Google’s Affordable Pixel 3a, 3a XL Launch Date Revealed

Google is expected to launch the affordable Pixel 3 phones at the Google I/O event in May 2019.

Google Pixel 3 XL comes with a 6.3-inch OLED screen. 

(Photo: The Quint)

The much-anticipated mid-rangers from Google – the Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones could launch on May 7, said the company's own store page.

A teaser poster on Google Store stated: "On May 7, something big is coming to the Pixel universe" that also happens to coincide with the first day of the Google I/O conference. The teaser also added: "Help is on the way" and "the power is in your hands".

Strangely, the event’s schedule doesn’t mention anything about product announcements, but it’s possible that Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google during his keynote might actually stand on the stage with a new Pixel phone for the world to see.

If Google does indeed launch the 3a on 7 May, it will be the first time when a phone will be unveiled at the developer conference.

In addition to the launch date, the prices of Google's upcoming mid-range Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones have been leaked; they are likely to cost Canadian $649 (approximately Rs 33,767) and Canadian $799 (about Rs 41,571), respectively.

The prices of Pixel 3a, (code named Sargo) and Pixel 3a XL (code named Bonito) were tipped on social news aggregation and discussion website Reddit late on Monday.

The name "Pixel 3a XL" has also previously appeared in Android Q's beta code, the media had reported.

Everyone’s loved the Pixel series phones for its camera prowess, but niggling hardware issues have been a deal-breaker for many.

The Pixel 3a is likely to get a 5.5-inch screen with 1080 pixel resolution. Its design could revolve around plastic finishing, and it’ll come with a Snapdragon 670 processor, with 3GB or 4GB RAM options.

Considering the Pixel 3a is rumoured to be an affordable version of the flagship series, many expect Google to price it under Rs 50,000, putting it up against brands like OnePlus, which has phones costing Rs 42,000 in the market.