Google recently unveiled the affordable Pixel smartphone series – Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL at the Google I/O 2019 developer conference. Both the devices feature mid-range specifications like Snapdragon 670 processor, 6GB RAM, and 64GB internal storage. Despite these specifications, the Pixel 3a carries a feature which Pixel 3 does not have, and that is the 3.5 mm audio jack.

In an interview, Google product manager Soniya Jobanputra explained different changes in the Pixel 3a series. Similarly, she described the existence of headphone jack on the Pixel 3a series and said, “We debated on this headphone jack, but we really felt that consumers at this price point, in this price tier, really needed flexibility and that’s what that headphone jack gives you.”

In other words, it appears some officials at the Google premises believe that the customers of Pixel 3a series can’t afford Bluetooth headphones. A 3.5mm jack allows users to leverage existing headphones without the need for USB-C adapter.

However, Google will keep facilitating the standard Pixel devices with the digital audio as it is the “the ultimate way to consume your audio.”

• Read More: Google Pixel 3a teardown shows that the phone is easier to repair

Google suspended the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL from the official Android Q beta support. The reason behind it is unknown, but the devices will remain on the March Security update until next month. The formal OTA upgrade is suspended until June, whereas users can still sideload the OTA image from the Android Developers page. Despite being not eligible, some Pixel 3a users successfully managed to sign-up for the Android Beta program.

(via 1, 2)

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Google is preparing to launch new mid-range smartphones – Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL. Already plenty of rumours and leaks have revealed a lot about both the devices. Recently, Google Senior Vice President of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer showed off a few photos from an “unreleased phone” on Twitter.

He claims to have used the phone to snap some pictures of Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard office from the 60s. Further, it’s being speculated that the “unreleased phone” would be the upcoming mid-ranger Pixel 3a. However, he didn’t share the photos due to obvious reasons.

I got to see Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard's office from the 60s yesterday, it was super cool! But…

I took pictures with an unreleased phone so I probably shouldn't share them here.

The offices looked like this https://t.co/fPE7um3gyv

— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) March 30, 2019

We expect the company to launch new smartphones at the upcoming Google IO 2019 conference scheduled from May 7 to May 9 in Mountain View, California.

An affordable version of the Pixel 3 series – Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will launch without any notch. Unlike the metal and glass material on Pixel 3 models, the Pixel 3a series is said to debut with polycarbonate plastic. Moreover, a lower-quality display and a slower processor will find its way on the Pixel 3a series.

Further, it is speculated to come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Whereas its elder sibling Pixel 3a XL is rumored to debut with Snapdragon 710 processor. There will be a 5.6 inch OLED display with full HD+ resolution on Pixel 3a, while the Pixel 3a XL will feature a 6-inch display with the resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels. Both the devices will sport a single 12-megapixel sensor on the rear side and an 8 MP camera on the front side.

• Read More: New Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL details: Storage, Colors and Price

The new devices won’t be dust or water-resistant but allege to include a 3.5 mm headset jack. The Pixel 3a could be sold for $450 whereas the Pixel 3a XL may be priced at $550.

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