Android 11 On Google Pixel 3a! (Review)

TL;DR

The Android 11 beta improves performance on the Pixel 3a with some new features and stability.

Transcript

well everyone welcome back I promised you guys that I would have probably done more Android 11 reviews on other devices and I finally did it I installed Android 11 the beta one publicly available you can install this on any pixel 3a right now and we're gonna take a look at it on the pixel through hey now this isn't a crazy big update by any means i... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛩️ The Android 11 beta update for Pixel 3a is relatively small in size but offers meaningful performance enhancements.
• 🤩 Stability is a key takeaway from the beta testing, with a generally smooth experience being reported by users.
• 🥶 Benchmark scores indicate that older devices like the Pixel 3a can see tangible performance gains with the new update.
• ✊ Some UI changes in Android 11, particularly in the power menu and icon design, aim to improve user experience without overhauling the overall look.
• 📞 Incremental updates in Android may extend device lifespan, making it viable for older phones to receive features that keep them relevant.
• 🏋️ Users are encouraged to weigh the risks before transitioning to beta software, as early versions can introduce bugs or performance issues.
• 📣 The beta retains the capacity to support phone features, which is vital for those reliant on their devices for daily tasks.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key performance improvements noticed in Android 11 on the Pixel 3a?

Users observed a notable increase in both single-core and multi-core performance scores after installing Android 11. The pixel 3a showed a score of 338 for single-core and 1231 for multi-core, compared to previous scores with Android 10. This enhancement suggests the update optimizes the device's capabilities, potentially making it run faster.

Q: How does Android 11 compare to iOS in terms of update significance?

While the Android 11 update is not as grand as some iOS updates—like the transition from iOS 12 to 13—it still brings valuable features. The incremental changes may enhance longevity and boost performance, which is crucial for users concerned about their phones’ lifespan compared to iOS devices, known for their longevity.

Q: Were there any significant changes to the user interface with Android 11?

Android 11 does include some UI updates, such as a redesigned power menu that offers a more organized layout for controls and connected devices. Icon designs have also been refined, particularly in dark mode. However, the core visual experience remains largely unchanged, with most changes being subtle.

Q: Is the Android 11 beta stable enough for everyday use?

According to the reviewer, the Android 11 beta has been surprisingly stable, with minimal issues reported. As someone who frequently uses Android devices, they noted that their experience with the beta has been mostly positive over the short testing period.

Q: Should Pixel 3a owners upgrade to Android 11 beta?

The reviewer suggests that while Pixel 3a owners have the option to upgrade to Android 11, they may be better off staying on Android 10 until more features and stability are confirmed. The beta does have some nice improvements, but the lack of dramatic changes might make it less appealing for everyday users.

Q: What new features in Android 11 might be useful for users?

Android 11 introduces a screenshot feature that allows text selection within captured images, alongside the ability to share screenshots directly. These functionalities are designed to enhance user convenience and improve multitasking capabilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Android 11 beta update for the Pixel 3a is a moderate update sized at around 1.34 GB, with some enhanced features aimed at improving user experience and performance.

• Users have reported performance improvements with speed benchmarks showing increases in both single and multi-core scores after installation, suggesting that the update makes older devices run more efficiently.

• While the update doesn't feel significantly different in terms of user interface changes, it introduces minor feature enhancements like improved options in the power menu and better icon designs in dark mode.