Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL – FIVE key features Google fans will love and one they may hate

Google Pixel 3 release

Google Pixel 3 release (Image: GOOGLE)

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be available on November 1 and come packed with new features and updates that make them worthy successors to the popular Pixel 2.

Those wanting to buy one of these new flagships can pre-order right now with the Pixel 3 costing £749 and the XL setting you back £869.

However, before you rush to hit the order button here’s five features we think fans of this brand will love and one they may hate.

WIRELESS CHARGING

From a distance, it appears that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have the same plastic look and feel that many were critical of on its predecessor.

But don’t be fooled as Google has now covered their flagships in glass which not only feels a lot nicer in the hand but also means the device can be charged wirelessly via any Qi dock.

To improve the experience further, Google has also launched their own unique charging base called the Pixel Stand.

This not only boosts the battery but also turns into a smart visual and audio experience powered by the Google Assistant.

Once placed on the stand the phone answers your questions, plays music, helps you control smart home devices, and can even transition into a photo frame when idle.

Google Pixel 3 release

The Pixel 3 can now be charged wirelessly (Image: GOOGLE)

GOOGLE LENS BAKED IN

Google’s clever Lens software now comes as standard on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

This means if you want to know more about something you’re looking at you can simply point the Pixel camera at it and get a swathe of useful information.

Google says you can scan and translate text, find similar styles of clothing, or identify popular plants and animals,

Just long press in the Pixel 3 camera to easily open Lens.

You can even point the camera at information you want to remember like a URL or QR code on a flyer or an email address on a business card and Google Lens suggests what to do next, like creating a new contact.

Google Pixel 3 release

Google Pixel 3 release (Image: GOOGLE)

FAST CHARGING IN THE BOX

It may be able to charge wirelessly but, like all smartphone firms, Google doesn’t ship this battery wire-free booster in the box.

That’s an added £69 extra.

However, Google has been pretty smart by offering a decent power pack with its new Pixels.

Pixel 3 comes bundled with an 18 watt fast charger, which can give you seven hours of use in 15 minutes plugged into the mains.

Google is also boasting that its AI-powered Adaptive Battery technique prioritises battery power for the most important apps to make the phone last all day.

IT’S WATER RESISTANT

The current Pixel 2 has a IP67 water and dust rating which means it can cope with a splash of rain or the odd spill of water.

However, the Pixel 3 is now IP68 water-resistant which makes it far more robust.

Whilst IP67 means a smartphone can be dropped into water up to a meter deep for half an hour, the IP68 guarantees protection in water up to 1.5m deep for the same period of time.

Google Pixel 3 release

Google Pixel 3 features a group selfie mode (Image: GOOGLE)

BIG UPGRADES FOR SELFIE LOVERS

Google’s cameras have always been top rated for quality but things are getting better on the Pixel 3 especially for those who love a selfie.

Firstly, there’s a new Group Selfie mode which gives you 184 percent more room in your photo for friends and scenery.

There’s also a new Photobooth mode which uses AI to recognise when you’re smiling or making a funny expression.

It then snaps the photo on its own so you don’t need to reach for the shutter button.

Finally, there’s a Portrait Mode on the front-facing camera which even lets you change the blurriness of the background after the photo has been snapped.

Google Pixel 3 release

Google Pixel 3 release (Image: GOOGLE)

Google Pixel 3 release

The Pixel only features a maximum of 128GB of memory but there is free Google Photo storage (Image: GOOGLE)

BUT…ONE THING YOU MAY NOT LIKE

The flagship competition has recently given smartphone users much more room to store all of their content.

The Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone Xs both feature huge internal storage options with the top of the range models including a whopping 512GB of memory.

Google’s latest flagships lag well being these rivals with the new Pixel 3 and 3 XL only offering a maximum of 128GB.

Although this memory falls well short of Apple and Samsung’s offerings there is some good news for fans of the Pixel brand.

Google says that Pixel 3 owners will get unlimited storage via its Photos service which should leave plenty of room on your phone for other content.