Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL: What could ‘a’ possibly mean?

Earlier this week, Google has announced affordable Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL devices that brings great features of high-end Pixel variants packed into a relatively cheap price. But what could ‘a’ in the name could possibly mean. Let’s discuss.

Let’s break down the ‘Google Pixel 3a’ name word by word. ‘Google’ who we all know sells the smartphone, ‘Pixel’ means it is of the same series as its Pixel devices, ‘3’ means the third generation, but what is ‘a’?

It’s in the last alphabet that things get complicated. Similar to Apple in its iPhone XR and iPhone XS smartphones, Google decided to put a letter in the name to differentiate itself from other brands. But as Google has not yet explained what the letter ‘a’ means, that leaves us to try what can it possibly mean.

Pixel 3a: Pixel 3AVERAGE

As Google Pixel 3a is trimmed down version of flagship Pixel 3, ‘a’ could mean an average variant for users who are willing to make a trade-off between build quality and average specs for an affordable phone.

Pixel 3a: Pixel 3AFFORDABLE

The Pixel 3a costs Rs 39,999 in India. The smartphone is relatively cheap than its flagship counterpart Pixel 3XL that comes at Rs 83,000. And the way Google is pushing Pixel 3a in the market ‘a’ has a very good change of having affordable as a meaning.

Pixel 3a: PIXEL 3ANOTHER/ Pixel 3AUX

Since it is released after the Pixel 3, it could be another Pixel 3. Pixel 3AUX as it comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

NOTHING

This might be disappointing, but sometimes there are things that don’t have meanings. And like the iPhone XR, it is possible there’s nothing behind the letter ‘a’ in the Pixel 3a’s, instead a large void.

The Pixel 3a comes with a 5.6-inch OLED display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB internal storage, 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera and a 3,000 mAh battery. The main difference between the 3a and 3a XL is in screen size and battery size. The Pixel 3a XL sports a 6-inch display and large 3,700mAh battery.