Mid-priced Google Pixel 3a still pricier in Asia

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

Despite Google positioning its latest Pixel smartphone as a more affordable option, the Pixel 3a lineup still looks pretty expensive in Asia.

In the United States, pricing for the Pixel 3a starts at US$399 (RM1,658) while the Pixel 3a XL starts at US$479 (RM1,990).

However, in neighbouring Singapore the Pixel 3a costs Sg$659 (RM2,008) while the Pixel 3a XL starts at Sg$779 (RM2,374), or around 17% higher.

Meanwhile, in India the smartphone is available through Flipkart for 39,999 rupees (RM2,375) while the Pixel 3a XL starts at 44,999 rupees (RM2,672), or around 25-30% higher.

Google does not sell the Pixel directly in Malaysia, though it may be available through other retailers.

Though it may be cheaper to buy the Pixel 3a from the US, shipping costs and tie-in with telco contracts there might make it unattractive for Malaysians. 

Google head of hardware Rick Osterloh announced that the Pixel 3a will be priced at about half that of latest generation premium smartphones, but has built-in cameras, digital assistant and other features found in top-end handsets.

The new Pixel 3a device is being introduced as Apple and Samsung have boosted prices of their newest handsets to over US$1,000 (RM4,147), and with Google’s flagship Pixel 3 selling from around US$800 (RM3,318).