Google is expected to announce the Pixel 3a and 3a XL at the beginning of May. The two devices have been rumoured for several months, previously known as the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL, but how will they compare to each other?
We’ve put the rumoured specifications for the Pixel 3a up against the Pixel 3a XL to see how they differ and what might be the same.
What will be the same?
- Design
- Polycarbonate body
- Camera capabilities
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- RAM
The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are both expected to come with Active Edge squeezable sides like the current Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Rumours suggest the two devices will also have a colourful power button, a two tone rear and a single rear camera lens.
Both are reported to be coming with a 3.5mm headphone jack, 4GB of RAM and it is claimed both the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will have polycarbonate bodies rather than glass like the Pixel 3 and 3 XL.
They are also expected to come with the same cameras, with a 12.2-megapixel rear snapper and 8-megapixel front snappers, and they will both run on Android Pie.
What will be different between the Pixel 3a and 3a XL?
Despite rumours suggesting the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will be similar in appearance, there are several differences reported between the two devices.
Size
- Pixel 3a: 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm
- Pixel 3a XL: 160 x 76.1 x 8.2mm
The Pixel 3a is reported to measure 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm, while the Pixel 3a XL is reported to measure 160 x 76.1 x 8.2mm. Given the names though, it is unsurprising the Pixel 3a XL is expected to be larger.
Display
- Pixel 3a: 5.56-inch, Full HD+, 18:9
- Pixel 3a XL: 6-inch, Full HD+, 18:9
The Pixel 3a is reported to come with a 5.56-inch display, while the Pixel 3a XL is expected to have a larger 6-inch display. Images suggest both devices will feature bezels at the top and bottom of the display, delivering an 18:9 aspect ratio.
Both are said to be Full HD+ resolutions, which means the Pixel 3a will have a slightly sharper screen overall.
Processor
- Pixel 3a: Qualcomm SD670, 4GB RAM
- Pixel 3a XL: Qualcomm SD710, 4GB RAM
The Pixel 3a is rumoured to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 under its hood, while the Pixel 3a XL is said to have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710, which should make the larger device a little more capable.
Battery
- Pixel 3a: 3000mAh battery
- Pixel 3a XL: 3700mAh battery
The Pixel 3a is said to be coming with a 3000mAh battery capacity, while the Pixel 3a XL is reported to have a 3700mAh battery capacity.
Price
- Pixel 3a: $400-$500 expected
- Pixel 3a XL: $500+ expected
Prices have not yet been revealed but the Pixel 3a is likely to be cheaper than the Pixel 3a XL. The smaller model is reported to cost between $400 and $500, so expect the Pixel 3a XL to sit above $500 if this pricing is accurate.
Conclusion
Based on the rumours, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will be similar in terms of design, aside from their physical size, and they will both offer the same pure Android software experience, as the current Pixel 3 and 3 XL.
They will no doubt differ in terms of price, along with display size, and the Pixel 3a XL will likely have a more powerful processor and a larger battery capacity. Otherwise though, the two devices should deliver many of the same features based on the rumours, including RAM and camera capabilities.
We expect to find out more on 7 May when Google I/O kicks off but you can read our Pixel 3a and 3a XL rumour round up for all the latest details.
