The Pixel 3 -- sleek and slick in the hand, a refinement over past Pixels -- has the specs to take on the iPhone XS and Galaxy S9, and win. There's no one killer feature, but its camera is fantastic and it will be the first in line for Android software and security updates. That's a real bonus that avoids the anguish experienced by other Android users who might wait months for Android updates.Â
New to the Pixel 3 is a pair of 8-megapixel front-facing cameras, and support for wireless charging. Google will even sell you its own tricked-out wireless charging stand, the Pixel Stand, for $79.
More importantly, the third-generation Pixel also has the weight of Android Pie software and the deep well of Google's services behind it. Retooled camera processing in the Night Sight feature (not officially out yet, but we've experimented with it) makes low light photography extremely vivid, and another in-development feature will select your best photo. The Pixel 3 also uses AI software, called Google Duplex, to field robocalls on your behalf.
The Pixel 3 is an excellent phone through and through, and one of our favorites for 2018. Then again, so's its fiercest competition. While our long-term photography tests play out, here's how the specs compare with the iPhone XS and Galaxy S9.
Read also:Â iPhone XR vs. Pixel 3: Which phone has the best camera?
Update, Nov. 1: This story originally was published Oct. 10, 2018, and was updated on Nov. 1 with more details.
Pixel 3 vs. iPhone XS vs. Galaxy S9
| Google Pixel 3 | Apple iPhone XS | Samsung Galaxy S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, resolution | 5.5-inch "flexible" OLED; 2,280x1,080 pixels | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,436x1,125 pixels | 5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,960x1,440 pixels |
| Pixel density | 443ppi | 458 ppi | 570 ppi |
| Dimensions (Inches) | 5.7x2.7x0.3 in | 5.7x2.8x0.3 in | 5.81x2.70x0.33 in |
| Dimensions (Millimeters) | 145.6x68.2x7.9 mm | 143.6x70.9x7.7 mm | 147.7x68.7x8.5 mm |
| Weight (Ounces, Grams) | 5.2oz; 148g | 6.2 oz; 177g | 5.75 oz; 163g |
| Mobile software | Android 9 Pie | iOS 12 | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| Camera | 12.2-megapixel | 12-megapixel (standard), 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 12-megapixel |
| Front-facing camera | Dual 8-megapixel | 7-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (2.5GHz octa-core) | Apple A12 Bionic | Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor (2.8GHz + 1.7GHz), or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 (2.7 GHz + 1.7 GHz) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB | TBD | 4GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | 400GB |
| Battery | 2,915 mAh | TBD | 3,000mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Back cover | None (Face ID) | Back cover |
| Connector | USB-C | Lightning | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No | Yes |
| Special features | IP68, wireless charging support, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones in the box | Water resistant (IP68); dual-SIM (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging; Face ID; Animoji | Water resistant (IP68); dual-aperture camera; super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning |
| Price off-contract (USD) | $799 (64GB); $899 (128GB) | $999 (64GB), $1,149 (256GB), $1,349 (512GB) | Varies: $720-$800 (64GB) |
| Price (GBP) | £739 (64GB); £839 (128GB) | £999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB) | £739 |
| Price (AUD) | TBA | AU$1,629 (64GB), AU$1,879 (256GB), AU$2,199 (512GB) | AU$1,199 (64GB), AU$1,349 (256GB) |
Read now:Â Google Pixel 3 review
Read next:Â Best phones of 2018