GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

1.5m
109k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENTS
GSMArena team, 07 May 2019

Google Pixel 3a XL review

  • Comments (145)
  • User reviews
  • Pixel 3a XL
  • 4.1

1. Introduction and unboxing
  1. 1. Introduction and unboxing
  2. 2. Design and build
  3. 3. Lab tests - display, battery life, loudspeaker, audio quality
  4. 4. User interface and performance
  5. 5. Camera
  6. 6. Verdict, pros and cons
  7.  
  8. Google Pixel 3a XL specification
  9. User opinions and reviews
  10. Review comments (145)

Google Android

Pricing
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.

64GB 4GB RAM $ 190.00 $ 249.99
RENEWED $ 86.00 £ 93.00
Show all prices

Introduction

The Pixel 3a is Google's attempt to return to the affordable premium smartphone category. After sunsetting the Nexus program, Google moved on to the ultra-high-end segment with the launch of the original Pixel back in 2016.

Since then, the company has only received a lukewarm response from the audience, many of whom were miffed that Google moved on from something that was accessible to something that mostly served as a marketing vehicle.

Google Pixel 3a Xl review

The Pixel 3a, however, is not a Nexus. The lack of obvious naming difference aside, what we have here is not a premium smartphone at an affordable price, which is what the Nexus brand signified. Instead, what we are getting is a pared-down version of the Pixel 3 that was launched last year at a correspondingly lower price.

Google Pixel 3a XL specs

  • Body: Unibody polycarbonate, Asahi Dragontrail glass, Black, White, Purple colors
  • Display: 6.0-inch, 2160 x 1080 resolution, 402PPI, 18:9, OLED, always-on display
  • Rear Camera: Sony IMX363, 12.2MP f1.8, dual-pixel autofocus, OIS, dual LED flash, 4K 30 video
  • Front Camera: 8MP f2.0, fixed focus, 1080p 30 video
  • Software: Android 9 Pie
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, 2.0GHz + 1.7GHz, Adreno 615, Titan M Security module
  • Memory: 64GB storage, 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
  • Battery: 3700mAh, 18W USB-PD fast charging
  • Connectivity: Single SIM/eSIM, LTE-A, 3xCA, DL 4x2/2x2 MIMO, CAT 11 600Mbps download, CAT 5 75MBps upload, Wi-Fi 2.4 + 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm audio
  • Misc: Stereo speakers, capacitive fingerprint sensor, Active Edge pressure sensing, 3-month YouTube Music Premium subscription bundled

The price in question is $400 for the Pixel 3a and $480 for the Pixel 3a XL, half of what the Pixel 3/3 XL normally cost ($800/$900). So, what do we lose in return for that price? There are design compromises, the processor is slower and one of the front cameras is missing along with a few other things. On paper, that doesn't seem all that bad, especially since Google has carried over the main rear camera of the Pixel 3 to the Pixel 3a. The software experience is identical too, with almost every feature announced for the Pixel 3 present here.

Seems like a fair trade-off, then. But how is the phone like to actually use on a day to day basis? And how does it compete in the even more crowded premium mid-range smartphone market, especially on the eve of OnePlus' upcoming smartphone, which will likely have similar pricing and pack in more hardware as usual? We decided to find out.

Unboxing

The packaging of our Pixel 3a XL was mostly similar to the more expensive Pixel 3 XL. Both come with an 18W USB-Power Delivery fast charger with a USB-C 2.0 cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and earphones. While the Pixel 3 XL came with the Pixel USB-C Earbuds, the Pixel 3a XL comes with standard in-ear style earphones with a 3.5mm connector.

Google Pixel 3a Xl review

Neither phone comes with any kind of case in the box. Google will be selling fabric cases for the Pixel 3a devices.

Next Page » 2. Design and build
1. Introduction and unboxing
  1. 1. Introduction and unboxing
  2. 2. Design and build
  3. 3. Lab tests - display, battery life, loudspeaker, audio quality
  4. 4. User interface and performance
  5. 5. Camera
  6. 6. Verdict, pros and cons
  7.  
  8. Google Pixel 3a XL specification
  9. User opinions and reviews
  10. Review comments (145)

Reviews Google Pixel 3a XL review
  • Comments (145)
  • User reviews
  • Pixel 3a XL

Google Pixel 3a XL review - Reader comments

S
  • Sagor
  • XV6
  • 17 Oct 2022

Is it waterproof?

  • Reply
?
  • Anonymous
  • n7b
  • 07 May 2022

Is this phone COMPLETLY made without metal? Even the inside, battery etc?

  • Reply
K
  • Kelly
  • CGH
  • 19 Apr 2022

Is the pixel 3a xl ready for v 12

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 145

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • BlackBerry
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Vodafone
  • Energizer
  • Cat
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • TCL
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • Doogee
  • Blackview
  • BLU
  • Panasonic
  • Plum

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENTS

Related articles

  • Google reports 10% YoY revenue growth with great momentum on Pixel devices and cloud subscriptions
  • Google Store, Hotels, Flights and other services will show more accurate info in the EU
  • Google brings locking Incognito tabs on Chrome for Android
  • There will be only one version of Google's Pixel Tablet, new rumor claims
ADVERTISEMENTS

Popular reviews

Apple iOS 14 review

Apple iOS 14 review
Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Tesla Model S beats 28 cars for winter range test crown Tesla Model S beats 28 cars for winter range test crown Nissan Qashqai e-Power real life test yields disappointing resultsTesla Model Y is now eligible for $7,500 IRA tax credit in the US
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS feed Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2000-2023 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data