The Google Pixel 3, first released in 2018, is reaching its two year anniversary. When it was first announced, it was met with mild excitement, and some disappointment, particularly around screen quality in the XL model. Since then, we have heard almost nothing about the Pixel 3, and have moved on the newer tech; but how has the phone aged? How does it fare in the year 2020?
Hardware
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The build of the phone has held up very well, but that is not surprising with a totally glass and metal design. The two tone glass finish on the back, partly frosted, partly shiny, looks as good as the day it was released. Granted, my unit has been in a case most of its’ life, but even still, it has survived drops with not a scratch on the back. That goes for the screen as well, with very few micro scratches, and nothing worse.
The volume and power buttons on the right side of the phone are still a bit of a gripe for me, slightly mushy to the touch. The volume rocker is just that: a rocker. Just one long bar that rocks back and forth to adjust the volume, which makes the volume button(s) feel less than clicky. Same goes for the plastic power button, which is soft to the touch, though I do love the accent color.
From a connectivity standpoint, I have had zero problems with phone calls, texts, or any data usage. The wifi connectivity has been reliable, with quick load times as well; it is worth mentioning that the onboard randomizing of the MAC address can cause issues with connectivity, and may need to be disabled.
The screen is punchy with colors (with boosted mode turned on) and works well, though it is only a 60hz panel, which is a bit subpar in 2020, and has nowhere near the vibrancy of a Samsung panel.
Software
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The software on the Pixel 3 is still clean, pure, and up to date android, with no bloatware to be found. For the most part, the phone runs smoothly, and switches from app to app without any issues. The problems that do appear come from the limited RAM on the phone, and I find that apps will occasionally crash in the background and hiccup when booting back up. I have fully wiped the phone 3 times since I initially purchased it back in 2018, and every time it goes back to its full, snappy feeling software before slowly degrading with regular use.
As far as software updates, the monthly Google updates have ironed out a few of the bugs (anyone remember the camera crashing one?) and are a welcome download in this less than secure world. The Pixel 3 will continue to receive updates for at least another year, anything past that we’ll just have to wait.
Extras
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The built in Google Assistant is perhaps the best selling feature of this phone, alongside the clean android build. A slight squeeze of the phone pulls up the assistant, and it is ready to answer any question you can throw at it. The Google Assistant remains one of, if not the best, voice assistant available to date. It is also worth mentioning that you can type to the assistant if you are in a place that does not support speech.
Google’s on device captioning feature is simply amazing, adding subtitles to any video you watch, whether you are online or not. As someone who sometimes has trouble making out speech, this feature is a lifesaver, not to mention its practicality in situations where having the speaker blast out my video would be frowned upon.
Summary
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Does the Pixel 3 hold up in 2020, almost two years after its initial launch? I would say for the basics, yes. The Pixel line shines in being products with a stock android experience, a minimal take on Android. They work, and they work well. The Pixel 3 is also receiving monthly security updates, and has taken on a host of features from the Pixel 4. The hardware is fine, yet nothing special. With so many deals going around with the Pixel 3, picking one up now is still a smart move, however, I wouldn’t pay more than $300 for this two year old flagship.
Tamara Girodie - Portfolio 