Pre-orders are now up for the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

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Google is making some changes in its smartphone hardware business. Unlike the past few devices it launched where the focus was on the premium market, Google is bringing back its mid-range line with the launch of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

Unlike its past devices, too, these are available for pre-order now through the Google Store in 12 other countries outside of the US—Canada included. So, if you want to get Google’s newest smartphones, you can do so now. The Pixel 3a is priced at $549 CAD, while the Pixel 3a XL goes for $649. In the coming weeks, these will be available for pre-order through carriers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin Mobile, and Koodo. They will also be available through Best Buy, Costco, T-Booth Wireless, Wireless Wave, Walmart, and WoW Mobile.

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But why would you want to pick up one of these units? Google brings its camera tech into the mid-range market. You get the same 12.2-megapixel sensor with f/1.8 lens at the back and 8-megapixel selfie cam. Despite it lacking Google’s custom Pixel Visual Core processor, The Verge’s Dieter Bohn claims you can’t hardly distinguish the difference between photo quality of the Pixel 3a phones and the Pixel 3 phones. It makes use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor and Adreno 615 graphics to process photos for you, which could take a beat longer than with Pixel Visual Core. But it still supports Night Sight, dancing AR cartoons, Top Shot, and a new Timelapse feature. One other downside is the Google Photos free upload support is limited to high quality instead of full resolution, which might bother some of you.

In terms of design, you get a similar look to the Pixel 3, but these are slightly taller because these phones have a 3.5mm audio jack. These also get bottom-firing speakers instead of front-facing ones. But it still has that same matte and glossy combination back with a fingerprint sensor circle in the middle. These also use OLED panels with Dragontrail Glass instead of Corning Gorilla Glass. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL, however, come in polycarbonate bodies instead of metal (a.k.a. these have plastic builds). They come in Just Black, Simply White, and new Purple-ish. The Pixel 3a XL also doesn’t have the notch seen in the Pixel 3 XL.

To keep the price down, the Pixel 3a phones don’t get waterproofing and wireless charging. Storage support is at 64GB without SD card expansion. You also don’t get Daydream VR support and wide-angle selfies. But you do get Google’s version of Android and access to the latest Android software, like the Pixel phones that came before it. And if you could live with the compromises, the new Pixel phones could be a solid choice for you.

It's great to see Google rethink their product and consider a cheaper pricing option without compromising the key features and functionalities that set Pixel products apart. It's a strategy that's reminiscent of the Nexus smartphone days. The big difference now is that Google has wisely teamed up with more carriers. Hopefully there will be a global outreach for Pixel 3a devices as well.

PIXEL 3A / 3A XL SPECS

• Display: 5.6-inch, 2,220 x 1,080 resolution (3A); 6-inch, 2,160 x 1,080 resolution (3A XL); Dragontrail Glass
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670: 2.0GHz + 1.7GHz; Adreno 615 graphics
• Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie
• Memory: 4GB RAM
• Storage: 64GB
• Rear camera: 12.2-megapixel with optical + electronic image stabilization; f/1.8 aperture
• Front camera: 8-megapixel with f/2.0 aperture, 84-degree field of view
• Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-facing), accelerometor, gyro, proximity
• Dimensions & Weight: 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm, 147g (3A); 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2mm, 167g (3A XL)
• Battery: 3,000mAh (3A); 3,700mAh (3A XL)
• Colours: Just Black, Simply White, Purple-ish