomi Mi 9T?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 19:49

      I can't believe I forgot about Xiaomi! I feel a bit embarrassed now. The Mi Note 10 is a decent price too.

    • AsxBTFD on 12/06/2020 - 00:26

      Xiaomi mi9

  • alan737 on 02/06/2020 - 17:13

    Take a look at Moto8 Plus. All in all is a great phone

  • brendanm on 02/06/2020 - 17:39
    +4

    Tell the guy you work with to go jump.

    Pixel 4?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 18:58

      The cheapest new Pixel 4 I could find is just shy of AUD $845, and that's before taxes.

      I can't do anything to that guy. He's one of my manager's "favourites", which means he can get away with stuff like Holocaust jokes. To make things worse, my manager hates me because I called in sick the day after I had to euthanize my dog. She said I had to prove I had depression, but I don't take any meds or see a psychologist so she was convinced I made it all up.

      • John Kimble on 02/06/2020 - 20:24
        +4

        Find a new place to work at the soonest opportunity.

  • SydStrand on 02/06/2020 - 18:23
    +4

    there's this guy I work with who would take every opportunity to mock me or make me uncomfortable, and he's criticized my now-broken phone, which had a waterdrop notch, as well as the phone I had before that, which had large bezels (the words "poor" and "unfashionable" were directed by way).

    Tell this guy to eat it. Also, you're old enough to not let this bother you.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 19:02

      Can't, he's untouchable. Normal people wouldn't care, but I'm a HSP (highly sensitive person) so my skin thickness is par with that of a newborn mouse (metaphorically speaking).

      • SydStrand on 02/06/2020 - 21:20
        +4

        For your sake, grow a thicker skin; because unless you're Cher Horowitz, there are worse things in life than a petty adult calling you 'unfashionable.'

        • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2020 - 17:27

          It's not just that. He criticizes every aspect of my being: The clothes I wear, the way I walk, my makeup, what I eat for lunch, the music I listen to, the fact that I use Windows and not Mac OS, I could go on for several more paragraphs, but you get it. It's "a million little paper cuts every day" for what's coming up on 2 years. He makes me feel disgusting and worthless, like I don't deserve to live on this planet.

          I don't know who Cher Horowitz is, but taking context into account, I'm guessing she's a widely hated left-wing feminist commentator similar to Anita Sarkeesian? I wouldn't really struggle against the alt-right though. I'd just lie down and let them trample me.

          • gameonbeast on 08/06/2020 - 23:47

            @[Deactivated]: Lol, If he's on Mac, then he is missing out on a lot.
            Anyways, this is something rather series. I think you should share with another colleague about this and see what they have to say about that person. Maybe, contacting SDA or what ever union you are associated with to resolve this matter. Also, is there only 1 manager? If not, then try speaking with the other managers.

            Besides, you don't have to change yourself because some brat is making fun of you everyday. This just means that they are a waste of resource to this world and have nothing better to do in life.

            Another way, is to laugh at their 'making fun of you' process. It pisses them off and makes you look like the winner of the situation. I know this racist dude. Whenever ever he talks with me, its always some racist shit. Like one day he said I looked like one of the Indian communist party leaders(I don't even know who lol) or something like that, and I laughed soo hard on purpose and it made him look like the idiot. And to make it funnier, I added a 'gee, thanks man!'. Even in other situation when he said racist stuff, I just say 'tell me something that I don't know', or 'aww that's cute'. Trust me, it pisses 'em off but you feel soooooo good after those losers couldn't do shit to you/

            • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2020 - 21:25

              @gameonbeast: There are actually 3 managers. One of them is always too busy to talk. The other seemed nice but when I told him, but the strangest thing happened after: all the workmates in my team and some others outside who I interact with less, as well as the higher-ups started ignoring me, acting like I didn't exist, and I couldn't get any work done because I couldn't have a proper conversation and people wouldn't reply to my messages. It was so weird. It lasted a few days and then gradually things got back to normal, but I can't help but think the manager who seemed like he was on my side was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing.

              • IslandStyle on 21/06/2020 - 10:57

                @[Deactivated]: I'm really sorry to hear that you have to deal with all of that. You certainly don't deserve that and you certainly don't have to deal with it on your own. :)

          • Zachary on 11/07/2020 - 16:03

            @[Deactivated]: Psss, I think he has a crush on you…. 😜

  • damir69 on 02/06/2020 - 20:26
    +1

    That depends if you think waiting for the 4a is worth the wait. I gave up when rumours came out about the July delay and just bought a Pixel 4 refurbished. The battery isn't that big a deal because all my work/play has chargers, and even if I go to do something outside for a prolonged period I'd still be insecure about my battery and bring a powerbank regardless. The 90Hz screen, Soli and camera are amazing for my use case, and the screen size is perfect. I hate 6+ inch phones. Still a shame about the battery though.

    I don't like notches either, but people have their preferences.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2020 - 17:34

      Many reviews said that Soli was problematic. Do you know if it's been improved with updates since the phone's release?

  • bunnybash on 02/06/2020 - 21:30

    Oneplus 7 Pro. No notch. Pop up camera. Amazing 90hz screen.

  • strateus on 02/06/2020 - 21:31

    The Pixel 3a feels pretty snappy, even with the Snapdragon 670 (pun intended). It handles most tasks quite well, though there are a few minor stutters here and there when scrolling. Otherwise, it's a very capable mid-range phone.

    If not the 3a, then check out the regular 4. The smaller battery might be a bit of a worry, but since I'm near a charger most of the time, it doesn't really matter. It's also slightly smaller than the 3a, so there's that. You'd probably be able to snag a good deal on the 3a or 4 with the EOFY sales around the corner.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2020 - 17:41

      When do EOFY sales typically start? Mid-June?

      • strateus on 03/06/2020 - 19:49

        It's already begun in some stores. Haven't noticed big discounts for the 3a or 4, but the older 3 is $589 on Kogan (Australian model). There'll likely be more discounts later In the month.

  • gbones on 09/06/2020 - 08:55

    i was interested in waiting for the pixel 4a until i found out it had no wireless charging but now i checked again, it looks like it might have it, im back on the band wagon for pixel 4a. It might be also worth waiting for the Pixel 5 to see if the release dates are close to each other

    • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2020 - 21:12

      If we were to go by past release dates, the Pixel 5 should launch in October, same as Pixel 4 last year, but there is a strong chance it will be delayed until holiday season so the market has time to recover in the aftermath of COVID-19.

  • Zachary on 11/07/2020 - 16:02

    The most I'm willing to spend on a phone is AUD $700 (including shipping and tax)

    Damn, didn't know phone repairs cost this much and more!

  • DannyC on 11/07/2020 - 16:39

    What I'm looking for:
    6GB or 8GB RAM
    128GB storage or better
    Snapdragon 730 or better
    48MP main camera or better
    Android: 9 Pie or Q 10 (no iPhones, please. Nothing against Apple, I'd just prefer a software I'm familiar with)

    Perhaps consider the slightly older Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup? Specifically the S10E is great value for what you are getting for the money that is at your budget. Has a flat screen rather than the stupid Edge displays and the camera setup is good.

    Or if your looking into the Chinese brands, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is around your $700 (as one Ozbargainer pointed out) and I think is worth checking out. Don't discount Huawei though, their P30 and P30 Pro still can use Google services and are some of the best phones I've had the chance to use.

    From what I have heard your right about the delay for the 4A…. Goggle really stuffed up a good chance to get a good product out that is both "budget" friendly during COVID-19… Apple beats them to it with that iPhone SE 2020… those bezels though… ha!

  • scottm3 on 13/07/2020 - 19:12

    Pixel 4a is likely to be announced august 2nd now, with a october release.
    Three models are coming (4a, 4a (5G) and pixel 5.)
    possible price drop too, but up to you :)

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