Google's lower-cost phones may launch as Pixel 3a, 3a XL
Thanks to a barrage of leaks, we know that Google is working to launch two new lower-cost Pixel phones. These mid-range devices, currently dubbed as Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL, have recently cleared FCC certification. And now, a report suggests that these phones may actually be marketed as Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Here's all about them.
Bonito and Sargo: Coding and codenames
These lower-cost Pixel phones have appeared several times online with codenames "Sargo" and "Bonito". These names also appeared in the recently released Android Q beta. Further, a reference to "Sargo" and "Pixel 3a XL" has been spotted in Google Camera library along with marketing names and codenames of previous Pixel flagships. Hence, "Pixel 3a XL" may be the marketing name and not "Lite XL".
Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL: At a glance
As per leaks, both the phones are expected to sport a notch-free rectangular display with bezels, plastic chassis and a headphone jack positioned at the top edge. On the back, they are expected to feature single camera, and fingerprint sensor - reminiscent of Pixel 3 flagships. Further, Pixel 3a will sport a 5.56-inch full-HD+ display while the larger model will get a 6-inch screen.
For the shutterbugs and selfie lovers
Given Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL flagships share roughly the same specifications (internals and optics), we can expect to see the same trend on the cheaper Pixel 3 Lite pair. As per previous leaks, both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will come with a 12MP rear camera and a single 8MP selfie snapper.
Under the hood
Again, leaks suggest that Pixel 3a will be powered by a Snapdragon 670 chipset while the Pixel 3a XL will be backed by Snapdragon 710 processor. Further, the Pixel 3a is likely to come with 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Under the hood, the Pixel 3a is said to pack 2,915mAh battery and run Android Pie out of the box.
Google's Pixel 3a phones will be cheaper than iPhone Xr
The Russian tech blog, which leaked the Pixel 3a (aka Pixel 3 Lite), speculated that this phone could be priced anywhere between $400-500 (approx. Rs. 28,000-Rs. 35,000). This pricing is significantly lower than that of Apple's "affordable" phone, the iPhone XR, which starts at $749 in the US or Rs. 70,500 in India.
Google to launch these lower-cost phones this year
A total of eight Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have been spotted on FCC. Moreover, 9to5Google reports that the "short-term confidentiality for identifying images is requested until August 24, 2019", suggesting Google may launch these Lite phones around the same date. Earlier, Android Authority claimed that Google will launch its lower-cost Pixel phones sometime in spring 2019.
