Well, it’s at the point where we know what both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL look like, we know what’s running them and beyond some unannounced ‘special sauce’ which could possibly be unveiled at their Made by Google event next month, the question is: Will you buy a Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL or something else?
The phones will differ in size, with the Pixel 3 XL apparently sporting a 6.7″ (2960 × 1440) QHD+ resolution display while the Pixel 3 will have a 5.5″ (2160×1080) FHD+ resolution display. Internally they’ll be similar with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and 4GB of RAM running the show with options for both 64GB or 128GB (fingers crossed for 256GB) of on-board storage. The change in size also allows the Pixel 3 XL to have a larger 3,430mAh battery than the 2915mAh battery in the smaller Pixel 3.
The camera for the Pixel 3 phones – considered the secret of the Pixel series – will include a single 12.2 MP sensor behind an f/1.8 aperture, while on the front you’ll have dual 8MP sensors for what’s been deemed ‘Super Selfies’.
We’ve seen the Pixel 3 XL will have both black and white models, and it’s expected we’ll see black and white colour options on the Pixel 3 as well – but Google usually has something special up their sleeves in terms of colours. The Pixel 3 XL will have a muted green coloured power button, and based on last years colour affectations to both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, we can expect similar stylings on the Pixel 3 phones.
Finally, Android Pie. Google has already released Android Pie to the Pixel and Pixel 2 phones, and other phones either have it (Essential) or are close to with the partners from the Beta program including Nokia, Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi and Sony all working hard to release it to their phones. Google however released the Pixel 2 with exclusive access to things like Lens last year, so we may see some other incentive to grab a Pixel.
The second half of the year is stacked with great handsets being released. Samsung has unveiled the Note 9, Sony the Xperia XZ3, and Oppo the Find X. There’s more on the way though with Huawei launching the Mate 20 (and Mate 20 Pro) next month, and LG should have the V40 along soon and a raft of other handsets from companies like Xiaomi. Our choices are almost endless.
So, based on the information we have, it’s time to start talking – Which phone are you after in the second half of 2018?
