Google Pixel 3 smartphone

Photo: Kazuhisa OTSUBO from Tokyo, Japan via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Google

Google Pixel 3

October 18, 2018 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Google Pixel 3 is a compact Android smartphone known for its exceptional single rear camera, delivering impressive computational photography results. Released in late 2018, it offered a pure Android experience and guaranteed software updates for several years, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing camera quality and a clean user interface.
Display5.5-inch P-OLED, 1080 x 2160 pixels, HDR
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 845
Main Camera12.2 MP with OIS and Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2915 mAh with 18W fast charging and wireless charging
Starting from $99

💰 Google Pixel 3 Price

The Google Pixel 3 lowest price is $99, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeP-OLED, HDR
Size5.5 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~443 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
GPUAdreno 630

Memory

RAM4GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage64GB or 128GB
Card SlotNo

Main Camera

Single12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
FeaturesDual-LED flash, Pixel Visual Core, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps

Selfie Camera

Dual8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF; 8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm (ultrawide), no AF
FeaturesAuto-HDR
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 2915 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired, PD2.0; 10W wireless (Qi) with Pixel Stand, 5W with other Qi chargers

Body

Dimensions145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm (5.73 x 2.69 x 0.31 in)
Weight148 g (5.22 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM and/or eSIM
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1

Launch

AnnouncedOctober 2018
StatusAvailable. Released 2018, October 18
OS at LaunchAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Outstanding camera performance, especially in still photography
  • Compact size, making it easy for one-handed use
  • Clean Android experience with prompt software updates
  • Premium build quality with water and dust resistance
  • Good stereo speakers

Cons

  • Limited 4GB RAM, which could lead to app reloading
  • No expandable storage (microSD card slot)
  • Relatively small battery capacity for its time
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Discontinued, making new units unavailable and software support ended in 2021
★ Our Verdict

The Google Pixel 3 receives a 7/10 rating, reflecting its excellent camera and pure Android experience at launch, but acknowledging its aging hardware, limited software support, and smaller battery compared to modern standards.

As of late 2026, the Google Pixel 3 is a dated smartphone, primarily suitable for enthusiasts or those seeking a very affordable secondary device. Its software support officially ended in October 2021, meaning it no longer receives security updates, which is a significant security concern for daily use. While its camera remains surprisingly capable for still photos, its performance, battery life, and overall speed will not match contemporary budget phones. If considering a purchase, look for well-maintained used units at a very low price, understanding the inherent risks of an unsupported device. For a reliable daily driver, even budget phones from 2024-2026 will offer a superior experience in terms of performance, battery, and security.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Google Pixel 3 smartphone
  • Pixel USB-C earbuds
  • USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter
  • 18W USB-C power adapter
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Quick Switch Adapter (USB-A to USB-C)

The Google Pixel 3 originally came with a standard limited manufacturer's warranty, which has since expired due to the phone's age. For current Pixel devices, warranty details can be checked via Google's hardware warranty center.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Google Pixel 3 released?

The Google Pixel 3 was officially released on October 18, 2018.

Does the Google Pixel 3 have a good camera?

Yes, the Google Pixel 3 was renowned for its excellent single 12.2 MP rear camera, which utilized Google's advanced computational photography to produce high-quality photos, even in challenging conditions. It also featured dual front-facing cameras, including a wide-angle lens.

Is the Google Pixel 3 still supported with software updates?

No, official software and security updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in October 2021. It shipped with Android 9.0 Pie and received updates up to Android 12.

Does the Google Pixel 3 have a headphone jack?

No, the Google Pixel 3 does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. It came with USB-C earbuds and a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box.

Is the Google Pixel 3 waterproof?

The Google Pixel 3 is IP68 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

What are the storage options for the Google Pixel 3?

The Google Pixel 3 was available with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. It does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.