Both Pixels feature the same core hardware, and the exact same software. The 12.2Mp primary camera, a key selling point for Pixel 3a, is also a constant across the range. So what is the difference?

Aside from the price, all that differs between the two is size. While the Pixel 3a has a 5.6in screen, the Pixel 3a XL has a 6in panel, both Full-HD+ OLED displays. Once upon a time in the smartphone market that meant for a significant difference in size, but with the pair adopting trendy new tall aspect ratios (18.5:9 and 18:9 respectively) this is no longer the case. There is just 6mm separating the two in height, 8.8mm in width, and 20g in weight. Both fit into an 8.2mm-thick chassis.

So while the Pixel 3a XL’s panel is going to be marginally more useful for watching media, playing games and getting stuff done, don’t expect a huge difference between the two – certainly not enough to justify the extra outlay for most people.

That said, with a larger chassis the Pixel 3a XL is also able to fit a higher-capacity battery – 3700mAh against the 3a’s 3000mAh. Until we’ve had the opportunity to run extensive testing it’s difficult to see how much difference this will make. Google says the XL will offer 14 hours of video playback compared to the 3a’s 12, and up to 18 days of standby rather than the 3a’s 13.

Both phones support 18W fast-charging, and both can offer up to 7 hours of use from a 15-minute charge.

Pixel 3a and 3a XL go on sale on 8 May 2019 via the Google Store and retailers such as  Carphone Warehouse, EE, Argos and Mobile Phones Direct .

Read the full specification comparison in the table below, and read more details on what the new phones offer here. Also see the best cases for the Pixel 3a and 3a XL phones  here.

Pixel 3a vs 3a XL specifications 

The Pixel 3a and 3a XL were announced at Google I/O 2019 alongside the Google Nest Hub Max ( reviewed here) and a public beta of Android Q.

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Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.