The recent Google I/O event caused a lot of excitement among tech fans. One of the highlights was the unveiling of the new Google Pixel 3A and 3A XL devices, the budget-friendly versions of the Pixel 3 family, which is one of Google’s flagship series.
Now, for less than the price of a Pixel 3, you get to enjoy the same features with these newer models.
Features
When Google first debuted the Pixel device in 2016, it garnered a lot of attention due to its array of features. But all those fancy features came at a hefty price. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 devices were expensive, to say the least.
This ultimately led to a slump in sales that prompted Google to offer its devices through a variety of smartphone carriers, resulting in more affordable and readily available items.
With the arrival of the Google Pixel 3A and 3A XL, the masses now have access to the best features that the Pixel is known for – without the cost.
One of the most notable features with the new Pixel 3A models is the camera, which is sure to give Google an advantage over its competitors. Despite being scaled down to match the price point, the quality of the newer models is still impressive. The tech giant achieved this by replacing the glass on the rear camera with plastic.
The Google Pixel 3A and 3A XL both use a basic Snapdragon 670 processor, and have a maximum storage limit of 64 GB, which is a far cry from the flagship devices. And, unfortunately, to make these smartphones budget-friendly, wireless charging and water resistance certification were scrapped.
The Pixel 3A XL is the larger of the two devices. It has a 6-inch screen with full HD+OLED display. As for the Pixel 3A, it comes with a 5.6-inch screen with the same display technology.
The 3A device is built with Bluetooth 5.0 technology and stereo speakers. You can get up to 4GB of RAM, and it is equipped with fast wired charging technology. For the XL model, you can get a 3,700 mAh (milliamp-hour) battery while the smaller device is built with a 3,000 mAh battery.
You can also enjoy the same perks that you would with the original Google Pixel 3 devices. For example, you can take advantage of a minimum of 3 years of security and operating system updates. That means you get long-term support with the use of these Android smartphones. It is reassuring to know that a generous support period is offered.
Technical Specifications
Both the Google Pixel 3A and 3A XL come with the following features:
- 12.2-megapixel rear camera, and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera
- 64GB of storage space
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor
- 1080p video at 120 frames per second (720p at 240 fps)
- The latest Android v9.0 (Pie)
- 3.5-millimeter audio jack
- 4GB of RAM
- Fingerprint sensor for fast unlocking
- Splash and dust resistance
- Available in “Just Black,” “Clearly White,” and “Purple-ish” color options
Neither model comes with the following features:
- MicroSD card slot
- Wireless charging
- Water resistance
- Front-firing stereo speakers (both models have dual stereo speakers, but one of the speakers is front-facing, while the other is on the bottom edge of the phone)
Main differences between the two models:
The Pixel 3A comes with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2,220 pixels (which equates to 441 pixels-per-inch), while the larger 3A XL has a resolution of 1080 x 2,160 (which equates to 402 pixels-per-inch). So the 3A will actually have a sharper image than the larger model.
While both models come with a USB Power Delivery 2.0 standard (which Google claims will last for 7 hours of use with a 15-minute charge), the battery capacity in the Pixel 3A XL is a little larger. Although, since the 3A XL has a larger screen, the difference is minimal.
Price and Release Date
How much is it going to cost to own a Google Pixel 3A or a 3A XL? You can get them for $399 and $479, respectively. Compare that to the price of the Google Pixel 3, which costs twice as much as the Pixel 3A, and you can see why the new variants are definitely more budget-friendly.
Both devices are now available via the Google Store. They are also available for monthly installments at select mobile phone carriers/providers.
Summary
Despite being a scaled-down version of the higher-end and more expensive Google Pixel devices, the Pixel 3A, and 3A XL are impressive. They have a set of features guaranteed to make the Pixel experience more accessible.
When Google developed these devices, they wanted to emphasize that they are as cheap as you can get when it comes to the Pixel flagship device. They have succeeded in bringing more options to their market without sacrificing the quality expected of them.