Google launches Pixel 3a, 3a XL. Here's the first look of the smartphones

SUMMARY

Alphabet Inc's Google launched more affordable versions of its Pixel smartphone on Tuesday at about half the price of its current models, and dropped an exclusive US distribution deal with Verizon Communications Inc, signaling a major shift in the tech giant's hardware strategy. Since hitting the market three years ago, the Pixel has been a slow seller compared to phones from Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co. Google is now moving to close the gap. The new Pixel 3a is priced as low $399, compared with $799 for last year's Pixel 3. The cheaper version will have one front camera instead of two and no wireless charging option, Google said. The phone will sell in the same 13 countries as Pixel 3. The Pixel 3a was unveiled Tuesday on the main stage at Google I/O, Google's annual conference for its thousands of industry partners and its showcase for new products. Technology analysts said the mid-price range smartphone, which had been rumored for weeks, makes Google a more serious contender in the industry. Earlier Pixel devices have drawn strong user reviews for camera features and artificial intelligence capabilities that beat those in phones from Samsung and other manufacturers using Google's Android mobile operating system. Image: Reuters/AP

By ReutersMay 8, 2019 8:45:33 AM IST (Updated)

A Google Pixel 3a phone is shown at the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The camera on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone is displayed at the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Google Pixel 3a phones are displayed at the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The audio jack is shown on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone at the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Google's Sabrina Ellis speaks about features on the Pixel 3a phone during the keynote address of the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Stephanie Cuthbertson, senior director of Android at Google, discusses the mobile operating system during the Google I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California, US May 7, 2019. REUTERS/Paresh Dave

Rick Osterloh, senior vice president for hardware at Google, discusses new devices during the Google I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California, US May 7, 2019. REUTERS/Paresh Dave