From Apple iPhone XR to Google Pixel 3a: How the affordable smartphone revolution has unfolded

NEW DELHI: Last year when Apple launched its iPhone XR it perhaps had no clue that it will start a trend that will change the dynamics of the smartphone industry. The idea behind iPhone XR was to launch an ‘affordable’ variant of the more expensive iPhone XS and XS Max. Now, almost every smartphone brand operating in the premium segment is doing the same.

Samsung did it in February 2019 when it unveiled the Galaxy S10e alongside the more premium Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus. At the just-concluded I/O 2019, Google announced affordable variants of its Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. Called the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a XL, the smartphone brings the best of Pixel (read camera) at a more affordable price. In India, the Pixel 3a will sell at Rs 39,999 whereas the bigger variant will retail at Rs 44,999. In contrast, the Pixel 3 was launched at Rs 71,000 whereas the Pixel 3 XL was launched at Rs 83,000.