https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/bo3g75/speed_test_g_pixel_3a_xl_vs_pixel_1_vs_pixel_2_xl/
Hahaha sorry.
2XL pros:
0. More powerful processor > will notice when using camera and playing games
1. Better built > more solid > more dense
2. IP certification
3. Gorilla glass > stronger than 3a > check durability tests
4. Front firing speakers
5. Higher resolution screen
6. Tried and tested > one of the best phones out there
7. That white and black colour option with the orange button > classic
8. Pixel Visual Core > allows third party apps such as Snapchat instagram and WhatsApp to use the HDR capabilities of the main camera within the app
9. Lastly, price! > Cheaper than the 3a. Even the XL model of the 2 is cheaper than the smaller 3a.
2XL cons:
1. For the price, I don't think there are any. Some might say the screen but honestly it's beautiful!
3a pros:
1. One additional year of software updates but listen... They said the same thing about the Pixel 1 and it's still getting major updates. Google will most likely support its devices for more than 3 years for sure. Android R will definitely be coming to the 2XL.
2. Plastic back won't break as easily
3a cons:
1. Lower processor
2. No IP certification
3. No gorilla glass
4. No dual front firing speakers > one at the bottom can be covered and not as enjoyable as having two in the front
5. Lower resolution screen
6. Still new in terms of processor speeds and dragon trail glass. Can't say how they're going to age
7. No pixel Visual Core > potato quality in third party apps
8. More expensive than the 2XL > save money and get a smartwatch
I decided I should, more objectively, do a list of pros for each phone; such as including the 2 pros that the poster you responded to pointed out about the 3a XL:
Pixel 2 XL pros:
1. Glass and aluminum "premium" build
2. Gorilla glass
3. IP 67 rating
4. Front firing speakers
5. Higher resolution screen
6. Pixel Visual core
7. Free online storage, at original resolution, of all photos taken by the phone
8. 128 GB storage version available
Pixel 3a XL Pros:
1. Larger battery
2. Better looking screen
3. Better sound quality from speakers
4. Headphone jack
5. Longer guaranteed software support
6. Polycarbonate case
7. More efficient processor (uses less battery)
8. Titan Security chip
9. LTE band 71 (for T-Mobile US customers, or those that might roam on T-Mobile US)
Notes (in no particular order):
I did not list price because that varies, by quite a bit, between countries. For example, in the US, a new 3a XL is cheaper than the 2 XL -- with the 2XL having limited availability, and the 3a XL having a number of promotions that make it even cheaper. In India, the 3a XL is clearly overpriced. As such, which device has an advantage depends on the country, and if you don't mind buying used. For the moment, the 2 XL is cheaper used than the 3a XL. OTOH, depending on promos available in your area, in many cases the net price, after trade in and other promotional offers, can make a new 3a XL cheaper than the used 2 XL.
In research, the Pixel 2 XL processor is not appreciably faster than the 3a XL processor. It appears mildly faster per specs (2350 Mhz vs 2000 Mhz) but in real world test, it appears the 3a XL actually performs CPU tasks faster. When the GPU is brought in, the Pixel 2 XL is faster (significantly faster GPU). As such, whether the 2XL is actually faster, in day to day use, seems to be app dependent (graphic intensive apps, such as games, should be faster on the 2 XL). Though, as noted in the 3a XL pro, the processor seems to be noticeably more efficient, using less battery (though some could also be caused by screen resolution).
It is unclear how large of an advantage the Gorilla glass, over the Dragontail glass, really is. Independent tests of both types of glass show they tend to have similar resistance to scratching and breaking. At the same time, some YouTube tests appear to show the 3a XL may be more prone to having the screen break if it is dropped.
The speakers on the 2XL have had an issue with distortion at high volumes -- at least one fix is to turn the equalizer off. There have been other issues reported, but it appears some have been fixed by software updates. Additionally, the low end sound comes out of the lower speaker (unless this has been changed since by software update, which I don't believe it has)-- which makes some people feel the stereo is not "balanced," that it feels less like a true stereo. By contrast, the reviews of the 3a XL speakers is very positive, with the quality and volume helping to make up for the bottom speakers firing downward.
The Pixel 2 XL screen has had numerous complaints of being "washed out" and having poor viewing angles. The "washed out" issue has been partially addressed by software, and many do love the screen -- but objectively the 3a XL has very good color accuracy and viewing angles. The color "vibrancy" can be played with, in settings, on both phones -- so you likely can get screen colors you will be happy with on both phones. However, the 3a XL has that, for most people, without having to play with settings, and does not have the viewing angle issues.
As mentioned in the post I responded to: the advantage of the Pixel visual core is largely seen in 3rd party photos -- as a general rule it does not improve processing speeds of photos taken with the Google app.
To wrap up, I think both are great choices. Which is better for you depends on pricing at the time you go to buy the phones and in your area, and which of the "pros" better fits how you use your phone.
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