Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL vs. Pixel 3 and 3 XL: Half as good or twice as nice?

For the first time ever, the choice between buying is one of the most important things in the world. At its I / O Developer's Conference on Tuesday, Google took the wraps off the Pixel 3a, a brand new entry into the world. But how are you really giving up when you opt for the cheaper model? Let's break it down:

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Design

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a external designs are similar in many ways, including size. The Pixel 3a is slightly larger all around:

Pixel 3a: 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm
Pixel 3: 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm
Pixel 3a XL: 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm
Pixel 3 XL: 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm

Moving on to major design features, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are distinctive-if not as beautiful as flagships from Apple or Samsung. From the 3 XL's notch to the two-tone frosted-glass back, the Pixel 3 family is instantly recognizable at a distance.

The 3a follows a similar aesthetic, with some tweaks. The 3a XL does not have a notch, for instance, so it's a fair amount of space above the screen. The other big change is on the back: It's made of plastic rather than glass.

As far as external components, both have a camera in the top left corner and a smooth "window" above the matte body. The 3a lacks a front-facing speaker below the screen, as you'll find on the Pixel 3.

The 3a is also a bit lighter, particularly comparing the larger models of each:

Pixel 3a: 147 grams
Pixel 3: 148 grams
Pixel 3a XL: 167 grams
Pixel 3 XL: 184 grams

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Display

While it would have been perfectly acceptable for Google to put an LCD display in the Pixel 3a, it opted for OLED technology, like the Pixel 3 line. However, the displays differ in quality when it comes to resolution and ppi:

Pixel 3a: 5.6-inch FHD + (2220×1080) OLED, 441 ppi
Pixel 3: 5.5-inch FHD + (2160×1080) 443 ppi
Pixel 3a XL: 6-inch FHD + (2160×1080), 402 ppi
Pixel 3 XL: 6.3-inch QHD + (2960×1440), 523 ppi

While the smaller phones' displays are quite close, the XL 3 uses a much higher-quality display than the XL 3a.

The displays are also protected against drops. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL uses Gorilla Glass 5, while the Pixel 3a and 3a XL use Dragontrail glass.

Adam Patrick Murray / IDG

Google Pixel 3a vs. Pixel 3: Performance

One of the biggest differences is inside. Because the Pixel 3a is a budget phone, it uses a much slower processor:

Pixel 3a / 3a XL: Snapdragon 670
Pixel 3 / 3XL: Snapdragon 845

The Snapdragon 670 is decidedly a mid-range processor, while the Snapdragon 845 was last year's top-of-the-line chip. In benchmark testing, the 670 matches up with the original Pixel's Snapdragon 821 processor, so you're definitely giving up a fair amount of performance with the cheaper model.

As far as memory goes, all four phones use the same 4GB 4GB LPDDR4x RAM. That should be plenty to keep apps and animations snappy.

Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Battery and charging

Google has not skimped on the battery with the Pixel 3a in the slightest. In fact, it's a little bigger than the ones in the Pixel 3:

Pixel 3a: 3,000mAh
Pixel 3: 2,915mAh
Pixel 3a XL: 3,700mAh
Pixel 3 XL: 3,430mAh

While Google says it would last, it should be more important than any other, especially given its lower-powered processor, compared to the lower-resolution display. 3XL.

When it comes to charging, both phones will fill up fast. With the bundled 18W USB-C power adapter, Google says you'll get seven hours of use on a 15-minute charge. However, you will definitely need to plug in your Pixel 3 in at some point, because it does not have a wireless connection like the Pixel 3 does.

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Front camera

Google introduced its first dual-camera system with the Pixel 3's selfie cam, so it's quite different from the Pixel 3a's standard single cam:

Pixel 3a / 3a XL: 8MP, f / 2.0, 1.12 μm, fixed focus
Pixel 3 / 3XL: 8MP wide-angle (107 degrees), f / 2.2 + 8MP telephoto, f / 1.8

Without a second camera, the Pixel 3a is missing out on the Selfie Cam feature, but when taking regular shots, you still get fashion portrait and Super Res Zoom.

Adam Patrick Murray / IDG

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Main camera

Unlike the front camera, the Pixel 3a's rear camera is exactly the same as the one on the Pixel 3:

Pixel 3a / 3a XL: 12.2MP, f / 1.8, 1.4 μm, OIS
Pixel 3/3 XL:12.2 MP, f / 1.8, 1.4 μm, OIS

The identical camera hardware is mirrored in the app as well. That means Top Shot, Night Sight, and the new Time Lapse are all available, as well as fashion portrait. One note: On the Pixel 3, you get free unlimited Google Photos of everything you shoot, no matter the size, but on the 3y, Google saves only the high-quality version for free, just like on other phones.

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Audio

Both the Pixel 3 and 3a include stereo speakers, but the ones on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are "front-firing," while the Pixel 3a has a speaker on the bottom edge. But the biggest difference is the headphone jack: The Pixel 3a has one, and the Pixel 3 does not. But you'll have to bring your own headphones, because the Pixel does not include a pair of buds in the box.

Adam Patrick Murray / IDG

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Storage

While both sizes come with 64GB of storage in the base model, only the Pixel 3 and 3 XL include an option to upgrade to 128GB for an extra $ 100. None of the phones have an expandable storage slot for an SD card.

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Colors

The Pixel 3 and 3a both come in black and white, with a slight variations: The power button on the white Pixel 3 is light green, while it's orange on the Pixel 3a. Each phone also has an exclusive color:

Pixel 3a / 3a XL: Purple-ish (with a yellow power button)
Pixel 3/3 XL: Not Pink (with orange power button)

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Carrier compatibility

The Pixel phone has been sold in the United States since its arrival in 2016, but the unlocked version has always supported all bands and networks. That's changing with the Pixel 3a. You can also buy it through T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S Cellular stores. AT & T customers will have to settle for the unlocked version, however.

Adam Patrick Murray / IDG

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Price

Obviously targeting the two phones, with the Pixel 3 and 3XL occupying the space and the 3a and 3a XL targeting budget-conscious buyers:

Pixel 3a: $ 399
Pixel 3a XL: $ 479
Pixel 3: $ 799 / $ 899
Pixel 3 XL: $ 899 / $ 999

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Miscellaneous

Other than the categories above, there are a few more things that are different between the Pixel 3 and 3a. The Pixel 3 is rated for IP68 and water protection, meaning you can dunk it in 1.5 meters (about five feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. Also, if you're a VR fan, you'll be able to use the Pixel 3a with Google's Daydream headset.

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3: Conclusion

If you're considering the smaller form factor, the Pixel 3 and 3a are extremely similar. They both have 1080p OLED displays, the same rear camera, very similar batteries, and bezel-heavy designs. So the difference is more than two pixels, the best selfie camera, wireless charging, and water resistance are worth an extra $ 400.

When it comes to the XL, the display on the Pixel 3 XL is both bigger and smaller than the 3A, and otherwise the differences are much smaller. The price difference is wider: $ 420. That means you can actually buy a Pixel 3a and a Pixel 3a XL for less than the price of 3 XL.