Should you wish for Google Pixel 3’s camera quality at a much affordable price point, the company has finally made its first mid-range phone lineup official. Meet the Google Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL.
Google’s mid-range phones have been long teased. After countless leaks and getting displayed at a Best Buy store, we finally have the official spec sheets.
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Starting with the best feature, the mid-range duo packs the same 12.2MP f1.8 (1.4µm) Sony IMX363 main sensor with OIS from the Pixel 3, along with the 8MP f/2.0 front sensor. Combine that with the company’s AI algorithm and you’re getting (arguably) the best smartphone camera yet. Google didn’t hold back as it included Night Sight, Top Shot, Super Res Zoom, HDR+, and a new Hyperlapse mode.
Now, for the rest of the specs.
Both phones come with FHD+ OLED displays and Dragon Trail glass protection. At 5.6-inch, the Pixel 3a relies on a 3000mAh battery while the 6.0-inch Pixel 3a XL has a 3700mAH battery — both, again, support 18W fast charging. From the design standpoint, it’s an all-polycarbonate build. Interestingly, Google brought back the 3.5mm headphone jack while retaining Active Edge and stereo speakers (albeit one beside the USB Type-C port).
When it comes to performance, both the Pixel 3a and 3a XL use Snapdragon 670 SoC paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB non-expandable storage. The storage size is limiting in 2019, however, buyers will get the benefit of unlimited Google Photos cloud storage. Also, you’re guaranteed major Android OS updates first.
Available in Just Black, Clearly White and Purple-ish, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL have official prices of $399 (~P20,700) and $479 (~P25,000), respectively. To get your hands on one of them, you need to get it from US carriers, including but not limited to Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
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