Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL: How different are Google’s affordable mid-rangers from the more premium Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL

Google just hit restart, going off the script and launching two new Pixel phones, that are literally more affordable than what you’re used to. The phones in question are called the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. While the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were launched in India for Rs 71,000 and Rs 83,000, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL cost just Rs 39,999 and Rs 44,999 respectively.  

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are quite literally the same phones differing in only screen size and battery capacities. But more importantly, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, have a lot in common with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, including the cameras. While that’s reason enough to get excited, it is also important to understand them as a whole – how did Google manage to make an entry-premium Pixel phone? Here’s a closer look.

• 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. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL differ in both screen size as well as resolution – while the Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch 1080p+ display, the Pixel 3 XL has a 6.3-inch QHD+ display with an iPhone X-style notch. Both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL use OLED display panels protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• 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 Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are flagship phones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor paired with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage (non-expandable).
• The Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL all run Android 9 Pie software with ‘minimum’ 3 years of OS and security updates.
• The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have the same cameras as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. 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. 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.”
• There are three differences though. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL lack Google’s Pixel Visual Core chip – which when paired with their toned-down ISP should theoretically entail in slower (processing) cameras. Also, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL support Google’s unlimited photo storage but only at high quality – the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL allow for original quality saves. Lastly, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are also missing out on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL’s secondary front camera that aids in group selfies.
• 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. While the Pixel 3 comes with a 2,915mAh battery, the Pixel 3 XL packs a 3,430mAh battery with 18W USB Type-C fast charging. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL also support Qi wireless charging.
• The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have a glass back and aluminum sides. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have an all-plastic body although Google is retaining its dual-tone look. While the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are IP68 rated, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL lack any water resistance.
• As a consolation, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a XL both retain a headphone jack – the Pixel 3 phones don’t. 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.
• 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 3 and Pixel 3 XL 4GB/64GB variants are currently selling in India for Rs 56,999 and Rs 61,999 respectively – they were launched in India for Rs 71,000 and Rs 83,000 respectively.

Also Read:  Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL Launched With Best-in-class Pixel 3 Cameras, Price Starts At Rs 39,999