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Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

 & Ajay Kumar Contributor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

The 5.5-inch Pixel 3 (right) starts at $799.99, while its larger sibling, the 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL (left) costs $100 more.

Back

Both phones have a Gorilla Glass 5 back with a glossy top quarter and a soft-touch finish.

Size

The Pixel 3 (right) is more compact and easier to use with one hand.

Screen

Both phones have adopted a modern tall-and-narrow aspect ratio to minimize the bezels on the side.

Right

The right side of both phones feature a somewhat stiff power button and volume rocker.

Rear Camera

A single 12.2MP camera is on the back.

Front Camera

Both phones have dual 8MP front cameras that are capable of wide-angle shots.

Pixel Buds

The wired USB-C Pixel Buds are included with the phone and include Google Assistant functionality.

Pixel Stand

The $79.99 Pixel Stand gives you 10W wireless charging and turns the phone into a smart display.

Pixel 3 Screen

The Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch 1080p OLED display with rich colors and welcome customization options.

Pixel 3 Back

The Pixel 3 is IP68 waterproof and dust resistant.

Apps

The phone comes running Android 9.0 Pie and is free from bloatware.

Digital Wellbeing

The Digital Wellbeing panel shows you your usage and lets you manage how much time you spend on your phone.

No Notch

The Pixel 3 doesn't have a notch.

Pixel 3 Bottom

The SIM card slot on the bottom doesn't take memory cards.

Pixel 3 Top

The metal sides of the phone have a smooth, almost plastic finish.

Pixel 3 Right

The power button is brightly colored to stand out from the rest of the device.

Gaming

The Pixel 3 easily handles demanding games.

Pixel 3 XL Front

The Pixel 3 XL has a 6.3-inch Quad HD OLED display.

Gestures

Software buttons are replaced by gesture navigation to interact with the multitasking menu.

Pixel 3 XL Apps

Both phones have 64GB and 128GB storage options and unlimited Google Photos storage.

Playmoji

Playmoji are AR characters that have some ability to interact with you and your environment.

Pixel 3 XL Back

Both phones have the same color options of black, pink, and white.

Pixel 3 XL Camera

Google's Super Res Zoom results in quality similar to a telephoto lens when zooming in.

Pixel 3 XL Notch

The bigger Pixel has a notch in the display.

Pixel 3 Top

Google Assistant can be activated by voice or squeezing the phone.

USB-C

Google includes USB-C earphones and a dongle for wired listening.

About Our Expert

Ajay Kumar

Ajay Kumar

Contributor

Ajay has worked in tech journalism for more than a decade as a reporter, analyst, and editor. He got his start in consumer tech reviewing hundreds of smartphones and tablets at PCMag as a Mobile Analyst, and breaking the hottest Android news at Newsweek as a tech reporter. 

In his most recent role, he’s worked in content marketing for a B2B SaaS company and in a PR capacity at an AI startup. Previously, he was Managing Commerce Editor at Android Police and Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, where he spearheaded his team's coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals and more. He also worked at Lifewire as a Tech Commerce Editor, putting together tested best-of lists and assigning product reviews. 

As an avid tech enthusiast and traveler, Ajay loves tinkering with the gaming PC he built, adding new smart home devices to his apartment, and scoping out ancient ruins in new countries.

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