Google Pixel 3a XL: first tests of camera, performance and autonomy

One of the main events of the conference for developers Google I/O 2019 in addition to the announcement of Android 10 was a presentation on the available smartphones Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Foreign publications have already received new items and began to share their first impressions. Gsmarena employees studied the XL version and talked about autonomy, performance, and camera. Much of this is true for the normal Pixel 3a.

Performance

The new Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are based on an eight-core Snapdragon 670 processor with 4 GB of RAM. Gsmarena employees note that even with mid-level hardware, smartphones demonstrate excellent performance thanks to very good optimization.

^{GeekBench 4.1 (single-core mode)}

According to reporters, Pixel 3a XL sometimes works even faster than expensive Android smartphones with more powerful filling. Running applications, scrolling lists, and multitasking do not cause any problems and are not inferior to the usual Pixel 3 XL.

^{GeekBench 4.1 (multi-core mode)}

In games Pixel 3a XL also shows itself perfectly, showing high performance for a comfortable game. In addition, the large screen and high-quality stereo speakers increase the pleasure of using a smartphone.

^{AnTuTu 7}

The only obvious drawback is the small amount of RAM. With several applications, the device copes well, but when you open a larger number, it can slow down. By the way, the same problem is observed on the usual Pixel 3 XL.

Autonomy

The Pixel 3a XL has a battery capacity of 3700 mAh, which is 270 mAh more in comparison with the usual Pixel 3 XL. A less powerful processor and lower screen resolution increase autonomy. Even with active use by the end of the day, the smartphone still had 20-30% charge. Gsmarena employees were satisfied with the battery life of the device.

Camera

"Pixels" are primarily known for their cameras. Many consider them the best smartphones for photos. Compared to the normal Pixel 3 XL, the more affordable Pixel 3a XL has a less powerful processor, simpler screen, plastic case instead of glass, no wireless charging, but the main camera in smartphones is identical. Both models use a 12.2-megapixel Sony IMX363 module with a pixel size of 1.4 µm, optical image stabilization, phase autofocus and a lens with an aperture of f/1.8.

Shoots Pixel 3a XL comparable to Pixel 3 XL. Below are examples of daytime photos:

With a lack of light Pixel 3a XL demonstrates high-quality images thanks to the proprietary HDR+mode:

As in older models, the Pixel 3a XL has a night mode, allowing you to make quite bright shots even in complete darkness.

^{Night mode is off}

^{Night mode enabled}

^{Night mode is off}

^{Night mode enabled}

In more affordable models, Google continues to use only one camera to create portrait photos with a blurred background:

^{No background blur}

^{With background blur}

There is no optical zoom in the smartphone, so Google uses artificial intelligence to improve the quality of the photo when using digital zoom:

^{1x zoom}

^{10x zoom}

The only simplification in terms of photography was the front camera. In Pixel 3a XL it is only one, has not such a wide dynamic range, often "noise" and inferior in quality to the front of Pixel 3 XL. According to journalists, due to lack of detail selfies often look as if the smartphone is not focused on the face.

A source: gsmarena.com