Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 3 XL: What's the difference?

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In the world most smartphones that have fled are finally here. Therefore, we know almost everything about

Google
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, but that does not prevent them from being two of the most controversial flagship phones on the market. They also offer several surprises that Google did not mention during the launch.

Here's all you need to know about the differences between Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and how they have been improved over Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL …

Poster – Super Size Me

The most obvious and polarizing change that Google has made to its improved pixels is perhaps their display:

• Pixel 3 – 5.5 inches, AMOLED, 2160 x 1080 pixels, 18: 9 aspect ratio (443 dpi density), screen rate on 77.2% body, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 100% coverage of DCI-P3, HDR
• Pixel 3 XL – 6.3 inches, AMOLED, 2960 x 1080 pixels, 18.5: 9 ratio (523 dpi density), 82.8% screen / body ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, HDR

While the Pixel 3 plays securely with a 5.5-inch screen larger and thinner than its 5-inch 16: 9 predecessor, the Pixel 3 XL gets all the attention of the big notch that Google has integrated to his 6.3-inch screen.

I'll talk about it in the design section below, but Google deserves a lot of credit for the quality of Pixel panels this year. After the controversy surrounding the Pixel 2XL in particular, the two new models have top quality OLED panels that have been hailed by DisplayMate in the same class as the Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone XS.

Google has produced screens to enjoy. EXCEPT…

Designs – 2017 to 2018

Like the first two Pixel generations, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL models still seem to lag behind in terms of design.

Notably, the Pixel 3 looks like a narrowed version of the Pixel 2XL from last year and the Pixel 3 XL looks more like the imitations of last year 's iPhone X than last phones. scream almost without we have seen in 2018 from Huawei, Vivo and OnePlus. There is also a late switch to the glass panes to support wireless charging (later) and the headphone jack does not come back.

That said, if you can go beyond the controversial fascias (at least you can hide Pixel 3 XL), there is a lot to love.

For starters, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have a size almost identical to that of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, despite their larger displays and their body-screen ratios have also improved significantly:

• Pixel 2 – 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm (5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 in) and 143 g (5.04 oz)
• Pixel 2 XL – 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) and 175 g (6.17 oz)
• Pixel 3 – 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm (5.73 x 2.69 x 0.31 in), 148 g (5.22 oz)
• Pixel 3 XL – 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in), 143 g (5.04 oz)

In addition, both phones retain their front stereo speakers (now 40% noisier than last year), provide dual front cameras (see camera section), upgrades. IP68 resistance to dust and water (IP67 last year) and most of their glass backs are textured to make them more adherent and more resistant to fingerprints.

This year's colors also retain the optimistic impression of their predecessors. I'm sorry to see the "Panda" color scheme disappear in black and white, but instead are "Clearly White" (white with a green power button), "Not pink" (yes in pink , with an orange power button) and "Clearly Black" (even the charging port is black). All three colors are available on both models.

Performance – Awesome software, disappointing hardware

Google still claims that the Pixel range is not limited to hardware, and it's true. They provide Android stock, instant updates and no bloatware – a major asset in the Android world. But the material should still be more exciting than it is:

• Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL – Octa-Core Snapdragon 845 Qualcomm Chipset (4x 2.5KHz Kryo 385 Gold processors and 1.6GHz 1.6GHz Kryo 385 Silver processors), Adreno 630, 4GB of RAM

What stands out as a sore thumb here is the RAM. In 2018, Android competitors grew to 6 GB and even 8 GB of RAM with exceptional results and, although original Android is effective, my experience with the Pixel 2XL equipped with 4GB is similar: it can get bogged down with a lot of multitasking tasks, which is the highlight of the Extra RAM. It's simply a weird decision at this price level.

Using RAM is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset that offers high-end about 30% That said, the Google Pixels calendar is weak, Qualcomm announcing its new generation chips every December for an exit in January, these devices will no longer be on the current hardware.

I'm sure the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL will come out of the box quickly. The big question for me is: how long will they stay like this?

Where Google has listened to customer concerns, it's security. Apple questions its claims about data security. In response, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are equipped with a new security chip "Titan M" designed to secure your data and passwords. Google has not yet specified how the chip works, but its existence is a step in the right direction.

Dual Sim – eSim does it correctly

Left aside by the presentation of Google, Pixel 3 and XL 3 will simultaneously support standard sims and eSims (electronic sims). A Google point confirmed later and that provides true multi-sim functionality for home / work numbers and frequent travelers. Or it will be the case when more and more networks start to support the eSims solution – which should happen quickly now: this feature is also integrated into the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

It should be noted that last year's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL models also had standard and eSim support, but they could not be run simultaneously and forced the user to switch between them.

Cameras – Two cameras back

The Pixel range of Google is the undisputed king of smartphone photography, but if almost all major smartphone manufacturers have opted for the dual camera in 2018, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL may have behaved badly:

• Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL – Rear: 12.2 MP, f / 1.8, 28mm (wide), 1 / 2.55 ", 1.4 μm, OIS, dual pixel PDAF; Front 1: 8 MP, f / 1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF; Front 2: 8 MP, f / 2.2, 19 mm (ultra-wide), no autofocus

Yes, both cameras are on the front! Google has done so to be able to add a second wide angle lens with a 97 degree field of view. This is welcome and a noticeable update for group photos, but it also makes me wonder why we still need a standard lens (75 degrees)? Google could have removed it and reduced the notch much smaller. We can bring the wide-angle lens closer if necessary.

There are two other complaints about the camera: still no optical zoom due to the only rear camera on the back, and no 4K recording at 60 frames / sec – this is supported by many rivals.

That said, they are Pixel phones and the camera is their best asset. So, aside from these grunts, they are full of exciting upgrades:

Top Shot – a "best shot" feature that automatically suggests alternative photos taken before and after your photo, whether the subject is flashing or if you have missed a smile.

Photobooth Mode – automatic shooting when you smile or shoot faces in front of the camera. You do not need to press the shutter button.

Zoom Super Res – an alternative to automatic learning of optical zoom, which compensates for the movement of your hand when you zoom in.

Playground – Add AR characters (augmented reality), such as Marvel superheroes, in your shots. They will interact with the landscape and the subject. Children (and older children) will like that.

Automatic movement – touch a moving subject and the new pixels will automatically follow it and stay in focus. Ideal for photos of pets and children.

Night view – a potentially decisive low light mode that uses "digital photography and AI" to not only light up a very dark scene, but even restore colors. The Google demo showed a surprising comparison with the new iPhone XS (below). Let's hope that the theory materializes. The feature will come via an update of new and old pixels after launching Pixel 3.

Battery Life and Charge – Incremental Updates

The life of the battery depends on the power of pixels, but Google failed to mention when launching Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL. Now that we have the information, it is clear that the smaller Pixel 3 is the big winner:

• Pixel 3 – 2915 mAh (Pixel 2 – 2700 mAh)
• Pixel 3 XL – 3430 mAh (Pixel 2 XL – 3520 mAh)

In conjunction with its smaller screen and lower resolution, the Pixel 3 should now last almost as long as the Pixel 3 XL, which features a slightly smaller battery than last year. But that should be more than offset by its more efficient chipset.

The USB-C fast charge also remains, Google claiming a 15-minute charge with the supplied quick charger that will last up to seven hours of use.

But the real news – and the reason glass is made of glass – is the Pixels 3 and 3 XL, which now support Qi fast wireless charging up to 10W. Google benefits with the launch of a Pixel stand, which not only has a wireless charge of 10 W but turns your phone into a smart display (automatic photo slideshows, reminders, integration with the Nest Hello video doorbell, etc.) and virtual wizard when the phone is idle.

Prices and Storage – Google's Gamble

In 2018, smartphone manufacturers have increased their prices, but also their storage capacity. With Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL, Google made the first but not the last:

• Pixel 3: 799 USD (64GB), 899 USD (128GB)
• Pixel 3 XL – 899 USD (64 GB), 999 USD (128 GB)

The result is that the Pixel 3 is $ 150 more than the Pixel 2 while the Pixel 3 XL is $ 50 more than the Pixel 2 XL. This is a risk, especially with Apple offering iPhones with 64GB, 256GB and 512GB capacity.

Google will argue that greater capacity is not needed since it offers unlimited storage of photos and videos on Google Photos to Pixel owners. But not everyone will choose to use Google Photos and, even if you do, they still can not beat the speed and flexibility offline because the vast majority of your phones are in native storage.

Personally, I think Google has taken a big risk here because the average surfer enters a store, consults a list of specifications and the pixels will be losers (especially on paper with their only rear cameras). For me, the options of 64 GB and 256 GB would have been the wise choice.

Bottom line

The Pixel 3 XL will suffer many abuses. When the original Pixel was launched, Google is making fun of Apple for removing the headphone jack and launched the "Think About It" message from the company. Since then, the Pixel 2 models have removed the headphone jack and the Pixel 3 XL has the widest notch in the market. Some of these abuses are deserved.

Despite this, there is much to love about Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL.

They are all certain to have first class devices again (since Pixel 2XL is still the class leader at this stage) and a lot of new tricks. The wide angle selfie camera will be useful, the screens are now top quality, they offer superior performance, wireless charging, improved water resistance and true dual sim functionality. And do not forget Android and instant updates.

Even so, I'm not convinced that Google has done enough to persuade Apple and Samsung fans to leave the ship. The designs look dated, the prices are high, the storage options are low and they launch with 10-month old chipsets and a lot of RAM memory unnecessarily reduced.

I'm sure those who will overcome these failures will love the new Pixels and, as a camera enthusiast, it's likely to always end up in my pocket as a daily driver (just received the Pixel 2 XL has been all year). But if Google wants to conquer the masses, its uninspiring material must catch up with its inspirational software by the launch of Pixel 4 …

___

Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

More about Forbes

Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Long Term Reviews: The World's Best Smartphones

Galaxy Note 9 vs Galaxy Note 8: What's the difference?

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: what's the difference?

iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max: What's the difference?

Apple iPhone XS vs iPhone XR: what's the difference?

">

In the world most smartphones that have fled are finally here. Therefore, we know almost everything about

Google
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, but that does not prevent them from being two of the most controversial flagship phones on the market. They also offer several surprises that Google did not mention during the launch.

Here's all you need to know about the differences between Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and how they have been improved over Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL …

Poster – Super Size Me

The most obvious and polarizing change that Google has made to its improved pixels is perhaps their display:

• Pixel 3 – 5.5 inches, AMOLED, 2160 x 1080 pixels, 18: 9 aspect ratio (443 dpi density), screen rate on 77.2% body, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 100% coverage of DCI-P3, HDR
• Pixel 3 XL – 6.3 inches, AMOLED, 2960 x 1080 pixels, 18.5: 9 ratio (523 dpi density), 82.8% screen / body ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, HDR

While the Pixel 3 plays securely with a 5.5-inch screen larger and thinner than its 5-inch 16: 9 predecessor, the Pixel 3 XL gets all the attention of the big notch that Google has integrated to his 6.3-inch screen.

I'll talk about it in the design section below, but Google deserves a lot of credit for the quality of Pixel panels this year. After the controversy surrounding the Pixel 2XL in particular, the two new models have top quality OLED panels that have been hailed by DisplayMate in the same class as the Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone XS.

Google has produced screens to enjoy. EXCEPT…

Designs – 2017 to 2018

Like the first two Pixel generations, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL models still seem to lag behind in terms of design.

Notably, the Pixel 3 looks like a narrowed version of the Pixel 2XL from last year and the Pixel 3 XL looks more like the imitations of last year 's iPhone X than last phones. scream almost without we have seen in 2018 from Huawei, Vivo and OnePlus. There is also a late switch to the glass panes to support wireless charging (later) and the headphone jack does not come back.

That said, if you can go beyond the controversial fascias (at least you can hide Pixel 3 XL), there is a lot to love.

For starters, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have a size almost identical to that of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, despite their larger displays and their body-screen ratios have also improved significantly:

• Pixel 2 – 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm (5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 in) and 143 g (5.04 oz)
• Pixel 2 XL – 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) and 175 g (6.17 oz)
• Pixel 3 – 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm (5.73 x 2.69 x 0.31 in), 148 g (5.22 oz)
• Pixel 3 XL – 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in), 143 g (5.04 oz)

In addition, both phones retain their front stereo speakers (now 40% noisier than last year), provide dual front cameras (see camera section), upgrades. IP68 resistance to dust and water (IP67 last year) and most of their glass backs are textured to make them more adherent and more resistant to fingerprints.

This year's colors also retain the optimistic impression of their predecessors. I'm sorry to see the "Panda" color scheme disappear in black and white, but instead are "Clearly White" (white with a green power button), "Not pink" (yes in pink , with an orange power button) and "Clearly Black" (even the charging port is black). All three colors are available on both models.

Performance – Awesome software, disappointing hardware

Google still claims that the Pixel range is not limited to hardware, and it's true. They provide Android stock, instant updates and no bloatware – a major asset in the Android world. But the material should still be more exciting than it is:

• Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL – Octa-Core Snapdragon 845 Qualcomm Chipset (4x 2.5KHz Kryo 385 Gold processors and 1.6GHz 1.6GHz Kryo 385 Silver processors), Adreno 630, 4GB of RAM

What stands out as a sore thumb here is the RAM. In 2018, Android competitors grew to 6 GB and even 8 GB of RAM with exceptional results and, although original Android is effective, my experience with the Pixel 2XL equipped with 4GB is similar: it can get bogged down with a lot of multitasking tasks, which is the highlight of the Extra RAM. It's simply a weird decision at this price level.

Using RAM is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset that offers high-end about 30% That said, the Google Pixels calendar is weak, Qualcomm announcing its new generation chips every December for an exit in January, these devices will no longer be on the current hardware.

I'm sure the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL will come out of the box quickly. The big question for me is: how long will they stay like this?

Where Google has listened to customer concerns, it's security. Apple questions its claims about data security. In response, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are equipped with a new security chip "Titan M" designed to secure your data and passwords. Google has not yet specified how the chip works, but its existence is a step in the right direction.

Dual Sim – eSim does it correctly

Left aside by the presentation of Google, Pixel 3 and XL 3 will simultaneously support standard sims and eSims (electronic sims). A Google point confirmed later and that provides true multi-sim functionality for home / work numbers and frequent travelers. Or it will be the case when more and more networks start to support the eSims solution – which should happen quickly now: this feature is also integrated into the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

It should be noted that last year's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL models also had standard and eSim support, but they could not be run simultaneously and forced the user to switch between them.

Cameras – Two cameras back

The Pixel range of Google is the undisputed king of smartphone photography, but if almost all major smartphone manufacturers have opted for the dual camera in 2018, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL may have behaved badly:

• Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL – Rear: 12.2 MP, f / 1.8, 28mm (wide), 1 / 2.55 ", 1.4 μm, OIS, dual pixel PDAF; Front 1: 8 MP, f / 1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF; Front 2: 8 MP, f / 2.2, 19 mm (ultra-wide), no autofocus

Yes, both cameras are on the front! Google has done so to be able to add a second wide angle lens with a 97 degree field of view. This is welcome and a noticeable update for group photos, but it also makes me wonder why we still need a standard lens (75 degrees)? Google could have removed it and reduced the notch much smaller. We can bring the wide-angle lens closer if necessary.

There are two other complaints about the camera: still no optical zoom due to the only rear camera on the back, and no 4K recording at 60 frames / sec – this is supported by many rivals.

That said, they are Pixel phones and the camera is their best asset. So, aside from these grunts, they are full of exciting upgrades:

Top Shot – a "best shot" feature that automatically suggests alternative photos taken before and after your photo, whether the subject is flashing or if you have missed a smile.

Photobooth Mode – automatic shooting when you smile or shoot faces in front of the camera. You do not need to press the shutter button.

Zoom Super Res – an alternative to automatic learning of optical zoom, which compensates for the movement of your hand when you zoom in.

Playground – Add AR characters (augmented reality), such as Marvel superheroes, in your shots. They will interact with the landscape and the subject. Children (and older children) will like that.

Automatic movement – touch a moving subject and the new pixels will automatically follow it and stay in focus. Ideal for photos of pets and children.

Night view – a potentially decisive low light mode that uses "digital photography and AI" to not only light up a very dark scene, but even restore colors. The Google demo showed a surprising comparison with the new iPhone XS (below). Let's hope that the theory materializes. The feature will come via an update of new and old pixels after launching Pixel 3.

Battery Life and Charge – Incremental Updates

The life of the battery depends on the power of pixels, but Google failed to mention when launching Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL. Now that we have the information, it is clear that the smaller Pixel 3 is the big winner:

• Pixel 3 – 2915 mAh (Pixel 2 – 2700 mAh)
• Pixel 3 XL – 3430 mAh (Pixel 2 XL – 3520 mAh)

In conjunction with its smaller screen and lower resolution, the Pixel 3 should now last almost as long as the Pixel 3 XL, which features a slightly smaller battery than last year. But that should be more than offset by its more efficient chipset.

The USB-C fast charge also remains, Google claiming a 15-minute charge with the supplied quick charger that will last up to seven hours of use.

But the real news – and the reason glass is made of glass – is the Pixels 3 and 3 XL, which now support Qi fast wireless charging up to 10W. Google benefits with the launch of a Pixel stand, which not only has a wireless charge of 10 W but turns your phone into a smart display (automatic photo slideshows, reminders, integration with the Nest Hello video doorbell, etc.) and virtual wizard when the phone is idle.

Prices and Storage – Google's Gamble

In 2018, smartphone manufacturers have increased their prices, but also their storage capacity. With Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL, Google made the first but not the last:

• Pixel 3: 799 USD (64GB), 899 USD (128GB)
• Pixel 3 XL – 899 USD (64 GB), 999 USD (128 GB)

The result is that the Pixel 3 is $ 150 more than the Pixel 2 while the Pixel 3 XL is $ 50 more than the Pixel 2 XL. This is a risk, especially with Apple offering iPhones with 64GB, 256GB and 512GB capacity.

Google will argue that greater capacity is not needed since it offers unlimited storage of photos and videos on Google Photos to Pixel owners. But not everyone will choose to use Google Photos and, even if you do, they still can not beat the speed and flexibility offline because the vast majority of your phones are in native storage.

Personally, I think Google has taken a big risk here because the average surfer enters a store, consults a list of specifications and the pixels will be losers (especially on paper with their only rear cameras). For me, the options of 64 GB and 256 GB would have been the wise choice.

Bottom line

The Pixel 3 XL will suffer many abuses. When the original Pixel was launched, Google is making fun of Apple for removing the headphone jack and launched the "Think About It" message from the company. Since then, the Pixel 2 models have removed the headphone jack and the Pixel 3 XL has the widest notch in the market. Some of these abuses are deserved.

Despite this, there is much to love about Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL.

They are all certain to have first class devices again (since Pixel 2XL is still the class leader at this stage) and a lot of new tricks. The wide angle selfie camera will be useful, the screens are now top quality, they offer superior performance, wireless charging, improved water resistance and true dual sim functionality. And do not forget Android and instant updates.

Even so, I'm not convinced that Google has done enough to persuade Apple and Samsung fans to leave the ship. The designs look dated, the prices are high, the storage options are low and they launch with 10-month old chipsets and a lot of RAM memory unnecessarily reduced.

I'm sure those who will overcome these failures will love the new Pixels and, as a camera enthusiast, it's likely to always end up in my pocket as a daily driver (just received the Pixel 2 XL has been all year). But if Google wants to conquer the masses, its material without interest must catch up with its inspirational software by the launch of Pixel 4 …

___

Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

More about Forbes

Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Long Term Reviews: The World's Best Smartphones

Galaxy Note 9 vs Galaxy Note 8: What's the difference?

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: what's the difference?

iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max: What's the difference?

Apple iPhone XS vs iPhone XR: what's the difference?