Arriving in October 2018, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL represented Google doubling down on what made the Pixel line special: software intelligence, particularly in the camera department. While the hardware saw refinements like wireless charging and a new security chip, it was the software features and one very prominent design choice on the XL model that defined this generation.
Design: Glass Backs and A Contentious Cutout
The Pixel 3 series evolved the design language further:
- All-Glass Back: Both models switched to an all-glass back, enabling Qi wireless charging for the first time in the Pixel line. Google cleverly used a dual-finish texture, retaining a matte feel on the lower portion for grip while keeping a smaller polished section at the top.
- Improved Build: They boasted IP68 water and dust resistance, the highest rating commonly found on smartphones.
- Notch-Gate: The smaller Pixel 3 significantly reduced the bezels compared to its predecessor, offering a more modern look. The Pixel 3 XL, however, adopted a large, deep display cutout or “notch” at the top to house the front cameras and speaker. This became one of the most controversial design elements of any Pixel phone, widely criticized for its size (though it could be hidden via software developer options).
- Familiar Elements: Front-facing stereo speakers returned, providing great audio, and Active Edge (squeezing the sides for Assistant) was retained. Sadly, the headphone jack remained absent.
- Colors: The lineup came in Just Black, Clearly White, and a new subtle pinkish hue dubbed “Not Pink.”
Hardware: Familiar Power, New Conveniences
Under the hood, the Pixel 3 series featured:
- Processor: The capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip.
- RAM: Google controversially stuck with 4GB of RAM, the same as the previous two generations. This drew criticism as competitors were moving to 6GB or more, raising concerns about multitasking performance and longevity.
- Storage: Offered in 64GB and 128GB options.
- Wireless Charging: Qi wireless charging was added. Google also launched the Pixel Stand, which enabled faster 10W wireless charging for the Pixel 3 (third-party chargers were initially limited to 5W).
- Titan M Security Chip: This generation debuted Google’s custom-designed Titan M security chip, an enterprise-grade hardware module enhancing boot security, lock screen protection, disk encryption, and securing sensitive app data.
Cameras: Software Takes Center Stage
While the rear camera hardware remained similar (a single, excellent 12.2MP sensor with OIS + EIS and Dual-Pixel AF), the Pixel 3 generation was all about groundbreaking software features:
- Dual Front Cameras: For the first time, the front featured two 8MP cameras: a standard lens and a new ultrawide lens (“Group Selfie Cam”), making it much easier to fit more people or background into selfies.
- Night Sight: This feature, rolled out shortly after launch via an update, was revolutionary. It used multi-frame capture and sophisticated algorithms to produce incredibly bright, detailed, and colorful photos in extremely low light, often surpassing what the human eye could see, largely without needing the flash.
- Top Shot: Using AI, Top Shot captures alternate shots before and after you press the shutter, then recommends the best one, helping avoid blinks or awkward expressions.
- Super Res Zoom: Cleverly used the natural handshake during multi-frame capture to enhance detail when using digital zoom, mitigating some of the quality loss typically associated with it.
- Other Tricks: Photobooth mode (auto-capture smiles), Playground (AR stickers), and motion auto-focus lock further enhanced the camera experience.
- Unlimited Storage: The free unlimited original-quality Google Photos storage perk continued, though this time with a specified end date (January 31, 2022).
Software: Call Screening Arrives
Launching with Android 9 Pie, the Pixel 3 maintained the clean, fast software experience and gained another standout exclusive feature:
- Call Screen: This allowed Google Assistant to answer calls from unknown numbers on your behalf. It would ask the caller for their name and purpose, transcribing the conversation in real-time on your screen so you could decide whether to answer, hang up, send to voicemail, or mark as spam – a powerful tool against robocalls.
The Pixel 3 series received OS updates up to Android 12.
Reception and Legacy
The Pixel 3 and 3 XL received high praise for their phenomenal camera capabilities, particularly the game-changing Night Sight and the useful dual front cameras. The clean software, smooth performance, addition of wireless charging, and the introduction of Call Screen and the Titan M chip were significant positives.
However, the XL model’s massive notch was widely disliked. The decision to remain at 4GB of RAM was a major point of criticism, leading to concerns about future-proofing and aggressive app management. Battery life was also considered merely adequate by many reviewers.
Ultimately, the Pixel 3 generation is best remembered for pushing the boundaries of computational photography, especially with Night Sight, and for introducing genuinely useful AI-powered features like Call Screen. Despite its flaws (hello, notch!), it cemented the Pixel’s reputation as a phone with software smarts that few could match.
How does this one look?