Pixel 3 and 3XL: Google's Newest Offerings

As we’ve mentioned in a few other posts, this is the season for leaks. Google is no different. Although their expected unveiling is only a few weeks away, the Pixel 3 and 3XL leaks are flooding discussions.

Which means there won’t be many surprises on October 9th.

What can you expect from Google’s newest flagship phone?

Camera

As we know, Pixel hit the market looking less than attractive in their hardware compared to iPhone and Samsung. However, appearance was not what Google put their initial development on.

Rather, Pixel hit the market with it’s streamlined OS and the camera. Pixel 2 continued the trend with being one of the best cameras available.
And it looks like Pixel 3 and 3XL will be no different. From the pictures leaked, the camera in Pixel 3 and 3XL show better background detail along with better color accuracy.

Despite the upgrades in software, Google is standing firm on their single rear camera. This is a bit of a surprise given all competitors have gone to a double rear camera,. The newest prototypes show triple rear cameras.

However, despite likely having only one 12.2-megapixel camera, the Pixel 3 is showing itself once again best in the industry. Rumors state an updated Visual Core chip and accessibility via carousel, which might explain the rating.

Google has made some concessions regarding the number of cameras, adding a second camera for forward facing photos. Likely to have two 8.1 -megapixel sensors, the handsets will have a wide-angle secondary lens along with the primary lens for super selfies.

Regardless Google’s holding out on a single rear camera, the photographs posted to date show Pixel 3 and 3XL will not be giving up best in class any time soon.

Design

Like its predecessors, Pixel 3’s design might be a disappointment to consumers. Although this shouldn’t be a surprise, as Google was never focused on outside appearance for their phone.

Rather, the seamless operation with Android and the unbelievable camera quality are Pixel’s standout accomplishments.

However, regarding design it appears only the Pixel 3XL will have the top notch to maximize screen size with a 19:9 ratio. The Pixel 3 appears to have an 18:9 ratio with slimmed bezels.

Leaked images and renderings suggest a return of front-facing stereo speakers on both models, as well as the dual front facing camera.

Images and renderings suggest a USB-C port at the bottom with no sign of a headphone jack. However, photos of an unboxed Pixel suggest the headphone jack adapter is included, as well as a pair of USB-C earbuds.

Another large difference between Pixel 3 and 3XL and their predecessor is the appearance of a glass case. This should not be a surprise given the industry is moving towards wireless charging quickly, and a glass case is necessary for conducting the charge. However, a glass case takes the appearance a step closer to iPhone and Samsung.

Specs

Unfortunately, despite the number of leaked images for the Pixel 3 and 3XL, there has been very little performance or spec related leaks.
So far it appears the display is 2160 x 1080 with 5.5 inches and a ,2915mAh battery for the Pixel 3. The Pixel 3XL purported having a large 6.2-inch display and a 3,430nAh battery.

Overall, industry experts expect the Pixel to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with 4GB of RAM and 128BG of storage.

Mid-price Pixel 3?

While Google has always marketed Pixel as a premium phone, there are leaks regarding a lower cost Pixel.

The rumor states Google is working on a phone running Android Go with a Snapdragon 710 processor. Leaks suggest development on the phone started in April, and this would be a surprising move by Google.

However, the move might not be that out of the question as Google continues to try and access developing phone markets. With Samsung’s push to offer a mid-price phone in the US, Google might not be far behind.

Say goodbye to downtime and hello to new opportunities.