Google Pixel 3 Review: Best Camera in a Compact Design

Google Pixel 3 (2018): Flagship with Industry – Leading Camera & Pure Android Experience

The Google Pixel 3, announced on October 9, 2018, and released on October 18, 2018, is a premium flagship smartphone developed by Google. It is renowned for its exceptional single – rear camera performance, dual front – facing cameras, and a pure Android software experience. The device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, features a 5.5 – inch P – OLED display, and offers wireless charging, setting a benchmark for camera quality in 2018 flagship phones.

Overview

The Pixel 3 (model: G013A) is the smaller variant in the Pixel 3 series (alongside the Pixel 3 XL). It targets users who prioritize a compact form factor, superior camera capabilities, and seamless integration with Google services. The phone was launched with Android 9.0 Pie and received updates up to Android 12, with 5 years of security patches ending in October 2023.

Key Technical Specifications

Category	Details
Display	5.5 – inch P – OLED, 2160×1080 (FHD+), 443 ppi; 18:9 aspect ratio; no notch; Corning Gorilla Glass 5; 100000:1 contrast ratio
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm, octa – core: 4×2.5GHz Kryo 385 Gold + 4×1.6GHz Kryo 385 Silver); Adreno 630 GPU
Memory & Storage	4GB LPDDR4X RAM; 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 storage (no microSD expansion); Nano – SIM + eSIM (dual – standby)
Camera System	– Rear Single: 12.2MP wide (f/1.8, 28mm, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual – pixel PDAF, OIS, Sony IMX363); dual – tone LED flash- Front Dual: 8MP wide (f/1.8, 28mm, PDAF)+8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 19mm, no AF); Auto – HDR- Video: Rear 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro – EIS); Front 1080p@30fps
Battery & Charging	2915mAh Li – Po (non – removable); 18W wired (USB – PD 2.0), 10W wireless (Qi), 5W reverse wireless; USB – C 3.1 port
Design & Build	Glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame; 145.6×68.2×7.9mm; 148g; IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 mins); rear – mounted fingerprint scanner
Connectivity	4G LTE (Cat.16); Wi – Fi 5 (802.11ac, dual – band); Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD); NFC; GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo; USB – C 3.1 (OTG)
Software	Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable to Android 12); 5 years of security patches (ended Oct 2023)
Audio	Stereo front – firing speakers; no 3.5mm headphone jack; active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, ambient light, rear fingerprint, face unlock (software – based)

Core Features

Best – in – Class Camera: The 12.2MP rear sensor with OIS, dual – pixel PDAF, and Google’s computational photography (Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, Portrait Mode) delivers industry – leading image quality, especially in low light.
Dual Front – Facing Cameras: 8MP wide + 8MP ultrawide front cameras enable group selfies and portrait shots with a wider field of view.
Pure Android Experience: Stock Android with timely updates, minimal bloatware, and seamless Google service integration.
Wireless Charging: Supports 10W Qi wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
IP68 Protection: Withstands dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 3 XL: Key Differences

Feature	Pixel 3	Pixel 3 XL
Display	5.5″ FHD+ P – OLED (no notch)	6.3″ QHD+ P – OLED (notch)
Battery	2915mAh	3430mAh
Dimensions	145.6×68.2×7.9mm, 148g	158×76.7×7.9mm, 184g
Design	Compact, no notch	Larger, notch – style display