Update, October 10 at 9:05 a.m. EDT: The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have been officially announced, and we’ve already gone hands-on with both devices! You can check out our detailed hands-on article here, and all of our related Pixel 3 launch coverage below:
- Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL officially announced: Camera improvements galore
- Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL specs: This is no Galaxy Note 9
- Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Where to buy, when, and how much
- All the official Google Pixel 3 accessories we could find
- Google Pixel 3 vs Galaxy Note 9, LG V40, and Huawei P20 Pro
- Google Pixel 3 / 3 XL vs Pixel 2 / 2 XL: A tale of four flagships
- Google Pixel 3: Here are all the new camera features
- Pixel 3 includes USB-C earbuds and a dongle. What now, Apple?
- Google Pixel 3 cameras: Here’s what they can do
- Google Pixel Slate hands-on: An iPad Pro competitor?
- Google Home Hub hands-on: A home with a view
Original article, October 9 at 12:25 a.m. EDT: Here we are, the eve before Pixel. We know it’s last minute, but we managed to get a bit of time with the device less than 12 hours before the official announcement. While we don’t have a lot of extra information or specs to share, we thought you guys might like to check out what the device looks like from multiple angles.
So here they are, enjoy the gallery.
From the time I had with the device, I was quite surprised by the build quality. The device is polycarbonate, probably to allow for wireless charging, but it felt just as good if not better than the white Pixel 2 XL. (Update: On closer examination, we think the device’s back is actually made of glass, with a texture applied). While I couldn’t confirm the screen resolution, I’m certain it must have been QHD. The display looked miles better than the previous OLED on the Pixel 2XL, and it’s obvious Google has put a lot of time into the small parts of the device.
I did have a chance to open the camera app a couple of times, and it allows for changing modes extremely quickly through a “Pill” style navigation system similar to how a user might multitask in Android P. Modes changed extremely quickly as well, an instance in which many other flagship phones will usually lag.
I can also confirm that the vibration motor is vastly improved since the already great Pixel 2XL. Using pill-style navigation gave a pleasant tap, and you could feel the direction you were transitioning to while multitasking or changing modes in the camera.
The wide-angle camera allowed for super wide selfies, and you’re able to zoom in and out while in selfie mode. You can use selfie portrait mode at any focal length, and it was able to detect faces even when there were 2 faces at various depths.
If you were wondering about full specs, this is what we assume we’ll be getting tomorrow:
| Google Pixel 3 rumored | Google Pixel 3 XL rumored specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch P-OLED 1,080 x 2,280 resolution 459 PPI | 6.3-inch P-OLED 1,440 x 2,960 resolution 400PPI |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 630 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB No microSD slot | 64GB, 128GB No microSD slot |
| Cameras | Rear: 12.2MP f/1.8 sensor Front: (2) 8.2MP f/2.2 sensors, (1) wide angle sensor and depth sensor | Rear: 12.2MP f/1.8 sensor Front: (2) 8.2MP f/2.2 sensors, (1) wide angle sensor and depth sensor |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Battery | 2,915mAh | 3,430mAh |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Software vesrion | Android 9.0 Pie | Android 9.0 Pie |
| Other features | Dual front-facing speakers, Active Edge, Wireless charging | Dual front-facing speakers, Active Edge, Wireless charging |
We’ll be learning a lot more at the event tomorrow, but until then, let us know your thoughts below!