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Why get a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL over an iPhone?
For a long time, I have stuck with the iPhone due to its superior iMessage and a need to stay in contact with those close to me. iPhones have always had a leg up when it came to message and this is still true. However, where iPhones excel at the message and social media aspect with their simplicity and instant results, they lack in just about every other category. It started in my family when Apple introduced devices that could connect seamlessly, and we never turned back.
But now with so many options for seamless connection, it was ridiculous to tie myself down to one brand when I had grown unhappy with Apple over the years. Finally, I took the plunge and got a Google Pixel 3 XL.
The Pixel 3 XL Design and Display
The Google Pixel 3 XL starts off with a sleek design, familiar of modern smart phones. There is almost nothing on the front that isn’t a screen save for a notch and small bar at the bottom. The whole thing looks like a thing of art, though I will say that the top notch can be annoying and can certainly feel as if it is too deep. Smartphones have developed in this new way of notches and full phone screens though and it’s hard to fault google for following suit. Even so, the physical design could’ve used a little more work to separate it from other phones and give it a leg up.
As for the display, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Sporting a 522 ppi OLED screen supplied by Samsung, the screen certainly impresses with its crystal-clear image and coloring that sticks out. It might not be to the same level as an iPhone XS Max or Samsung Note 9, but in all honesty, it would be hard to tell unless comparing each up close. The screen still shows off with beautiful artistry throughout.
And when it comes to
There are so many other options that I can choose from to add and make everything about the phone the way that I want. This customizability is never seen on any Apple device. The pixel treats you as somebody who knows what they’re doing instead of holding back options from you to keep things “simple.”
What is the Fucntionality of the Google Pixel 3?
Beyond this, the functions included with the pixel device are quite stellar. Getting tired of those random calls from a number you don’t recognize? Well fear no more! Google’s Pixel 3 assistant will screen those calls for you to let you know if they’re worth your time even before you pick up.
As for the camera, it is a thing of beauty. I’ve never seen any smartphone take photos like it and that included the iPhone XS (though the iPhone XS can certainly keep up). The only thing that it doesn’t have is the dual rear cameras that the XS has. And while the XS does have an advantage here on close up shots using zoom, the Pixel 3’s still does incredibly well for what it has.
The real beauties come from portrait mode or the night mode for pictures. At first glance, you wouldn’t even know that there was no light when you take a night photo, the Pixel’s pictures are just that good! Nothing has been able to keep up with that.
And while iPhone XS now has HDR with its camera, the Pixel 3 has its own type that makes the pictures look more real vs. the iPhone’s mentality to over-glamorize each picture with unrealistic color.
It comes down to personal preference for that, but I tend to enjoy having the realism first and editing later to make things pop. In either
Another thing that I do enjoy about the Pixel 3 XL’s camera is that it has
Using the camera as well, there is a new function called google lens that I had never used before. It is really cool to use because what it does is that it uses a preexisting photo or even something you find in the wild that allows you to use the camera to search the google engine for similar items across the web. I can use a picture of a movie poster to find similar posts or showtimes, or I can use the lens on my friend’s shoes and find the same or a similar pair online from other shops that I can buy from. This new piece of technology is super interesting and something I could see myself making use of.
Beyond the camera and google assistant, android technology just generally does a better job of giving you way more options and tools to accomplish anything you might think of. This is the thing that drew me to an android phone to begin with. The simplicity of iOS hasn’t changed in years and the lack of options acted as a deterrent for me. I needed something that could satiate my tech side and the Pixel 3 was the one to do it. Every day I investigate things, I feel like I’m learning more that I can do with my Google Pixel 3 phone. It’s a feeling that I have missed over the last generations of phones that I have owned.
What are the downsides of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL?
The biggest downside to the phone would have to be the fact that messages are still in SMS (unless the line you’re contacting also has RCS, but this technology is still limited; check out our other article on what RCS is and where it is currently here).
And while iMessenger is still superior, the only thing I needed was to be able to send a gif of a dog dancing and I’d be happy. I can now do that with such a minor thing as using a new messenger app.
The one thing I was definitely disappointed in was that there was no expandable storage like other android devices (though iPhone users will be used to that) and the fact that google only has a couple of verified fast charging wireless devices that are expensive for what they are. However, a wireless charging station will work just fine at regular charge speeds. So, if the speed is of no consequence, I highly recommend getting a wireless charger of any type that’ll work with the Pixel just for the convenience factor.
Though despite fast charging WIRELESS is limited, regular fast charging is not. It was easy as ordering a $10 Anker USB C Fast Charging port and my phone could be charged to 100% as fast as I could imagine. This was something I missed out on my last generation of smartphone, but wireless charging has been fantastic.
What is the best cell phone to buy?
To be honest, my enjoyment of this phone has been something else. It’s been a long time since I got to learn a new technology so extensively and have enjoyed it the whole time. There is so much available to me that I can edit or change myself leaving so many more options for me. Of course, if you’re not tech savvy or want simplicity at the cost of some freedoms, iPhone will be your best bet. But I made the switch from iPhone to Google’s Pixel 3 XL and it’s been great.
I will admit that before purchasing the phone, I had heard a lot of things from the crevices of the internet talking about software issues and lag on their phones, but I’ve been on the most recent version of the Oreo for Android and I have run into no issues on the phone with lag, slow down, or any glitches. In fact, it seems like those affected were of a very small margin. This was my biggest worry and I’ve yet to run into a single problem.
If you’re wondering the answer to the question: what is the best android phone to buy? I would have to say to go with a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. These phones have direct software from Google putting them ahead of the other android using phones, not to mention how sleek and seamless they feel to other phones.
With that, I can gladly say that purchasing the Google Pixel 3 XL was the best choice that I could have made at the time. It fits all of my needs for fantastic looking photos, great multitasking tools, and supplying me with tons of other options to get projects done or just other customizable options that will keep me busy and happy when I want to change things up. If you’re tired of your iPhone or just looking to upgrade from an old Android phone, I definitely recommend the Google Pixel 3 XL.
| DESIGN/DISPLAY | Out of 15 | 12 |
| FUNCTIONALITY | Out of 40 | 35 |
| EASE OF USE | Out of 25 | 20 |
| OVERALL SATISFACTION | Out of 20 | 18 |
If you’re interested in other technology reviews, I recommend our review on the Nvidia Shield. Or if you’re interested in any reviews in gaming or movies, check out our other posts!
If you’re interested in the Pixel 3 XL, check it out here.
I have been using iPhones since the iPhone 4 and have always been pretty happy with them, but then the Google Pixel came out. I have wondered if I should try it so thanks for the great post about it. The only thing really stopping me right now is the Apple Watch on my wrist.
Happy to help!