Google Pixel and Xiaomi Mi A3: Unexpected Similarities and Key Differences

At first glance, the Google Pixel and Xiaomi Mi A3 are devices from different worlds, one associated with Google's premium ecosystem, the other with the Chinese giant's budget solutions, but on closer inspection, they all have surprisingly much in common: they both build on the philosophy of pure Android, both offered users a minimalist interface without unnecessary bells and whistles, and both became iconic in their niches.

Today, when Mi A3 The Pixel line has evolved to the 8th generation, and interest in these models is not fading. The secondary market is filled with offers, and enthusiasts are still arguing: which is better – a compact Googlephone with the best camera of its time or an affordable iPhone killer with a camera. AMOLED-In this article, we'll look at 7 key similarities between devices, analyze their fundamental differences, and answer the question: should we buy these models today in 2026.

Spoiler: If you're looking for a smartphone that has long-term update support, none of these models will work, but if you want a device for experimentation, customization, or nostalgic photography, read on.

1.Clean Android: Why it was a revolution

The main thing that the Google Pixel (of any generation) and the Xiaomi Mi A3 have in common is the lack of a manufacturer’s shell. In an era when Samsung imposed TouchWiz, and Xiaomi stuffed its MIUI phones with a bunch of unnecessary services, the two devices offered users stock Android in its original form.

• 🔹 Google Pixel: pure Android is not just a chip, it's a brand philosophy, and the company wanted to show how the "right" Android should work, without delays and unnecessary layers of software.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi A3: Here, pure Android was an experiment. Xiaomi tested demand for devices without any MIUI, Trying to conquer the European market, where users have traditionally been skeptical of Chinese shells.

Interesting fact: Mi A3 It wasn't Xiaomi's first pure Android smartphone. A1 mi A2, But it was the third model that gained mass recognition. AMOLED-Google's Android cleanness isn't all that smooth, with the latest Pixel having exclusive chips (like Now Playing for music recognition) that are no longer stock firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying Xiaomi Mi A3 hand, be sure to check the firmware version through Settings → Some vendors install custom firmware or return it. MIUI, What deprives the smartphone of the main advantage – pure Android.

2. Software Support: Who won the update race

One of the key criteria for choosing a smartphone is the duration of the updates, and here the comparison of the Pixel and the Mi A3 looks like a David vs. Goliath match.

On paper, the Pixel looks like a winner: 3 years of updates vs. 2 for the Mi A3.

• 📅 Pixel received updates on the day of the release of the new version of Android, while Mi A3 sometimes waited months.
• 🔄 Xiaomi promised 2 major updates for Mi A3, Android 11 was the last one, and users never got to Android 12.
• 🛠️ Once official support ends, Pixel can be flashed to GrapheneOS or CalyxOS to continue security updates. A3 This trick won't work because of a closed bootloader.

Today, both smartphones don’t receive security updates, making them vulnerable to new threats. If you do decide to buy, be sure to install an alternative browser (such as Bromite) and stop using banking applications.

3.Cameras: Why Pixel still takes better pictures

While the Mi A3 only boasted a triple camera in the budget segment, the Google Pixel (even the first generation) became a legend thanks to software image processing.

• 📸 HDR+ Pixel: technology that takes multiple images with different exposures and glues them into one photo. A3 There is a similar mode, but it works much worse, especially in low light conditions.
• 🌃 Night shooting: on Pixel 3 and newer night mode appeared a year earlier than on Mi A3, It is still a standard for budget smartphones.
• 🎨 Pixel photos usually have more natural colors, whereas Mi A3 Prone to excessive saturation (typical problem for Xiaomi smartphones).

But the Mi A3 has a trump card, an ultra-wide module (118°), which is not found in the base Pixel models (except the Pixel 3a XL and later), which makes it more versatile for shooting architecture or landscapes.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi A3 videotape 4K The processor is very hot, which is why 5-7 You can take a minute of trolling. Pixel 3/4 This is not a problem thanks to the cooling system.

For clarity, compare the main characteristics of the cameras:

In practice, the resolution of the matrix is not equal to the quality of the photo: the 48-megapixel sensor in the Mi A3 default takes pictures in 12 MP due to binning, and in detail they often lose to 12-megapixel frames with the Pixel, where the processing is responsible for the neural processor Pixel Visual Core.

4. Displays: AMOLED vs OLED - is there a difference?

Both smartphones are equipped AMOLED-It's a screen, but with some important caveats. P-OLED from LG (Pixel 3a — from Samsung, and Xiaomi Mi A3 — Super AMOLED On paper, the technology is similar, but in practice, the difference is noticeable:

• 🌈 Color rendering: screen Mi A3 More saturated, with Samsung’s typical “repainting.” Pixel closer to natural colors (Natural mode in settings).
• ☀️ Brightness: maximum brightness of the Pixel 3 — ~450 nits, Mi has A3 — ~430 nits. The difference is not critical, but the Pixel reads a little better in the sun.
• 🔄 Upgrade frequency: Both screens run at 60Hz, but the Pixel 4 and newer have a 90Hz mode that has never been in the Mi A lineup.

The main drawback of the Mi A3 screen is the problem with autobrightness, and many users complained that the light sensor is not working correctly, which means you have to adjust the brightness manually, but in the Pixel it does not have this problem, but there is a yellow tint on a white background (especially noticeable on the Pixel 3 XL).

If you’re choosing between the Pixel 3a and Mi A3 just for the sake of the screen, note the size: 5.6′′ for the Pixel 3a vs 6.08′′ for the Mi A3.

5.Performance and iron: who's faster in 2026

At the time of the release of the Google Pixel 3 (2018) and Xiaomi Mi A3 (2019) were in different price categories, which reflected in their “stuffing”. Today, after 4-5 years, the difference in performance is even more noticeable:

In practice, this means:

• 🎮 Pixel 3 still pulls Call of Duty Mobile on mid-settings, while on Mi A3 You'll have to cut the graphics to a minimum. Genshin Impact won't run on any device.
• 📱 Everyday tasks: both smartphones cope with messengers and social networks, but Mi A3 noticeably "suppressed" when multitasking (for example, when switching between Chrome from 10)+ tabs and Instagram).
• 🔋 Heating: Snapdragon 845 in Pixel 3 warms up stronger, but the cooling system will cope better than in Mi A3, where trottling comes faster.

The important thing is that performance is firmware-dependent. On custom ROMs like LineageOS, both smartphones can perform better than on the runoff. But for the Mi A3, firmware is limited because of a problem with the camera drivers.

Battery and autonomy: who will live to the evening

If you're looking for a smartphone that lasts a day on a single charge, neither the Pixel 3 nor the Mi A3 will be the perfect choice.

• 🔋 Google Pixel 3: battery 2915 mic (3000 Mac in Pixel 3 XL). In practice, it's enough. 4-5 Watch screen when used actively. 18 Uh, but no wireless.
• 🔋 Xiaomi Mi A3: battery 4030 On paper, more, but because of the weak processor and optimization, the autonomy is comparable to the Pixel – the same 4-5 Screen clocks. Fast charging. 18 Watt, but charging takes ~2 hourly 100%.

The main problems:

• ⚡ Battery degradation: through 4-5 In the years, the battery capacity falls on 30-40%. Replacing the battery in the Pixel 3 cost ~3000₽, mi A3 — ~2000₽.
• 🔌 Type of connector: Pixel 3 uses USB-C, Mi A3 — USB-C (but the cable is often complete USB-A → USB-C, What is inconvenient for modern laptops).

Tip: If autonomy is critical, consider buying an external 10,000mAh battery. Both smartphones support OTG so you can charge on the go. The key is not to use cheap cables that can burn the power controller.

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To extend the life of the battery, avoid full discharge (charge at the time). 20-30%) And don't leave your phone on charge overnight — 30-80%.

7.The price in the secondary market: what is more profitable to buy in 2026

Today, both smartphones are hand-held only, and here are the current prices (according to Avito and Yula as of May 2026):

What to choose?

• 📸 For the photo: definitely Google Pixel 3. Even today, its camera will overtake many budget new items.
• 💰 For savings: Xiaomi Mi A3 Cheaper, but keep in mind the camera and update issues.
• 🛠️ For experiments, the Pixel 3 is easier to flash and modify, and it runs Google Camera with ported mods, whereas for the Mi, it runs on the same file. A3 firmware selection limited.

⚠️ Warning: When buying the Google Pixel 3, check if it's been repaired under a battery replacement program.Some service centers have installed low-quality batteries that swell after a year.

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If you need a smartphone for everyday tasks in 2026, neither the Pixel 3 nor the Mi A3 will be the best choice. Consider new budget models like the Redmi Note 13 or Pixel 7a (if pure Android is important).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions