Google has announced the Google Pixel 3A, a budget version of its Pixel product family. Pitched at price sensitive markets, it promises to be a solid seller. Here are the specs and how it compares to its big brother, the Pixel 3.
The Specs
Google Pixel 3
Google Pixel 3A
Dimensions
Height: 145.6mm, Width: 68.2mm, Depth: 7.9mm, Weight: 148g
Height: 151.3, Width: 70.1, Depth: 8.2 mm, Weight: 147g
CPU
Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 SoC
Memory
64/128 GB, 4 GB RAM
64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Display
5.5 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, ~443 ppi density
5.6-inches, 2220×1080 at 440dpi resolution
Operating System
Android 9.0 (Pie)
Cameras
Rear: 12.2 MP, Front: dual 8 MP (wide) + 8 MP (ultrawide)
Rear: 12.2 MP, Front: dual 8 MP (wide)
Communications
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5, Satnav (GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO), NFC, USB 3 (Type C)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5, Satnav (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO), NFC, USB 3 (Type C)
Sensors
Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, active edge
Battery
Non-removable Li-Po 2915 mAh battery
Non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery
There are two colour choices; Just Black and Clearly White.
There's also a Google Pixel 3 Xl which has similar specs but has a larger, 6-inch, display running at 2160 x 1080 and 402ppi and a larger, 3700mAh battery. It's also longer, wider and heavier at 160.1mm x 76.1mm x 8.2mm and 167g
What's that all mean
The spec sheet only tells part of the story. The glass backs have been replaced by plastic, indicating a less expensive build. But you get a headphone jack so it's not all downside. There's no wireless charging either but USB-C fast charging is there so you can get enough juice to keep you going for seven hours in about 15 minutes.
The cameras are also excellent according to early reviews although the front camera doesn't have a depth sensor.
In short, Google has kept most of what makes the Pixel 3 a great phone and stripped away some of the bells and whistles. That's enabled it to pull the price back to $649 which makes it a little cheaper than the US price of US$399 once you factor in sales tax in the US or remove the GST on the Aussie price. The Pixel 3A XL costs $799.
They can be purchased direct from Google with free delivery.
Originally published in Lifehacker Australia on 8 May 2019: https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/05/specs-showdown-google-pixel-3a-vs-google-pixel-3/