which phone to keep - Google Pixel 3a XL Questions & Answers

Currently have a 2xl and a 3a xl
What should I do

3a XL. Longer lifecycle in regards to software updates.

3a XL - screen is lower res but a whole lot better on color and black smearing (at least for me it is). Performance is pretty close, but 3a/XL gets the new camera features, some of which don't appear to be moving down the pipe.

I don't think there is much of a debate if you already own both, stick with the 3a XL for all of the reasons already given.
If you didn't already own the 3a XL, it might be hard to decide if the upgrade is worth the price. But you are already out the money so you might as well enjoy the longer life cycle. Getting rid of the 2 XL sooner rather than later will help recoup the most amount of money if that is your plan.

Yes I have both.
Thanks going to listen to you guys and keep the 3a xl

Related

worth it 2019?

Had the pixel 2 XL last year and loved it , ended up jumping on the Chinese bandwagon and got an mi8
Don't get me wrong cracking bit of hardware but there is no dev support going on.
Gpay has been broken for months
And my main feature I look for is the camera.
I was looking at the 3a XL but spec for spec the 2xl looks the better buy still
Im still using the Pixel 2xl, since 04.2018. IT have a one year. I've used S10e and S10 and I wouldn't want them. Pixel 2 xl still rocks hard. I don't feel that it is almost a 2yr phone.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Personally, if you can find one, and your looking for great value, and pretty good Dev support, the P2XL is a solid choice. Mine will be 2 years old in October, and I still get excellent battery life, monthly updates, and run stock rooted without any major bugs at all. Yeah, it doesn't have the best of screens, or sound volume, but everything is is pretty darn solid IMHO. The P3 series isn't much of an update, and see several problems with those as well on the forums. So there's by 2 pennies worth :laugh:
Thanks guys gonna sell my mi8 and get a refurbished one online
sutty86 said:
Thanks guys gonna sell my mi8 and get a refurbished one online
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You can get a used one on swappa for $248 right now.
Still pretty worth it. IMO the only reason to buy the 2XL is for the UFS since the 3aXL has eMMC so it has much slower performance in opening apps.
Overall, Pixel 3a is a great buy, especially if you have an old iPhone lying around. Google is offering $250+ for iphones as old as the SE. That brings the price down to $230 for a new phone. No telling how long it will last though. The SD 670 will be outdated fairly quickly compared to the 835.
If you're not shy for doing battery replacement on the P2XL, it will be a great phone for many years to come.
If you are shy to doing battery replacement, buy the 3a. The pixel 2 batteries are going to start going bad within a year and the performance impact of a bad battery is far greater than the performance impact of eMMC and the SD 670.
Also people are reporting up to 12 hours of SoT for the 3a. You will never get that from a pixel 2 XL no matter how many battery hacks you install.
Just managed a trade for my mi8 ,I'm pretty useless with battery replacements I knackered my old 6p
Got a p2xl today what's first thing I should do , just root or any preferred kernal and rom

from Pixel 2 xl to pixel 3a xl ?

Hi, is it worth to upgrade from a pixel 2xl to a pixel 3a xl ?
not sure if that would be an upgrade.
I see no reason to change to 3a from 2 except headphone jack.
I did it only because I'm a sucker for new devices and it only cost me $80 through T-Mobile. Been using the 3a Xl since I bought it. P2XL is now my backup device. There's no major differences performance wise; they seem very similar.
but pixel 3a have an illimitate space for photos?
mattia123 said:
but pixel 3a have an illimitate space for photos?
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Negative, just high quality not original quality like the pixel xl or pixel 2xl
PhoenixPath said:
I did it only because I'm a sucker for new devices and it only cost me $80 through T-Mobile. Been using the 3a Xl since I bought it. P2XL is now my backup device. There's no major differences performance wise; they seem very similar.
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How's better life compare? I'd think the 3A XL would destroy the 2 XL, but who knows
xxBrun0xx said:
How's better life compare? I'd think the 3A XL would destroy the 2 XL, but who knows
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Compared to a new P2XL, who knows...but the P3a XL slays my old P2XL in battery life.; but I bought the P2XL on launch-day so it's a bit abused.
In terms of performance, both phones should be neck and neck. While I haven't owned a previous device, I'm getting 6-8 hours SOT with the 3a XL, which is definitely great for a phone at this price point! It's like a super charged Snapdragon 821, which is, honestly, still a very capable chipset, considering that any other phone at this price point is gonna have MUCH lower specs. Battery won't disappoint!
Is there any issues with your 2 XL?
Personally I think I would be hard pressed to buy the 3a XL if I had a working 2 XL in hand. The performance isn't going to differ greatly between the two phones. The screen might be better on the 3a XL, but that's about it. Of course you will have a longer life expectancy with the 3a XL with three years of updates coming. But I think I would save my money and wait for the 4 XL or 4a XL.
This coming from someone that just bought the 3a XL which was a true upgrade from the Honor 8 I was using. Of course I was also able to turn in an old Apple phone (an AT&T 6s) that my daughter had and got $264 in credit for it , so the total cost was much lower than list price too.
champ784 said:
In terms of performance, both phones should be neck and neck. While I haven't owned a previous device, I'm getting 6-8 hours SOT with the 3a XL, which is definitely great for a phone at this price point! It's like a super charged Snapdragon 821, which is, honestly, still a very capable chipset, considering that any other phone at this price point is gonna have MUCH lower specs. Battery won't disappoint!
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That's a little hard to argue, there's some great options out there, especially with port in deals to several pre paid carriers.
carnivalrejectq said:
That's a little hard to argue, there's some great options out there, especially with port in deals to several pre paid carriers.
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I mean, there are options out there. But there's plenty of people who don't want to be tied down to carrier unlock systems. Prepaid unlocking can be a nightmare depending on whichever company you go with. Sure, it's a question of convenience. So if you're someone who doesn't care about this, sure. Go prepaid. But if you're like me, someone who can't stand the fine print issues you may come across, I still think the 3a XL's price point is solid
champ784 said:
I mean, there are options out there. But there's plenty of people who don't want to be tied down to carrier unlock systems. Prepaid unlocking can be a nightmare depending on whichever company you go with. Sure, it's a question of convenience. So if you're someone who doesn't care about this, sure. Go prepaid. But if you're like me, someone who can't stand the fine print issues you may come across, I still think the 3a XL's price point is solid
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I am enjoying it. I switched to metro for a g7 power only a month ago lol and here I am now on this Pixel

Is the 3XL still worth it?

I'm in the process of getting a new phone in the coming days. To keep it simple here, i'm debating 3XL or S10(e). I'm not going to wait long enough for the Pixel 4 to come out. OnePlus 7 Pro is sadly not available through my carrier.
So, is the 3XL still a good deal when Price is identical to the S10(e)? I've had Samsung in the past and Nexus's before that. I now the Samsung OS and am fine with it. I live in Europe, so getting AOSP for the S10 should be an option. Camera is important but not priority one. An overall fluid/fast system is more important to me. I also don't care to much for specs. Solid Batterylife is on my list too. I'm not a poweruser, so 3-4 hours SOT should be enough for a day or two. Oh, and i don't have a Problem with either notch or holepunch.
With that, would you get the 3XL for guaranteed Android Q and faster Updates, or the S10 for better specs/Display and being overall newer?
I had the chance of one plus, Samsung S10, Huawei p30pro. Chose the pixel for the updates and camera. No regrets whatsoever. Camera stunning, updates each month, 5-6 hours screen time, great build, wireless charging and IP rating, smooth as performance and a very underrated screen. Coming from the LG G7, which I loved, this phone is a level up in everyway.
@domsch1988 Why not the 3a XL? Much better value especially if you're not a power user. Only thing it's not waterproof and has no wireless charging, slightly lower processor but a great phone.
go for the OnePlus. I've played with it (friend bought it) and its solid. I have a 3XL but if I can do it over, i'd either stick with the 2XL or upgrade to the OnePlus.
I still think the Pixel 3 XL is the Android phone to get, until the 4 XL in Oct. Best camera, smooth OS, timely updates every month, no bloatware.
What other phone is out there? Galaxy S10? LOL I'll pass. LG G8 or V50 ? No thanks. OnePlus, yeah they are are good, but, not the best camera, and some features missing
I would choose Oneplus. I'm so disappointed with the Pixel 3 XL. The fingerprint sensor sucks. I had the 1+ 5T and it was far better than this. It's my last Pixel.
I'll change my 3 XL for a 5 XL, that's how much I love it.
for me pixel 3 xl is the phone to buy because its a nice design lovely to hold timely updates. The only thing am not happy about is the ram and how its managed i would have liked to see an extra 2 gigs here.
Traded my S10 Plus for the Pixel 3 XL.
Great decision in my view. Running Android Q beta 4, no need to carry DSLR with me (S10 camera was awful).
Only downside is the RAM and it's management. Would choose it over again in a heartbeat
bobby janow said:
@domsch1988 Why not the 3a XL? Much better value especially if you're not a power user. Only thing it's not waterproof and has no wireless charging, slightly lower processor but a great phone.
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Since i'm getting it on Contract, they are equal in price (basically 1€ without any change in what the plan will cost me). The 3a will be getting guaranteed Updates for 6 Months longer. Other than that, i feel the 3XL is far better.
If i'd pay for it up front, i agree 100%. I'm currently rocking a Redmin Note 5 Pro. So i'm confident, that the Hardware in the 3aXL would be well enough. I just don't have the value benefit when both phones cost the same in my case.
To everyone else: I really appreciate the input. Seems the Pixel is still the Phone to get. Will be my first time getting a phone for the camera. But with my wife and me expecting a child, i'm sure that's a great decision
Despite what I have read of other's experiences with this phone, in my case it is the absolute best phone I have ever had. Coming from a long line of Samsung Note phones and Galaxy phones, it just can't compare. I highly recommend it. Updates are timely and without delay on the first Monday of every month. It is very responsive and the camera is the best in the industry. I have learned with this phone that specs mean nothing if the software is not optimized. Samsung phone shave great specs but software (IMO) is not optimized. I got tired of Samsung's locked bootloader, no root on phones and batteries that after 6 months did not last more than a few hours. For me, this is the ONLY phone worth the money today.
Easy. Get the 3xl or even 3aXL and save some money. Either will be fantastic.
Other than Google not being able to fix the sound (changes from clear to bassy/muffled and back randomly) this phone is awesome.
yaron316 said:
Traded my S10 Plus for the Pixel 3 XL.
Great decision in my view. Running Android Q beta 4, no need to carry DSLR with me (S10 camera was awful).
Only downside is the RAM and it's management. Would choose it over again in a heartbeat
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This. I tried the S9+ then the S10+. Couldn't wait to get back to the Pixel.
nyydynasty said:
go for the OnePlus. I've played with it (friend bought it) and its solid. I have a 3XL but if I can do it over, i'd either stick with the 2XL or upgrade to the OnePlus.
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The OnePlus is no upgrade IMO. I just spent a week testing both the OnePlus 7 Pro and the P3 XL and the bottom line is that the two phones are a perfect example of specs not telling the whole story. The OnePlus is nice but in the end it went back and I kept the P3 XL. Main issues with the OnePlus was the distortion caused by the curved edges (why did they do that? Loss of functionality for nothing in return... if i wanted a fashion statement I'd buy an iPhone.) I don't get why everyone gets hysterical over a notch that hardly ever really intrudes on the P3 XL while ignoring the distortion of the O7P that is annoying 100% of the time. Also in spite of all the reviews gushing over the 90 fps display it really was a big... meh. If you look closely it is somewhat smoother than the 60 fps flagships but these are already so good that the slight improvement is just not that big a deal and I think I'd probably have ended up just leaving the 90 fps option off to get the 10% or so battery life back. But the OP7 display was brighter than the P3 XL, I'll give it that.
The other problem on the OP7P was the camera. It's come a long way and is certainly competitive with the big boys but I found the P3's image to be superior most of the time. If you aren't picky about the camera then the P7 should be fine. Last is the general feel of the phone and the pure Google Pixel OS (and all the little nonessential but nice goodies) made the P3 just feel more comfortable and day-to-day usable to me. Also FWIW the P3 supports Verizon WiFi calling and the OP7 does not (or at least I couldn't find any setting that would make it work.) Something that won't matter for some but will for others so just mentioning it. Also if you think you may ever want to use Google Fi (for the international coverage if nothing else) then the Pixel is the better choice, also a factor that may or may not matter depending on the user.
I'm not hating on the OnePlus, it's a great phone and would probably be my phone if it weren't for the P3 XL. But an 'upgrade'? Nah.
.
At this point in the year I would honestly wait things out to see what happens with the Pixel 4. I love the Pixel 3xl and wouldn't buy anything else at this point. The first phone that I enjoy using and the camera is awesome! With the Pixel 4 it can only get better, even if the numbers are still not up with the S10 it wouldn't matter to me. Fast, no bloatware and the ability to take it anywhere and use it anywhere is what I enjoy.
S10e would be a downgrade in my opinion.
I actually ordered the Snapdragon S10e and quickly realised I miss that higher quality screen of the Pixel 3 XL. As this was the Snapdragon S10e I had gcam installed but it was very buggy and just nothing like the original.
The pixel 3 XL has a wider screen too, makes viewing content a lot better, the Samsung phones are narrow so it almost seems like you lose out on content, for me it was noticeably enough to keep this phone!

Pixel 3a XL or Pixel 3 XL?

Hi, which phone would you go for the pixel 3 XL or pixel 3a XL if they were both the same price? Which they are in the UK since the pixel 3a XL is £469 BNIB and the pixel 3 XL is on eBay for around £450 refurbished.
The issues I have with the pixel 3 XL seem to be all the bugs that seemed to have plagued it since it’s release such as lagging apps and poor ram management which was addressed in recent updates but many users have still complained about on going issues. Another issue seems to be for myself is the notch looks really ugly I wonder if it’s an real issue when using the phone daily.
The clear positives are just the raw power the phone has due to a better processor also it has an IP rating. Plus the build quality is better.
The Pixel 3a XL seems to perfect for my needs but the only downsides I see are the fact it runs a much less powerful processor which doesn’t seem to be bad when used on a day to day basis but I wonder how well it will hold up in the long run let’s just say in the next two years.
Any thought on which phone I should pick? The most important aspect of the phone for me would be it’s longevity.
Thanks for reading
For me its bigger battery i had the pocophone before that and honelsty the performance on the pixel 3a xl is better that the poco,also the battery lasts me 3 days with sot 7 hours minimum.
firenation112 said:
Hi, which phone would you go for the pixel 3 XL or pixel 3a XL if they were both the same price? Which they are in the UK since the pixel 3a XL is £469 BNIB and the pixel 3 XL is on eBay for around £450 refurbished.
The issues I have with the pixel 3 XL seem to be all the bugs that seemed to have plagued it since it’s release such as lagging apps and poor ram management which was addressed in recent updates but many users have still complained about on going issues. Another issue seems to be for myself is the notch looks really ugly I wonder if it’s an real issue when using the phone daily.
The clear positives are just the raw power the phone has due to a better processor also it has an IP rating. Plus the build quality is better.
The Pixel 3a XL seems to perfect for my needs but the only downsides I see are the fact it runs a much less powerful processor which doesn’t seem to be bad when used on a day to day basis but I wonder how well it will hold up in the long run let’s just say in the next two years.
Any thought on which phone I should pick? The most important aspect of the phone for me would be it’s longevity.
Thanks for reading
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Tbh the 3a/xl will be plenty for the next 2 years. Some people are still using the OG pixel and even Nexus 6p to this day.
Not to mention notches suck and I personally refuse to support it which is the main reason why I got the 3a xl over the Moto g7 plus.
I haven't used the Pixel 3 XL. But I have used the Original Pixel XL, the Pixel 2, and also other phones like OnePlus 5. However, I have to say, now that I'm using Pixel 3a XL, I find Pixel 3a XL to be the best Phone I have ever used so far.
That's a hard question and one that ultimately the user will have to decide for themselves.
Personally I haven't used the original 3 series, but the 3a XL has been a great phone for me and I can't see myself trading it for a 3 XL unless I was able to test drive the 3 XL to make sure it was better before getting it.
- I never think "this is slow" or "studdery" except when trying to use Facebook via Chrome (the Facebook app works great which leads me to believe it is a Facebook issue, not a phone issue).
- The battery life is great and better than the 3 XL
- The main camera is the same as the 3 series. Of course you do loose the wide angle front camera and the second rear camera, so if those are "must haves" then you know your answer
- The 3a doesn't have the extra photo processor, but this just means the pictures take about 3-4 seconds to process instead of nearly instant on the 3 series. I see the "processing" notification sometimes when reviewing just taken pictures, but I have never been annoyed at it.
- The 3 series comes with free unlimited photo backup until 2022 of original quality sized files. The 3a only allows unlimited backups of compressed size (which is normal and not an exclusive benefit of the 3a).
- The 3a will have a longer update lifecycle.​
Those are just a few of the difference I can think of off hand.
Thanks for all the replies. Just wanted to add what I want in a phone is everything that the pixel 3a XL has but the only concern I have is the processor used. Now I know in terms of day to day usage I won’t find it slow but my concern is how well do mid range processor do in the long run? Are my concerns unwarranted?
firenation112 said:
Thanks for all the replies. Just wanted to add what I want in a phone is everything that the pixel 3a XL has but the only concern I have is the processor used. Now I know in terms of day to day usage I won’t find it slow but my concern is how well do mid range processor do in the long run? Are my concerns unwarranted?
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I personally don't see any real difference between my Pixel 3a XL and my old Pixel 2 in terms of performance. So, the processor shouldn't be a concern.
And the Camera on the Pixel 3a XL is top notch!
firenation112 said:
Thanks for all the replies. Just wanted to add what I want in a phone is everything that the pixel 3a XL has but the only concern I have is the processor used. Now I know in terms of day to day usage I won’t find it slow but my concern is how well do mid range processor do in the long run? Are my concerns unwarranted?
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I use my phone to game with sillent hills on the psp emulator that was the most demanding game i ever played on poco ,it run smoothly on pixel 3a xl ,just make sure to put the opengl option and not vulkan cause the phone has a decent graphics card the 615 can handle anything.

Does Google Pixel 3a XL still worth purchasing

Hi all
I have an option to get this phone for 370$, and wanted to know if u recommend buying this 1 although 4a may come out soon
Appreciate ur input in advance
Peace
Not for $370, no. Some rumors have the 4a coming out around $350-400. The one thing with the 3a XL though is unmatched battery life. The 4a wont touch in in that regard. The 4a is also going to be a lot smaller physically and have a slightly smaller screen.
If you could get a 3a XL for ~$300 or less I would do it but not at that price.
Thank you so much for the useful info
Bought 1 black and 1 purple Pixel 3a XL from Best Buy unlocked for $319.99 each on 5/22/20 so pretty sure $370 is not a good deal.

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