Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone XR?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £24.70 less than the Google Pixel 3a. The Google Pixel 3a is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The Google Pixel 3a has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 3000 mAh on the Google Pixel 3a, 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR specs
The Google Pixel 3a and iPhone XR differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Pixel 3a offers a sharper OLED screen at a smaller size and more RAM for multitasking, making it well suited to those who prioritise screen quality and app performance. The Pixel 3a has a slightly larger battery capacity, while the iPhone XR offers more storage options and a heavier weight. Both have unlocked 4G connectivity and similar camera specs, making each a solid choice depending on your preferences in screen, software, and storage.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating systems. These factors affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and whether it stays current with the latest features and security.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, slightly larger than the iPhone XR's 2942 mAh. This means the Pixel 3a may provide a bit more battery life between charges, which could benefit users who spend long periods away from power sources.
Operating System
The Pixel 3a runs on Android, while the iPhone XR uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer for app availability, interface, and ecosystem.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Efficiency
The iPhone XR features the Apple A12 Bionic chipset built on a 7 nm process, which typically means efficient and powerful performance. The Pixel 3a has a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 built on a 10 nm process, suitable for everyday tasks but simpler than the A12 Bionic.
Memory Capacity
The Pixel 3a offers 4 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open at once or smoother multitasking compared to the iPhone XR's 3 GB. This suits users who run several apps simultaneously.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a comes with 64GB storage, while the iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. If you need more space for apps, photos, and files, the iPhone XR provides more flexibility in storage capacity.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and text. Differences in size, resolution, and panel type create distinct viewing experiences.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen, offering more room for video and reading. This suits users who prefer a spacious display for media and browsing.
Resolution and Sharpness
The Pixel 3a has a higher resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels on a smaller 5.6 inch screen, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. This benefits users who want crisp visuals in a more compact size.
Screen Technology
The Pixel 3a uses an OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and richer contrast. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides consistent colours and brightness over a larger area.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality affects photos and video calls. Front and main camera resolutions show how much detail each phone can capture.
Front Camera Detail
The Pixel 3a offers an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher than the iPhone XR's 7 megapixels. This can make selfies and video calls a touch clearer.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a main camera around 12 megapixels: the Pixel 3a with 12.2 MP and the iPhone XR with 12 MP. This means both can capture detailed photos suited to everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR size and design
Other practical factors include size, weight, connectivity, and SIM options. These affect daily handling and network use.
Weight and Dimensions
The Pixel 3a weighs 147 g with a depth of 8.2 mm, making it lighter and slightly slimmer than the iPhone XR, which weighs 194 g with a depth of 8.3 mm. The Pixel 3a's smaller size and lower weight suit users who prefer a more compact, easier to hold phone.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. Both use a combination of a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility to use multiple carriers or plans.
No SD Card Slots
Neither phone has an SD card slot, so storage expansion via memory cards is not an option. Storage needs should be planned based on the internal capacity offered.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £24.70 less than the Google Pixel 3a
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.6 inch)
What our customers say
Google Pixel 3a customers appreciate the phone's condition and reliability, with many reporting excellent experiences and perfect working order. The phone's condition often looks like new, and setup is straightforward. Some users note occasional slow performance or minor hardware issues like a faulty power button, but others successfully run alternative operating systems like Ubuntu on it. Overall, customers find the Pixel 3a suitable for everyday use.
iPhone XR customers frequently describe the phone as looking and working like new, with excellent value and a screen size that suits users of different ages. Battery replacements are sometimes not official Apple parts, which can trigger warnings, but performance remains fast and smooth. Many customers are pleased with the range of storage options and ease of setup. The iPhone XR is appreciated for its reliability and condition, making it popular for gifts and personal use.
Both phones attract users who want well-maintained refurbished devices. The Pixel 3a suits those looking for a lighter, sharper screen and more RAM, while the iPhone XR appeals to users who want a larger display, more storage options, and ongoing software updates.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The Google Pixel 3a has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £155 for the Google Pixel 3a.
The Google Pixel 3a has 3000 mAh and the iPhone XR has 2942 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XR has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
