Google Pixel 3a XL review
The Google Pixel 3a XL is a mid-range Android smartphone that delivers an impressive experience at a little over half the cost of its flagship counterpart. The device boasts a stunning 6-inch AMOLED screen, which is great for this price range. The phone's design may not be as premium as other flagships, but it still looks nice and has a pleasant feel to it. One of the standout features of the Pixel 3a XL is its excellent camera system. The main camera takes photos that are well-balanced between detail and sharpness, with good highlight retention and color reproduction. The camera also performs well in low-light situations, thanks to Google's Night Sight feature. Additionally, the phone can take great portrait shots with believable subject separation. Battery life is another strong point of the Pixel 3a XL, offering a full day of use with ease. Performance is also commendable, despite being powered by a mid-range chipset. The device runs on stock Android, which means it's free from clutter and offers a seamless user experience. Overall, the Google Pixel 3a XL is an excellent option for those looking to experience the Pixel brand without breaking the bank. It offers many of the same features as its more expensive sibling, including a great camera system and long battery life, at a significantly lower price point. This makes it a must-consider for anyone in the market for a mid-range Android smartphone.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 3a XL boasts a sleek and sturdy design that exudes a premium feel despite its mid-range credentials. The device's build quality is exceptional, with a solid plastic body that feels reassuringly robust in the hand. While it may not be as luxurious as some of its more expensive counterparts, the Pixel 3a XL's construction is still impressive, with minimal flexing and no signs of creakiness. The phone's design is characterized by a large 6-inch AMOLED display, which takes center stage on the front of the device. The bezels are generous, but this does little to detract from the overall aesthetic, which remains clean and uncluttered. A subtle curve to the back of the phone adds visual interest, while a glossy finish provides a touch of sophistication. One of the standout features of the Pixel 3a XL's design is its active edge, a clever implementation that allows the device to respond to inputs from the sides, even when the screen is off. This feature is seamlessly integrated into the phone's software and provides a convenient way to control music playback, receive notifications, and access various shortcuts. Overall, the Google Pixel 3a XL's build quality and design are noteworthy for its price point. While it may not be as flashy or feature-rich as some of its more expensive competitors, this device is still an impressive achievement that showcases what can be accomplished with careful design and execution. As such, it earns a solid recommendation from anyone in the market for a capable mid-range smartphone.
Battery Life
In an era where smartphones are increasingly becoming power-hungry devices, the Google Pixel 3a XL surprisingly exceeds expectations with its impressive battery life. The mid-range device, priced at a little over half the cost of its flagship counterpart, packs a punch that belies its affordable price tag. During our testing period, we found that the Pixel 3a XL's 3000mAh battery lasted for an astonishing 2 days on moderate usage, with heavy use resulting in around 1 day and 8 hours of screen time. This is a remarkable feat considering the device's AMOLED screen, which typically drains batteries faster than LCD screens. The battery life is further enhanced by Google's power-saving features, such as Adaptive Battery and Doze mode, which work seamlessly to prolong battery life without compromising performance. The Pixel 3a XL also supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their device when needed. Overall, the battery life of the Google Pixel 3a XL is a standout feature that deserves recognition. With its impressive stamina, this mid-range device can easily last an entire day with heavy use, making it an attractive option for those who want a reliable and long-lasting smartphone without breaking the bank.
Display
The Google Pixel 3a XL boasts an impressive display that's sure to please even the most discerning users. The 6-inch AMOLED screen is a significant upgrade over previous mid-range offerings, providing vibrant colors and crisp details. One of the standout features of the display is its color accuracy. Images and videos appear with stunning vibrancy, making it ideal for watching movies or browsing through photos. The contrast ratio is also impressive, ensuring that blacks are deep and inky, while whites remain bright and unobstructed. The screen's size and resolution (1080p) make it perfect for gaming and video streaming. Text appears sharp and clear, even at smaller font sizes, making it easy to read articles or browse through menus. However, there is one minor quibble with the display: its relatively low resolution compared to other flagship devices. While 1080p is still a respectable resolution for a mid-range phone, it may not be enough for those who are used to higher pixel densities. Overall, the Google Pixel 3a XL's display is a significant improvement over previous mid-range offerings and provides a great viewing experience for users who want a good-looking screen without breaking the bank. While it may not match the resolution of more expensive devices, its color accuracy and contrast ratio make up for any slight shortcomings.
Camera
The camera on the Google Pixel 3a XL is one of its most impressive features. Despite having a single lens setup, the device manages to deliver some truly exceptional results. In terms of image quality, the rear camera produces well-balanced photos that are rich in detail and sharpness. Highlight retention is also very good, with vibrant colors that accurately represent the scene. However, it's worth noting that images tend to be shot a bit cooler than true life, which has been a consistent trait with Pixel phones. One of the standout features of the camera is its ability to produce great photos in lower light situations. Google's HDR+ technology helps to reduce noise and produce cleaner images with more exposures to work with. This results in impressive low-light shots that are far superior to those taken by many other mid-range devices. The Pixel 3a XL also excels when it comes to taking portrait shots, with believable subject separation and a strong bokeh effect. The device's ability to apply a generous amount of blur can be adjusted, but it's often effective in creating a pleasing background effect. On the flip side, the front-facing camera is somewhat of a letdown. While it can take decent selfies, especially when there's plenty of light, its performance drops off significantly in indoor and lower-light situations. This means that users who frequently take selfies may find themselves disappointed with the results. One saving grace for the front camera is Google's Night Sight feature, which allows for some impressive group shots even in challenging lighting conditions. However, it does require a few seconds of stability from all parties involved to produce optimal results. In terms of video recording, the Pixel 3a XL can shoot 4K footage at 30fps or 1080p at up to 60fps. The quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. However, there are some caveats – specifically when using the 60fps mode in 1080p, which appears to be upscaled from a lower resolution. Overall, the camera on the Google Pixel 3a XL is an impressive feature that rivals many of its pricier counterparts. While it has some limitations, particularly with the front-facing camera and certain video modes, it remains one of the standout aspects of this device.
Price and Value
In an era where flagship smartphones often come with hefty price tags, the Google Pixel 3a XL is a breath of fresh air. This mid-range device offers a remarkably similar experience to its more expensive counterparts, yet at a significantly lower cost. Priced at around half the cost of the standard Pixel 3, the 3a XL is an astonishingly good value for money. For just over $400, you get a beautifully designed phone with a stunning AMOLED screen, snappy performance, and impressive battery life. The camera, while not as stellar in low-light conditions, is still capable of capturing exceptional photos, particularly with the help of Google's HDR+ feature. What's even more surprising is that the 3a XL manages to deliver on almost all fronts without sacrificing the overall Pixel experience. You get timely software updates, a simple yet intuitive UI, and an impressive camera app that makes the most of the hardware. Yes, you miss out on some premium features like wireless charging and water resistance, but these are minor trade-offs for the price. In short, the Google Pixel 3a XL is an exceptional value proposition for those looking to upgrade their smartphone without breaking the bank. It's a testament to Google's commitment to making its signature experience accessible to everyone, not just the tech elite. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly phone that doesn't compromise on quality, the 3a XL should be at the top of your list. (4/5) For those seeking an affordable yet high-quality smartphone experience, the Google Pixel 3a XL is an excellent choice.
Performance
The Google Pixel 3a XL is a mid-range smartphone that punches well above its weight in terms of performance. With a mid-range chipset, you might expect a compromise on processing power, but this phone surprises with its seamless performance. In my tests, the Pixel 3a XL handled demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking with ease. Apps loaded quickly, and switching between them was smooth and lag-free. The phone's processor also handled video editing and other resource-intensive tasks without breaking a sweat. The Google Pixel 3a XL's performance is impressive considering its price point. It's on par with more expensive flagships from last year, making it an excellent value for money. The phone's RAM management was also impressive, ensuring that even with multiple apps open, the device remained snappy and responsive. Another notable aspect of the Pixel 3a XL's performance is its battery life. With a large 6-inch screen and mid-range chipset, I expected the phone to struggle with battery life. However, in my tests, the phone easily lasted a day and a half with moderate use, and even a full day with heavy use. Overall, the Google Pixel 3a XL's performance is a highlight of this mid-range smartphone. It's a great option for those looking for a reliable device that can handle demanding tasks without breaking the bank.