Google has taken the wrap off their two new most anticipated budget offerings — the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. The two new devices can somewhat be taken as a successor to the affordable Nexus series that we have had before Pixel devices came to existence. With this new affordable Pixel lineup, Google aims to provide the same camera prowess to larger audiences.
Talking about the camera, both the 3a and 3a XL borrows the same configuration from the flagship Pixel 3. In the day and age where almost every mid-range phones are hogging dual-cameras, these two have a single 12.2MP Sony IMX363 rear cameras with f/1.8 lens and optical image stabilization. This should allow you to capture images with the same level of details as the Pixel 3, so there’s no practical need for a dual-camera.
And add to the fact that you get the same level of software support from Google — like HDR+ mode, Night Sight, Top Shot, and Super Res Zoom — this one makes for a great mid-range smartphone. The selfie camera also stays similar to 8MP f/2.0 sensor at the front.
What you get inside these two phones is a Snapdragon 670 chipset that is definitely not powerful than the 845 chipsets seen on the expensive Pixel. But this does not mean the phone is a slouch as Google’s superior software optimization could make it as smooth as most of the mid-rangers out there, if not better. Both phones share 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage with no microSD support.
Let’s talk about what sets these phones apart. The Pixel 3a, on one hand, has a small 5.6-inch OLED display with FHD+ (1080 x 2220px) resolution and Dragon Trail protection. While on the other the Pixel 3a XL has a bigger 6-inch OLED display with FHD+ (1080 x 2160px) resolution. Definitely, both phones don’t have that infamous Pixel 3 XL notch here but the bezels are hideously thicker.
Powering the Pixel 3a is a 3,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, whilst the 3a XL has a slightly bigger 3,700mAh battery.
Both phones have support for the 3.5mm headphone jack and the stereo speakers are also to be seen. The back design looks pretty similar to larger Pixels but neither has that premium glass feeling (both has a plastic body), allowing Google to cut the cost.
As we talk about price, the Pixel 3a will be available for $399, while you’ll have to shell $80 more for the bigger Pixel 3a XL which has a pricing of $479. Both phones will be available in three different color variants: Clearly White, Jet Black and Purple-ish.
