It’s up for pre-order right now ahead of release in a few weeks, and we’ve got all the Pixel 3 information you need, from the release date and pricing to the headline features and specs. Read our initial Pixel 3 review and Pixel 3 XL review.
When is the Pixel 3 coming out?
As confirmed by Google at the October event (which also saw announcements for Pixel Slate, Google Home Hub and Chromecast 3), the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL are available for pre-order from the Google Store right now ahead of an 18 October launch in the US, and a 1 November launch for those in the UK and other regions.
How much does the Pixel 3 cost?
The Pixel 3 will set you back £739 or £839 for the 64- and 128GB models respectively, while those that want to opt for the larger Pixel 3 XL will have to fork out £869 for the 64GB model and £969 for the 128GB model. Though it might sound expensive, the competitive pricing makes the Pixel 3 range cheaper than the likes of the Galaxy S9 and the iPhone XS range. If you want to get it on contract, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are no longer limited to just EE. All major networks and retailers have announced availability of the new phones, including EE, O2, Three, Vodafone and third parties like Carphone Warehouse and Mobile Phones Direct. Discover the cheapest contracts in our round-up of the best Pixel 3 and 3 XL deals. Also see our round up of the best cases for the Pixel 3 here.
What are the Pixel 3 specs and new features?
In terms of design, the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL look similar to their predecessors. It features the same two-tone design on the rear, though this time around it’s a glass back with a matte finish on half. It’s available in three colours; Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink which, believe it or not, is a little bit pink. But it’s not the design that makes the Pixel 3 range stand out – it’s the hardware and software. The Pixel 3 range will be the first smartphone to get access to a range of new Assistant features, including the ability for Google to screen incoming calls from unknown numbers and call businesses on your behalf. It’ll be US-only initially, but we’re hopeful for a UK launch sometime soon. The smartphones also feature Digital Wellbeing, Google’s answer to Apple’s Screen Time feature in iOS 12. It provides in-depth insights into the apps you use on your phone most, and provides an easy way to set limits and reduce your smartphone use. It’s the camera setup that is most impressive aspect of the Pixel 3 range. Both smartphones feature a single 12.2Mp camera with an f/1.8 aperture on the rear, while the front-facing camera is a dual-sensor offering. It features dual-8Mp snappers with f/1.8 aperture, putting the focus on selfies with the introduction of Group Selfie cam, providing a wide-angle lens for better group selfies. Top Shot is another headline feature of the Pixel 3 camera. The smartphone will begin taking HDR Plus images before you even take the photo, and will provide you with alternate shots to help you capture the perfect moment. Night Sight looks to provide impressive low-light performance that Google claims will negate the need for a flash – though the smartphones still feature them. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL largely feature the same built-in tech. The only real difference is the display, not only in terms of size but technology and design, too. The Pixel 3 sports a 5.5in Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9 AMOLED screen without a notch, though the smartphone does have a bit of a forehead. The larger Pixel 3 XL features a 6.3in Quad-HD+ (2960×1440) POLED edge-to-edge screen with a notch, providing a more bezel-less experience. The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL boast the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processor along with an Adreno 630 GPU and 4GB of RAM, putting it in line with most other 2018 flagships. There are two storage options available – 64GB and 128GB – though that is the limit due to the lack of a microSD card slot on either device. In terms of battery, the Pixel 3 features a 2,915mAh battery while the XL gets a slightly larger 3,430mAh battery that should provide enough to get through the day on a single charge. Let’s hope, anyway! When it does come to time to charge the Pixel 3, simply put it on the new Pixel Stand. As well as providing fast wireless charging, the dock essentially turns your Pixel 3 into a Google Home. The UI completely changes and provides contextual on-screen buttons depending on your schedule, and can be activated by voice. The only downside is the cost of the dock, at £69/$79.
Google Pixel 3 spec
5.5in Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9 flexible OLED screen without notch, Gorilla Glass 5Android 9.0 PieQualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processorAdreno 630 GPU4GB RAM64GB/128GB storage, no microSD support12Mp f/1.8 rear camera with dual autofocus8Mp + 8Mp, f/1.8/2.2 dual-selfie cameraRear fingerprint sensorIPX8 waterproofingUSB-C 3.12,915mAh batteryWireless charging145.6×68.2×7.9mm148gAvailable in Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink
Google Pixel 3 XL specs
6.3in FHD+ Flexible OLED screen with notch, Gorilla Glass 5Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processorAdreno 630 GPU6GB RAM64GB/128GB storage, no microSD support12Mp f/1.8 rear camera with dual autofocus8Mp + 8Mp, f/1.8/2/2 dual-selfie cameraRear fingerprint scannerIPX8 waterproofingUSB-C 3.13,430mAh battery with Quick ChargeWireless charging158×76.7×7.9mm184gAvailable in Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You’ll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
