If you want the best pure Android experience, then Google’s family of Pixels should be your first choice. Because the OS and hardware is made by the same company, it’s not only a very clean experience, but you get access to the big Android updates before everyone else. The only problem with that is that Pixel devices have always been on the pricey side. But the Pixel 3a changed all that, offering an incredibly impressive package for £399. Well now it’s even cheaper, with Argos selling the magnificent midranger for just £349 . If you’d prefer not to buy SIM-free, there are also some competitive contacts available. How does £20 a month for unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 4GB data sound ? You just need to pay £1 upfront, making it a contract total of £481 over two years. Whichever you opt for, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Despite retailing for nearly half the price of the original Pixel 3, the 3a manages to keep the main selling point: the class-leading camera. Yes, it loses out in other areas – it’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, it has just one front-facing camera, and it loses wireless charging as it goes to a polycarbonate case – but otherwise it’s essentially the same brilliant device. It even manages to add a 3.5mm headphone jack improving on its more expensive sibling in a small but significant way. As Nathan wrote in his review: “the Pixel 3a successfully provides the same top-shelf experiences as its flagship counterparts, only with a softer impact to your wallet. “It’s not quite perfect, but the Pixel 3a represents a significant turning point for Google’s smartphone division. There are cheaper and faster phones out there, but very little else displays as intelligent and well-rounded an approach.” At £349 – or £20 a month on contract – a tempting phone is just that bit more tempting. Buy now SIM-free
