While not included with the Pixel 3a XL, our review unit came with a Pixel 3a Fabric Case. Even though it is a mid-range phone, it still pays off to have a phone case to protect your investment and make it last longer. While I really liked the Pixel 3 Fabric Case from Google, it had one glaring issue: the edges didn’t have enough of a lip for when the phone was face down, causing it to slide around easily on a flat surface. Not to mention, less protection for the screen.
On that note, our Pixel 3a Fabric Case review takes a look at this phone case from Google for the mid-tier Pixel 3a lineup. Read on to see what we thought!
Design
Similar to the Pixel 3 Fabric Case, the Pixel 3a Fabric case has a very nice custom knit fabric outer shell. Not only does it look fantastic, but it’s comfortable to use and hold all day long.
The back features cutouts for the camera and fingerprint scanner and are well placed and ample enough to not interfere with the performance of either. The Google G icon is printed in a rubber like material in grey near the bottom.
The edges of the case are curved to match the phone. The volume rockers are covered with a slight bump on the right side of the case. The power button, on the other hand, is an actual bright yellow plastic piece. To be honest, I was hoping it would be the same fabric color as the rest of the device, or at least grey, to cover the bright orange button of the phone. Instead, it simple replaces one bright, gaudy colour with another.
The top and bottom don’t cover the entire top and bottom edge of the phone like the Pixel 3 Fabric Case does. Instead, the corners cover enough to grip the phone tight for a secure fit leaving the rest of the top and bottom open.
Finally, the inside of the case has the same velvety smooth feeling finish so as to not scratch the back of your phone while the case is in use.
While our review unit came in Seascape (blue) colourway, it is also available in Fog (grey) and Carbon (black).
Protection
The Pixel 3a Fabric Case is rigid and definitely feels sturdy enough to protect your Pixel 3a/3a XL from daily use including the occasional bump or short drop. I wouldn’t be dropping my phone from great heights, accidentally or otherwise with this case and expect it to come out unscathed, but it would definitely depend on how and what surface it fell on to.
As for the edges, the Pixel 3a Fabric Case does have a nice lip on it which elevates the display slightly above any flat surface you may put your phone down on while in the case. Being my only real complaint about the Pixel 3 Fabric Case, I’m glad to see more clearance on the Pixel 3a Fabric Case.
Overall, this case does provide ample protection for standard smartphone use while offering up some nice style.
Price/Value
The Pixel 3a Fabric Case has an MSRP of US$40. While you can get cases for much less, and inversely much more, the price is a reasonable one given the design, fit, and protection the case offers.
Wrap-up
The Pixel 3a Fabric Case from Google provides ample protection for standard smartphone use while offering up some nice style.
*We were sent a sample of the Google Pixel 3a Fabric Case for the purposes of this review. In some of our articles and especially in our reviews, you will find Amazon or other affiliate links. Running a website does take money, along with time. Any purchases you make through these links often result in a small amount being earned for the site and/or our writers.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
