The Google Pixel 3a XL is a mid-range smartphone released by Google in 2019. It is a larger version of the Pixel 3a, with a 6-inch OLED display, compared to the 5.6-inch display of the Pixel 3a. The display has a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 402 pixels per inch. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in smartphones.
Under the hood, the Pixel 3a XL is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor and 4GB of RAM. While this may not be the most powerful processor on the market, it is still capable of running most apps and games smoothly. The phone also comes with 64GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. However, there is no option to expand the storage via a microSD card.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 3a XL is its camera. It has a 12.2-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, which is the same camera found on the more expensive Pixel 3. The camera is capable of taking excellent photos in all lighting conditions, thanks to Google's advanced software processing. The phone also has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
The Pixel 3a XL runs on Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, but it is upgradable to Android 10 and Android 11. It is part of Google's Android One program, which means that it receives regular security updates and guaranteed software updates for three years. This ensures that the phone stays up to date with the latest security patches and features.
The phone also features a 3,700mAh battery, which should provide a full day of use on a single charge. It also supports fast charging via the included 18W charger, which can provide up to 7 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
Google Pixel 3a XL is a great mid-range smartphone for anyone who wants a great camera and a pure Android experience. It may not have the most powerful processor or the most storage, but it more than makes up for it with its excellent camera, regular software updates, and great battery life.
In terms of design, the Pixel 3a XL has a polycarbonate (plastic) body, which makes it more affordable compared to the premium materials used in high-end smartphones. However, the phone still looks sleek and modern with its slim bezels and the signature two-tone back design found on Pixel phones.
One downside of the Pixel 3a XL is that it is not water-resistant, unlike many of its competitors in the mid-range segment. This means that users need to be careful around water and other liquids to avoid damaging the phone.
Another advantage of the Pixel 3a XL is its software features. It comes with Google's AI-powered digital assistant, Google Assistant, which is integrated deeply into the phone's operating system. This allows users to perform a variety of tasks using voice commands, such as sending messages, setting reminders, and controlling smart home devices.
The phone also includes other Google services, such as Google Photos, which provides unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos. Google also offers a Night Sight mode for the camera, which allows users to take bright and clear photos even in low-light conditions.
In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 3a XL supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB Type-C. It also has a fingerprint sensor on the back for easy and secure authentication.
Google Pixel 3a XL is a great mid-range smartphone that offers an excellent camera, regular software updates, and a pure Android experience. It may not have the most powerful hardware, but it is more than capable of handling most tasks and provides a great value for its price.
One of the unique features of the Pixel 3a XL is the Active Edge technology. This allows users to squeeze the sides of the phone to activate Google Assistant or silence an incoming call or alarm. While this may seem like a minor feature, it can be quite useful in certain situations where users need to quickly access Google Assistant or silence their phone without looking at the screen.
Another advantage of the Pixel 3a XL is its security features. It has a dedicated Titan M security chip, which is designed to protect the phone's operating system and sensitive data, such as passwords and biometric data. The phone also includes the Google Play Protect feature, which scans all apps for malware and other security risks before they are installed on the device.
The Pixel 3a XL is also compatible with Google's Project Fi, a wireless service that allows users to switch between different carriers to find the best coverage and pricing. This makes it a great option for users who are looking for a flexible and affordable wireless plan.
In terms of drawbacks, one major downside of the Pixel 3a XL is its lack of wireless charging. While this may not be a dealbreaker for some users, it can be a disappointment for those who are used to the convenience of wireless charging.
Overall, the Google Pixel 3a XL is a great mid-range smartphone that offers an excellent camera, regular software updates, and a pure Android experience. While it may not have the most powerful hardware or the most storage, it provides a great value for its price and is a great option for users who prioritize camera quality and software updates.
Here's a specification table for the Google Pixel 3a XL:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.0 inches OLED capacitive touchscreen, 1080 x 2160 pixels resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| GPU | Adreno 615 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Rear Camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 3700 mAh battery, 18W fast charging, USB Power Delivery 2.0 |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable to Android 10 and Android 11) |
| Features | Active Edge, Google Assistant, Google Play Protect, Titan M security chip, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 g |
| Colors | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish |
| Other Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
