With Android 11 public beta available now and a final version potentially launching on Sept. 8, Google is ramping up its mobile updates. This means we’ll likely see followups to its midrange Pixel line, which is expected to be called the Pixel 4A and 4A XL, very soon. Indeed, Google recently posted an image of the Pixel 4A on its Google Store before taking it down, according to 9to5Google.
More than ever, phone-makers are targeting people on tighter budgets, who might otherwise have just held onto their old phone for another year. In May of last year, Google launched the Pixel 3A and 3A XL. It was the Pixel phones’ first foray into a more affordable price bracket — and perhaps Google’s return to the cheaper Nexus days of yore. The strategic move worked and the Pixel 3A doubled Google’s Pixel sales by that summer.
Since then, Google’s rivals released a number of its own midtier handsets, including Apple’s iPhone SE, the Samsung Galaxy A51 and the sub-$300 Moto G Power and G Stylus. Google’s Pixel “A” line offers a viable alternative for Android users looking for a Pixel phone experience at a lower cost, but still needs to remain competitive. In anticipation of Google’s expected announcement of the Pixel 4A and 4A XL, we gathered the most compelling and interesting rumors about the devices. And until the launch happens, check back often as we update the roundup.
Pixel 4A price: $399 looks probable
Last year’s Pixel 3A cost $399, £399 and AU$649; the 3A XL cost $479, £469 and AU$799. It wouldn’t be surprising if Google kept the same pricing model this year for its Pixel 4A phones. The reasons are twofold: Raising the price of a device specifically geared towards more budget-minded users would be an odd move. Second, premium phone makers seem to consider $399 a good price mark. Apple’s iPhone SE, for example, is $399 as is Samsung’s Galaxy A51. A mock billboard showing the $399 price posted by tech leaker Evan Blass also noted the same price.
In addition, Stephen Hall of 9to5Google tweeted that the Pixel 4A could be even cheaper, starting at $349 instead. This would make it even more competitive against the iPhone SE and would attract more budget-minded users.
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