Official Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL renders show up ahead of May 7th unveiling

The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are on track for an announcement in less than three weeks. But ahead of this, Android Headlines have obtained some official-looking case renders which showcase both devices from the front.

Big bezels, impressive cameras

Corroborating previous leaks, the new renders showcase two smartphones which follow closely in the footsteps of the Google Pixel 3. They offer a pure Android 9 Pie experience which is paired with tall displays on both phones.

Although the aspect ratio of these panels is slightly different – the Pixel 3a duo sport 18.5:9 displays while the regular Pixel 3 features an 18:9 screen – they are still coupled with equally thick bezels. Since the Pixel 2 series, these have been home to a set of stereo speakers. But as a result of cost cutting, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a ditch the front-facing bottom speaker and will instead make do with just the top speaker.

Another pretty major change comes in the selfie department. The Pixel 3 phones come equipped with a main sensor accompanied by a wide-angle camera, but the Pixel 3a series is set to remove the latter. Instead, it’ll rely solely on the main selfie snapper found on the flagship models.

While on the topic of cameras, it’s worth pointing out that both of these smartphones are expected to retain the rear camera seen on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. In fact, the cameras are understood to be one of the main selling points for these upcoming devices. 

The headphone jack returns alongside decent specs

Although renders of the rear designs weren’t obtained, both Pixel 3a models should adopt Google’s two-design construction. But rather than making use of glass and frosted glass as seen on the flagships, these phones are expected to boast a plastic rear panel.

On the inside of Google’s mid-rangers should be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 670, rather than the high-end Snapdragon 845 seen previously. This processor should then be paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, although variants with just 32GB have also been rumored. Elsewhere, buyers can expect support for eSIMs straight out of the box and the Active Edge squeezable frame feature. The mid-rangers are also set to include Google’s dedicated Titan M security chip.

On a few final notes, it’s worth pointing out that both models look set to become Google’s first Pixel smartphones since 2016 to include 3.5mm headphone jacks. Also, both models will support 18W fast charging via the included USB-C port. In terms of battery capacity, the Pixel 3a should include a 3,000mAh cell while the Pixel 3a XL will feature a larger, but currently unspecified battery.

As teased recently by Google and indicated by the home screen seen in today’s renders, the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are expected to go official on May 7th at Google I/O. 

Pre-orders for the smartphones should commence immediately after the announcement. Initially, the devices were expected to launch as Verizon exclusives but they are now expected to be sold through T-Mobile too. If you aren’t a fan of purchasing phones through carriers, the devices should be available unlocked via the Google Store and other retailers.

Concrete pricing information is yet to leak, but recent leaks have suggested the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a will cost €450 and €550 in Europe. If accurate, this should translate into retail prices of $400 and $500 over in the US. Ultimately, though, it depends on how aggressively Google wants to compete.

The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL should be available to purchase in a total of three colors. Just Black and Clearly White will be borrowed from the Pixel 3, while the third finish is yet to be specified.