The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have been on the market for about one week and Google is likely quite pleased with its overall positive reception. Fans are excited about many features that originate from the premium tier Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL models, such as their high-quality cameras and OLED displays, on devices selling at approximately half the price. As reviews and other reports continue to trickle in, we’ve continued to learn more about Google’s latest smartphone endeavor. Here’s a rundown on the latest Pixel 3a news.
Google plans to make more Pixel mid-rangers
It’s still too early to tell whether the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will be a commercial success, but Google seems to be betting that consumers will want to see more price conscious smartphones from the tech giant. Google has plans to release more mid-range smartphones in the foreseeable future, according to Android Police. Having spoken to Google’s device team during its recent I/O conference, they revealed the devices are not a “one-off” project.
This makes sense, considering the Pixel line itself is currently in its third iteration, with a Pixel 4 expected to release later this year. However, there is no concrete timeline on when Google will release any of its next devices. Based on prior launch cycles, the next Pixel flagship could be announced and released in the October timeframe. We could then potentially see a “Pixel 4a” released in May of 2020. However, other recent reports indicate that Google had plans to release the Pixel 3a back in March when the Android Q beta first launched, so there could be a chance that future mid-rangers could become available in a similar timeframe.
Either way, we can definitely expect more mobile hardware from Google. It’s mid-range Pixel devices may stand as the models to showcase and test unofficial software, while the premium Pixels may reveal new technologies and the market release of the next Android versions.
Pixel 3a won’t get Android Q beta until June
While the Pixel 3a is was likely released to get more people testing Android Q ahead of its official launch, Google has confirmed that its latest beta software for the OS won’t be available for the device until June. Currently, all of the older Pixel models and several other software partners have made the Android Q beta 3 available to their devices.
There is no real word on why the Pixel 3a is not ready to receive the latest beta; however, we do know that the Pixel 3a released running Android 9 Pie and Google’s March security patch. The device is expected to get the April, May, and June security patches next month as the Android Q beta becomes available. With the Android Q beta 4 expected to release in early June, some suspect the Pixel 3a may get that version of the unreleased software.
Reasoning for Pixel 3a headphone jack is odd
Pixel fans rejoiced when Google confirmed that the Pixel 3a models would include a standard 3.5mm audio jack instead of compatibility with wireless or USB-C headphones. However, Google’s explanation for why it has outfitted the Pixel 3a with the tried and true audio support is a bit dicey if the manufacturer plans to win more fans and customers.
Google product manager, Soniya Jobanputra gave an interview during the recent I/O conference and her words hinted that those purchasing the Pixel 3a for budget purposes may not be able to afford more expensive accessories; such as the wireless or USB-C headphones required for devices with no audio jack.
Many manufacturers have removed the audio port as a method of making devices thinner and more streamlined for a premium look that many consumers desire. Still, the removal of headphone jacks on smartphones has long been a source of contention among mobile tech enthusiasts. Price sensitive shoppers aren’t the only ones that favor mobile headphone jacks. Unfortunately, Jobanputra’s words do hint that the audio port may be a continued differentiator between Google’s high-end and mid-range devices.
Google’s Digital Wellbeing affecting Pixel 3a performance?
Recent reports suggest that the Pixel 3a devices may be experiencing a similar slow performance issue to what has been seen on the original Pixel 3 models. Many users have figured out that turning off Google’s Digital Wellbeing settings may resolve the issue on both Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 models and help the devices run faster.
Ironically, Digital Wellbeing is Google’s initiative to help users easily spend less time on their mobile devices and more time enjoying the outside world and taking care of themselves.
While many tests appear to be anecdotal, several Pixel users on Reddit have indicated a notable difference in how their devices function and respond to commands.
Those who wish to test this option can turn off Digital Wellbeing by searching for Usage Access in Settings. Select Digital Wellbeing and then toggle off Permit Usage Access.
Pixel 3a is surprisingly easy to repair
Over the years, smartphones have become increasingly harder to repair in a DIY fashion, but tinkerers may have better luck with the Pixel 3a than with other devices on the market. A recent teardown from the iFixit team reveals the Pixel 3a is easier to repair than the Pixel 3 as well as many other premium devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S10, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, and the iPhone XR.
The teardown source gave the Pixel 3a a repairability score of 6/10, detailing that its ease of repair is due to its module components being simple to swap out and its “standard” T3 Torx holding the device together. Some aspects of the device did not rate as well, including its Samsung manufactured gOLED, which iFixit called “thin and poorly supported.”
Still, we can hope that a better repair quotient will equate to less expense overall whether you attempt to fix your Pixel 3a yourself or take it in for service.
