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Google Pixel 3a XL: Pros and Cons

Android OS v9.0 (Pie)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
Adreno 616
4 GB / 64 GB
6 inch (1080 x 2160 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Google announced the launch of the Pixel 3a XL smartphone in 2019. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Pixel 3a XL comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) pre-installed. This phone uses a high resolution 1080 x 2160 px, 6 inch IPS display. This phone has only one rear-camera (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Google Pixel 3a XL smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Google Pixel 3a XL / 1

Google Pixel 3a XL specifications

BrandGoogle
NamePixel 3a XL
ModelPIXEL3AXL
Release date2019

Weight, dimensions, colors

Colorsblack, purple, white
SIM typeNano SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v9.0 (Pie)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 710
GPUAdreno 616

The Google Pixel 3a XL comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6 inch
Resolution1080 x 2160 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Google Pixel 3a XL comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Google Pixel 3a XL (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Pixel 3a XL offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The Google Pixel 3a XL supports 4G/LTE networks. The Pixel 3a XL supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Pixel 3a XL smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Pixel 3a XL has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3700 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3700 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Pixel 3a XL does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsFast charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Pixel 3a XL smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Google phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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