[ad_1]
Last week, I tested the new Google Pixel 3 XL phone and I like what I see. Compared to last year's model, I notice a better screen and a slightly larger display, a slightly better battery life, an improved camera and better speakers. Out of the heels of the new iPhone XS and XS Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S9, the new phones Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL take their place as "flagship phones" that raise the bar.
Although some have complained about the notch at the top of the Pixel 3 XL (it's not Pixel 3), I mostly ignore it. Yes, it removes a bit of screen like the frame at the bottom of the screen, but there is still plenty of room on the OLED screen of 2960 x 1440 pixels of 6.3 inches to enjoy websites, ebooks , photos and videos. And the screen is visibly more vibrant than last year's model with richer and more true colors. I've also tested the new iPhone XS and XS Max phones and consider that the Pixel screen is just as powerful.
This notch also leaves room for better stereo speakers and a wide angle selfie camera. Even with the notch, there is room at the top for notifications that would otherwise have taken real estate to the screen in the box below.
The front speakers are much better. Google said they were 40% stronger and that seems correct. Although I still recommend using a headset or good external Bluetooth speakers, the quality of the phone's speakers is relatively good.
Google has improved the overall construction of the phone, including replacing the aluminum back of the Pixel 2 series with a high quality glass on the 3rd. Frankly, I can hardly tell the difference, even if I take the phones out of their cases. but not at all when they are in a business.
That's why I wonder why people really care about the color and materials of a phone when most of us wrap our phones to protect them from damage in the inevitable case of a fall. Other critics have moved to the curves and the overall premium feeling that I do not notice and do not care when it comes to a deal. But if you do, the phones are "just black," "clearly white," and "not pink."
It may seem silly, but a material improvement I have seen is that the power button is now light blue and seems easier to press than before. You must still press and hold it to turn it off and restart it so you do not accidentally do it.
What is less stupid is that Pixels 3 now have an inductive "wireless" charge. Google has sent a $ 79 charge support, but you can use just about any Qi wireless phone charger. The Google charger has also worked with my iPhone and my car's charging stand works with both.
The Pixel 3 series features Gorilla 5 glass, which is relatively tough and scratch-resistant, but not as strong as the new iPhone XS and XS Max Gorilla Glass 6.
Beautiful camera
The Pixel 2 was known for its excellent camera and the Pixel 3 is even better. The rear camera has a 12.2-megapixel sensor with an f / 1.8 lens like the Pixel 2. But the front camera now includes a second wide-angle lens that's handy if you're taking selfies with a group of people or if you want a lot of scenery Background.
A great improvement of Pixel 3 is an updated software (not available on Pixel 2 even with the latest version of Android) that enhances its HDR + technique of taking multiple photos (this is enabled by default in 3) and merge them into a higher quality. picture. Google has also added a menu in the photo application allowing you to choose from a wide panorama, portrait mode with a blurred background and several other settings.
The novelty is Photobooth, waiting for you to smile or make a funny face before taking a selfie. Google now has "top shot", which takes several frames and suggests the best. It's a bit of a gadget, but the new Playground feature places characters like Marvel's Iron Man in your image or your subjects'.
One thing I like about Pixel phones is that you can launch the camera app by double-clicking the power button. You can also use Google Assistant to say "take a picture," "take a selfie," or "take a groupie," for a wide-angle group photo.
Unlike new iPhones, the Pixel 3 does not come with a 2x optical zoom lens, but Google has software for what it calls "Super Zoom Res", which does a more efficient job than expected by applying a digital zoom. It also compensates for a shaky hand, which can be disastrous for any enlarged image, even with an optical zoom lens.
Google Lens now has two modes. As before, you can use it to scan an image to recognize an object, copy text in the image, or read a QR code. But now you can do it in real time, without having to take a picture.
Call filtering
It seems that the idea of using a "phone" to make phone calls is rather outdated, but Google is making an improvement to its phone application. When you receive a call, you have the option to press "Call Screen". The caller will be asked to say why she is calling and this answer will be transcribed on your phone in real time. You have the option to accept or hang up.
Processor and battery
The 3 and 3XL models both use the new Snapdragon 845 processor, which makes it a bit faster than previous models. I'm not a player, but Google says the faster processor makes the difference in some games.
The smaller Pixel 3 has a battery of 2,915 mAh, while the larger XL is equipped with a battery of 3,430 mAh. I have not measured the life of the battery, but I can spend a full day of normal use.
Digital well-being
Android Pie, which runs on all Pixel phones and is deployed on other Android phones, has digital wellness settings. This allows you to view a dashboard with a daily or hourly view of the time spent on your phone, the frequency with which you use different apps and the number of notifications you receive. You can also use it to reduce interruptions, set a bedtime schedule, which, among other things, makes the display gray. Apple has launched a similar set of features on its latest version of iOS.
Price
The Pixel 3 costs $ 799 for 64 GB and $ 899 for 128 GB. The Pixel 3XL costs $ 899 for 64 GB and $ 999 for 128 GB.
Should you buy it?
Unless your phone is two years old or older, you will probably not notice a significant improvement. If you have an older phone, the Pixel 3 will enchant you in many ways. I am always reluctant to suggest anyone to change platforms. Therefore, if you are an iPhone user, you will probably want to stay with the iPhone and the same goes for the switch in the other direction. But here's one thing I'm going to say. The Google Pixels are the best Android phones on the market, if only for the fact that they are not cluttered with useless software and because Google offers excellent support, including technologies with which you can talk 24h / 24 and 7/7.
Disclosure: Larry Magid is CEO of ConnectSafely.org, a non-profit Internet security organization that receives financial support from Google and Facebook.
Source link
