After six betas and months of anticipation, Google is starting to roll out Android 10 to its Pixel smartphones today. Here’s how to skip the wait by sideloading the Android 10 OTA on a Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 2, or Pixel device.
A new report from Counterpoint Research has shown that the Pixel line remains one of the fastest-growing smartphone ranges in the United States — thanks to sales of the Pixel 3a.
The most obvious photography difference between the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a is the front-facing camera. An update to Playground this week adds a “Selfie mode” for AR Playmoji on Google’s mid-range Pixel phone.
The camera has been the main focus of Google’s Pixel lineup since day one, and things are set to get even better with the Pixel 4. Recently, Google’s director of design shared a mysterious shot that he says is shot on a Pixel with 20x zoom, which might just be teasing what we’ll get from the Pixel 4 camera.
A trend has developed in the past couple of years for “see-through” wallpapers on certain phone models to get a peek at the hardware that powers your device. Now, the folks over at iFixit are giving Google’s original Pixel XL, as well as the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, the see-through wallpaper treatment.
We’ve all known since the phone launched that the Pixel 3a can take pictures almost exactly as well as the Pixel 3, but sometimes it’s nice to numerically measure and confirm that fact. This morning, DxOMark released their review of the Google Pixel 3a’s camera, allowing us to directly compare the two devices.
While dark modes are en vogue, they do offer less eye-straining bonuses as well as potential battery life extensions. Google is slowly and steadily increasing its core apps to include proper dark themes, but it appears that has extended to the Pixel boot animation with Android Q Beta 5.
For the past year, Verizon has been running Visible, an MVNO that offers unlimited calls, texts, and data for a flat monthly rate. The main downside of Visible’s mobile plan—the hard limit on data speed—is being “uncapped,” while also gaining support for the Google Pixel 3a.
The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are fantastic devices that are an amazing value for what they offer. The cheaper polycarbonate builds and overall design has them feeling much more premium than their initial price-tag suggests. While having a mostly plastic build is great for durability, having the cheaper Dragon Trail glass is not, which is why we’ve shortlisted a few of the best Pixel 3a screen protectors to ensure your display is protected.
While the July security patch is still two weeks away, some Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL owners this morning have reported receiving the update. Devices appear to have accidentally been included in a Googler-only internal OTA.
Since it launched, the Google Pixel 3a has seen some excellent promotions to cut down on its already affordable price tag. This week, Google is sending out emails with the latest Pixel 3a promo which offers $50 to those who refer a friend to purchasing the company’s latest phone.
If you were to ask me right now what the best value in smartphones is, I’d probably tell you it’s the Pixel 3a. Clearly, word is getting around on Google’s impressive budget device, as the Pixel 3a is currently the #1 best seller on Amazon for unlocked smartphones.
The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are fantastic devices for the price, and even though it’s made from typically more durable polycarbonate, it can still be prone to damage. That’s why protection is always recommended. For that reason, we’ve collated a few of the best third-party Pixel 3a and 3a XL cases for you to pick up.
Expand
Expanding
Close
While the Pixel 3a’s rear camera is near identical to the Pixel 3’s, the front-facer has obvious differences. Along with the single lens, Playground currently does not support the front camera for adding Playmoji AR stickers.
Moment has been making some of the best photo/video accessories for mobile devices for a fair bit now, and today they’re introducing a handful of new items including wallet cases for devices including the Pixel 3, bags, and more. Here’s what you need to know.
Google’s Pixel 3a surprisingly doesn’t ditch much to cut $400 off the price tag of its premium siblings, but durability is certainly something that’s been questioned. After all, one example of where Google cut corners on the Pixel 3a is using DragonTrail glass instead of Gorilla Glass. Now, we’ve got some answers.
Earlier this week, Google posted a new ‘Phone X’ ad that highlighted AR navigation on the Pixel 3a over Apple Maps. While a good contrast, one flaw with the advertising was the eventual availability of Google Maps AR on iOS. Google has seemingly answered that shortcoming with new advertisements today.
With any at scale and closely watched hardware launch, hardware defects and other problems will come to light as more people receive devices. For example, some Pixel 3a owners over the weekend reported random shutdowns, while others are now encountering crooked cutouts for the USB-C and speaker grill.
Google this year has ramped up Pixel advertising by directly targeting the iPhone and highlighting Night Sight. The “Phone X” campaign is now going after Apple Maps with AR navigation in Google Maps on the Pixel 3a.
The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are genuinely superb handsets that offer a ton even given their relatively low price tag. However, we are hearing reports from Pixel 3a and 3a XL users about random shutdowns.
Expand
Expanding
Close
The commonly heard phrase often goes something like “the best camera is the one that you have with you”, right? And with smartphone cameras so ubiquitous now, often that camera will be a mobile device. While the Pixel 3 has one of the best single-lens smartphone camera setups for stills on the market, video and videography isn’t something I would recommend without a few tiny tweaks, improvements and additions.
Expand
Expanding
Close
During today’s big Google I/O keynote, the company officially unwrapped its new Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL smartphones, and they’re available for purchase today. For the first time ever, you’ll have multiple carrier choices too, so here’s where to buy the Pixel 3a.
The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL launched at I/O 2019 with hardware SVP Rick Osterloh framing the devices as allowing “high-end experiences at a more accessible price point.” An interview with a Google product manager last week provides more insight into the phones, including the decision to include the headphone jack and how Google’s manufacturing capabilities have improved.
We reported earlier today that the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will remain on the March security patch until next month. The Android Beta Program has now been updated to note that the latest Made by Google devices won’t be eligible until June.
