Google Pixel 3 XL vs Google Pixel 3A
Our Verdict: These are two phones from the same range, with the Pixel 3A sitting above the Pixel 3 XL. The 3 XL has the bigger battery of the two, 3430mAh against 3000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the 3 XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.3" against 5.6" and sharper at 522 PPI. Storage goes higher on the 3 XL, up to 128GB against 64GB, and the 3A is the lighter phone at 147g against 184g. The 3 XL doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the 3A.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 3 XL is the cheaper buy at £105 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 6 July 2026
Google Pixel 3 XL
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Google Pixel 3A
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 11 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 5.6" |
| Display | P-OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2960 | 1080 x 2220 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 522 | 441 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 8 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 |
| Battery | 3,430 mAh | 3,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 64GB |
| OS | Android | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm | 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 184 grams | 147 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | Not rated |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £105.00 | £119.00 |
| Prices updated 6 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 3 XL or Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3 XL has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Google Pixel 3A's 5.6", the Google Pixel 3 XL has the sharper display at 522 pixels per inch versus 441, and the Google Pixel 3 XL uses a P-OLED panel while the Google Pixel 3A has a OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 3 XL or Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3 XL features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 3A has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 3 XL or Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3 XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £105.00.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 3 XL and Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3 XL is available in 64GB, 128GB, while the Google Pixel 3A comes in 64GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 3 XL and Google Pixel 3A use?
The Google Pixel 3 XL is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, while the Google Pixel 3A uses the Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 3 XL or Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3A is the more portable of the two: it's 37g lighter at 147 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 3 XL or Google Pixel 3A?
The Google Pixel 3 XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 3A is rated Not rated.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 3 XL and Google Pixel 3A run?
Both phones run Android.