Google Pixel 3 And Pixel 3 XL Review: Killer Camera, Android Refined

Google unveiled an array of new hardware at a posh event in New York City last week, including the Pixel Slate, the Google Home Hub, and the products we’ll be showing you here, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The Pixel Slate is an Intel-powered convertible tablet running Chrome OS, the Home Hub is a touch-screen equipped Google Home device, and the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL likely need no introduction – they are Google’s latest flagship smartphones running the recently released Android Pie. 

You can get a glimpse and some additional information on Google’s newest devices right here in our coverage of the original announcement, but we’ve had a few days to poke and prod the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and will be diving deep into them on the pages ahead.
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are foundationally very similar. We’ve got a quick video tour of the Pixel available here along with a demo of one of its upcoming features that could stop obnoxious telemarketers right in their tracks. Take a look at the vid and then strap in as we check out Google’s best smartphones yet...

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Specifications & Features

Operating System	Latest Android 9 Pie + Google Assistant
Display	Fullscreen 5.5” FHD+ flexible OLED at 443ppi or 6.3" QHD+ OLED at 523ppi
Cameras	12.2MP dual-pixel (Rear), 8MP wide-angle and normal FoV cameras (Front)
Processors	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, 2.5GHz + 1.6GHz, 64-Bit Octa-Core, Adreno 630 Graphics
Memory & Storage	4GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB storage
Dimensions & Weight	Pixel 3 (148g): 5.7" x 2.7" x .3", Pixel 3 XL (184g): 6.2" x 3" x .3"
Colors	Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink
Media & Audio	Dual front-firing stereo speakers
Battery	Pixel 3: 2915 mAh battery, PIxel 3 XL: 3430 mAh battery + Qi wireless charging
Wireless & Location	Wi-Fi 5.0GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
Network	World-wide network/carrier compatibility
Sensors	Active Edge, Back-mounted Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor, Proximity / Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer / Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer, Android Sensor Hub, Advanced x-axis haptics
Ports	USB Type-C USB, Single Nano SIM
Materials	Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Hybrid coating
AR/VR	Built for VR to work with Google Daydream View

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The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have nearly identical specifications. The phones are built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 with Adreno 630 graphics and feature 4GB of RAM along with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, but no storage expansion option, unfortunately. A 12.2MP camera with flash and fingerprint sensor adorn the back, and the front is home to a couple of 8MP selfie-cams, and dual front-firing speakers. The phones obviously have different screen sizes and display resolutions – 5.5” and 6.3” to be exact – and the smaller Pixel 3 has a lower-capacity battery (2915 mAh vs 3430 mAh), but that’s just about all that separates the two. Oh, there’s also that massive notch on the XL, but we’ll talk about that on the next page.

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL’s main features and specifications all sound pretty good. In light of many of today’s competing, high-end smartphones, however, the Pixel 3’s spec sheet doesn’t really stand out either. There are many phones based on the same processor, with more memory, higher resolution displays and cameras, expandable storage, and/or additional features like in-screen fingerprint sensors or styluses. Having used the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL though, dismissing them based solely on their specifications would be a terrible idea. The user experience with these phone is top notch, so stick around for details on that.
Before we dive in a little deeper we should talk about what comes with the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Along with the phones, Google throws in an array of accessories and other goodies, including a Quick Switch Adapter, a USB-C to USB-C cable, an 18W USB-C charger, a set of Pixel USB-C earbuds, a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter, a SIM tool, and a basic lit pack with quick start guide. Over and above the physical items, Google is also offering 6 months of free YouTube Music to highlight the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL’s audio capabilities.


 Of course, Google has an array of cases and optional accessories for the Pixel 3 as well, including the Pixel Stand. The Pixel Stand does a lot more than just hold the phone up. When a Pixel 3 is inserted into the stand, not only does it wirelessly charge the device (or any other Qi compatible device), but its display configuration changes to show information like the time and date and personalized information from Google Assistant. The phone will also use its ambient light sensor to mimic sunshine in conjunction with the alarm clock function, or the phone can be used as digital picture frame and scroll through a slideshow of images. If you’re the type that likes to leave your phone laid out on a desk as you work or stick it on a nightstand to use as an alarm clock, the $79 Pixel Stand not only adds useful functionality, but stands up and angles the phone's display for much easier viewing.