Almost four years ago, Google deviated from the well-worn flagship path and released the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. The mid-rangers provided all of the best bits of the Pixel 3 but without the asking price to match.
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Announced over three years ago at I/O 2019, Google today rolled out the final Pixel 3a and 3a XL update. May 2022 was officially the cut-off date for guaranteed Android version and security updates, but Pixel phones have historically gotten one more release after that.
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Today marks the last guaranteed update for Google’s midrange phones from 2019 following its launch three years ago at I/O. However, similar to past generations, Google will be releasing one last update for the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
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Android 12L is by no means a major update, but it does deliver one big new feature in its app taskbar. Here’s how to try the Android 12L taskbar on Google Pixel devices including the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
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After a brief beta period, Google’s big-screen focused Android 12L update has arrived, and you can install it first on Pixel smartphones. Here’s how.
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Last week, Google announced Android 12L as a big update for foldables and tablets. It’s also coming to phones, with Pixel devices receiving the update in Q1 of next year. The Android 12L Beta Program is set to start in December, and today Google added the Pixel 3a and 3a XL to the list of supported devices.
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Last week and ahead of the Pixel 6 series set to come (hopefully) very soon, we asked you just what you think the “best” Google Pixel device has been so far. Well, the results were not too unsurprising overall but interesting nonetheless.
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For those of you with the Pixel 3a, it looks like the December 2020 update may have done some weird things to the corners of your screen/display.
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Much like the potential upgrade path from the Pixel 4 series to the Pixel 5, suggesting that someone shoul09d “upgrade” from the Pixel 3a to the Pixel 4a is a bit silly. Despite maybe being a little overdue, we’re here to examine whether this might be something to consider for those shopping for a new smartphone on a budget.
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The Pixel 3a and 3a XL may have been superseded by the Pixel 4a — and recently released 4a 5G — but that doesn’t mean they are not great devices. While they still offer a “premium” Pixel experience at a lower cost, it looks as though some Pixel 3a and 3a XL owners are having issues upgrading from Android Pie to the newly released Android 11.
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Following this year’s release of Android 11, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be approaching their end of life. To help fans of the phone squeeze a few more years of life out of their device, the team behind LineageOS is adding support for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, with the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 series not far behind.
Update: The Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 series are now supported, too.
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The Google Pixel 3a still remains one the best affordable Android phones you can buy, simply because it offers the best bits of the Pixel series with only a few compromises.
When the Pixel 3a was leaked — multiple times — it seemed like a weird device a little out of place with what Google has been trying to do over the past few years within the premium flagship space.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
For the past few years, Google seems to have tried to chase the sun a little with the Pixel line. That isn’t a bad thing by any stretch as, despite a few stumbles here and there, the Pixel line has become an exceptional Android alternative to the iPhone. Which brings us to the release of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, a phone targeted at a slightly different subset of the market.
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