Rumors about a budget version of Google’s Pixel 3 line have been circulating for weeks, and an executive from the tech giant may have alluded to the device, called the Pixel 3a, in a recent tweet.
Google senior vice president, Hiroshi Lockheimer enjoys teasing the press and fans with supposed details about upcoming projects. He shared an image on Sunday, which he claims was taken from an unreleased device. This has led many to believe he is hinting at the Google Pixel 3a.
The image is just one of many available tidbits about the anticipated release. Google is expected to release two smartphone models, a Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (codenamed “sargo” and “bonito”) with slightly truncated specs and cheaper prices than the premium Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL models.
Another recent leak shows the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL in a purple color option. Corresponding rumors suggest this will be a third color option, in addition to black and white models.
The hardware expected for the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL is pretty solid for budget devices. The Pixel 3a may feature a 5.6-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, chip and a 3,000 mAh battery, while the Pixel 3a XL may feature a 6-inch display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chip, with no current details on its battery. Both models may have 4GB of RAM and 32GB and 64GB internal storage options, as well as a 12.2-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel wide-angle front camera.
Reports also suggest the price of the Pixel 3a could start at 450 or about $505. This harkens back to Google’s Nexus line, which offered devices to showcase the latest Android software at relatively cheap prices. While the Pixel line has its fanbase, many note that the continued simplicity of the devices may not warrant a premium price tag.
The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are expected to release sometime in the Spring, which could indicate that the will release with Android 9 Pie. Google will share more details about the latest Android Q operating system at its developer’s conference, Google I/O in May. The software is currently in beta but will likely release to the public in the late summer, around August. With murmurs about the Pixel 4 already cropping up, we can only assume Google will continue its usual plan and release a completely new flagship running completely new software later in the year.
