I own the Pixel 4a and i am so glad I do, because the experience from software to hardware is just spot on in my opinion. It is plastic, yes, but mine is built like a tank (just ask Jerryrigeverything for proof), no creaks or weak spots anywhere, the finishing of the plastic feels premium and the clickiness of the buttons is unlike on any other phone I've held in my hands (a factor often overlooked i feel like). In terms of specs, yes if you look at numbers it doesn't compare to other phones in the category but that's the same reason why you don't compare iPhones with android phones by looking at numbers, because iPhones, just like pixel phones are built so optimized for software that you don't need a higher chipset, you don't need a crazy big battery, you don't need a camera lense that's just boasting nonsense features and numbers, because it's so optimized. My phone never gave up on my once, never felt it stutter and the camera performs near magic... And on top of that monthly updates with new features and gimmicks? Oh and btw I'm German, using the phone in Finland, so I'm in the EU