There’s one area where pricey flagship smartphones still hold the edge — the camera. Google is set to change that with its new Pixel 3a and 3a XL twins. We spent a few days with the Google Pixel 3a XL that features almost the same spec sheet as the Pixel 3a, except for a larger display (the Pixel 3a boasts of a 5.6-inch display).
Chennai:
The Pixel 3a XL’s biggest ace is its camera. It’s the same 12.2MP rear camera that we enjoyed using on the Pixel 3 — we could not tell between images shot on this device and the Pixel 3. Google’s Night Sight mode is one of the best solutions for lowlight photography. Selfies are sharp on the 8MP front cam but there’s no wide angle selfie mode like the Pixel 3. We were equally impressed with battery life (3700 mAh battery), this device should comfortably last a whole day for most users. The Pixel 3a XL delivers great value at its price (Rs 44,999; the Pixel 3a costs Rs 39,999) and probably the best camera in the sub Rs 40,000 segment.
Fitbit Inspire HR: Fitbit’s new entry level tracker features a slightly curved design. This doesn’t just look good but also improves visibility on the bright OLED display (monochrome). The tracker feels weightless on your wrist and the silicon straps add to its featherlight build. You can swap the strap for metal or leather bands even from third party manufacturers.
The HR suffix is a clear indication of the tracker’s heart rate monitoring capabilities. Aside from that you get key Fitbit essentials like calorie counts, sleep tracking and 15+ exercise modes for all your gym workouts. The Inspire HR is water-proof and offers swim lap tracking but there’s no altimeter so you can’t keep track of all those floors you climb. While there are cheaper trackers that deliver a similar feature set like text and call alerts, the brand’s premium build quality and polished companion App make it a compelling proposition for first time buyers considering a fitness tracker. (Rs 8,999)
The first thing that you will notice is how good this device feels in your hand. The back is crafted in plastic but the two-tone finish akin to the one we saw on the Pixel 3 lends it a premium finish. There’s no wireless charging and this device is not water resistant. The 6-inch OLED display (1080 x 2160 pixels / 18:9 aspect ratio / 402 PPI) is vivid and offers great visibility even under sunlight. At its heart is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory. This is an area where some devices in the sub Rs 40,000 have the upper hand. These specs should work for most users though; the seamless blend of hardware and pure play Android makes for a compelling user experience. Like all other Google Pixel devices, the Pixel 3a XL is always first in line for any new OS updates or security patches.
The Pixel 3a XL’s biggest ace is its camera. It’s the same 12.2MP rear camera that we enjoyed using on the Pixel 3 — we could not tell between images shot on this device and the Pixel 3. Google’s Night Sight mode is one of the best solutions for lowlight photography. Selfies are sharp on the 8MP front cam but there’s no wide angle selfie mode like the Pixel 3. We were equally impressed with battery life (3700 mAh battery), this device should comfortably last a whole day for most users. The Pixel 3a XL delivers great value at its price (Rs 44,999; the Pixel 3a costs Rs 39,999) and probably the best camera in the sub Rs 40,000 segment.
Fitbit Inspire HR: Fitbit’s new entry level tracker features a slightly curved design. This doesn’t just look good but also improves visibility on the bright OLED display (monochrome). The tracker feels weightless on your wrist and the silicon straps add to its featherlight build. You can swap the strap for metal or leather bands even from third party manufacturers.
The HR suffix is a clear indication of the tracker’s heart rate monitoring capabilities. Aside from that you get key Fitbit essentials like calorie counts, sleep tracking and 15+ exercise modes for all your gym workouts. The Inspire HR is water-proof and offers swim lap tracking but there’s no altimeter so you can’t keep track of all those floors you climb. While there are cheaper trackers that deliver a similar feature set like text and call alerts, the brand’s premium build quality and polished companion App make it a compelling proposition for first time buyers considering a fitness tracker. (Rs 8,999)
Ashwin is a lifestyle writer and consumer technology expert. Catch the latest digital and tech updates in this weekly column