Sold for 399 and 479 euros, the Pixel 3a, and 3a XL arrive in stores healthy the reputation of their big brothers released last fall. For these mid-range models, Google has trimmed on a few things like the processor or wireless charging, but the overall quality remains outstanding.
The arrivals of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were warmly welcomed last October, and Google decided to transform the test with the launch of two mid-range models, cheaper but equally attractive: the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.
An output that confirmed much information that had leaked upstream for these two “photophones” highly anticipated.
The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL look at first sight to an exact copy of their high-end predecessors, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
For its first breakthrough in this market, Google has opted for a different approach to the usual mid-range devices. Rather than trying to include as important components as possible, the firm has kept the strengths of Pixel 3 smartphones, thus making compromises elsewhere.
Sufficient power outside the very demanding games
The two new devices are almost identical, the only differences being in size and battery. The Pixel 3a features a 5.6-inch Oled display with a resolution of 2.220 x 1.080 pixels (441 PPI), while the Oled screen of the Pixel 3a XL displays a resolution of 2.160 x 1.080 pixels (402 dpi).
The Pixel 3a has a shape slightly longer concerning the Pixel 3a XL, a ratio of 18.5: 9 against 18: 9, hence the drop in the number of pixels on the most massive screen, to stay in one place. Full HD + definition. Unlike the Pixel 3, these two models have no notch; Google integrates the front camera in a band above the screen.
Both smartphones include a processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, against the Snapdragon 845 Pixel 3, and 4 GB of memory and 64GB of storage. The difference in power should not be noticed outside the games, and Google has worked to optimize the devices for a perfectly fluid experience.
Side autonomy, the Pixel 3a has a battery of 3000 mAh against a 3.700 mAh battery for the Pixel 3a XL. Allow a little over an hour for a full charge, thanks to the fast charging 18 W. Note that both devices do not have wireless charging, which is part of the compromise to lower the price.