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Neither the Google Pixel 3a nor the Pixel 3 receives Android version or security updates from Google anymore. That support gap should weigh heavily if you want a phone for everyday use. Between the two, choose the Pixel 3a for its headphone jack; choose the Pixel 3 for its faster processor, wider selfie-camera options, wireless charging, or IP68 rating.
What matters most: neither phone gets Google updates
Google’s current Pixel update support page lists both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 among devices that no longer receive Android version or security updates. That makes either a compromised choice as a primary phone, particularly for someone who depends on current security protections. A used listing does not change the phones’ update status.
At launch, Google committed to three years of operating system and security updates for the Pixel 3a. That was a time-limited promise, not an ongoing support commitment; the current support list is the relevant guide for buyers today.
Pixel 3a vs. Pixel 3 specifications
| Feature | Pixel 3a | Pixel 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Display | 5.6-inch OLED, 2220 × 1080 | 5.5-inch flexible OLED, 2160 × 1080; HDR support and Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP, optical and electronic image stabilization | 12.2 MP, optical and electronic image stabilization; spectral/flicker sensor |
| Front camera | One 8 MP fixed-focus camera | Two 8 MP cameras, including a 97° wide-angle camera |
| Battery and charging | 3,000 mAh; 18 W wired fast charging; no wireless charging listed | 2,915 mAh; 18 W wired fast charging and Qi wireless charging |
| Build and protection | Polycarbonate unibody; 3.5 mm headphone jack | Glass exterior; IP68 rating; no headphone jack listed |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB |
| Software updates | No longer receives Android version or security updates | No longer receives Android version or security updates |
Specifications are from Google’s Pixel phone hardware specifications and update support page. No expandable-storage option is documented in those specifications.
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- Capture stunning photos with features like night sight, portrait mode, and HDR+.
Which is faster: Pixel 3a or Pixel 3?
The Pixel 3 is faster on paper: it has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845, while the Pixel 3a uses the Snapdragon 670. Both have 4 GB of RAM. The chip difference favors the Pixel 3 for processing demands, but the listed specifications alone do not establish how a particular used phone will perform today; condition and accumulated wear can vary.
How do their cameras compare?
Rear cameras
Both phones have a 12.2 MP rear camera with optical and electronic image stabilization. Google’s specifications are therefore close on the headline resolution and stabilization features. The Pixel 3 additionally lists a spectral/flicker sensor.
Rank #2
- Fullscreen 6.0-inch (152.4mm) displayFHD+ (2160 x 1080) OLED at 402 ppi18:9 aspect ratio
- Camera 12.2 MP Front Camera 8 MP
- Battery 3700mAh
- Experience HD Voice, Video Calling and Simultaneous Voice & Data. Enable Wi-Fi Calling and make calls anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2.0GHz + 1.7GHz, 64-bit Octa-Core
Front cameras
The Pixel 3 has two 8 MP front cameras, including a 97° wide-angle camera, giving it more framing flexibility for group selfies. The Pixel 3a has one 8 MP fixed-focus front camera.
Does the Pixel 3a have a headphone jack?
Yes. The Pixel 3a has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while Google’s Pixel 3 specifications do not list one. If you want to use wired headphones without relying on an adapter, the 3a has the clear advantage.
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Rank #3
- Exclusive fabrics, designed from scratch and knit to fit.
- Soft microfiber lining for cushioned scratch protection.
- Raised-edge protection, for the day-to-day and the rough-and-tumble.
- Squeeze for help.
- Perfectly made for your phone, the Pixel 3a Case works with Active Edge. Just squeeze your Pixel to access the Google Assistant.
Does the Pixel 3 have wireless charging?
Yes. Google lists Qi wireless charging for the Pixel 3. The Pixel 3a supports 18 W wired fast charging, but Google does not list wireless charging for it. Both are listed with 18 W wired charging.
Which has the better battery life?
The Pixel 3a has a slightly higher listed battery capacity: 3,000 mAh versus 2,915 mAh for the Pixel 3. Capacity alone does not establish which phone lasts longer, especially when comparing used devices with batteries that may have aged differently.
Rank #4
- 6.2" OLED 428PPI, 1080x2400px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 4575mAh Battery, Android 14
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Octa-core, Google Tensor G3 (4nm), Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), Mali-G710 MP7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1700/1900, 3G: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/70/71/77/78/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- Compatible with Most GSM + CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Google’s 2019 launch announcement said the Pixel 3a could provide “up to 7 hours of battery life on a 15-minute charge” and “up to 30 hours on a full charge.” Those were launch-era claims, not a direct comparison test or a guarantee of endurance for a used handset.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which should you choose?
- Choose the Pixel 3a if a 3.5 mm headphone jack is important to you. Its listed battery capacity is also slightly higher, but that does not guarantee longer use between charges on a particular used phone.
- Choose the Pixel 3 if you prioritize the faster processor, a wide-angle selfie camera, Qi wireless charging, or an IP68 rating. It is also the only one of the two with a listed 128 GB storage option.
- Reconsider both if you need a phone that receives current Android and security updates. Google lists neither model as supported for those updates now.
The Pixel 3’s IP68 rating is a listed protection feature, but water resistance can decline with age or damage. It should not be treated as a guarantee for an individual second-hand phone.
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Since both models are older and unsupported by Google for Android version and security updates, the exact handset’s condition matters. No current price, stock, battery condition, return terms, or carrier compatibility is established here; check those details for the specific listing and seller before buying.
Quick Recap
- Check the phone’s physical and functional condition, especially battery behavior and any signs of damage.
- Confirm the storage capacity on the Pixel 3 listing: it was offered with 64 GB or 128 GB; the Pixel 3a specification lists 64 GB.
- Verify that the specific handset is compatible with your carrier and that the listing’s return terms work for you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
