The Google Pixel 3 features fast performance, a vivid display and industry-leading camera software. The Pixel 4 improves on the Pixel 3 in almost every way but storage capacity.
Every model of the Google Pixel has led the industry in camera technology since the phone’s debut in 2016. The fourth generation of the device, the Google Pixel 4, adds “Soli” radar technology, Face Unlock security, and a smooth 90Hz display.
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The Google Pixel 3, meanwhile, is so well built that it still holds up against the newest premium smartphones released in 2019. Priced hundreds of dollars cheaper, you may find it’s the best buy for your needs.
Both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 offer larger “XL” models with bigger, higher resolution screens and more battery power. Where appropriate, we’ve highlighted the differences between these models as well. Newer is always better and the Pixel 4 has some great improvements and new features, but let’s see if it’s worth the money when the Pixel 3 is so much cheaper.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3 at a glance
Google Pixel 4
Google's best gets even better.
- Two rear-facing cameras take amazing photos
- Soli radar for hands-free control
- 90Hz display and no notch
- Cheaper than most flagships
Google Pixel 3
Nearly the best, but far cheaper
- Still one of the best smartphone cameras available
- Really low price, especially on sale
- Free full-quality photo backups
- Bright and beautiful HDR display
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: Cameras compared
Every Google Pixel smartphone leads the industry in camera performance upon its release. While they don’t always have the best hardware, the brilliant Google AI software more than makes up for it. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL feature two selfie cameras to make group shots easy, but only one dual-pixel 12 MP rear lens.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL add a new rear-facing 16 MP telephoto lens that works with the same 12 MP camera to take previously impossible telephoto shots and even better pics in low-light conditions. There’s only one front-facing camera on the Pixel 4 line-up, but a 3D sensor lets you use real-time effects to take unique selfies. The Pixel 4 includes 100GB of storage on Google Photos for 3 months but doesn’t offer free original-quality backups like previous Pixel models do.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: battery life
The Pixel 3 features a mid-range battery with just over 2,915 mAh of juice. My experience has been that it’s enough to get me through the day, but if I’m planning to go out in the evening then I’ll have to top it up first. Just 15 minutes of charging gives up to 7 hours of battery life.
The Pixel 4 has a smaller 2,800 mAh battery and early battery life reviews aren’t favourable. However, Google’s monthly software updates should fix any bugs in the system. The Pixel 3 XL also features a mediocre 3,430 mAh battery that helps power the larger display but was upgraded to a beefier 3,700 mAh for the new Pixel 4 XL.
Fast charging via an 18-watt charger is available for both Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 owners. Both devices can also be charged wirelessly via a Qi charger. However, 10W wireless charging is only available to Pixel 4 models unless you have Google’s pricey Pixel Stand for the Pixel 3.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: Biggest and Best Screen
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 feature Full HD+ OLED screens with Gorilla Glass 5, beautiful HDR colours and always-on display. The Pixel 3 has a 5.5” screen with 18:9 aspect ratio while the Pixel 4 upgrades to a 5.7” and longer 19:9 display.
The larger Pixel 3 XL and Pixel 4 XL both feature higher resolutions on larger displays than their smaller siblings. In addition to a slightly longer 19:9 display, the Pixel 4 XL finally does away with the worst “notch” in the smartphone industry while keeping the massive 6.3” QuadHD+ display. Another first for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL is a 90Hz refresh rate which makes gaming, animations and transitions crispy clean..
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: security
A new radar sensor codenamed “Soli” is featured on the front of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. While promoted as a feature that lets you wave your hand over your phone to control music playback, it also works with the front facing cameras to quickly and securely unlock your device. Google is so confident in the tech that they’ve removed the fingerprint reader as a form of biometric security.
However, Face Unlock works even if your eyes are closed, so someone can unlock your phone while you’re sleeping. To be fair, they can do that with your hands on the Pixel 3 when you’re sleeping too. Google plans to release an update that addresses this security hole. A lot of app and online security services don't support Face Unlock, so if there’s anything you want to keep secret on your Pixel 4 then you'll need to use a strong password.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: The verdict
Reasons to Get a Pixel 4
There are some key reasons to consider springing for the Google Pixel 4. It sports new camera technology and important performance upgrades.
- Adds a telephoto lens to the back
- Radar sensor on the front (delayed launch in Canada)
- Face Unlock security
- One of the most affordable flagship Android phones on the market
- Huge bump in performance
- Longer display with 90Hz response
- Bigger battery and notch-free experience on the Pixel 4 XL
- 10W Qi wireless charging on 3rd-party chargers
Reasons to Get a Pixel 3
The Google Pixel 3’s camera holds up in competition with the Samsung Galaxy S10, HUAWEI P30 Pro and the iPhone 11.
- Industry-leading camera dual-pixel 12MP camera with intelligent software
- Eventually getting some Pixel 4 features like Astrophotography and a Voice Recorder app with transcription
- Fingerprint sensor security
- Beautiful OLED screen with HDR
- Fast charging, wireless charging, and all-day battery life
- Prices heavily discounted when on sale
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