Google has recently been in news for a few reasons. They range from partial purchase of HTC, data security issues, and new smartphones. The last one is my focus today as Google as launched the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Why should you care? The new smartphones have to follow in Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL’s footsteps. This means they have to have great cameras, great hardware, and less compromises? Do the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have the best camera in 2018 like Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL did in 2017? Are they more worthy of consideration than Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?
| Specifications | Google Pixel 3 | Google Pixel 3 XL |
| Price | Rs 71,000 – Rs 80,000 | Rs 83,000 – Rs 92,000 |
| Processor |
2.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 with Adreno 630 GPU, Pixel Visual Core, and Titan M security module |
|
| RAM |
4GB |
|
| Display | OLED, 5.5-inch, Full HD+ (2160x1080p) resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio, | OLED, 6.3-inch, Quad HD+ (2960x1440p) resolution, 18.5:9 aspect ratio |
| Internal Storage |
64GB/128GB |
|
| Operating System |
Android 9.0 Pie |
|
| Rear Camera |
12.2-megapixel |
|
| Front Camera |
8-megapixel + 8-megapixel |
|
| Battery | 2915mAh with fast charging and wireless charging | 3430mAh with fast charging and wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 145.6mm x 68.2mm x 7.9mm | 158mm x 76.7mm x 7.9mm |
| NFC |
Yes |
|
| Fingerprint scanner |
Rear-mounted |
|
| Water/Dust resistance |
IP68-certified |
|
What’s new about the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL?
Let’s touch upon a few things that haven’t changed with the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL over their predecessors. Firstly, the colour naming convention has been carried over. Also returning is the dual-tone rear panel finish. They still focus immensely on software, as is evidenced by two critical factors – stock Android OS and 4GB RAM. Dual front-facing speakers are back and the Pixel 3 XL retains its OLED display too.
Two storage options have been offered – 64GB and 128GB. They are still single SIM phones (one reason why I really like them). The both retain single rear camera setup with a 12.2-megapixel Dual Pixel lens with f/1.8 aperture, dual-pixel PDAF, OIS+EIS, spectral+flicker sensor, and an LED flash. Lastly, also worth mentioning is the (thankfully) rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Let’s now talk about all that’s new on the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The most obvious change is the embracing of a notched display. The Pixel 3 XL (thankfully not the smaller Pixel 3) gets a notch and a small chin at the front. Before talking about the displays in detail, let me also mention the presence of two front-facing cameras on either phone (one 8-megapixel wide-angle sensor with f/2.2 aperture and other an 8-megapixel standard lens with f/1.8 aperture).
Both the Pixel and Pixel 3 XL have grown in size. The smaller phone measures 145.6mm x 68.2mm x 7.9mm and weighs 148 grams. The bigger phone measures 158mm x 76.7mm x 7.9mm and weighs 184 grams. The biggest giveaway of this is the increased screen size of both phones.
The Google Pixel 3 in different colour schemes.
Both phones get an OLED display with Pixel 3 getting a 5.5-inch display with Full HD+ (2160x1080p) resolution, and 18:9 aspect ratio. The Pixel 3 XL gets a 6.3-inch notched display with Quad HD+ (2960x1440p) resolution, and 18.5:9 aspect ratio (notch helps). Both get Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
Inside, both phones sport a 2.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip with Adreno 630 GPU, Pixel Visual Core chip, and Titan M security module for better user data protection by securing the lock screen, strengthening disk encryption, and protecting OS integrity. Needless to say but worth mentioning is the phone’s OS too – Android 9.0 Pie with Google Assistant and 3 years of OS and security updates guaranteed (minimum). Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou.
The bottom edge of Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL sport a USB 3.1 (type-C) port. The Pixel 3 features a 2915mAh battery while the Pixel 3 XL gets a bigger 3430mAh cell. Both phones feature fast charging (with fast charger included in box) and now, wireless charging too (wireless charger not included).
The phones’ water and dust resistance have been upped by a notch as they both are IP68-certified. Lastly, both phones now come in three colours – Clearly White, Just Black, and Not Pink (colours should always be named this way!).
Are the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL worth consideration?
Yes, and before I talk about why I think the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are worth considering, do consider the following – both phones get a call-screening feature. Using this feature, you can choose to answer or reject a call without having to attend it, whether or not you know the caller. On to the bigger question, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL represent the top crop of Android smartphones. They offer the cleanest, most unhindered Android experience that you can get right now.
Physically, only dimensions and front panels set Pixel 3 apart from Pixel 3 XL (pictured here).
They are the first ones to receive Google’s OS and security updates. Moreover, they aren’t as costly as their main competitors – the iPhone XS and XS Max. Granted, they don’t offer as much storage as those phones do. However, the only iPhone to be priced closer to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is the iPhone XR. Critically, barring the size difference, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are nearly identical on all fronts (they will likely have great cameras too). The fact that they offer this choice is what makes them worth consideration the most.
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL – Synopsis
- Prices start from Rs 71,000 for Pixel 3 and Rs 83,000 for Pixel 3 XL
- Flipkart exclusive online retailer, to be sold at offline multi-brand retail outlets as well
- Sport a 2.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip with Adreno 630 GPU, Pixel Visual Core chip, and Titan M security module
- Get 4GB RAM and 64GB/128GB internal storage options
- Pixel 3 XL gets a notched display and a small chin on the front panel while the Pixel 3 makes do with a regular forehead and chin up front
- Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio
- Pixel 3 XL gets a 6.3-inch OLED screen with Quad HD+ resolution and 18.5:9 aspect ratio
- Both get a 12.2-megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and OIS+EIS
- Both get dual-front facing cameras with 8-megapixel wide-angle and 8-megapixel standard lenses
- Both run on stock Android 9.0 Pie with Google Assistant
- Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS/GLONASS, and NFC
- Both are IP68-certified for water and dust protection
- Pixel 3 gets 2915mAh battery, Pixel 3 XL packs 3430mah battery, both get with fast and wireless charging support
- Colour options available – Clearly White, Just Black, and Not Pink
