Google launched its affordable Pixel 3a and 3a XL as alternatives to its Pixel 3 flagship model. The handset which was unveiled at the 2019 Google I/O offers functionality which is top notch just like Pixel 3 and also has a 12.2 MP camera with Night sight mode and also enterprise-grade security but will have only one camera and also have no wireless charging. The smartphone Pixel 3a will cost $399 which is priced very low when compared to its predecessor Pixel 3 which cost $799. The Pixel phone will be offered by various carriers including T-Mobile, US Cellular Networks, and also Verizon.

Google now a serious competitor

Till now Google’s smartphones were not so popular in the market despite Google’s popularity. The sales of Pixels were very low when compared to Apple or Samsung mobiles for various reasons including lack of price options and advertising. But now with the competitive pricing of $399 it is now a serious competition to other mid-range smartphones including Samsung. There was never any doubt on which was the better phone in terms of its features and capabilities. The phone was way ahead in its camera and AI when compared to Samsung using the same Android OS, but the prices were prohibitive even for the high-end phone market. As Ben Wood, a market researcher puts it ‘Up until now, Pixel was more like a hobby than an actual business.’

Pixel 3 a specs

The Google 3a has the same functionality as that of its flagship Pixel 3 but is available at a more affordable cost.

Pixel 3a and 3a XL have a 5.6’ screen with a resolution of 1080*2610. The top bezel has an 8MP front camera and a fingerprint scanner at the back of the mobile.

The Pixel 3a has a great camera even though the lack of Visual Core feature promises some great pictures. The camera performance will remain the same with all the software the Pixel has including the Night Sight along with an upgraded Photobooth mode. Both 3a and 3a XL will have ‘duck face’ and ‘Time-lapse’ modes.

In the hardware department, the phone has a Snapdragon 670 SoCs processor with a 4GB RAM and comes with a 64GB or a 128 GB internal storage. It is expected to have a battery life of 30 hours and has a fast charging option. The OS will be Android 9 Pie, and the handsets will be available in three options Just black, Clearly White and Purple-ish.