Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL launched with best-in-class Pixel 3 cameras, price starts at Rs 39,999

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have probably been the tech world’s worst kept secrets, but now that Google has officially launched them, turns out they’re even more exciting than what rumor mills had you believe. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL prove, more of the same can be a good thing – especially when it comes in a more affordable package. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are quite literally the same phones differing in only a couple of parameters. But more importantly, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, have a lot in common with their more premiere counterparts – the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Case in point – the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have the same cameras as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. 

Which invariably means, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, come with best-in-class cameras. Speaking of specs, both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL come with a 12.2MP dual-pixel rear camera with a custom-built Sony IMX363 sensor with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (plus electronic image stabilization). On the front, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL come with an 8MP camera with f/2.0 aperture. The rear camera can shoot 4k videos at 30fps while the front camera maxes out at 1080p at 30fps. Hallmark Google features like Photobooth Mode and Top Shot that made their debut with the Pixel 3 are available on the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL as well – so is Night Sight, which “works by using software instead of hardware like flash or tripods, to capture vibrant and detailed low-light photos.” 

Being a Pixel phone means, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL also support Google’s unlimited photo storage (at high quality).  

In terms of core hardware, while the Pixel 3a has a 5.6-inch screen, the Pixel 3a XL comes with a bigger 6-inch display. Both the phones boast of a 1080p+ resolution and an OLED panel protected by Dragon Trail Glass – there’s no unsightly notch on either of the new Pixel phone. Under the hood, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (non-expandable). The dual-SIM phone (nano+e-SIM) runs Android 9 Pie software with ‘minimum’ 3 years of OS and security updates. While the Pixel 3a comes with a 3,000mAh battery, the Pixel 3a XL has a larger 3,700mAh battery with 18W USB Type-C fast charging. Google claims a 15-minute charge can see you through 7 hours of usage.    

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL affordable mid-rangers and therefore some corners had to be cut to achieve this goal. Unlike the Pixel 3 phones, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have an all-plastic body (available in just black, clearly white and purple-ish) although Google is retaining its dual-tone look. An all-plastic body also means no wireless charging. Also, there isn’t any water-resistance. But then, as a consolation, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a XL both retain a headphone jack – the Pixel 3 phones don’t. As a bonus, Google has also managed to retain stereo speakers in the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL – but it’s not entirely a front-firing setup like the Pixel 3 phones. There’s one front-firing and one bottom-firing speaker in the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. 

Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL India price and availability

The Pixel 3a will be available for buying in India for Rs 39,999. The Pixel 3a XL will be available for buying in India for Rs 44,999. Both the phones will come with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will be available for buying in India from Flipkart and offline retail stores from May 15.

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