Google Pixel 3a XL: Pros and Cons
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
- Google Pixel 3a XL specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
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 specifications
Brand | |
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Name | Pixel 3a XL |
Model | PIXEL3AXL |
Release date | 2019 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Colors | black, purple, white |
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SIM type | Nano SIM |
Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v9.0 (Pie) |
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SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 |
GPU | Adreno 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 type | IPS |
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Screen size | 6 inch |
Resolution | 1080 x 2160 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
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
RAM | 4 GB |
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Internal storage | 64 GB |
Memory card slot | no |
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 camera | 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization |
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Flash | Dual LED |
Selfie camera | 8 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 bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | v5.0, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
NFC | no |
FM radio | no |
USB | USB Type-C |
Headphone | 3.5 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
Type | Li-Ion 3700 mAh, non-removable |
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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
Sensors | accelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity |
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Specials | Fast 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
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.