Google Product Manager Discusses Philosophy Behind Pixel 3a

When Google discontinued its Nexus smartphone lineup, it left a void in the market that has been hard to fill. People didn't really have an affordable option running powerful hardware and stock Android software. Multiple smartphone manufacturers have tried to make something like a Nexus smartphone, but have fallen short. Google tried to offer a substitute with the relaunched Android One programme, which helped participating manufacturers offer a stock Android experience on their devices, but it still hasn't been the same.

Finally, Google wants to address the same segment again with two new smartphones, the Google Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL. These smartphones promise to deliver most of the same Pixel experience as the flagship Pixel 3 (Review) and Pixel 3 XL (Review), but at lower price points. Powered by a mid-range processor, are these relatively affordable smartphones worthy of the Pixel name? We put the new Pixel 3a devices to the test to find out.

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are the company's first attempts at making relatively affordable Pixel smartphones. In order for the new devices to look as though they belong in the Pixel family, Google designed them to look just like the Pixel 3. From the back, it is hard to distinguish between the Pixel 3a models and their Pixel 3 equivalents. However, to keep costs down, Google has opted for polycarbonate bodies instead of the glass and metal combination of the premium Pixels. The difference is evident when you hold one of each family in your hands, as the Pixel 3 models feel more premium.