Google has been trying to penetrate the smartphone industry in the past few years, but they haven’t really challenged the industry giants, such as Apple and Samsung. However, it seems that the game will turn when Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL arrive.
With features like Google Assistant and super high-definition cameras, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were able to turn heads. But even if Pixel 2 has Google’s highest-rated smartphone camera, Pixel 2 XL suffered bugs and quality control problems during and after its launch.
Though Google was successful with the Pixel 2, what we do not know is that they relied on third-party manufacturers and vendors to make their smartphones. Thankfully, after they acquired the HTC smartphone brand last year, this tech company now has its very own hardware manufacturer. Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which are scheduled for release later this year, will be the first ever smartphones to be manufactured after the union of Google and HTC.
With the near release of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google still remains silent about their plans for the 2 handsets. Even so, bloggers and other tech enthusiasts have their say about the upcoming Pixel collection. They’ve uploaded unboxing and hands-on videos featuring the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Thanks to them, the world has a pretty clear idea of what to expect from the new generation of Pixels.
Google Pixel 3 Design: Smaller and Wider
If you’ve ever visited YouTube these past few days, you’ve probably seen a lot of tech vloggers posting videos and sharing reviews of the Pixel 3 devices. Now, you might be wondering how they got these devices, considering that they haven’t been officially launched. Rumors say that a shipment of Pixel 3 XL models was reportedly stolen and hijacked in the United Kingdom. Eventually, they found their way into the hands of people who were willing to pay, which may be the cause of the leaks in the past weeks.
Since Pixel 3 XL was the model that was leaked, we were able to have a first look at its notchless design. It all began in June, when tech websites revealed photos of both Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Based on the photos, the Pixel 3 sports a 5.4” screen, while the Pixel 3 XL is narrower and taller. It was also reported that the dimensions of Pixel 3 XL are similar to Pixel 2 XL (6.2” x 0.31”), but the display is wider, with a ratio of 19:9.
Last month, images of a device that was said to be a Pixel 3, made a buzz on Reddit. The images taken from different angles showed the handset. With its two-tone glass design at the back and minimal grooves at the bottom and top, it’s no surprise why it has gotten so much attention.
The design rumors were also confirmed by another leak. A photo of Google Pixel 3 XL was also posted on XDA Developers. Although it was a white version of the smartphone, it showed a notched screen and a big bottom groove. At the back, there is a single-lens camera and a fingerprint scanner positioned in the middle.
Google Pixel 3 Release Date
Google has already sent out invitations for the launching of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. It will be held in New York City, and it is indeed a #MadebyGoogle event.
It was Mark Gurman of Bloomberg who first reported the correct location and date of the launch. He said Google will be departing from their traditional launching at their San Francisco headquarters. They will be making history by simultaneously holding events in different regions, with the New York launch joined by a Paris launch.
Still, Verizon is reported to be the handsets’ exclusive carrier. Nothing to worry, though: unlocked models will soon be made available.
Google Pixel 3’s Software: Android 9 Pie with a Few Upgrades
Although Android 9 Pie has already been rolled out to the current Pixel models of Google, the new Android 9 Pie will be shipped with the latest Pixel devices this fall. It comes with features, such as power-saving mode and a digital wellness assistant, that will give you an idea of your usage. That way, you will feel more connected to the real world.
Then again, Google is said to bring in some software additions for their Pixel devices. For instance, the home screen of Pixel devices is slightly different from that of their Android counterparts. Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised to know if Google will pack the latest Pixels with exclusive wallpapers that are way more different from the static photos we see.
At the moment, we don’t have any proof of these wallpapers in action, but reports say they’ll be interactive. They are expected to be responsive to taps, physical movements, and unlocking gestures.
As for software upgrades, there is no clear news about what Google is planning. Perhaps they will be introducing a new form of biometric authentication, such as iris scanning or advanced facial recognition.
Google Pixel 3 Specs: Camera with Dual Lenses
In one of the most recently leaked videos, Pixel 3 XL was featured in detail. YouTube account In Digi posted a video of the smartphone. The camera was featured and its capabilities were tested, particularly the new dual-lens front cameras. In the video, we also see a glimpse of the Portrait Mode, wherein images appear as if they were taken through two lenses.
Nevertheless, it is still unclear why Google decided to put two lenses in the front camera, when in fact, they previously stated they did not need another main camera. But it has been rumored that the other lens will have added capabilities, other than the Portrait Mode. One possible interesting feature of the other lens is the wide-angle perspective, which would explain the need for another camera.
In addition, the Pixel 3 smartphones may have an improved Pixel Visual Core. It’s a standalone chip which processes high-definition photos. Though we already saw how amazing the results of Visual Core were in the previous Pixel collections, we cannot deny the fact that we are still excited to see what the new tech can do, especially when coupled with Google’s undeniably magical photo-perfecting algorithms.
Another Possible Pixel in the Works
Earlier this year, it was reported that Google will be working on three new Pixel handsets. They gave the handsets the following codenames: albacore, blueline, and crosshatch.
At that time, tech and gadget enthusiasts thought that the two of the handsets would be considered premium devices, while the third one would be categorized a high-end. Sad to say, to date, we haven’t seen leaks or heard details about the mysterious high-end handset. At the very least, what we know is that Google’s Pixel branding will continue.
Google Pixel 3 Devices and Snapdragon 845
With the promising features of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, it’s no surprise why Google is planning to partner with Qualcomm and include the Snapdragon 845 into their next-gen devices. Rumors have it that the chip is expected to be embedded in their high-end smartphones this year.
Google Pixel 3 Price: Battling Against 2018 iPhones
We mentioned that three new Pixel handsets are in the pipeline this year. The higher-end version is said to compete with iPhone XS at $1,000. As for the premium versions, which are the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, we don’t have any idea how much they’ll be.
However, let us be reminded that the Pixel 2 starts at $649 and the Pixel 2 XL costs around $849. Maybe it’s safe to assume that the price range of the two new Pixels will be somewhere close.
In Conclusion
It was in 2016 when Google first announced and introduced its Pixel series. Since then, they’ve been working hard to establish the brand to keep up with other names in the smartphone industry. Well, Google might be a powerful name in the tech industry, but when it comes to handset hardware, it’s still a newcomer.
So far, we’ve seen vast improvements with the Pixel 2 devices. Thus, we could expect more with the upcoming Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL handsets.
If you ever think of getting yourself a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, you might want to download Android cleaning app on it. Of course, performance-wise, there is nothing questionable about any of the two new Pixels. But it pays to take caution. Even with the advanced features of Pixel 3 devices, you can never be confident enough. Install Outbyte Android Care and let it take care of junk files and battery-draining apps on your device.