Google launches cheaper Pixel 3a smartphones

Model has top-spec camera and software but costs more than 300 less than flagship Pixel 3

Google is looking to buck the 1,000-plus smartphone trend by launching a cheaper Pixel 3a smartphone that still offers its top-spec camera and software.

Announced at Google's I/O developer conference in California on Tuesday, the new Pixel 3a and 3a XL Android phones are aimed at the increasingly important mid-range market. Starting at 399, they seek to offer most of what made Google's 739-plus flagship phones good, but at a significantly reduced cost.