Google Pixel 3a XL it is just as I expected it: powerful enough, with a decidedly satisfactory autonomy and equipped with the same rear camera as its older brother. In short, everything you need at a very competitive price. We talk about it in detail in this review.
Google Pixel 3a XL: the technical sheet
As always, let's start with the technical characteristics of the new Mountain View smartphone.
Dimensions: 160,1 x 76,1 x 8,2 mm
Weight: 167 g
Display: 6 ″ OLED - 1080 x 2160 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
GPU: Adreno 615
RAM: 4GB
Memory: 64 GB
Network: LTE 4G
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, GPS, NFC
Battery: 3700 mAh
Rear camera: 12,2 MP
Front Camera: 8MP
Video: 4K @30 fps
Operating system: Android 9.0 Pie
Different twins
Aesthetically, Pixel 3a XL doesn't differ much from its big brother. In fact, on the back we have the exact same solution adopted on Pixel 3 XL with a matte part and a glossy upper one. However, the material changes: no glass and metal but only a resistant polycarbonate. On the right side the on / off button - colored in the white variant - while on the left we always have the SIM slot. No slots to expand the memory and no dual SIM. A problem, the first, all in all negligible given the possibility of saving photos and videos on Google Photo, while the absence of the second SIM slot, now present in any other device, is still inexplicable.
The upper side houses the newly found 3,5 mm jack, essential for the price range of his device, while in the lower one you will find the USB Type-C input and the speaker, no longer housed just below the display.
Speaking of screen, it's from 6 inches, OLED, with Full HD + resolution. Good brightness as well as the colors that yes, they are perhaps more saturated than the older brother but the effect is not at all sorry. Instead, the notch is missing, a decision that brings with it both pro and account. The advantage is mainly aesthetic: the Pixel 3 XL notch is certainly not one of the most elegant on the market, on the contrary, it is incredibly bulky although getting used to it is not too problematic. The problem is that the absence of the notch makes the display a little smaller and instead enhances the huge upper and lower bezels. The latter are almost anachronistic in a market that now focuses on reduced profiles, small holes and pop-up cameras.
In general you will find Pixel 3a XL a smartphone of important dimensions, not justified by the diagonal of the display, but the weight is contained and the screen is pleasantly large, perfect especially for watching a video or for gaming.
Finally, I would like to point out the absence of the IP68 certification, present instead on Google Pixel 3.
An irrelevant downgrade
The new Google device leaves the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor to switch to a cheaper and less powerful one Snapdragon 670 but don't worry: the performances remain practically identical. Obviously also thanks to 4 GB of RAM and, above all, from the perfect integration with Android 9.0 Pie in its stock version.
Also excellent connectivity and autonomy. Google Pixel 3a XL allows you to reach the evening even in the most stressful days.
The single camera is back
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the Google Pixel 3a XL features the same camera module as its big brother. The result is therefore practically identical, with great shots in any light condition, including night. Also present portrait mode, accompanied by an inexplicable zoom but still capable of giving excellent shots.
Instead, the front configuration changes. No wide angle for the little one from Mountain View, but a single 8-megapixel sensor with f / 2.0 aperture. A change that eliminates group selfies but still allows you to get perfect selfies for your social networks.
Instead, the videos are identical, but with a pleasant novelty: the Timelapse mode which allows you to create some original movie.
Google Pixel 3a XL: buy it or not?
Google Pixel 3a XL is definitely a great smartphone: good display, excellent performance, excellent camera and constantly updated software. It is not perfect but it allows you to have a Pixel without spending a fortune. Pixel 3a XL indeed costs 479 euro, half that of Pixel 3 XL. The ideal solution for those who love to have stock software, always updated and extremely fluid.
One piece of advice: given the 80 euros less, also evaluate Pixel 3a, it is more compact but you will have to sacrifice a bit of autonomy.
Google Pixel 3a XL
Pro 
- Good display
- Fluid and reactive
- Single camera at the top
- Excellent autonomy
Cons 
- Design to be reviewed
