The Google Pixel 3a XL, released in 2019, was a mid-range smartphone that impressed many due to its solid features and affordable pricing. Positioned as a budget-friendly version of the flagship Pixel series, the Pixel 3a XL brought the best parts of the Pixel 3 lineup (like the camera) to a wider audience, all while maintaining a more accessible price tag. Here’s a detailed review on its design, performance, camera, software, battery life, and more:
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 3a XL follows a very simple design aesthetic. The phone comes with a plastic body, which might feel less premium compared to the glass and metal construction of flagship devices. However, this also makes the phone lighter and less prone to shattering if dropped. The back features a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the distinct two-tone design is retained from the original Pixel 3 lineup.
The 6-inch OLED display is large enough for immersive content consumption but not too large for one-handed use. The bezels on the top and bottom are more pronounced compared to modern flagships, which makes the phone feel a bit older when held next to newer models, but it does add some symmetry. The front-facing speakers provide a good audio experience.
Display
The Pixel 3a XL sports a 6-inch Full HD+ OLED display, which is a highlight of the phone. The colors are vibrant and the blacks are deep, thanks to the OLED panel. The 18:9 aspect ratio makes it a good size for watching videos, reading, and general use. While it’s not the sharpest screen in its price range, it does offer excellent color accuracy and is perfectly fine for day-to-day tasks. The display also gets bright enough for use outdoors, though it might not compete with high-end devices in terms of brightness levels.
Performance
Under the hood, the Pixel 3a XL is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While this might seem modest compared to the powerhouses of the industry, it provides a smooth user experience for most day-to-day activities like web browsing, social media, and streaming. You may experience some slowdowns when using more demanding apps or games, but for casual users, this chip is more than enough.
Additionally, the Pixel 3a XL comes with stock Android, which ensures that the performance is optimized and free from any bloatware or heavy UI customizations. The phone runs the latest Android updates promptly, which is one of the big advantages of having a Pixel device. Google’s clean software experience makes the phone feel responsive and fast.
Camera
One of the most significant selling points of the Pixel 3a XL is its camera. While it doesn’t have the multiple-camera setup of higher-end phones, the single 12.2 MP rear camera, paired with Google’s computational photography, results in some of the best photos you can get on a smartphone in this price range.
The camera excels in low-light photography, thanks to features like Night Sight, which allows for well-lit photos even in near-total darkness. The HDR+ technology also works wonders to create detailed and vibrant shots in well-lit conditions. The software-based zoom isn’t as good as optical zoom on more premium devices, but for the most part, the camera delivers excellent, sharp, and true-to-life images.
The front-facing 8MP camera provides decent selfies, with Portrait Mode offering background blur for a more professional-looking image. Video recording is also impressive, with 1080p video at 30fps and solid stabilization.
Battery Life
The Pixel 3a XL is equipped with a 3700mAh battery, which is quite good considering its size and power efficiency. During real-world usage, the device can last through an entire day of moderate use, including social media, browsing, and occasional video streaming. In general, you’ll get about 5-6 hours of screen-on time, which is quite decent for a phone with a mid-tier chipset and OLED screen.
The phone also supports 18W fast charging, so it can quickly charge up in a pinch, though wireless charging is not supported.
Software and Features
One of the best parts of owning a Pixel device is the software experience. The Pixel 3a XL runs a near-stock version of Android, and Google delivers regular security updates and OS upgrades. The phone received three years of major software updates, meaning it will remain up-to-date longer than most competitors in the same price bracket. Features like Google Assistant and Google Lens are fully integrated, and the overall Android experience feels streamlined and easy to use.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 3a XL is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who want flagship-quality camera performance and a pure Android experience without breaking the bank. The phone’s camera is still one of its biggest highlights, offering excellent low-light performance, sharp images, and vibrant colors. While the design and performance may not be groundbreaking, the clean software, regular updates, and overall user experience make it an excellent value in the mid-range category.
If you’re someone who prioritizes photography, smooth software, and long-term support, the Pixel 3a XL remains a great option despite its age. However, with newer devices on the market, potential buyers may want to consider more recent alternatives like the Pixel 5a or the Pixel 6a, which bring additional features, improved performance, and longer support for similar pricing.
Pros:
- Excellent camera quality, especially in low light
- Stock Android experience with regular updates
- Great OLED display
- Affordable price point for the features offered
Cons:
- Plastic build, not as premium-feeling as other devices
- Performance may lag with demanding apps or games
- No wireless charging
- Bezels are noticeably larger compared to modern devices
