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Google's midrange Pixel 3a & 3a XL have just been detailed extensively

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By Joshua Swingle

Published: Mar 18, 2019, 9:14 PM

Google's midrange Pixel 3a & 3a XL have just been detailed extensively

Leaked Google Pixel 3a image

The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL – also known as the Pixel 3 Lite and Lite XL – have been rumored for months now. In fact, one of the smartphones was first pictured way back in November. But with their release dates now drawing closer, a new report by 9To5Google has detailed the devices extensively.

The Google Pixel 3a will borrow the Pixel 3's main camera

Firstly, it’s worth talking about the names. For months, Google’s mid-rangers were referred to as the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL, but last week the first Android Q beta contained references to the ‘Pixel 3a’ branding. Now, 9To5Google’s source is corroborating this information by claiming that ‘Pixel 3a’ and ‘Pixel 3a XL’ are indeed the chosen marketing names.

Externally, both smartphones are set to follow in the Pixel 3’s footsteps by adopting the latest iteration of Google’s two-tone design. But in an effort to cut costs, the internet giant is understood to have swapped out the glass construction for a cheaper polycarbonate alternative. Nevertheless, certain key features have been retained.

For example, the rear camera found on the Pixel 3a devices will apparently match the one found on the regular Pixel 3 duo. Similarly, the rear-mounter fingerprint scanner has made a return. Also, as an added extra, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL are set to be Google’s first smartphones since the original Pixel series to include the headphone jack.

Google Pixel 3a vs. Pixel 3 XL

Over on the front, today’s report points towards the presence of a 5.6-inch display on the Pixel 3a and a larger 6-inch panel on the Pixel 3a XL. As revealed previously, these will boast 18.5:9 aspect ratios and should be paired with relatively thick bezels. However, the stereo speakers found on Google’s flagship models have been axed.

The Google Pixel 3a series also loses the 8-megapixel wide-angle camera found on the regular Pixel 3 devices and instead makes do with just one selfie snapper.

The Pixel 3a XL might be more powerful than the Pixel 3a

Internally, there's a chance the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL won't be identical. According to today’s report, the Google Pixel 3a is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 670, which itself will be paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of non-expandable internal storage.

The larger Google Pixel 3a XL, on the other hand, might feature the slightly more powerful Snapdragon 710, although this detail couldn’t be confirmed by sources. In any case, the smartphone should retain the 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal found inside its smaller sibling.

Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL CAD-based renders

Unsurprisingly, both Pixel 3a devices will ship with Android 9 Pie straight out of the box and should support eSIMs. The smartphones also look set to include the dedicated Titan M security chip and the Active Edge squeezable frame feature.

At the moment, the Pixel 3a XL’s battery remains a bit of a mystery but the smaller Pixel 3a will reportedly include a 3,000mAh cell. In both cases, 18W fast charging via the USB Type-C port will be supported.

Google Pixel 3a/3a XL announcement, price, release date

The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are expected to arrive sometime this spring, with an announcement at Google I/O in early May looking extremely likely at this point in time.

Once announced, pre-orders for the smartphones should commence immediately. If a previous report is anything to go by, the Pixel 3a duo will be available exclusively through Verizon. However, the option to purchase the models unlocked via Google’s online store and other retailers should also be available.

There’s yet to be any concrete information regarding the pricing of these devices, but going by their respective spec sheets, retail prices ranging from anywhere between $400 and $550 are possible. Ultimately, though, it’ll probably depend on how aggressively Google wants to compete.

On one final note, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL should be available to purchase in Just Black and Clearly White once launched. A third finish may also be on the cards, according to sources.

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