Google experiments with mid-range smartphones, launches Pixel 3a series
Google has launched its first-ever mid-range smartphones in India. Dubbed as Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, the new devices arrive as stripped down versions of the flagship Pixel 3 models. Like their flagship counterparts, the new devices share the same design, camera, and internals while featuring different display sizes and batteries. Here's all about them.
Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL: At a glance
Both phones sport a notch-less rectangular display with prominent bezels, plastic chassis, and headphone jack. On the back, they feature a single camera, and fingerprint sensor - similar to Pixel 3 flagships. The Pixel 3a gets a 5.6-inch gOLED display with 1080x2220 pixels resolution while the Pixel 3a XL offers a larger 6-inch screen with 1080x2160 pixels resolution.
For the shutterbugs and selfie lovers
Both Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL sport a 12.2MP (f/1.8) rear camera with dual-pixel phase detection, OIS, and EIS. Up front, they have an 8MP (f/2.0) selfie snapper. The main camera offers 4K recording at 30fps while the front camera supports 1080p videos at 30fps. Both phones also offer Night Sight low-light photography feature, HDR+, Portrait Mode, Super Res Zoom, and Top Shot.
Under the hood
The Pixel 3a Series is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset, paired with Titan M security chip, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Under the hood, the Pixel 3a has a 3,000mAh battery while the XL model packs a 3,700mAh battery. These Android Pie-powered phones also feature Pixel 3's "Active Edge" feature and support 18W fast charging via a USB Type-C port.
Connectivity options and onboard sensors
In terms of connectivity options, both the Pixel 3a phones (Indian variants) support dual-SIMs (regular+eSIM), 4G VoLTE, Wi-FI 802.11a/c, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/A-GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack. They also come with all the standard onboard sensors including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and a proximity sensor. Lastly, like the flagship models, these lower-cost variants also offer stereo speakers.
Pricing and availability
Available in Clearly White and Just Black color options, the Pixel 3a is priced at Rs. 39,999 while the Pixel 3a XL comes at Rs. 44,999. The phones will go on sale on from May 15, while the registrations will open today at 12:30 pm via Flipkart. Buyers will get a free 3-month YouTube Music Premium subscription on activating their phone before September 30.
