Pixel 3 Xl vs Pixel 3a Xl: Which Google Phone Wins?
Struggling to choose between Google’s flagship and its more affordable sibling? You’re not alone. The Google Pixel 3 XL and the Pixel 3a XL both offer a pure Android experience and excellent camera performance, but they cater to different budgets and priorities.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between these two smartphones, helping you decide which one best suits your needs. We’ll explore everything from display quality and processing power to camera capabilities and battery life.
Whether you’re after the premium features of the Pixel 3 XL or the value-packed Pixel 3a XL, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Get ready to uncover the ultimate winner in the Pixel 3 XL vs Pixel 3a XL showdown and find your perfect Google phone.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 3 XL | Pixel 3a XL |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 670 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP + 8MP (ultrawide) | 8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Battery | 3430 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 3 Xl: 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. Offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. However, the notch design can be a polarizing aesthetic choice.
- Pixel 3a Xl: 6.0-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. Provides a sharp and clear viewing experience, though it’s not quite as vibrant as the 3 XL. The screen is flat, which some users prefer.
- Winner: Pixel 3 XL
Processor & Performance
- Pixel 3 Xl: Powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor and 4GB of RAM. Delivers smooth and responsive performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Cons: Can feel dated compared to newer flagships.
- Pixel 3a Xl: Equipped with a Snapdragon 670 processor and 4GB of RAM. Offers respectable performance for everyday use and multitasking but may show some lag with intensive apps or games.
- Winner: Pixel 3 XL
Camera
- Pixel 3 Xl: Features a 12.2MP rear camera with exceptional image quality, particularly in low light, thanks to Google’s advanced image processing. Offers great dynamic range and detail.
- Pixel 3a Xl: Also boasts a 12.2MP rear camera with Google’s excellent image processing, providing similar fantastic results to the 3 XL, though with slightly slower processing.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality & Design
- Pixel 3 Xl: Features a premium glass back and an aluminum frame, providing a sleek and high-end feel. The design can be considered dated.
- Pixel 3a Xl: Constructed with a polycarbonate unibody, offering a more durable but less premium feel. The design is less flashy.
- Winner: Pixel 3 XL
Battery Life
- Pixel 3 Xl: 3430mAh battery that provides all-day battery life for most users. Performance can vary depending on usage.
- Pixel 3a Xl: 3700mAh battery offering excellent battery life, often lasting well into a second day.
- Winner: Pixel 3a XL
Water Resistance
- Pixel 3 Xl: IP68 water resistance, providing protection against water and dust.
- Pixel 3a Xl: No official water resistance rating.
- Winner: Pixel 3 XL
Storage
- Pixel 3 Xl: Available in 64GB or 128GB storage options. No microSD card slot.
- Pixel 3a Xl: Available in 64GB storage option. Includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Winner: Pixel 3a XL
Price
- Pixel 3 Xl: Originally launched at a higher price point, now available at a reduced price.
- Pixel 3a Xl: Released at a significantly lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: Pixel 3a XL
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 3 XL |
| Display Quality | Pixel 3 XL |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Pixel 3a XL |
| Value | Pixel 3a XL |
| Design | Pixel 3 XL |
| Water Resistance | Pixel 3 XL |
What They Have in Common
- Camera Quality: Both phones share the same excellent 12.2MP main camera sensor, delivering outstanding image quality with Google’s exceptional image processing. Both phones offer similar photo and video capabilities.
- Software Experience: Both phones run on stock Android with timely updates and a clean, user-friendly interface. You’ll get the same software features and updates.
- Night Sight: Both devices offer the impressive Night Sight feature, allowing you to capture stunning photos in low-light conditions.
- Unlimited Google Photos Storage: Both phones offer unlimited, high-quality photo storage on Google Photos.
- Google Assistant Integration: Both phones have deep integration with Google Assistant, offering voice control and smart features.
Pixel 3 XL Vs Pixel 3A XL Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Pixel 3 XL boasts a Snapdragon 845 processor, offering superior performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. It handles multitasking with ease and provides a noticeably smoother experience overall. In contrast, the Pixel 3a XL is equipped with a Snapdragon 670 processor, which is still capable but less powerful. While it handles everyday tasks well, it may show some lag during graphically intensive applications or when multitasking heavily. The 3 XL is the clear winner for performance-oriented users.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones share a similar camera setup with excellent image quality, particularly in Google’s renowned computational photography. However, the Pixel 3 XL has a slight edge with its more advanced image processing and potentially faster autofocus. It also features a dual front-facing camera for wider selfies. The Pixel 3a XL still takes fantastic photos, but may exhibit slightly less detail or dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. Both are excellent, but the 3 XL has a slight advantage.
Display and Design
The Pixel 3 XL features a higher-resolution OLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its design is more premium, with a glass back and an aluminum frame. The Pixel 3a XL uses a plastic back, which makes it lighter and more durable. While the Pixel 3a XL’s display is still good, the 3 XL offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its higher resolution and brighter display. The design of the 3 XL is more premium but less durable.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 3 XL and 3a XL both offer good battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The Pixel 3 XL supports wireless charging, a feature absent in the 3a XL. Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up your battery. However, the 3 XL’s wireless charging capability provides added convenience. Battery life is quite similar, but the 3 XL offers a richer charging experience.
Software and Updates
Both phones run on the same clean, stock Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google. They both receive the latest Android versions and security patches simultaneously. There’s no significant difference in the software experience between the two phones. Both phones are guaranteed to receive updates for several years, ensuring that they stay secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
Price and Value
The Pixel 3a XL was initially launched at a significantly lower price point than the Pixel 3 XL. This made it a compelling value proposition for users seeking a great camera and Android experience without breaking the bank. While the Pixel 3 XL offers more premium features, the Pixel 3a XL provides excellent value for its price. The best choice depends on your budget and feature priorities, with the 3a XL offering a better value proposition for many consumers looking for a quality smartphone experience at a more affordable cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy pixel 3 XL If…
- You want the best possible performance with a flagship processor.
- You need the added water resistance.
- You prioritize a slightly larger display.
- You want a premium design and build quality.
Buy pixel 3a XL If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You value the inclusion of a headphone jack.
- You are okay with slightly less processing power.
- You want excellent camera performance on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The Pixel 3 XL, with its Snapdragon 845, handles demanding tasks better. It offers smoother multitasking and faster app loading compared to the Pixel 3a XL’s Snapdragon 670. While the 3a XL is adequate for everyday use, the 3 XL provides a noticeable performance boost for gaming and resource-intensive applications. The 3 XL wins for a better experience.
Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones excel in photography, thanks to Google’s computational magic. The Pixel 3 XL potentially has a slight edge with more advanced image processing, potentially faster autofocus, and a dual front-facing camera for wider selfies. The 3a XL still captures amazing photos, but the 3 XL’s processing power gives it a very slight advantage in challenging scenarios.
Does the Pixel 3 XL have a better display?
Yes, the Pixel 3 XL boasts a higher-resolution OLED display with richer colors and deeper blacks. This results in a more immersive and visually appealing viewing experience. The Pixel 3a XL’s display is still good, but the 3 XL offers a noticeably superior display quality, especially when viewing HDR content or playing games.
How does battery life compare?
Both phones offer good battery life, easily lasting a full day. The Pixel 3 XL supports wireless charging, an absent feature in the Pixel 3a XL. Both support fast charging for quick top-ups. However, the 3 XL’s wireless charging provides additional convenience. Actual battery life is very similar, dependent on user habits.
Which phone is more durable?
The Pixel 3a XL, with its plastic back, is generally more durable and less prone to shattering compared to the Pixel 3 XL’s glass back. The Pixel 3 XL, however, has an aluminum frame that offers a more premium look and feel. The Pixel 3a XL is more resistant to drops and scratches, and the 3 XL has a more luxurious feel.
Do they both receive software updates?
Yes, both phones are guaranteed to receive Android updates and security patches directly from Google for a set period. You can expect both to stay up-to-date with the latest Android features and security enhancements simultaneously. This ensures both phones remain secure and offer a consistent software experience for several years after purchase.
Which phone is a better value?
The Pixel 3a XL was initially offered at a significantly lower price, making it an excellent value proposition. While the Pixel 3 XL offers more premium features and better performance, the 3a XL provides a top-notch Android experience and great camera capabilities at a more affordable price. The best choice depends on budget and specific needs.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 3 XL offers superior performance, a more premium design, and additional features like wireless charging. While the Pixel 3a XL provides exceptional value with a great camera and a reliable Android experience, the Pixel 3 XL excels in overall performance and features. The 3 XL is a better choice if you prioritize top-tier performance and a premium experience.
Winner: Pixel 3 XL