Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL

[epicrayban]

Three years in, and it looks like they have figured out their style for the back. Now all they need to worry about is improving the front panel. Each one seems to slightly improve from the last. Maybe by the time I upgrade my Pixel 2XL, it'll go from acceptable to great.

They're just making really bad design decisions.

Not only is this the third generation Pixel, they've also been "designing" since the Nexus days. One might argue that was more a beta phase but then it must be asked: where has all the years of research gone? Why do they still feel so behind the competition hardware-wise and in some instance, software-wise, too?

The excuses are running out. Which is why I believe Google just simply isn't interested in genuinely competing with their own OEM partners.

 

[Michael Goff]

They're just making really bad design decisions.

Not only is this the third generation Pixel, they've also been "designing" since the Nexus days. One might argue that was more a beta phase but then it must be asked: where has all the years of research gone? Why do they still feel so behind the competition hardware-wise and in some instance, software-wise, too?

The excuses are running out. Which is why I believe Google just simply isn't interested in genuinely competing with their own OEM partners.

I happen to like the design of the Pixel 2XL.

 

[epicrayban]

I happen to like the design of the Pixel 2XL.

It isn't bad, but man, those bezels look so thick.

I just can't unsee them.


Also, the squeeze function that adds to the thickness of the side bezels is IMO another unfortunate design decision by Google. Just like the bezels for the front-firing speakers, the bezels to house the squeeze function just shouldn't be necessary. Both decisions compromise the front design and screen.

 

[Michael Goff]

It isn't bad, but man, those bezels look so thick.

I just can't unsee them.

I really only notice them when they're pointed out to me. Otherwise, I'm looking at the mediocre screen and getting absorbed in the content.

 

[epicrayban]

I really only notice them when they're pointed out to me. Otherwise, I'm looking at the mediocre screen and getting absorbed in the content.

Ha.

But laughs aside, that's yet another Google-hardware issue: quality control. I hope they invest in better panels for the 3.

 

[tbayrgs]

It isn't bad, but man, those bezels look so thick.

I just can't unsee them.


Also, the squeeze function that adds to the thickness of the side bezels is IMO another unfortunate design decision by Google. Just like the bezels for the front-firing speakers, the bezels to house the squeeze function just shouldn't be necessary. Both decisions compromise the front design and screen.

I don't mind the 2 XL design either--much easier on the eyes than those 3 XL renders.

I previously professed that I don't mind the notch on my iPhone X--not a preferred design but it's shallow enough that it's mostly faded into the background for me. But that monstrosity on the 3 XL is just too much. And along with the chin, it's just such an uneven design.

 

[Michael Goff]

Ha.

But laughs aside, that's yet another Google-hardware issue: quality control. I hope they invest in better panels for the 3.

Now that's something I can throw two thousand percent of my support behind. Oh, and better front facing speakers. I'm okay with the bezels because it means FFS, but FFS Google you better improve them to be better than the Galaxy S9. Otherwise, they might as well give up on them.

 

[epicrayban]

Now that's something I can throw two thousand percent of my support behind. Oh, and better front facing speakers. I'm okay with the bezels because it means FFS, but FFS Google you better improve them to be better than the Galaxy S9. Otherwise, they might as well give up on them.

Precisely.

In fact, I always thought the Pixel 2 speakers were pretty bad. I never understood what the hype was about -- it's like people just automatically assume they're good or loud just because they're front-firing. This couldn't be farther from the truth when I compare my S9+ speakers to my Pixel 2 speakers. It's across the board: music, Maps navigation, calls on speaker phone... all are SO much better sounding on the S9+ dual speakers than the Pixel 2 dual speakers. The Pixel 2 speakers are horribly tinny.

Google needs to wake up and let the FFS trend go. It made sense years ago.

Even if one wants to argue and insist that FFS are better, why the gigantic bezels in the Pixel 2 when they clearly can do slimmer bezels with FFS ala the Pixel 2 XL?

Google hardware is just a mess.

 

[Michael Goff]

Precisely.

In fact, I always thought the Pixel 2 speakers were pretty bad. I never understood what the hype was about -- it's like people just automatically assume they're good or loud just because they're front-firing. This couldn't be farther from the truth when I compare my S9+ speakers to my Pixel 2 speakers. It's across the board: music, Maps navigation, calls on speaker phone... all are SO much better sounding on the S9+ dual speakers than the Pixel 2 dual speakers. The Pixel 2 speakers are horribly tinny.

Google needs to wake up and let the FFS trend go. It made sense years ago.

Even if one wants to argue and insist that FFS are better, why the gigantic bezels in the Pixel 2 when they clearly can do slimmer bezels with FFS ala the Pixel 2 XL?

Google hardware is just a mess.

Oh, I was talking about the XL when saying the bezels were okay.

As for FFS, well, I find them better when I'm watching videos on my phone because I'm a lot less likely to cover them up with my fatty fat hands.

Look, I have my complaints about the newest Pixel renders, and I'll share them later I'd you really want, but mostly it looks fine to me. Then again, I'm okay with the notch on the iPhone X so I'm a heretic.

 

[Blaze4G]

Precisely.

In fact, I always thought the Pixel 2 speakers were pretty bad. I never understood what the hype was about -- it's like people just automatically assume they're good or loud just because they're front-firing. This couldn't be farther from the truth when I compare my S9+ speakers to my Pixel 2 speakers. It's across the board: music, Maps navigation, calls on speaker phone... all are SO much better sounding on the S9+ dual speakers than the Pixel 2 dual speakers. The Pixel 2 speakers are horribly tinny.

Google needs to wake up and let the FFS trend go. It made sense years ago.

Even if one wants to argue and insist that FFS are better, why the gigantic bezels in the Pixel 2 when they clearly can do slimmer bezels with FFS ala the Pixel 2 XL?

Google hardware is just a mess.

Imo I prefer front facing speakers. Comparing my HTC u11 and HTC is known for their sound, I preferred my nexus 6p front facing speakers alot more.

Not going to disagree that the design of the XL 3 is bad...really bad. I do like the pixel 3 design though. I'm not into the bezel less fad like most people. I can see why people want bezel less though. Comparing to other phones the pixel 3 looks outdated. But hey most other phones are going bezel less. Let the people who love bezels have one option please lol.

 

[Ralfi]

Pixel 3:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Pixel-3-XL-design-leak_id106121

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL leak out entirely in new 360-degree renders

The notch reminds me of

 

[FFR]

I don't mind the 2 XL design either--much easier on the eyes than those 3 XL renders.

I previously professed that I don't mind the notch on my iPhone X--not a preferred design but it's shallow enough that it's mostly faded into the background for me. But that monstrosity on the 3 XL is just too much. And along with the chin, it's just such an uneven design.

I’m not a fan of the chunky bezels in the pixel 2 xl.... but compared to the pixel 3xl, I prefer it.

Didn’t think it was possible.
The design looks completely disconnected between the front of the handset and the rear.

 

[jamezr]

Ha.

But laughs aside, that's yet another Google-hardware issue: quality control. I hope they invest in better panels for the 3.

It took me 4 Pixel 2 XLs before I got one without display issues. But to Googles credit they replaced each one without hesitation

 

[epicrayban]

Serious question, isn't the Pixel 3 XL notch a little too deep? The notification bar isn't that thick on Android, is it? How will Android P look with a notch that deep?

Or am I mistaken and it's just an illusion?

 

[jamezr]

Serious question, isn't the Pixel 3 XL notch a little too deep? The notification bar isn't that thick on Android, is it? How will Android P look with a notch that deep?

Or am I mistaken and it's just an illusion?

i agree....it seems off by other phones with a notch. It's not just you

 

[FFR]

Serious question, isn't the Pixel 3 XL notch a little too deep? The notification bar isn't that thick on Android, is it? How will Android P look with a notch that deep?

Or am I mistaken and it's just an illusion?

No it is pretty deep. The thickness of the notch looks to be twice that of the chin.

 

[tbayrgs]

Serious question, isn't the Pixel 3 XL notch a little too deep? The notification bar isn't that thick on Android, is it? How will Android P look with a notch that deep?

Or am I mistaken and it's just an illusion?

Nope, it's quite deep. Look closely and you'll see they've double stacked items--there are sensors above the speaker.

 

[epicrayban]

So it's not just me.

The thicker notification bar, blacked out, I guess would match the thicker chin. But how will the UI look? Stacked notification icons/information...?

I continue to be baffled by Google's design decisions here. We'll see.

 

[Michael Goff]

The question that's coming to mind for me is why the front facing camera lenses aren't pushed up just a little. Maybe I'm missing something. Also, it looks like the front facing lenses might be a little bigger. Why?

 

[epicrayban]

The question that's coming to mind for me is why the front facing camera lenses aren't pushed up just a little. Maybe I'm missing something. Also, it looks like the front facing lenses might be a little bigger. Why?

Guessing for some sort of facial recognition to do face unlock, something that Android had for years many years ago on the Nexus 4 or 5, I believe? Just like wireless charging, Google is bringing features back they could have developed and perfected years ago if they had a more uniform focus, strategy, and direction.


Generally speaking... I think the big question for me in regards to Android is whether Samsung's software has gotten good enough to appreciate their hardware prowess versus whether Google's hardware has gotten good enough to appreciate their software prowess. I do miss Photos.

I wish these leaks were instilling more confidence in the Pixel 3's...

 

[Michael Goff]

Guessing for some sorta of facial recognition to do face unlock, something that Android had for years many years ago on the Nexus 4 or 5, I believe? Just like wireless charging, Google is bringing features back they could have developed and perfected years ago if they had a more uniform focus, strategy, and direction.


Generally speaking... I think the big question for me in regards to Android is whether Samsung's software has gotten good enough to appreciate their hardware prowess versus whether Google's hardware has gotten good enough to appreciate their software prowess. I do miss Photos.

I wish these leaks were instilling more confidence in the Pixel 3's...

A lot of the software is getting better, and then you have times when they send an update out where it apparently sometimes just sends your entire photo gallery to the other person.

https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-messages-app-randomly-sending-pictures-some-users

 

[epicrayban]

A lot of the software is getting better, and then you have times when they send an update out where it apparently sometimes just sends your entire photo gallery to the other person.

https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-messages-app-randomly-sending-pictures-some-users

Ridiculous glitch. I use Google's Messenger thankfully.


If the Pixel 3 has wireless charging and if the bezels/screen experience isn't too offensive in person, I could see potentially going back to a Pixel device.

 

[Ralfi]

Serious question, isn't the Pixel 3 XL notch a little too deep? The notification bar isn't that thick on Android, is it? How will Android P look with a notch that deep?

Or am I mistaken and it's just an illusion?

I can only presume Google's intent is to have multiple rows of Status bar icons either side of the notch.

Well that, & I'm also going to predict Google will have a great balance of security & speed in their face unlock system, hence a deeper notch...ok maybe not security

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I'm actually ok with the design of the Pixel 3 (small one, not XL) as long as the overall size isn't larger than my S8. It has flat edges, which I prefer. I'm so over the curved edges on my S8. I have no interest in the S9 because of that. I also don't want anything larger than my S8, so right now the Pixel 3 is the only thing on the horizon I'm interested in. The One Plus phones are larger than I prefer.

Actually, if Samsung would just flatten the screen and run stock Android, The S8/S9 would be my ideal device. Android P is looking very nice and I'm very excited about moving to it this fall.

 

[Ralfi]

I'm actually ok with the design of the Pixel 3 (small one, not XL) as long as the overall size isn't larger than my S8. It has flat edges, which I prefer. I'm so over the curved edges on my S8. I have no interest in the S9 because of that. I also don't want anything larger than my S8, so right now the Pixel 3 is the only thing on the horizon I'm interested in. The One Plus phones are larger than I prefer.

Actually, if Samsung would just flatten the screen and run stock Android, The S8/S9 would be my ideal device. Android P is looking very nice and I'm very excited about moving to it this fall.

Interesting. What's made you turn away from the curved screens?