Google just released a new Android beta for all of its currently supported Pixel devices, including a preview of the upcoming June Feature Drop. These devices unfortunately did not include the Pixel 3a series, which came as a surprise initially, but we now know why.

Google through its official Reddit handle revealed that it’s starting to beta test its Pixel Feature Drops, starting with the Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1 released on Wednesday (via Android Police). The update includes improvements to functionality and user experience as well as the latest bug fixes, optimizations, and the March 2022 security patches.

However, this update leaves the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL out. Google says that the duo will be updated to the official public March release SP2A.220305.012 instead. This means if you’re the owner of either of the two devices, then it’s officially the end of the road with beta updates.

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL debuted with Android 9 Pie, after all, and currently run Android 12, meaning they have (nearly?) completed their three-year update support. The devices have also been omitted from the Android 13 Developer Previews so they look to be joining the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, updates for which ceased last month.

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Earlier this year, Google launched its first comparatively budget smartphones under its Pixel series — Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL and it seems that the gamble of the search engine giant is paying off.

As per the earnings report for the second quarter of the year posted by Alphabet, the parent company of Google, the company reported about 40 percent increase year-on-year in the “Other Revenue” segment, which includes Google’s hardware business as well as cloud computing division.

During the earnings call, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that “with the launch of Pixel 3A in May, overall Pixel unit sales in Q2 grew more than two times year over year.” It’s noteworthy that Google has never revealed concrete Pixel sales numbers before, so we don’t exactly know how many more units this increase involves.

Also, the company doesn’t separate out its Other Revenues segment into different categories. So it can’t be said certainly that the 40 percent jump is mostly attributable to those extra Pixel sales but it’s fair to say that it likely contributed significantly.

Overall, Google’s parent company Alphabet posted its second-quarter earnings for 2019 beating Wall Street expectations with revenue of $38.9 billion and a profit of $9.9 billion. The profit dwarfs that of the second quarter of 2018 when Google had to dock its net income by a record $5 billion over the antitrust settlement.

Both the smartphones, Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL comes with an OLED display with Asahi’s Dragontrail glass protection. The devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

The smartphones feature a 12.2MP Sony IMX363 primary rear camera and an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera. All the camera features you love on the Pixel 3 such as Night Sight, Top Shot, HDR+, and Super Res Zoom are present on both devices.

The devices come with a 3.5mm audio jack, support for USB-C audio, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and Active Edge. The 3a has a 3000mAh battery while the 3a XL has a 3700mAh and both supports 18W fast charging.

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In the last years, innovation is not just a thing limited to flagship phones, but it also started regarding midrange smartphones. Recently, Samsung started testing a lot of its innovative features on midrange devices first: just look at the Galaxy A8s which was the first company’s device with a punch-hole display. Recently, the company even launched the Galaxy A80, its first smartphone with a rotating camera. A few weeks after, Google came up with its Pixel 3a series including the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL: the first midrange Pixels. Even Oppo launched a brand new line-up which includes Reno and Reno 10x zoom, and the former is an upper-midrange handset. Here, we will compare the three upper mid-rangers Galaxy A80, Oppo Reno and Google Pixel 3a XL as we loved their specs and performances, and we think they are among the best choices in the upper-midrange segment. But which one is the best? Let’s discover it together.

Samsung Galaxy A80 vs Oppo Reno vs Google Pixel 3a XL

Design

Both the Samsung Galaxy A80 and the Oppo Reno offer stunning and futuristic design. They feature a notch-less display with a very high screen-to-body ratio thanks to their pop-up and rotating cameras. My favorite one is the Oppo Reno because I like its glass back more. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy A80 seems to have a better build quality. In my opinion, Google Pixel 3a comes with a design which is far from being impressive due to its thick bezels around the display and a full plastic body. It even lacks an IP certification, unlike its older siblings from the Pixel 3 line-up.

Display

All of these phones feature very nice OLED displays with vivid colors and deep blacks. I liked very much the color accuracy of the Oppo Reno, but there is also to mention that Samsung Galaxy A80 has a bigger display size due to its taller 20:9 aspect ratio. As a multimedia lover, I would choose the Google Pixel 3a not only for the display but also because it is equipped with louder stereo speakers.

Specs & Software

If you are looking for the highest performances, then Samsung Galaxy A80 is the right choice for you. It comes with the most powerful midrange processor by Qualcomm: the octa-core Snapdragon 730 running at a max frequency of 2.2 GHz. And it only has a configuration with whopping 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. But you can not expand the storage. On the other hand, Google Pixel 3a XL has a stock operating system which will get updated faster and it will also be safer as it will get security patches more quickly. But in terms of performances, even the Oppo Reno is better due to its Snapdragon 710 chipset and up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

Camera

The most stunning camera belongs to the Google Pixel 3a XL, even though it is just a single rear camera. It is the same sensor as the vanilla Pixel 3 and it even works with the same algorithm. Its performances in low light conditions are amazing and it can shoot flagship class photos. At the second place, there is the Samsung Galaxy A80 which even includes an ultrawide sensor, as well as a 3D TOF camera. It is a rotating camera setup, so you can also use it for selfies.

Battery

Oppo Reno has a slightly bigger battery, but just slightly. Samsung Galaxy A80 and Pixel 3a XL have the same battery capacity. So we do not expect big differences in battery life. We still did not test it, but given the usual software optimization, Google Pixel 3a XL might last more on a single charge.

Price

Google Pixel 3a XL debuted with a €480/$540 price, Oppo Reno carries a €500/$562 price tag and Samsung Galaxy A80 costs €650/$730. Overall, I personally prefer the Galaxy A80 due to its better chipset and its amazing build quality, but the price would let me go for the Pixel 3a XL and its astonishing camera performances.

• Read More: Galaxy A80 powered by Snapdragon 730, scores over 200K points on AnTuTu

Samsung Galaxy A80 vs Oppo Reno vs Google Pixel 3a XL: PROs and CONS

Google Pixel 3a XL

PROs

• Amazing cameras
• Stereo speakers
• Updated OS
• Stock Android

CONS

• No micro SD
• Bezels and plastic body

Samsung Galaxy A80

PROs

• Innovative design
• Great cameras
• Nice display
• Better hardware
• Faster charging technology
• Under-display fingerprint reader

CONS

• Higher price

Oppo Reno

PROs

• Innovative design
• Nice cameras
• Affordable price
• Big battery
• Under-display fingerprint reader

CONS

• Nothing particular

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After much anticipation, Google finally launched its mid-range Pixel series smartphones at an event on 7th May — Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Now, both the smartphones are available for purchase.

The team at iFixit decided to teardown the phone to see how the device is manufactured. In the rapairability score, the Pixel 3a series scored 6 points out of 10, which means that it’s fairly easy to repair. For those not aware, 10 points mean the phone is easiest to repair.

Most of the smartphones getting launched nowadays are not easy to get reapird and it’s a welcome move from Google for the Pixel 3a series, which scored 6 points in terms of repairability. The teardown of the phone showed that most of the components are modular and can be easily replaced once you remove the display assembly.

However, the iFixit team says that the display has foam adhesive that makes the opening process not very involved. It also added that while the display does come off first, it’s quite thin and poorly supported.

Then comes the battery, which is secured using the stretch-release adhesive and is said to be very repair-friendly. The only screws inside the new Pixel smartphones are standard T3 Torx fasteners, so there’s need for any weird screwdrivers.

The report points out that the main issue is that there are myriad long and thin ribbon cables that are connecting the phone’s internal components, and these can be hard to work around without accidental tears.

Read More: Google confirms that it is working on foldable smartphone prototypes

It reveals that the display panel on the both the phones — Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL comes from Samsung. The flash storage and RAM come from Micron. The phones also come with Google’s Titan M security chip, as well as a modular USB-C port.

(Source)

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It is certainly beyond doubt at the moment that Google will soon launch the much-anticipated Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL at the organization’s 2019 I/O event holding on May 7. We’ve seen essentially everything there is about these new gadgets going from cases to pricing and as of late, observed the two models spring up on Geekbench itemizing the key specs.

Today, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL got their Bluetooth certifications as we inch nearer to the launch date. An aggregate of eight variations went through SIG – four for the Pixel 3a and another four for its bigger sibling the Pixel 3a XL. Alongside the model numbers, we likewise discovered that the two mobile phones will highlight Bluetooth 5.0 and will keep running on Android Pie from the go.

Read Also: Google Pixel 3a appears on GeekBench ahead of official launch

However, neither of those is news. Previous leaks showed the Pixel 3a will pack a 5.6-inch FHD+ screen combined with a mid-range Snapdragon 670 and 4GB RAM. The bigger Pixel 3a XL will feature a 6-inch FHD+ display with the slightly improved Snapdragon 710 chipset paired with 4GB RAM. Both phones will come with 64GB internal storage. The 3a packs an 8MP selfie camera and a solitary 12MP main sensor around the back. Regarding the estimated pricing, the 3a is said to go for $500/€450 while the 3a XL should start at $600/€530.The two phones will come in White, Black, and Purple with accents on the power buttons.

(source)

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Google is expected to finally unveil the much-talked-about Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL during its annual developer conference, I/O holding on May 7. As the date draws closer, it is just expected that more leaks will continue to emerge around the models. Recently, the press renders of the Pixel 3a adorning while and purple paint jobs were spotted online. No, the Pixel 3a has appeared on the database of Geekbench.

As usual, GeekBench listing reveals just scanty details of the listed model. However, the leaked specs confirm some of the rumoured details we had seen in the past. The device is listed to be powered by a Qualcomm processor but the motherboard isn’t listed. However, turning to previous rumours, the Pixel 3a XL will pack a Snapdragon 710 chipset so the Pixel 3a will likely have a lesser SoC. There are speculation of a Snapdragon 670 chipset onboard. The  device will also come with a 4GB RAM variant. Further, it runs on Android 9.0 Pie which isn’t much of a surprise inclusion.

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According to a past leak that originated from Google itself, the Pixel 3a’s screen resolution will be 1080×2220 pixels and it will have a display size of around 5.6″. We’ll get the full details in a week’s time.

(via)

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The Google Pixel 3a is expected to launch in May at the Google IO 2019 developer conference. The less powerful edition of the latest Pixel series – Google Pixel 3a leaks in a new high-resolution render adding more fuel to the rumor fire. The up-close look of the Pixel 3a is leaked by a reliable tipster, Evan Blass.

Unlike narrow bezels on smartphones nowadays, the Pixel 3a is carrying big bezels with rounded corners. The earpiece is clearly visible on the top along with a front camera. As expected, a single camera with dual LED flash and a fingerprint sensor embeds on its rear side. Inside, the phone is running vanilla Android with a clean and minimalistic look, depicting rounded icons and a Google search bar.

The Pixel 3a look resembles Pixel 3 look as revealed in multiple old leaks and rumors.

Being Google devices, the whole Pixel series is known for software optimization. Google introduced various software-based advancements in Pixel 3 to improve its overall performance.

Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL expected Specs

According to past leaks, Google will announce Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL next month at Google IO 2019 conference. Google Pixel 3a is expected to feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 SoC coupled with 4GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. As always, there would be no expandable storage support. A 2000mAh battery with 18 Watt fast charging technology will power the device. Whereas, the Pixel 3a XL will come with a 3000 mAh battery and a 6-inch OLED display.

Both the devices will feature Active Edge – squeeze to activate Google Assistant feature, eSIM support, and a Titan M security chip.

• Read More: Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL render leaks ahead of launch next month

The device is already certified by Singapore’s IMDA, and several other agencies globally. The Pixel 3a will reportedly sell for about €450 while Pixel 3 XL will bear expensive price tag.

(source)

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Google is all set to launch its all-new mid-range smartphones — Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL next month. The company recently shared a teaser online which says that something new is coming on May 7th.

As the teaser was for the hardware store, it’s pretty clear that the company is hinting about the launch of its much-awaited Pixel-series mid-range smartphones. Now, ahead of the launch of these smartphones, renders of both the devices — Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have surfaced online.

The render shows that the device will come with large bezels surrounding the display. The display doesn’t feature any kind of notch. Also, the devices will come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is placed on top of the phone.

In terms of design, both smartphones — Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are almost similar. They both also seem to contain the same-sized bottom bezel (chin), which houses a single speaker.

As per the previous leaks, the Google Pixel 3a will be coming with a 5.6-inch display having 2220 x 1080 pixels screen resolution while the Google Pixel 3a XL will feature a 6-inch display with 2160 x 1080 pixels screen resolution.

Both the smartphones are expected to come packed with 4 GB of RAM — same as the standard Pixel 3 series phones, and will come with 64 GB of internal storage. The Pixel 3a is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 670 SoC, the XL variant is expected to have Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset.

Reports indicate that the mid-range devices will also come with the same 12.2 MP dual-pixel rear camera found on the premium Pixel 3 lineup. The overall camera experience is likely to be what Google mostly focuses on its smartphones.

Read More: Google and Huawei agrees to pay up to $400 in settlement to the owners of faulty Nexus 6P

With multiple leaks of both the devices revealing design, specifications, and features, the only thing left to know about the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL is the pricing and availability details. And it seems that we’ll come to know that on 7th May.

(Source)

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