Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL hands-on review

Design and hardware

While last year the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL differed in that the small device had a conventional 16:9 screen and the large one a tall-aspect 18:9, this year both devices have modern displays.

Google Pixel 3 XL

The Google Pixel 3 skipped the notch and comes with a 5.5-inch 18:9 2160x1080px AMOLED screen while the Pixel 3 XL has a 6.3-inch 2960x1440px AMOLED with a 18.5:9 aspect ratio and the deepest notch we’ve ever seen on a phone. And forget about symmetry as the bottom bezel (or chin as the kids are calling it) is fatter to accommodate the bottom stereo speaker.

The top stereo speaker sits in the notch on the Pixel 3 XL and the top bezel of the Pixel 3. We can’t really say if the new stereo speakers are a notch above the old ones, but we sure hope they don’t crack and distort like them.

Google Pixel 3 XL

Both phones have an aluminum frame with a hybrid coating that sits between the front and back Gorilla Glass 5 plates.

Google Pixel 3 XL

On the back, there’s a frosted glass inlay inserted into the glossy glass panel that retains the dual-tone design Google’s Pixels have always had. Google calls it soft touch glass and it keeps the illusion that the back is still made of metal while allowing for wireless charging.

Even on the rear the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL retain the clean and minimalist design language Google has always been known for.

Google Pixel 3 XL

What little design elements there were on the rear are gone on the front of either phone. Both devices have black bezels on the front on all three color options - the Clearly White,Just Black or Not Pink. The only design cues here are ever so slightly rounded screen corners and the unattractive notch of the Pixel 3 XL.

The Google Pixel 3 is a small device. It’s slightly shorter than the Pixel 2 despite having a taller screen. We think it will be welcomed with open arms by small phone lovers as it’s among the very few powerful phones of this size.

Google Pixel 3

The Google Pixel 3 XL is a tall and big device, in line with the OnePlus 6 or the Google Pixel 2 XL. Compared to its predecessor the Pixel 3 XL carries a display that’s taller by 0.3-inch but isn’t much bigger when you subtract the notch.

Last year Google had calibrated the Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s displays to be “accurate” but they came out muted and lifeless out of the box. This year Google has set up both phones to a new Adaptive mode, which it claims is both vivid and natural. The displays on both Pixel 3’s are also HDR certified. Of course, both devices offer Always-on display.

We’ll be able to comment on the accuracy of the screens once we get both devices in our lab but at first glance, the displays look good.

Google Pixel 3

This year Google bolstered the water resistance of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The devices are now IP68 resistant which means they’re dust tight and can withstand water up to a 1.5m for 30 min.

Google Pixel 3 XL

Battery-wise, the Pixel 3’s 2,915mAh unit is a step up from the Pixel 2’s 2,700mAh while the Google Pixel 3 XL is a step 90mAh down with its 3,430mAh. Android 9 Pie’s Adaptive battery should help equal that difference out.