Kshitij Pujari So Google has finally realised that its premium segment Pixel 3 and 3 XL (Review) are not working as well as it had hoped. At Google I/O the company has announced the launch of its mid-range lineup called as the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. The devices are set to start selling exclusively on Flipkart from 8 May onwards. The Pixel 3a XL has been announced at a price tag of Rs 44,999 while its smaller sibling is priced at Rs 39,999 which is not cheap by any standards, but it is cheaper than the Pixel 3 XL which will set you back Rs 56,990 for the 4 GB RAM + 64 GB variant. In this price range, the Pixel 3a XL and 3a are competing with the OnePlus 6T (Review), Honor View 20 (Review) and also the Pixel 2 XL (Review), which is nearly 2 years old. Are the Pixel 3a and 3a XL really worth it? The specs of the device on sheet don't look to be quite impressive as the competition. Does it make more sense to get the Pixel 2 XL than the Pixel 3a? Should you spend the extra 10 grand and get the Pixel 3 XL instead of Pixel 3a XL? There are questions that will be answered in our Pixel 3a XL review. For now, here's a spec-comparison of the two phones against the competition. Smartphone Pixel 3a Pixel 3a XL Honor View 20 OnePlus 6T Google Pixel 2 XL Display Size (inch) 5.6 6 6.4 6.4 6 Resolution (pixels) 2,220 x 1,080 2,150 x 1,080 1080 x 2310 1080 x 2240 1440 x 2880 Pixel Density (PPI) 441 401 398 402 538 Display Type gOLED gOLED IPS LCD AMOLED pOLED Dual SIM No No Yes Yes No SIM Type Nano-SIM or eSIM Nano-SIM or eSIM Nano-SIM Nano-SIM Nano-SIM Connectivity Types GSM / WCDMA / LTE GSM / WCDMA / LTE GSM / WCDMA / LTE GSM / WCDMA / LTE GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / VoLTE Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 Kirin 980 Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPU Cores Octa-core Octa-core Octa-core Octa-core Octa-core CPU Clock Speed (GHz) 8x2.0 GHz Kryo 360 8x2.0 GHz Kryo 360 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver 4x Kryo 280 @ 2.35 & 4x Kryo 280 @ 1.9 GPU Adreno 615 Adreno 615 Mali-G76 MP10 Adreno 630 Adreno 540 RAM 4 GB 4 GB 6, 8 GB 6, 8 GB 4 GB Ruggedness TBC TBC No Splashproof IP67 On-Board Memory 64 GB 64 GB 128, 256 GB 64, 128, 256 GB 64 GB or 128 GB Expandable Memory No No No No No Sensors Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer Android Sensor Hub Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer Android Sensor Hub Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass Face unlock, In-display fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer, Active Edge, Magnetometer, Hall effect Primary Camera 12.2 MP, f/1.8 12.2 MP, f/1.8 48 MP, f/1.8 16 MP f/1.7; 20 MP (16 MP effective) f/1.7 12.2 MP, f/1.8 Optical Image Stabilization Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Camera Array Single camera Single camera Dual Camera Dual Camera Single Camera Autofocus System Phase detection autofocus Phase detection autofocus Phase detection autofocus Phase detection autofocus Laser + Dual-Pixel Phase detection Secondary Camera 8 MP, f/2.0 8 MP, f/2.0 25 MP, f/2.0 16 MP f/2.0 8MP, f/2.4 Video Capture 720p @ 240 fps, 1080p @ 120 fps, 2160p @ 30 fps 720p @ 240 fps, 1080p @ 120 fps, 2160p @ 30 fps 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@960fps, 2160p@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps 720p @ 240 fps, 1080p @ 120 fps, 2160p @ 30 fps Flash Dual-LED Dual-LED Dual-LED Dual-LED Dual-LED OS Version Android 9.0 Pie Android 9.0 Pie Android 9.0 Pie Android 9.0 Pie Android 8 Oreo AI (Smart Assistant) Yes, Google Assistant Yes, Google Assistant Google Assistant Google Assistant Yes, Google Assistant GPS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual, band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual, band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual, band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA Bluetooth v5, A2DP, LE, aptX HD v5, A2DP, LE, aptX HD v5.0, A2DP, LE v5.0, A2DP, LE v5, A2DP, LE, aptX HD NFC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Infrared No No No No No Fingerprint Scanner Yes, Rear button Yes, Rear button Yes, Rear button Yes, In-display 3.5mm jack Yes Yes No No No Radio No No No No No USB Type Type-C Reversible connector Type-C Reversible connector Type-C Reversible connector Type-C Reversible connector Type-C Reversible connector USB Standard USB 2.0 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 Battery (mAh) 3,000 3,700 4,000 3,700 3,520 Fast charging Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Colours Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish Saphire Blue, Phantom Blue, Phantom Red, Midnight Black Midnight Black, Mirror Black, Thunder Purple Black & White, Just Black Prices in India Rs 39,999 Rs 44,999 Starting Rs 37,999 Rs 37,999 Starting Rs 39,999 Verdict The Pixel 3a and 3a XL borrow the same camera and software experience from the Pixel 3-series which should make them quite formidable. However, the Snapdragon 670 SoC is quite clearly behind the Snapdragon 845 and Kirin 980 on the OnePlus 6T and Honor View 20 respectively. With the OnePlus 7 also launching around a similar price point, the Pixel 3a-series would have its work cut out in terms of sales. Do read our full review of the device when it comes out.<doc-sep>OnePlus has just launched the OnePlus 7 Pro for Rs 48,999. For around the same price, Google just recently launched the Pixel 3a XL which starts at Rs 44,999 in India. Both phones offer a good set of cameras with optimum performance and clean Android experience, but which of the two is the best bang for the buck? Let's find out. Advertisement OnePlus has just launched the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, offering different features for some differences in prices. The higher-end OnePlus 7 Pro comes with a price tag of Rs 48,999, while the standard OnePlus 7 is priced at Rs 32,999. Though OnePlus didn’t have any competitor in the same price segment when launching the One Plus 6T last year, this time things have changed. For around the same price, Google just recently launched the Pixel 3a XL which starts at Rs 44,999 in India. The Pixel 3a XL stands in between the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 offering a mid-range chipset with a top-of-the-line camera unit and Google’s cleanest version of Android 9 Pie. Can Google’s new mid-ranger match up to latest OnePlus flagship killer? Let’s find out. Advertisement Hardware: Let’s get over one plain detail. In an ideal comparison, the Google Pixel 3a XL is a mid-ranger and OnePlus launches its devices with flagship-grade hardware and the 7 Pro is no different. For the sake of this comparison, we’re taking the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the OnePlus 7 Pro. Other than the configuration, the OnePlus device will be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with Adreno 640 GPU. The Pixel 3a XL, on the other hand, is powered by Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 670 SoC with Adreno 615 graphics. Furthermore, the Pixel device comes with only 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While day-to-day will be optimally smooth, the Pixel 3a isn’t the best alternative when gaming and heavy multitasking comes in question. The Snapdragon 855 steals all the spotlight for offering the smoothest performance no matter what you throw at it. Winner: OnePlus 7 Pro Display: The Pixel 3a XL comes with a 6.0-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a screen resolution of 2,160 x 1080 pixels along with 402ppi pixel density, 18:9 aspect ratio. The front panel doesn’t earn any brownie points as Google has not gone for any means to trim down the bezels on the phone though we appreciate the absence of the deep notch that was present on the pixel 3 XL. However, for a phone that costs you almost half a lakh in India, we’d have appreciated lesser bezel at the top and bottom which would have increased the meagre screen-to-body ratio of 76.3 percent. In this regard, OnePlus has pulled something that puts any Pixel phone to shame. The OnePlus 7 Pro comes loaded with a fullscreen display that is curved and devoid of any notch or hole-punch nonsense. The phone features a 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 1440x3120 pixels resolution, 516ppi pixel density, and 90Hz maximum refresh rate. To help with the full-screen experience, OnePlus has employed a motorised pop-up at the top of the phone and a thinner chin at the bottom. This means users get an extended screen to make use of, one which has a screen-to-body ratio of 88.0 percent. Winner: OnePlus 7 Pro, by all means. Design: The OnePlus 7 Pro will succeed on the design language of the OnePlus 6T and will feature a glass body with a gradient pattern at the back. While OnePlus has released a bunch of colour variants of its smartphones, this time, the OnePlus 7 Pro will come in Mirror Grey, Almond and Nebula Blue. The colours look nothing like any other smartphone’s back panel and pose as eye candies. The glass design also speaks of the premium nature of the device. While the Pixel 3a XL retains a two-tone finish at the back like the one on the Pixel 3 XL, it has done so in a polycarbonate body, unlike the glass back on older Pixels. While several smartphones still use a plastic body at the back, it’s disappointing to see a phone costing over Rs 40K to come with such a material, though we acknowledge that plastic won’t shatter as much as glass. Winner: OnePlus 7 Pro for design, Pixel 3a XL for long-term durability Software: If you’ve known Google, you’d have also come to know that Google Pixels always give the best Android experience and rightly so. The Pixel 3a XL, like the Pixel 3 lineup, runs on a pure stock version on Android 9 Pie with all the Google services. Google has also announced that the device will get three years of confirmed Android OS updates along with regular security patches. Additional features include Digital Wellbeing, Active Edge which lets users squeeze the phone to activate Google Assistant and DND mode. Though the Pixel runs on a mid-powered processor, the stock Android experience more than makes up for it on a day-to-day use scheme. A lot of people would be of the opinion that that OxygenOS on OnePlus phone is like Google's Android. I won’t completely agree with that. While the software does scream of stock Android, OnePlus 7 Pro certainly runs on the company's skin on top of Android, though we’d say it’ll be the lightest one around. Users can theme around with OxygenOS with different accent colours and there’s a new navigation system which doesn’t use a bar on the bottom but instead let you swipe from any side of the screen. Both features are now in the process to be added to Google’s own upcoming OS - Android Q and OnePlus already has it. However, if you’re someone who wants the latest software to run on their phone, you’ll rather want the Google Pixel 3a. Winner: Google Pixel 3a XL Camera: For the camera, the OnePlus 7 Pro will be equipped with a triple rear camera set up at the back, with one 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor with f/1.6 aperture, and OIS, 16-megapixel wide-angle secondary sensor with f/2.2 aperture and 117 degree field of view, and a third 8-megapixel sensor with f/2.4 aperture, 78mm focal length, and a 3x optical zoom. The phone will have Phase Detection Autofocus, Laser Autofocus, Continuous Autofocus, and a dual LED flash. For the front, the phone has a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471 pop-up camera with f/2.0 aperture, Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), and 1080p video recording support at 30fps. While an extra set of wide-angle and telephoto cameras is appreciated, it’s the Pixel 3a that gives an all-around performance. Google has employed a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera on the front of the Pixel 3a which is the same unit that is present on the Pixel 3. The main camera comes with 1.4-micron pixel size, autofocus with dual pixel phase detection, optical and electronic image stabilization, f/1.8 aperture and LED flash. For the front, there is an 8-megapixel selfie shooter with 1.12-micron pixel size, f/2.0 aperture and 84-degree viewing angle. We got the chance to click some photos with the new Pixel 3a XL and was quite impressed with the performance. The camera on the Pixel 3a is also enabled with a Night mode which gives good low-light pictures which can be compared with any high-end flagships, including Google’s own. Winner: Google Pixel 3a XL Battery: The Pixel 3a XL equips a 3,700mAh battery and Google has bundled an 18W fast charger with the device. The OnePlus 7 Pro offers a slightly larger 4000mAh power unit but it comes with a much faster 30W Warp Charge technology which will juice up your phone significantly faster. Winner: OnePlus 7 Pro Verdict: Google Pixel 3a XL OnePlus 7 Pro Processor Snapdragon 670 Snapdragon 855 Display 6.0-inch FHD+ OLED, 2,160 x 1080 pixels 6.64-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 90 Hz Memory 4GB RAM, 64GB storage 6GB RAM, 128GB storage Camera Rear: 12.2MP, dual flash; Front: 8MP wide-angle lens Rear: 48MP primary + 8MP telephoto + 16MP ultra-wide-angle; Front: 16MP pop-up selfie camera Battery 3,700mAh 4,000mAh OS Android 9 Pie Android 9 Pie with Oxygen OS Price Rs 44,999 Rs 48,999<doc-sep>The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are high-end phones with cutting-edge features – but this means they’ve also got high price tags, a problem Google has tried to solve by releasing the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL . The newer Pixel 3a handsets retain many of the features of their older Pixel 3 cousins, like impressive camera specs and Active Edge as a convenient way to summon the Google Assistant, but they’re also downgrades in certain ways to accommodate the lower price point. But just as the Google Pixel 3 XL was a step up from the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3a XL is bigger and better than the Pixel 3a – so if you’re looking for a Google handset, with all the perks attached, you’ve got more options than ever. Image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3a. Image credit: TechRadar Image 2 of 2 Google Pixel 3a XL. Image credit: TechRadar To help you get your head around Google’s new Pixel 3a range, we’ve put the two handsets head-to-head to work out what’s different about them. Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3a XL: price As the name suggests, the Google Pixel 3a is a smaller and therefore cheaper phone than the Pixel 3a XL. You can get the former for $399 / £399 / AU$649, but you’re paying $80 / £70 / AU$150 more for the Pixel 3a XL at $479 / £469 / AU$799. Both of those price points are roughly half the original price of their Pixel 3 counterparts, but you’re getting lighter specs in these new phones. For example, both come with only 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, so you’re getting internals that match the low price point. Design and display Again, the name gives a lot away when it comes to the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL's design – one is larger than the other, and there are no prizes for figuring out which. Image credit: TechRadar The bigger device, the Google Pixel 3a XL, has a 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2mm body, which is a relatively big step up from the Pixel 3a’s 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm frame, and at 168g it’s 20g heavier too. Both handsets have plastic bodies, which feels a little less ‘premium’ in the hand than the glass of the Pixel 3, but they’re still sturdy, and this isn’t something you’ll notice once you put a case on anyway. The phones also have 3.5mm headphone jacks, which isn’t something you’ll get on many high-end handsets. Image credit: TechRadar Bigger bodies mean bigger screens, and the Pixel 3a XL’s 6-inch display tops the Pixel 3a’s 5.6 inches. The screen tech used is actually the same, as both are Full HD+ OLED displays, which will show media in good quality relative to the low price. The smaller Pixel 3a actually has a higher screen resolution than the Pixel 3a XL, at 2220 x 1080 as opposed to 2160 x 1080, and that means the smaller phone has a significantly higher pixel per inch count at 441, over 402ppi in the XL phone. Camera You're actually getting the same camera on the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, which is a 12.2MP dual-pixel rear snapper, joined by an 8MP selfie-cam on the front. Image credit: TechRadar There are loads of features that help the camera to take great shots – these include an impressive Night Sight mode, and Google’s Top Shot mode which takes several snaps before and after you press the shutter, so you can choose from a range of similar images, as well as a few other options. Portrait mode is especially competent, as its depth sensing technology creates ‘bokeh’ background blur in shots with great accuracy, although the phones do have fewer beauty features than some other phone cameras. Specs and battery life Powering each of the phones is a Snapdragon 670 chipset – that’s a fair mid-range spec, and while you won’t be speeding through the user interface or playing many high-end games, the phone’s battery will last for a little longer as a result. One difference between the two devices is battery capacity, as the Pixel 3a has a 3,000mAh battery whereas inside the Pixel 3a XL there's a chunky 3,700mAh power pack. Because of the bigger screen, in practice both phones will likely last around the same amount of time, however on standby Google estimates the Pixel 3a XL will last a few hours longer. Image credit: TechRadar Neither the Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL supports wireless charging, which the main Pixel 3 devices do, but they do have fast charging of up to 18W, which according to Google is snappy enough to power the phone up for 7 hours of use in only 15 minutes. Verdict Compared to other phone series like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus , the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL's differences are fairly light – other than screen and body size, and battery capacity, they’re basically the same phone. So if you’re considering buying one of Google’s affordable handsets, you’ll have a better time playing media on the Pixel 3a XL with its extra real estate, but the Pixel 3a is a daintier device that will fit in your pocket a little bit easier.<doc-sep>
Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL were finally unveiled during Google's I/O 2019 keynote address on Tuesday. The two phones are stripped down versions of Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, and have been priced aggressively to compete better in the premium smartphone market. The most obvious difference between the two phones is their size, with the Pixel 3a XL being taller and heavier than the Pixel 3a. However, the two phones have several other differences as well, like the battery size, price, and the screen size. We pit the Google Pixel 3a against its bigger sibling, the Google Pixel 3a XL, to figure out the basic differences between the two on paper. Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3a XL price The Google Pixel 3a has been priced in India at Rs. 39,999 for the lone 4GB RAM + 64GB storage option. It will be available on Flipkart in Clearly White and Just Black colour options. In the US, the Pixel 3a price starts at $399 (roughly Rs. 28,000). The Google Pixel 3a XL, on the other hand, is priced in India at Rs. 44,999 for the same 4GB RAM + 64GB storage configuration. The larger variant will also be available on Flipkart and will be listed in the above mentioned colour options. The Pixel 3a XL price starts at $479 (roughly Rs. 33,500) in the US. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL release date in India is May 15, with the smartphones going up for registrations from 12:30pm IST on Wednesday, May 8 via Flipkart. Buyers in India will also get a free 3-month YouTube Music Premium subscription, if they activate a Pixel 3a smartphone before September 30. Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3a XL specifications Both the phones run on the latest version of Android Pie, and offer single-SIM (Nano) support. Additional eSIM support will be offered in India for Airtel and Jio customers. Google notes that the phones will get a minimum of 3 years of OS and security updates. The phones sport a polycarbonate unibody, identical design, and support the company's AR Core framework for augmented reality applications. Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL First Impressions The Pixel 3a sports a 5.6-inch full-HD+ (1080x2220 pixels) gOLED display with at 18.5:9 aspect ratio, while the Pixel 3a XL sports a larger 6-inch full-HD+ (1080x2160 pixels) gOLED display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Both the phones are protected by Dragon Trail glass and offer 24-bit colour depth (16 million colours). The duo is powered by the Snapdragon 670 SoC (two cores clocked at 2GHz and six cores clocked at 1.7GHz), paired with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Internal storage is set at 64GB for both the phones. There's no microSD card slot provided for expansion of storage. As for camera, both the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have identical front and back sensors. The two phones sport a single 12.2-megapixel Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363 sensor on the back, with f/1.8 aperture, 76-degree field of view, OIS, EIS, 1/2.55-inch sensor, and 1.4-micron pixels. Features include Night Sight low-light photography feature, HDR+, Portrait Mode, Super Res Zoom, and Top Shot. The rear camera is capable of 120fps video recording at 1080p, 240fps at 720p, and 30fps at 4K. On the front, Google has used an 8-megapixel sensor with 1.12-micron pixels, an f/2.0 aperture, and an 84-degree field of view for the two phones. The other big difference between the two phones is battery. The Pixel 3a bears a 3,000mAh battery (delivering up to 12 hours of video playback time), while the Pixel 3a XL bears a 3,700mAh battery (delivering up to 14 hours of video playback time). Both the phones are bundled with an 18-watt charger, which the company claims can deliver up to 7 hours of battery life on a 15-minute charge, while the phones themselves can deliver up to 30 hours on a full charge. As for the dimensions, the Pixel 3a measures in at 151.3x70.1x8.2mm, and weighs 147 grams, while the Pixel 3a XL measures in at 160.1x76.1x8.2mm and weighs 167 grams. Connectivity options on the duo include 4G VoLTE, Wi-FI 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack on top, and more. The phones offer stereo speakers support, Active Edge sensor support, and come with a rear fingerprint sensor. Sensors on board include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and a proximity sensor. Has Google Pixel 3a's pricing ruined its prospects in India?