Before the launch, several leaks flooded the internet with almost all the details that were required to know what Google had in store for us.
Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 3a and 3a XL at the Google IO 2019. The lite variants have trimmed-down specs that include a slightly dated design and mid-range internals as compared to the flagship Pixel 3 lineup.
Before the launch, several leaks flooded the internet with almost all the details that were required to know what Google had in store for us. How accurate were these leaks?
The first mention of these devices was made in a report where it was revealed that Google is planning to launch an affordable version of the Pixel 3 which have been codenamed Sargo and Bonito. The initial report revealed that Google would launch the affordable variants as Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite with a 5.6-inch display and a 6-inch display. The claims were strengthened after eight different variants of Pixel devices were spotted on US FCC listings. Soon after that, it was claimed that Google had rebranded the Lite variantsas Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. The claim was based upon specific findings in the Android Q beta 1 code which were related to ‘Sargo’ and ‘Bonito’, the codenames given to these Pixel devices during their planning phase.
Later, it seemed as if the floodgate of leaks opened revealing every key detail of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. Based on these previous leaks, it was confirmed that Google would launch the Pixel 3a with a Snapdragon 670 SoC.
However, the leaksters did get it wrong when it came to the Pixel 3a XL. Google has launched the bigger Lite variant with the same Snapdragon 670 SoC found on Pixel 3a. The Geekbench listings where a Pixel 3a XL was spotted with 6GB RAM also turned out to be wrong.
There were also several claims that the Pixel 3a and 3a XL would share the camera unit from their premium counterparts. Google confirmed these leaks and launched these affordable devices with the same 12.2MP rear camera found on its flagship variants. On the front, they get a single 8MP camera as compared to the dual-front cameras on the Pixel 3.
Even the battery figures were more or less accurate to what Google is offering. The Pixel 3a has a 3,000 mAh battery whereas the Pixel 3a XL has a 3,700 mAh battery. Tipsters reported that Pixel 3a and 3a XL would have a 2,915 mAh and 3,430 mAh capacity batteries, same as the Pixel 3 and 3 XL.
Days before the launch, it was reported that the Pixel 3a would launch for $399, whereas the Pixel 3a XL would cost $479, thanks to the retail boxes spotted at Best Buy in the USA. In India, these devices are available for Rs 39,999 and Rs 44,999 respectively.
