The new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were presented by Google on Tuesday 9 October, during a special event organized in New York. The two smartphones are the evolution of the models presented last year and were not a big surprise, especially since many of their features had already been disclosed in recent months by unofficial previews and leaks. For the first time, both models will be sold in Italy: last year Google had instead chosen to sell only the Pixel 2 XL through its online store. The two new phones are considered good competitors of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, especially as regards the camera and the price, which is slightly more advantageous in the basic configurations.
Design
Aesthetically, the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are quite reminiscent of their predecessors: the overall dimensions are similar, but the size of the screens is larger thanks to their reduced frames. The Pixel 3's screen is 5.5-inch versus the previous model's 5-inch, while the XL has a 6.3-inch screen versus the Pixel 2 XL's 6-inch. On the back, the fingerprint recognition key has been kept, as well as the use of two different materials for the part where the phone is held and the one where the camera and flash are present.
Camera
Unlike Apple and most other smartphone manufacturers, Google continues to use a single rear camera, claiming to have an advantage over the competition for as for image processing, which makes dual lensing superfluous. The camera on the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is 12.2 megapixels and has some improvements over the previous models, but without anything so unexpected. However, Google says that, thanks to its artificial intelligence systems, the smartphone is able to manage and improve photographs in a few moments after taking them.
The most interesting novelty for the camera is called “Top Shot”: the smartphone takes pictures even before having pressed the button to do so, in order to have a selection of several shots, and then recommends the best photo from a series of images. Also in this case the system uses the algorithms developed by Google to identify the best image. The function resembles the similar one available on Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 and, albeit in different ways, some iPhone camera settings.
Not having two lenses like the competition, to have a minimum of zoom Google has thought of a new solution called “Super Res Zoom”: it blends together several photographs of the same subject, detecting the differences between the micro-movements that each of us does when shooting, in order to reconstruct more defined details of objects distant from the lens. A new night mode instead allows you to get better shots in low light conditions, artificially illuminating a very dark scene by day. Google during the presentation showed the difference in rendering compared to an iPhone XS and it is remarkable, although the result appears very unnatural compared to the actual lighting conditions.
Selfie
The front of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is equipped with two cameras, one of which with a very wide angle for a better rendering of selfies of group, or to show more things around your face if you take a solo shot. Google has also added the “Photobooth” function, which is used to automatically take selfies when you smile or make a funny face.
Battery and charging
The battery of the two models is designed to “last all day” says Google, a credible statement considering the good autonomy of the previous models. For the first time in Pixel history, the new models will be able to be charged with wireless systems. Google has also created a support for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which allows you to hold the phone vertically on a shelf or on the bedside table. When it is charging, the phone turns into a sort of assistant for the home: it shows the time, the weather, your photos and can be used by voice through the Google Assistant.
Telemarketing
Google has also shown a new feature that will please those exasperated by promotional phone calls. In addition to the classic filters that indicate a telemarketing call, already present on Android, the new system gives the possibility to have the phone answer, which transcribes the conversation on the screen, then leaving the smartphone owner the choice of what to do. Unwanted numbers can then be blocked, using the options already available to do so.
Price and availability
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL can already be purchased online through the Google store, with delivery starting in 3-4 weeks. The Pixel 3s cost € 899 in the 64GB configuration, while the 128GB version requires € 100 more. The Pixel 3 XL cost € 999 for the 64GB version and € 1,099 for the 128GB version. Google Pixel Stand, support for wireless charging, costs 79 euros instead.
Pixel Slate
During its event in New York, Google also unveiled Pixel Slate, a tablet that runs on the Chrome OS operating system. It has a 12.3-inch screen and can be attached to a case that acts as a keyboard, making it something of a cross between a tablet and an actual laptop. The basic version will cost $ 599, but depending on the configuration it can go up to $ 1,600. For now, it is not expected to be sold in Italy.
Google Home Hub
Finally, Google unveiled a new home device that adds to its Home series. It is the first to have a screen and is used both to control “smart” objects in your home, such as thermostats and WiFi bulbs, and to watch videos on YouTube, search online via Google, follow recipe instructions, view maps and routes , listen to music and use the Google Assistant. The screen is 7-inch and adapts to the light conditions of the domestic environments in which it is placed. Unlike Facebook's Portal, Google Home Hub doesn't have a camera, just to prevent its owners from feeling watched or uncomfortable using a device with a lens in their bedroom. Google Home Hub costs $ 149 and for now it is not expected to be sold in Italy.
