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Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL: notch a lot of differences, but just enough
We’ve known about the Google Pixel 3a XL for a while now, but it’s now official. The new mid-range Pixel 3a XL has a lot in common with its older flagship brother, though there are a few key differences that allow it to be priced much more aggressively.
We already talked about how the Pixel 3a compares to the Pixel 3, now let’s take a look how the Google Pixel 3a XL and Google Pixel 3 XL compare.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL: Design, display, and hardware
The Pixel 3a XL and 3 XL have nearly identical designs on the rear, though the Pixel 3a trades the glass design of the Pixel 3 for polycarbonate (aka plastic). This material swap means the Pixel 3a won’t feel quite as premium but it still looks great and actually is likely to be more durable as a result of the design change. Both phones pack the same squeezy Active Edge feature, too.
The frontside is where the biggest design changes are apparent. The Pixel 3a XL has a 6-inch OLED display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and no notch, while the Pixel 3 XL has a larger 18:9 6.3-inch OLED panel with a large notch on top. Those who hated the notch might actually find the Pixel 3a XL’s smaller screen a worthwhile exchange. Both displays have Full HD+ resolution support and both have always-on displays.
Both the Pixel 3s XL and the Pixel 3 XL have 4GB of RAM, but the Pixel 3a XL switches to a more mid-range Snapdragon 670, vs the Snapdragon 845 found in the Pixel 3. While the 670 should be enough for most users, it’s worth noting 4GB of RAM could end up being the bigger bottleneck. Due to the lower than standard RAM levels, the Pixel 3 had task management issues at times. Hopefully, the Pixel 3a XL doesn’t run into the same issues.
Both phones have a base of 64GB of storage and no microSD card slot, though the Pixel 3 XL is also offered in a 128GB model. As for overall size, the Pixel 3a XL is a bit thicker than the Pixel 3 XL, allowing for more battery space. The 3a XL has a 3,700mAh cell while the Pixel 3 XL has a 3,430mAh cell.
As for the “extras,” the Pixel 3a XL doesn’t have wireless charging capabilities despite its plastic design, and it does not have an IP rating. The pricier Pixel 3 XL has support for Qi wireless charging and an IP68 water resistance rating. The 3a XL does have a headphone jack though, which we’re really happy to see make its return.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL: Cameras
The star of the Pixel 3a XL experience is the rear camera, which is identical to the Pixel 3 XL’s 12.2MP rear camera sensor. Other key features include an f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, OIS, EIS, and a 76-degree field-of-view.
The Pixel 3 XL does offer more around front. It has two 8MP front sensors: one standard lens with a 75-degree field-of-view and an f/1.8 aperture autofocus lens, and one wide-angle sensor with a 97-degree field-of-view and an f/2.2 aperture fixed-focus lens. The Pixel 3a XL has just one 8MP fixed-focus front sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an 84-degree field of view. So, you won’t be able to squeeze as many people into your selfies as you would with the Pixel 3 XL.
One of the best parts about the Pixel series is that Google has historically given free original-quality Google Photos storage away with its devices. This remains true for the Pixel, Pixel 2, and Pixel 3. Unfortunately the Pixel 3a XL doesn’t offer this perk. That means photos uploaded to Google Photos on the free tier will be capped at 1080p.
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL specs:
| Google Pixel 3a XL | Google Pixel 3 XL specs | |
|---|---|---|
Display | Google Pixel 3a XL 6-inch gOLED 2,160 x 1,080 resolution 402ppi 18:9 aspect ratio Dragon Trail | Google Pixel 3 XL specs 6.3-inch flexible OLED 2,960 x 1,440 resolution 523ppi 18.5:9 screen ratio Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor | Google Pixel 3a XL Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
GPU | Google Pixel 3a XL Adreno 615 | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Adreno 630 |
RAM | Google Pixel 3a XL 4GB | Google Pixel 3 XL specs 4GB |
Storage | Google Pixel 3a XL 64GB No microSD slot | Google Pixel 3 XL specs 64GB, 128GB No microSD slot |
Cameras | Google Pixel 3a XL Rear: 12.2MP f/1.8 sensor, 1.4 micron pixels, OIS and EIS, spectral and flicker sensor Front: 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 84-degree field-of-view | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Rear: 12.2MP f/1.8 sensor, 1.4 micron pixels, OIS and EIS, spectral and flicker sensor Front: Main: 8MP standard angle (75 degree FOV) f/1.8 auto-focus sensor Secondary: 8MP wide-angle (97 degree FOV) f/2.2 fixed-focus sensor |
Headphone jack | Google Pixel 3a XL Yes | Google Pixel 3 XL specs No |
Battery | Google Pixel 3a XL 3,700mAh | Google Pixel 3 XL specs 3,430mAh Wireless charging |
IP rating | Google Pixel 3a XL No IP rating | Google Pixel 3 XL specs IP68 |
Other features | Google Pixel 3a XL Dual front-facing speakers, Active Edge, USB Type-C, single nano-SIM | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Dual front-facing speakers, Active Edge, USB Type-C, single nano-SIM |
Connectivity | Google Pixel 3a XL | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Wi-Fi 2.4GHz + 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
Network | Google Pixel 3a XL | Google Pixel 3 XL specs World-wide network/carrier compatibility with: GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10 WCDMA: W1/W2 FDD-LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25/ 26/28/29/32/66/71 Supports up to CAT 16 (1Gbps DL / 75Mbps UL), 5x DL CA, 4x4 MIMO, LAA, 256-QAM DL and 64-QAM UL depending on carrier support eSIM (Select markets. See your carrier for details) FeliCa (Japan only) |
Software version | Google Pixel 3a XL Android 9 Pie | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Android 9 Pie |
Colors | Google Pixel 3a XL Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink |
Dimensions and weight | Google Pixel 3a XL 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2mm 167g | Google Pixel 3 XL specs 158.0 x 76.7 x 7.9mm 184g |
In the box | Google Pixel 3a XL | Google Pixel 3 XL specs Quick Switch Adapter USB-C to USB-C cable USB-C 18W Power adapter Pixel USB-C earbuds USB-C digital to 3.5 mm headphone adapter SIM tool Quick Start Guide |
Google Pixel 3a XL vs Pixel 3 XL: Price
The price is clearly the biggest selling point for the Pixel 3a XL. While the Pixel 3 XL is offered for a steep $899 (on sale now for $799), the Pixel 3a XL goes for just $479. That’s not a bad price at all, considering the fact that you’re getting a similarly great overall experience.
Of course, there are a lot of other phones on the market from brands including OnePlus and Xiaomi that offer better performance for a similar price tag, which might make the Pixel 3a XL a bit harder of a sell. Ultimately the biggest draws for the Pixel 3A XL are the promise of fast Android updates and the fact it offers one of the best mobile cameras money can buy.
Thoughts? Obviously, the Pixel 3 XL is the better phone overall, but would you pick up a Pixel 3a XL if you were in the market for a ~$500 smartphone? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out our other Pixel 3a XL coverage below.