Google Teaser Hints at Pixel 3a Launch

A new teaser on the Made By Google website suggests that the Pixel 3a midmarket handset will launch on May 7.

“On May 7, something big is coming to the Pixel universe,” the website teases. The teaser links to a preview ad for the Pixel 3 lineup and Avengers: Endgame, a movie that won’t be released until April 26. But that May 7 date falls neatly on the first day of Google I/O 2019, which is being held May 7-9 in Mountain View, California.

Bingo.

I watched the video in the hope that there would be some further clue about the Pixel 3a, which has frankly leaked so often and so broadly that it’s unlikely there’s much more to know about it. But after sitting through one minute of men in tights, egregious computer-generated special effects, and Google hardware and services marketing, I came away dumber for the experience: The video appears to feature both the Pixel 3 and 3XL, which shipped last fall. But I didn’t see any hint of the Pixel 3a or 3a XL. I guess. They do look pretty identical, actually.

Anyway, we know that the Pixel 3a and 3a XL are coming this Spring. That they will feature mid-level Snapdragon 670 processors, but the same camera system as their more expensive siblings. Google will sell them directly, of course, as will Verizon, but T-Mobile may carry the entire Pixel 3 lineup soon as well.

Both phones are expected to Other expected specs include 4 GB of RAM, more than their more expensive siblings, and a 3,000mAh battery. The 3a will have a 5.6-inch display and the 3a XL will have a 6-inch display.