Google has announced a couple of new mid-range smartphones to be able to offer high-quality premium features to those who can not afford to spend more than $800 that the Pixel 3 costs.
We are going to analyze the new Google Pixel 3a XL, the large model of the new devices announced at the annual Google I/O Developer Conference, where the Pixel 3a standard was also presented.
The two new Google smartphones can already be purchased through the company’s online store. Also, it will be available on Flipkart from May 15 and expected that at some point they will also be available on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Design and manufacturing quality
There is little to analyze the design of the Pixel 3a XL more than anything. Google has retained exactly the same exterior as its other smartphones available today: the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL.
Thus, the Pixel 3a XL has more or less the same dimensions as the 3 XL. It has practically the same design, including the finish in two textures of the back. The 3 XL is somewhat thicker, but it is still lighter.
To make it cheaper, Google has had to reduce some of its benefits. For example, it has not made the new 3a XL waterproof in this case. In addition, the lower speaker is next to the USB C port and not on the front.
Instead, Google has retained Active Edge sensors, which allows you to activate certain functions by pressing on the sides of the device, and has also included a headphone jack port unlike the range of flagships.
As for the colors, the cheapest series of smartphones do not come in the color “almost pink” in which yes you can buy the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. Thus, it is only available in the black and white classics, which look great.
Benefits
Unlike the Pixel 3a, the 3 XL is not bigger than its corresponding premium. It has a 6-inch screen, compared to the 6.3 of 3 XL, basically because it does not have a notch to house the front camera and the top speaker.
It is not much bigger than the 5.6-inch screen of the standard Pixel 3a. It also has an OLED panel and a Full HD + resolution, in this case, 2160 x 1080p. The pixel density is 402 PPI.
Performance
To reduce costs, Google has installed a slower processor compared to its premium range – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 instead of the 845. The flagship device comes with a 4 GB RAM and storage space of only 64 GB.
Not bad, but keep in mind that Google does not offer the option to extend its capabilities with a microSD card. You can, however, store your photos and videos in high quality and without limit in your cloud storage service.
Cameras
Perhaps what interests you most is the Pixel 3a XL camera. You will like to know that you will get the same configuration on the back: a 12.2 MP Dual-Pixel camera and also the same software as the Pixel 3 XL.
That means you’ll get the same photographic results and you’ll be able to benefit even from modes like Night Sight, Top Shot or Portrait. Of course, they will take longer to process because the 3rd XL has a less powerful chip.
In the front, there are some changes. The Pixel 3a XL only comes with an 8-MP lens, which means you will not have the option of group selfies. On the other hand, you can use the Photobooth function.
Connectivity and battery autonomy
Not surprisingly, Google has decided not to include support for wireless charging technology to reduce costs. On the other hand, it does include a fingerprint scanner, the Active Edge function and stereo speakers.
As for the battery, the Pixel 3a XL has a 3700 mAh battery, which means it is higher capacity than the Pixel 3 XL and should last a little over two days. You can recharge it using the 18W fast charge USB C cable.
Software
As expected, the Pixel 3a XL comes with the Android 9.0 Pie installed and can be upgraded with the Android Q version when available. In addition, Google ensures that you can update the system for at least three years.
One of the few differences in the software of the new smartphones is that it includes a new function of augmented reality in Google Maps that allows you to follow the directions using Google Street View.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 3a XL is a decent mid-range smartphone that offers benefits found in Pixel flagships to a more affordable device for those who do not want to spend more than $800 on mobile.
However, there is a lot of competition at this price, so you should consider the pros and cons before buying it. You should even think if it’s worth more to pay something less for the Pixel 3a, with practically the same functions.
