The phones may look simple but are smarter than you think, says Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com.
Google has unveiled its much awaited, much-leaked flagship phones, the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL.
They follow Google's simple design philosophy, which sets them apart from their competitors. The only change you will notice is the prominent notch at the top of the Google Pixel 3 XL.
They don't have flagship features like an in-display fingerprint scanner, edge-to-edge display or multi-cameras. But they are packed with the essentials and run on the latest Operating System, Android 9 Pie, which makes them extremely smart.
Design
The Google Pixel 3/3XL has an all-glass design, with the protective Corning Gorilla Glass 5 placed on both sides of the metal frame.
The glass at the back is glossy at the top and has a frosty finish below the camera, thus preventing fingerprints stains and providing a decent grip when you hold the phone.
The fingerprint scanner is placed on the frosty part of the glass.
The size, battery and front design are the only specs which differentiate the phones.
Google Pixel 3 XL
Its tall boy design sports a prominent notch that encompasses the front facing dual camera and an earpiece that also acts as one of the dual stereo speakers.
The bottom has a huge bezel which holds the other stereo speaker.
Google Pixel 3
The smaller version of the phone sports a full screen display. It has the same dual camera setup and stereo speakers at the top and bottom.
Camera
One of the selling points of the Pixel phones is the camera.
Google does not follow the trend of multiple cameras on the rear but relies on AI, Machine Learning and Algorithms to create the background blur effect for the portrait mode.
Both phones have the same camera setup at the rear and the front.
The rear single camera, a 12.2 MP with f/1.8 aperture, has a 76 degree field of view.
For autofocus, it relies on dual pixel phase detection.
It has built in optical + electronic image stabilisation to reduce blurs while taking photos or videos.
The front has a dual camera setup, with the secondary 8 MP camera serving as wide and telephoto.
The wide angle camera has a focal length of f/2.2 aperture and a 107 degree field of view for wider selfies.
The telephoto camera has an f/1.8 aperture and a 75 degree field of view.
When taking a photo, it takes multiple shots and automatically selects the best picture with the help of AI and Algorithm, filtering the photos in which the person has blinked or was in motion.
The camera combines with Google Lens to let you know what you are pointing at. It also helps you detect phone numbers and do real-time translation text from the object.
AI and Machine Learning allow you to super-zoom without blurring the images.
It supports Augmented Reality stickers to a fun element to your photos and videos.
Hardware and software
The phones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 System on Chip, so all applications and games should run smoothly.
The processing is supported by 4 GB of RAM.
For storage, you can choose between 64 GB or 128GB ROM.
The phones don't support memory expansion through an SD card, but Google provide free unlimited cloud storage till January 31, 2022.
They run on the latest Android Pie 9 and Google promises three years of OS and security updates.
Battery, connectivity and sound
The Google Pixel 3 has a 2915mAh battery while XL has a 3430mAh battery.
It can be fast charged using the 18W fast charger provided in the box. It also supports Qi wireless charging, which is sold separately.
The phones have a Type-C USB port for wired charging and data transfer.
Google provides a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter in the box to connect your old earphones. It also bundles in USB Type-C connecter earphones.
The phone has stereo, front firing speakers for loud listening.
Verdict
If you are a Google fan, need a smooth Android experience or timely OS and security updates, then this is the phone for you.
The camera could be another tempting reason as the Google Pixel 2 camera is much better than the options provided by other flagship phones.
Cost
