Other than price and size, Google’s flagship phones of 2018, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, are essentially the same device. Currently priced at $397 and $499, respectively, the phones are much cheaper now that the Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL are available. But even though they’re two years old, they still have excellent cameras, receive prompt software updates from Google and are equipped with reliable Snapdragon 845 chipsets. So if you’re deciding between the two, read on to see which one is best for you.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Read our Google Pixel 3 review.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Read our Google Pixel 3 XL review.
How we tested
Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 3 XL: What’s different
Dimensions and weight: The Pixel 3 XL is bigger and heavier than the Pixel 3, measuring 6.2 by 3 inches to the Pixel 3’s 5.7 by 2.7-inch body. The two phones have the same 0.3-inch (8.2mm) depth. Because of the Pixel 3 XL’s larger size, it’s heavier at 6.5 ounces (184 grams). The Pixel 3 weighs 5.2 ounces (148 grams).
Display: The Pixel 3 features an OLED display with 443 pixels-per-inch density, while the Pixel 3 XL is higher definition, with a pixel density of 522 ppi. Unlike the new Pixel 4 phones, they do not have a 90Hz display.
Battery: The last big difference between the two phones is the battery. The Pixel 3 uses a 2,915-mAh battery, while the Pixel 3 XL has a 3,430-mAh battery. Lab results for continuous video playback on airplane mode yielded an average of 15 hours for the Pixel 3 and 16 hours, 49 minutes for the Pixel 3 XL.
Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 3 XL specs
Google Pixel 3
Google Pixel 3 XL
Display size, resolution
5.5-inch “flexible” OLED; 2,280×1,080 pixels
6.3-inch “flexible” OLED; 2,960×1,440 pixels
Pixel density
443ppi
522 ppi
Dimensions (inches)
5.7×2.7×0.3 in.
6.2x3x0.03 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)
145.6×68.2×7.9 mm
158×76.7×7.9 mm
Weight (ounces, grams)
5.2oz.; 148g
6.5 oz.; 184g
Mobile software
Android 9 Pie (upgradeable to Android 10)
Android 9 Pie (upgradeable to Android 10)
Camera
12.2-megapixel
12.2-megapixel
Front-facing camera
Dual 8-megapixel
Dual 8-megapixel
Video capture
4K
4K
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (2.5GHz + 1.6GHz octa-core)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (2.5GHz octa-core)
Storage
64GB, 128GB
64GB, 128GB
RAM
4GB
4GB
Expandable storage
None
None
Battery
2,915 mAh
3,430 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
Back cover
Back cover
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
Special features
Water resistant (IPX8), wireless charging support, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones in the box
Water resistant (IPX8), wireless charging support, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones in the box
Pixel 3 struts a polished and compact design
See all photos
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CNET editor Patrick Holland contributed to this report.
Article source: https://www.cnet.com/news/google-pixel-3-vs-pixel-3-xl-theyve-been-deeply-discounted-so-which-should-you-buy/#ftag=CADe34d7bf