Google Pixel 3 vs. 4: Which is Better?

Google just announced the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL. They are available now in stores and online. You can snatch up the newest Google phone from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Google Fi, Spectrum Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.

This highly anticipated new Android device boasts some great new features, such as:

• Face unlock
• Motion Sense
• Advanced Google Assistant
• Additional rear camera
• Enhanced Night Sight
• Live HDR+

Are these features worth the price tag or should you go with the more affordable Google Pixel 3? The Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 3 are both great devices—keep reading to see how they compare. You might be surprised by some of our findings.

Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4

Google Pixel 3 XL vs Google Pixel 4 XL

Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3: Cameras

The main difference between the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 cameras is the addition of the second rear camera on the Pixel 4. While the Pixel 3 has a single rear camera, the dual 12MP, the Pixel 4 and 4XL sport the dual 12MP plus the 16MP telephoto camera.

On the front, the Pixel 4 has a single 8MP lens, while the Pixel 3 has dual front cameras. The loss of a lens in the front of the Pixel 4 could be a bummer for selfie fanatics. However, the Google Pixel 4 boasts enhanced Night Sight, which allows you to take beautiful photos of the night sky. This would certainly tip the scales in favor of the Pixel 4, except Google recently announced that the Google Pixel 3 and 3a would be getting astrophotography camera mode as well.

Another improvement to the Pixel 4 camera is the addition of Live HDR+, a feature that allows you to see what your HDR photos will look like in real time. Plus, the Pixel 4 has a new dual-exposure feature that allows you to adjust highlights and shadows within your viewfinder. You have more control than ever before so that you can fine-tune your photos before you even take them.

Winner:

The Google Pixel 4 and 4XL certainly have an edge when it comes to its updated cameras, and if taking the highest quality photos is important to you, then you may want to go with the Pixel 4 or 4XL. Otherwise, since the Pixel 3 is getting astrophotography, you may just want to grab the Pixel 3 and save yourself the $300.

The main difference between the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 cameras is the addition of the second rear camera on the Pixel 4.

Speed

The Google Pixel 4 and 4XL have a new processor—the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855—while the Pixel 3 and 3XL have the Snapdragon 845. The 855 is slightly faster than the 845, though there isn’t a massive difference speed (unlike the Pixel 3a, which has a noticeably slower processor, the Snapdragon 670). Overall, you’ll find both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 have fast processors.

Winner:

The Google Pixel 4 and 4XL

Battery Life

Shockingly, the Google Pixel 4’s 2800 mAh is slightly smaller than the Pixel 3’s 2915 mAh battery. Considering the fact that the battery life of Pixel devices is already subpar compared to the iPhone and other Androids, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, this is somewhat disappointing. Conversely, the Pixel 4XL has a bigger battery ( 3700 mAh) than the than does the Pixel 3X (3430 mAh), so you’re gaining life on that front.

Google’s website doesn’t list approximate battery life of the Pixel devices, and carriers list estimates that vary greatly, making it difficult to discern what the correct numbers actually are. Given the Google Pixel 4XL’s battery size, it’s safe to assume that it has the longest battery life out of the Pixel series.

Winner:

The Google Pixel 4XL

The battery life of the Pixel devices is subpar compared to the iPhone and other Androids, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 series.

Google Pixel 3 vs 4: Features

The Google Pixel 4 has plenty of new cool features and innovations that are sure to excite fans of these models. This includes:

• Additional rear camera: new rear telephoto camera with Super Res Zoom, which enables you to take photos from a distance without sacrificing quality.
• Motion Sense: enables you to control your Pixel 4 by waving your hand over the screen, which is a convenient feature for when you may not want to touch your phone (like cooking, working out, or driving).
• Updated Google Assistant: allows for easy voice multitasking and is more efficient than ever.
• Enhanced Night Sight: astrophotography allows you to take photos of the night sky like never before (as noted, this is coming to the Pixel 3).
• Live HDR+: allows you to fine-tune your photos, adjust highlights and shadows, and see what your HDR photos will look like in real time, before you even click the shutter button.
• Face unlock: For the first time in a Pixel device, Google has introduced face unlock in lieu of the fingerprint sensor, joining the likes of the latest Apple and Samsung devices.

Winner:

The Google Pixel 4 and 4XL

Price

The Google Pixel 4 currently costs $799, while the Google Pixel 4 XL costs $899. When the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL were originally released, the Pixel 3 also was priced at $799, while the 3 XL had a price tag of $899.

With the release of the new models, Google is selling last year’s Pixel 3 for $499 and the Pixel 3 XL for $599. Some carriers are offering similarly great deals on these devices, reducing their prices by even more. If you’re in the market for a Google Pixel phone, it may be in your best interest to go with the Pixel 3 and save yourself a couple hundred bucks.

Let’s Talk Take

Despite updated features on the Pixel 4, there is no clear winner between the two devices—the best option for you depends on your individual preferences and needs. The Google Pixel 3 is our pick for budget-minded Android fans who still want a quality device, while the Pixel 4 XL is the winner for consumers hungry for the latest and greatest features and performance.

Google Pixel 3 Plans

Google Pixel 4 Plans

Google Pixel 4 XL Plans