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Here's how the Pixel 4a XL probably looked before Google scrapped it

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By Adrian Diaconescu

Published: Apr 10, 2020, 1:13 AM

Leaked Google Pixel 4a render

If you're disappointed to hear that Google has no intention to release a jumbo-sized variant of its next mid-range phone, a fresh new leak is guaranteed to twist the knife in your still-open wound. Of course, rumors about a possible Pixel 4a XL never got off the ground, so yesterday's report didn't exactly come as a shock.

But as it turns out, the search giant did toy with the idea of an XL model at some point during the Pixel 4a's development process, which is also far from surprising. After all, this is a company that was reportedly considering at least three different Pixel 5 designs as of a couple of months ago, including one very divisive prototype.

It certainly makes sense therefore that Google would at least think about releasing a direct Pixel 3a XL sequel, but what's unclear is the reason why the Pixel 4a XL was cancelled. We'll probably never know that, but assuming the handset would have ended up looking like a new eBay listing suggests, the key selling point is pretty easy to guess.

Unlike the single camera 5.8-inch Pixel 4a, the mysterious 4a XL would have probably housed a dual shooter system on its plastic back, although the imaging specs that never were are obviously kept under wraps. It's relatively safe to assume the Pixel 4a XL could have borrowed its two rear-facing cameras from the high-end Pixel 4 and 4 XL, which might actually explain why Google ultimately decided against bringing this thing to market.

The Pixel 4a XL would have had two rear-facing cameras

You don't want your budget-friendly mid-rangers to resemble your expensive high-enders too strongly, not to mention the Pixel 4a XL could have also looked a tad too similar to its little brother. Based on the same photo of a "replacement new battery back cover door", the 4a XL was designed very similarly to the Pixel 4a, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, a headphone jack, and a nice contrast between the white (or rather "Barely Blue") back panel and orange power button.

Of course, there are no guarantees this is a legitimate spare part for what could have been the Google Pixel 4a XL, but at first glance, it definitely looks the part (pun intended). If for whatever reason you're interested in buying this, there are "more than 10" units available at the time of writing, priced at almost 20 bucks each and shipping worldwide from Shenzhen, China (obviously).

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.

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