7 drones with superlong flight times

We love drones. You know what we don’t love? Drone flight times. Today, your average consumer drone has an average flight time of between 10 and 20 minutes — with top-of-the-range UAVs tapping out (make that sputtering out) at close to half an hour in the air.

But not all drones fall into that category. Whether it’s thanks to new types of battery or innovative charging methods, here are seven drones which buck the system with long flight times.

Flying battery drone

What’s the easiest way to make a drone fly for longer? Give it a whopping great battery, of course. That’s what the folks at Impossible Aerospace are aiming for with their forthcoming US-1 drone. Boasting a giant lithium-ion power pack that makes it, in its creator’s own words, into a “flying battery,” the US-1 can stay airborne for up to two hours at a time.

The large battery means it’s considerably heavier, at 15.7-pounds, than some of its rivals. Its $7,500 starting price tag also isn’t cheap — but that extra flight time will surely make the extra cash worth it for some.

Hybrid drone

Given that your average drone can hover for around half an hour, the four hours, 40 minute record claimed by Spanish drone manufacturer Quaternium is pretty darn impressive. The secret to its Hybrix.20 drone? As its name suggests, it’s its hybrid fuel-electric engine, which results in an impressive improvement in flight time, courtesy of an onboard combustion engine with a generator that keeps the battery charged during the flight.

“The potential of hybrid technology for drones is huge,” Alicia Fuentes, CEO of Quaternium, told Digital Trends. “At Quaternium, we believe that we will all be amazed with its evolution in the short term. The hybrid race has just started.”

A diesel-powered drone

Last year, Vanilla Aircraft’s VA001 36-foot wingspan, diesel-powered drone broke records for the longest unmanned internal combustion-powered flight in history — with a flight lasting five days, one hour, and 24 minutes.

The most amazing part of it? That even after carrying out its record-breaking flight, when it touched back down on solid ground at the end, it had three days’ worth of fuel remaining on board.

Solar-powered drone

Just like spending a day on the beach or working outside in the summer, one of the positives of a drone spending plenty of time in the sky is that it gives it a great opportunity to soak up some rays. That’s the idea that (literally) drove Airbus’ unmanned Zephyr S winged drone to break the record for longest continuous flight in July 2018.

On its first outing, the Zephyr S stayed aloft for 25 days, 23 hours, and 57 minutes after taking off from Arizona. The UAV uses solar energy to power motors which drive twin propellers. At night, the drone gets by using power built up in its onboard batteries during daylight. The Zephyr S boasts an 82-foot wingspan, and cruises at a super high altitude of 70,000 feet.

Flying for a whole year?

Airbus isn’t the only maker of UAVs interested in solar-powered unmanned aircraft. Developed by cutting-edge British companies BAE Systems and Prismatic, PHASA-35 is a currently-in-development drone which aims to be able to fly for up to one year without landing.

Helping it achieve this epic quest is a lightweight design and 114-foot wingspan — more than 30-feet longer than that on Airbus’ Zephyr S. That means more surface area real estate for its highly efficient solar panels. Like Zephyr, PHASA-35 will cruise at an altitude of 70,000 feet above the Earth, way above weather systems and most conventional (read: non-military) air traffic.

Plugged into the ground

Some people want drones to stay in flight longer for things like drone deliveries or getting more footage when filming. The folks behind this next quadcopter have another, more important purpose: saving lives. Designed to stop drones from straying into the airspace of planes, this anti-drone drone is designed to shoot nets to down other UAVs.

Because keeping an eye on other drones is a 24/7 job, DroneCatcher stays aerial at all times by using a power cable which is connected to the ground. When a problem needs solving, the power cord automatically disconnects from the quadcopter so that it can fly freely. Once the enemy drone is downed, DroneCatcher reconnects to the power cord in order that it can keep right on hovering.

Wireless charging with a laser

Like Dronecatcher, the U.S. Army thinks the best way to keep a drone aloft isn’t to give it a stonking great on-board battery, but rather to keep it charged from the ground. The solution they’re busy investigating is a bit more ambitious than using a solid charging cable, however.

Instead, the Army plans to use laser power to keep drones airborne indefinitely through a sophisticated wireless-charging technique. According to the proposal, the laser light will be directed to the drone’s onboard photovoltaic cell, where it will be converted from heat into electricity. This could reportedly be achieved from a distance of more than 1,600 feet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• 7 amazing anti-drone technologies designed to swat UAVs out of the sky
• U.S. Army wants to use laser power to keep drones airborne indefinitely
• The history of drones in 10 milestones
• Airbus Zephyr solar aircraft breaks record for longest flight
• AirSelfie’s second-gen selfie drone with better flight time is now available

Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

Google finally unveiled the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL — the company’s latest and greatest set of smartphones, featuring an upgraded processor and improved internals, a new design, and more.

Now that the new phones are out, however, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on them for yourself. The phone is available in a few different colors, including “just black,” “clearly white,” and “not pink.” In case you’re wondering how to get the Google Pixel 3 or Google Pixel 3 XL for yourself, we put together this guide.

Unlocked

As you might expect, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are both available unlocked through the Google Store. The two devices are up for pre-order now, and full sales for the phone will begin on October 18. Here’s a rundown of Pixel 3 unlocked pricing.

• 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800 or $33.29 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,000 or $41.63 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing

The unlocked version of the phone is compatible with all major carriers — so if you’re on T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T, that’s how you’ll have to get the phones, considering the fact that they’re exclusive to Verizon.

Carriers

As mentioned, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are exclusively available on Verizon, meaning that you won’t be able to get them through any other carrier except Google’s own Project Fi — at least not yet.

Verizon

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are now available for pre-order straight through the Verizon website, so if you’re a Verizon customer or willing to make the switch, then you can pull the trigger now. Like the unlocked version of the device, the Verizon Google Pixel 3 will be available in full starting on October 18.

Here’s a rundown of pricing for the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Verizon.

• 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800, or $33.33 per month for 24 months
• 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900, or $37.49 per month for 24 months
• 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $930, or $38.74 per month for 24 months
• 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,030, or $42.91 per month for 24 months

Verizon has a few deals going on, too. For starters, when you order a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL through Verizon with monthly device payments, and add a new line, you’ll get a free 64GB Google Pixel 3 or $800 toward the purchase of another Pixel 3 device. On top of that, if you order your new phone through the My Verizon app on October 9, you get a free Google Pixel Stand.

Google Project Fi

As you would expect, the Google Pixel 3 is also available through Google’s own Project Fi, and it’s available for the same price as it is unlocked — so you’ll save a few bucks through Google compared to through Verizon. When it comes to deals, Project Fi is also offering a $799 service credit when you buy two Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL phones and add a new member to an existing group plan.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Google chuckles at all the Pixel 3 leaks with crazy Pixel Mini mock-up
• Pixel 3 XL vs. Pixel 2 XL vs. Pixel XL: Which XL is best for you?
• The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub

Google Pixel Slate vs. Google Pixelbook

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Fans of Google’s ChromeOS don’t have too many options when it comes to premium machines with the majority of Chromebooks targeted at the budget market; however, Google’s own premium devices, the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate — starting at $1000 and $600 respectively, can offer wonderful features for die-hard ChromeOS enthusiasts looking for the best possible experience.

Google’s Pixelbook was unveiled in 2017, showing the world what a true premium Chromebook could look like when the price was not a limiting factor. Followed up this year with Google’s new Pixel Slate, the two devices occupy a premium Chromebook spot of all their own, but if you are looking between the two machines, what is the best choice for your daily life?

Design

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate are premium machines crafted from aluminum and feature tough Corning Gorilla Glass. As a tablet, the Pixel Slate features an aluminum backing in midnight blue with beautiful screen — more details on that later — on the front. The Pixel Slate presents itself as a laptop with a silver aluminum finish and a white glass accent on its lid. While both devices are forged from the same materials, their overall designs serve very different functions.

The original Pixelbook is modeled after a standard clamshell notebook with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display. Open the Pixelbook, and you’ll find yourself treated to a laptop experience like many others, but push the screen back to discover the 360-degree hinge. Able to bend completely backward, the Pixelbook’s screen can fold behind the keyboard to create a tablet experience.

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

On the other hand, the Pixel Slate is a tablet through and through. Out of the box, the Pixel Slate does not include a keyboard or trackpad but is instead a flat slab to be controlled entirely via touch input. The new Pixel Slate Keyboard, sold separately, can transform your experience by adding on a keyboard cover with the missing components to improve your use when you need to get work done.

As with most hybrid devices, they are typically better at one function over the other. If you’re looking for a traditional laptop, you’ll most likely be happiest with the Pixelbook, but if you believe that the future is tablets, then the Pixel Slate might strike your fancy.

Performance

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system that typically doesn’t require much under the hood, with many budget models coming packed with a suitable Intel Celeron CPU. However, these flagship machines from Google are giving you the options to go premium with respectably fast Intel Core processors. Add on a healthy amount of RAM, and both devices are ready to tackle the web without issues.

The Google Pixelbook allows consumers to choose between a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, which, while now a generation out of date, have yet to show their age when powering the ChromeOS platform. Backed up by 8GB or 16GB of RAM, the Pixelbook might be a year old, but its specs should keep fans running for quite a while into the future. Additionally, the Pixelbook offers massive storage options for a machine of its class with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB SSD options available.

The Pixel Slate is less powerful in its base configuration due to its Intel Celeron processor, but gives buyers the option to upgrade to the latest 8th-gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 CPUs. Memory options also start a bit lower at 4GB, but users can increase that number to either 8GB or 16GB for an extra fee. Depending on the model Pixel Slate you purchase, different storage options are available, with the lower-end Celeron option offering 32GB or 64GB of SSD storage, up to 256GB in the Intel Core i7 variation.

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

Both devices should offer great entertainment experiences with 12.3-inch screens and dual speaker systems. The new Pixel Slate provides a slightly improved display, which Google calls a Molecular Display, and features an improved sharpness of 293 pixels per inch (PPI) compared to the Pixelbook’s still respectable, 235PPI. Both screens are capable of 400 nits of brightness, offer touchscreens with support for Google’s Pixelbook Pen, and cover 72 percent of the NTSC color space.

Those looking for a healthy port selection won’t find much more on either machine than a few USB-C ports. The Pixelbook features two USB-C ports, a fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Pixel Slate offers two USB-C ports and the Pixel Slate Keyboard accessory connector.

That’s right, the Slate doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, and users will instead need to rely on wireless headphones or a wired USB-C adapter to listen to tunes.

Portability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Pixelbook and Pixel Slate are both designed for travel — these aren’t machines intended to live on your desk. With both devices featuring aluminum body constructions, Google’s new devices offer sturdy, yet lightweight, solutions for anyone on the move. Best of all, both units pack the same rated battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, with the ability to rapidly charge to two hours of use-time in only 15 minutes.

The Pixelbook weighs in at 2.4lbs and covers a dimensional space of 11.4 inches long, 8.7in wide, and 0.4in thick. A neat and compact package, the Pixelbook won’t be weighing anyone down and should be excellent for road warriors. In comparison, the new Pixel Slate weighs in at 1.6 pounds and covers a space of 11.45 inches long, 7.95in wide, and 0.27in thick. Of course, those who will be using the Pixel Slate with its keyboard accessory will need to add on another 1.1 pounds and 0.2 inches of thickness.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Speaking a bit more of the Pixel Slate Keyboard, users who opt to purchase the accessory can connect it easily via Google’s Quick Snap Connector, and need not worry about recharging the case separately. Made of polyurethane, microfiber, and glass, the Slate Keyboard is an impressive add-on, but it doesn’t come cheap at $200.

For individuals on the road who live off of video calls and conferences, both units pack onboard microphones with noise cancelation and front-facing cameras. The Pixelbook is limited to a 720p webcam, while the Pixel Slate offers an 8MP 1080p, in addition to an 8MP rear-facing camera that also captures 1080p video.

Built for the web

Daven Mathies/Digital Trends

Chrome OS is a platform built to be always online. While Google proudly proclaims that the device can be used offline, and it can be for drafting Google Docs and Email drafts, the operating system shines once it connects to the internet — that is the state of a machine that relies primarily on its web browser. However, you can be satisfied that Google is trying to make the entire ‘always online’ process more straightforward for its Pixelbook and Pixel Slate users.

Devices such as Google’s newly announced Pixel 3 XL smartphone can automatically pair with your Pixelbook or Pixel Slate for LTE tethering when a WiFi connection isn’t available; this simple step makes the process of opening your Pixel computer anywhere on the go and gaining access to the internet just one more step towards seamless. Of course, you will need to be carrying Google’s latest smartphone, and not just any Android device.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Oddly enough, one feature absent from two devices that require an internet connection to shine is LTE connectivity. While both machines feature high-speed WiFi chipsets and Bluetooth 4.2, neither offers the ability to connect to a cellular network on the go without the need to tether to a smartphone.

The Pixel Slate is new, but the Pixelbook is still relevant

Google’s Pixel Slate is the newer device. It’s less expensive, but has more modern hardware, and it’s a better device for tablet use.

That doesn’t mean the Pixelbook is irrelevant, however. The Pixel Slate is not a laptop and isn’t designed with laptop use as its primary mode. Chrome OS fans who’d prefer something more conventional, with a great keyboard and larger display, should still consider the Pixelbook.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Pixelbook 2: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixelbook review
• Become a master caster with these Google Chromecast tips and tricks
• Google Pixel Slate — the first detachable Pixelbook 2-in-1
• HP Chromebook x2 vs. Google Pixelbook

Anker Roav VIVA Pro review

Research Center:

Anker Roav VIVA Pro

Vocal assistants have become an integral part of our lives and even found their way into newer cars. But what can you do for an older car that may not even have an AUX input, let alone access to Alexa? Thankfully, the Roav VIVA Pro is here to integrate Alexa into your car charger, an item that most of us carry already. We spent time testing and asking this device a few questions to see if it is fit to ride shotgun on your next road trip.

Hey, Alexa!

We have tested various aftermarket integrations of Amazon’s Alexa in the past, including the Logitech ZeroTouch, a smarter smartphone mount that triggers an app on your phone. We also tested the Muse by Speak Music, an Alexa button that also integrates with a charger. These devices accomplish much of the same goal but can add clutter to your car or rely too much on fumbling with a mobile app on your phone.

Nolan Browning/Digital Trends

In the Roav VIVA Pro package, you won’t find long wires or unnecessary buttons and accessories. Instead, you’ll simply find the VIVA Pro car charging unit that resembles a slightly larger version of a standard car charger for your phone. It features two 2.4A PowerIQ-equipped USB-A charging ports, surrounded by a simulated carbon fiber finish, and the Alexa light ring plus a mute button on top.

One of the biggest benefits is the ability to transmit sound through Bluetooth, AUX output, USB and FM transmitter.

Packing all of the computing power into the charging unit also allows the device to be compact and to seamlessly integrate into your car. While you may not be familiar with the name Roav, the brand Anker may ring a bell. Roav is actually a new sub-brand of the Anker Innovations electronics company, focused specifically on in-car devices. We are big fans of Anker’s charging technology and the VIVA Pro doesn’t disappoint in the quality and design department. The build is solid and the design is more reminiscent of an actual Amazon product than any of the other devices in this arena. Charging through the device is also extremely quick and as fast as we have come to expect from similar Anker chargers.

Connecting to your virtual assistant

Setting up the VIVA Pro is as easy as downloading the Roav VIVA app for iPhone or Android and walking through the pairing steps. The Roav VIVA connects to your phone via Bluetooth and then asks how you would like to project the device’s audio. One of the biggest benefits of this device is the ability to transmit the sound through Bluetooth, an AUX output, a USB port (for Apple CarPlay) and even an FM transmitter for your older vehicles. For Bluetooth connections, the app even asks if you prefer taking calls through your car’s built-in system to avoid any audio issues when connected.

We initially connected our VIVA through the FM transmitter. You simply scan through the dial in the app to choose which radio station is dead air in your area. The audio then plays a chime through that station to let you know it is ready to go. The only issue with the FM connection is the change in audio if the station you selected receives a stronger signal on your drive, a problem typical of such transmitters. However, you can dial this in after commuting for a few days to find the right channel.

The AUX output and Bluetooth connection are rather straightforward; we spent most of our time using those settings. In our older 2005 Honda Element test car, the VIVA Pro completely updated our driving experience when connected through the AUX port. Playing your favorite music no longer involved shuffling through your phone at stop lights. Simply yelling “Alexa, play my Otis Redding station” would fire up Pandora (or your favorite music app that Alexa supports) and play the music in your car. Spotify fans may be disappointed as the service is not available through this device at this time.

Can you hear me?

In addition to music, Roav and Amazon’s Alexa can help control your smart home devices, order coffee from Starbucks, or simply navigate home from work. Depending on the location of the 12-volt port in your car, the voice-isolation and noise-reduction systems may struggle a bit. In the Honda Element, the port is on the passenger side of the car and we would often have to manually turn down the music and shout at Alexa to get the device to acknowledge our voice. Our conversations in a BMW i3 were far less heated as the charger sits just between the seats and closer to the driver.

Depending on the location of the 12-volt port in your car, the voice-isolation and noise-reduction system may struggle.

For most requests, the Roav application runs in the background to let you have your favorite navigation or music app on the screen. However, changing directions to a new location while using Waze will tell you to switch back to the Roav app via a notification. Some requests, like asking Alexa to make a call, can also bring up a confirmation on your screen with the number or a list of names that it thinks you are trying to call. But for the most part, whether you’re ordering food or interacting with smart devices, your phone can stay in your pocket and the Roav system will still process the request and talk through your speakers.

Warranty information

Roav offers an easy, money-back guarantee that gives you a full refund for any reason until 30 days after delivery. You simply need to mail the device back in its original packaging. For quality-related issues not caused by irregular use, Roav will replace the VIVA Pro with a factory-refurbished model of equal value when one is available. Otherwise, it will send a new item to replace your broken product.

Our Take

Priced at $73, the Roav VIVA Pro is more expensive than any other car charger and most Alexa-enabled car devices. The compact and unmistakably “Amazon Alexa” styling gives this device an edge over other accessories, but the voice detection issues and lack of Spotify support may be a deal killer for some buyers.

However, if you have an older car and are looking for a device to handle phone calls, music streaming, and add helpful vocal assistant features, the VIVA Pro may be the perfect passenger.

Is there a better alternative?

No, in terms of overall utility and simplistic design, the Viva Pro is the best option for motorists in the market for an Alexa-enabled device.

How long will it last?

Customers report frequent software updates to fix many early bugs, and we imagine this bodes well for future updates to keep the application fresh. But Amazon has also recently announced a new Echo Auto device for only $50 with full Alexa capability that could feature abilities that aren’t available in third-party devices.

Should you buy it?

If you have a vehicle without modern features like hands-free calling and music streaming through Bluetooth, then the Roav VIVA Pro is the best way to improve your experience behind the wheel. If you have a new car and are simply looking to gain access to Alexa, it is worth waiting for the Echo Auto or looking at more affordable solutions.

Anker Roav VIVA Pro Compared To

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Griffin Elan Holster

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: 5 features we love, 5 features we don’t

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google’s new smartphones are finally here. Following months of leaks, the company officially announced the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at its hardware event in New York City on October 9. The successor to the Pixel 2 brings along new artificial intelligence features, updated camera software, wireless charging capabilities, and more.

While Google’s new smartphones offer plenty of things to be excited about, there are also additions we aren’t fans of. Here are five features we love about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, and five that we don’t.

Features we love:

Fast wireless charging

As opposed to last year, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL come with the ability to be charged wirelessly. To charge the devices, Google released its own wireless charging pad — the Pixel Stand — which comes with an 18-watt fast charger. Google says you can get seven hours of use after only 15 minutes of charging.

The minute you place your Pixel 3 on the stand, you’ll also have access to Google Assistant,with shortcuts that appear on the display. It’ll also work similar to your Google Home — every morning, your Pixel 3 display will slowly brighten to gently wake you up and will then provide you with your morning routine.

When you’re not using your Pixel 3 while it’s on the Pixel Stand, it won’t just sit there and charge. You’ll be able to turn your smartphone into a digital photo frame, allowing it to display all of your photos in a slideshow. When you’re listening to music, it’ll also display the music and cover art on the display.

Louder dual front-facing stereo speakers

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL each feature dual front-facing speakers. This time around, the speakers are 40 percent louder than those included on its predecessors — which should provide a bigger and richer sound. Both smartphones will also ship with six months of YouTube Music for free.

Smarter camera features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It’s no secret that the Pixel 2 offers impressive front-facing and rear-facing cameras that take stunning shots. The Pixel 3 is no different —  Google has added a ton of new features for an even better photo-taking experience.

For starters, there’s Top Shot, which will help during those unexpected moments that can ruin a perfect shot — whether it’s a blink or a sneeze. The feature automatically captures a burst of shots in HDR Plus, giving you an array of alternate photos to choose from. Google also introduced Super res zoom, which uses artificial intelligence to provide you with sharp photos when you zoom in on a subject.

Those who find themselves frustrated with the image quality of photos taken in low light will be happy to know athat the Pixel 3 will include Night Sight later this year. Whether you’re at a dimly lit restaurant or camping with friends at night, the smartphone uses machine learning to take natural-looking photos without having to turn on the flash.

We also love the wid- angle camera on the front of the Pixel 3, which allows users to take even better selfies. With Group Selfie, you’ll be able to capture 184 percent more room in your photo. There’s also Photobooth mode that automatically snaps photos when it recognizes you’re smiling or making another expression.

Helpful features to use on a daily basis

The Pixel 3 now includes Gmail’s Smart Compose, which automatically suggests phrases to use within emails, depending on the context, to help you write your emails faster. There’s also Gboard built into the device, which will recommend things like stickers and GIFs to use while texting.

Google’s new smartphone also includes Digital Wellbeing, which was introduced with the launch of Android P. You’ll be able to see how much time you’re spending on your phone and can set different time limits on specific apps. There’s also a new feature that will allow you to turn on Do Not Disturb mode by simply flipping your Pixel 3 over — which will mute notifications or rings.

Easily screen your calls

We all know how annoying it is to receive tons of phone calls from unknown numbers, only to pick up and realize it’s a telemarketer. That’s why we love that the Pixel 3 can answer for you instead. When you tap the “Screen Call” button, it will answer for you and ask who is calling and why. The conversation will then be transcribed in real time on your display, so that you can choose if you’d like to pick up. You also have the option of marking it as spam, asking for more information, or choosing to call back later. The feature will be available on the Pixel 3 in the U.S. right out of the box.

Features we don’t love:

The overdone notch

After a full year of smartphone manufacturers adopting the notch design that was first made popular by Apple’s iPhone X, Google has jumped on the bandwagon as well. As with any trend, the novelty soon wears off and the design starts to feel overdone — which is why we were disappointed to see the Pixel 3 XL feature the notch at the top of the display.

Battery is too small

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL feature 2,915 mAh and 3,430 mAh batteries, respectively, but we wish both phones had bigger batteries. We’d like them to last beyond a day before needing a charge. While the Pixel 3 has a bigger battery than the Pixel 2, the Pixel 3 XL actually has a slightly smaller battery than the Pixel 2 XL, though the new, more efficient processor should allow for longer battery life in the new phones. Either way, we expect to get about a full day’s worth of battery life — at most — with the batteries in the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

High price tag

Pricing for the Pixel 3 is a bit high, starting at $800, while the 3 XL is $900 — both phones are more expensive than last year’s Pixels. If you want the 128GB storage capacity, you’ll have to put down an extra $100. While it does come with a few more capabilities and a slightly tweaked design, it doesn’t offer any dramatically new features (like Face ID or a dual camera) that warrant the Pixel 3’s $150 jump in price over last year’s Pixel 2. We would’ve liked for the new smartphones to stay similarly priced to last year’s models.

Dull, boring design

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Even with the third iteration of the device, Google has yet to change the overall design of the Pixel. As with its predecessors, the Pixel 3 includes a matte finish and two-tone design with a fingerprint sensor in the middle, along with a camera lens in the top left. The only two major design changes are the notch (as mentioned before) and the fact that Google has gone with an all glass back — but we do like that it still feels like a matte finish, but isn’t as slippery as its predecessor. If it weren’t for the notch and new color variants, it’d be tough to tell the difference between the new Pixel phones and the ones that came before. They have price tags to match the top flagships, but the new Pixels don’t really look or feel like premium flagship phones.

As usual, there’s no headphone jack

Even though we weren’t expecting it, we were definitely secretly hoping for the return of the headphone jack. Google made it clear with the Pixel 2 that it was completely doing away with it, shipping a USB-C-to 3.5mm adapter with the phone instead. But this time around, the Pixel 3 comes equipped with USB-C Pixel headphones that you can use, which also allows you to talk to Google Assistant.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Pixel 3 XL vs. Pixel 2 XL vs. Pixel XL: Which XL is best for you?
• Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Pixel 3, Home Hub, and Pixel Slate — our first look at all Google’s new devices

Pixel 3 XL vs. iPhone XS Max: Which plus-sized flagship reigns supreme?

The Google Pixel 3 XL is finally here, boasting top-tier specs, a modern design, and a pure Google Android experience. But the Pixel 3 XL isn’t the only plus-sized flagship phone to be released in the past few months — Apple recently unveiled the iPhone XS Max, one of the most powerful iPhone devices ever made, and certainly the most expensive.

Which phone is better for you? Deciding between the two can be tough, which is why we pit the Pixel 3 XL versus iPhone XS Max in a head-to-head specs comparison to find out which is best.

Specs

Google Pixel 3 XL
Apple iPhone XS Max

Size
158 x 76.6 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 inches)
157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm (6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30 inches)

Weight
184 grams (6.49oz)
208 grams (7.34oz)

Screen Size
6.3-inch P-OLED
6.5-inch OLED

Screen Resolution
2,960 x 1,440 (523 pixels-per-inch)
2,688 x 1,242 (458 pixels-per-inch)

Operating System
Android 9.0 Pie
iOS 12

Storage Space
64GB, 128GB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB

MicroSD Card Slot
No
No

Tap To Pay Services
Google Pay
Apple Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Apple A12 Bionic

RAM
4GB
4GB

Camera
12.2MP rear, dual 8MP + 8MP front
Dual 12MP + 12MP telephoto rear, 7MP front

Video
4K at 30 frames per second, 1,080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
4K at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 240fps

Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB Type-C
Lightning

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
No

Water resistance
IPX8
IP68

Battery
3,430mAh
3,174mAh

App Marketplace
Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
Just Black, Not Pink, Clearly White
Silver, Space Gray, Gold

Price
$899+
$1,100+

Buy From
Google, Verizon
Apple

Review Score
Hands-on
4 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Google Pixel 3 XL and the Apple iPhone XS Max are top-tier flagship phones, but that doesn’t mean they have the exact same performance. While the Google Pixel 3 XL features Qualcomm’s latest chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 coupled with 4GB of RAM, the iPhone boasts Apple’s A12 Bionic — which is hailed as perhaps the most powerful mobile chip ever made — and is also backed by 4GB of RAM.

Because it can be hard to compare the two, we’re going to have to resort to benchmarks, and they’re pretty revealing. While the Apple iPhone XS Max offers a Geekbench score of a massive 4,794 single-core, and 11,123 multi-core, the Google Pixel 3 XL offers a single-core score of 2,426 and a multi-core score of 8,355, which is decidedly lower than the iPhone’s score. Safe to say, the iPhone simply outperforms the Google Pixel 3 XL, though that’s not to say you’ll run into performance problems on Google’s phone.

When it comes to battery life, the Pixel 3 XL has a 3,430mAh battery while the iPhone XS Max makes do with a 3,174mAh battery. It’s a marginal difference, and we expect both phones to need daily charging. Both devices offer a number of charging options, including wireless charging via the Qi standard and fast charging, but Google includes its fast-charging cable and adapter in the box, whereas you’ll need to spend a good deal of money with Apple to fast charge.

There’s no way around this one — the iPhone XS Max performs better than the Pixel. It’s the winner here.

Winner: Apple iPhone XS Max

Design and durability

Design is important, and it feels like Google has dropped the ball a little this year. Say what you will about the notch on the iPhone, but there’s no way it’s uglier than the thick and bulky notch on the Pixel 3 XL. Then there is the bottom of the phone, which has a substantially large “chin.” The Pixel 3 XL doesn’t come close to the elegance of the edge-to-edge design of the iPhone XS Max. The back of the Pixel 3 XL looks very similar to its predecessor, with a two-tone look and a single-lens camera, as well as a fingerprint sensor a quarter of the way down the phone.

Both phones feature an all-glass body, and both are water resistant — the Pixel 3 XL has an IPX8 rating, while Apple scores an IP68 rating. The iPhone XS Max utilizes stainless steel over aluminum for its frame, which makes it a bit more durable.

We like the iPhone XS Max’s design more. It’s the winner again.

Winner: Apple iPhone XS Max

Display

The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch OLED screen with inky blacks and well-saturated colors. Its 2,688 x 1,242-pixel resolution is not quite as sharp as the 2,960 x 1,440-pixel resolution on the 6.3-inch P-OLED Pixel 3 XL, but it is bigger and both phones have notches that eat into the usable screen. We hope there will be no repeat of the problems with the screen on last year’s Pixel 2 XL. We’re giving Google the benefit of the doubt until we can do further testing.

Winner: Tie

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google and Apple have been engaged in somewhat of a camera battle over the past few years, and traditionally the Pixel series has slightly outperformed the iPhone. Considering we’ve found the Pixel 2 XL to deliver equal if not better photos than Apple’s latest iPhone XS Max, we’re giving the Google Pixel 3 XL the win here temporarily until we can do more testing.

When it comes to specs, the iPhone XS Max features two 12-megapixel lenses, with one standard lens and one telephoto lens. On the back, the Google Pixel 3 XL only has one 12.2-megapixel lens, though with Google’s machine learning, it often proves to be enough. On the front, the Google Pixel 3 XL features two 8-megapixel lenses, while the iPhone XS Max opts for the TrueDepth camera, which has a 7-megapixel camera paired with a variety of sensors used for Face ID.

We’ll update this section after further testing the cameras on both phones.

Winner: Google Pixel 3 XL

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

We’re not going to go fully into the Android versus iOS debate here — it’s ultimately down to personal preference and the ecosystem that you’re more plugged into. We can say, however, that Android is generally able to do more than iOS — like install apps from third-party marketplaces and change the user interface with different launchers — but iOS is often a little more fluid and easier to use. For the vast majority of people, both Android and iOS will be able to do everything they need, but some will find they really prefer one over the other.

Both the Google Pixel 3 XL and the iPhone XS Max will deliver fast updates as soon as they’re available, and they should both get at least a few years of software updates (though iPhones often have a longer lifespan).

Winner: Tie

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 3 XL and Apple iPhone XS Max both have a few interesting features on offer. For starters, the iPhone is now famous for its Face ID feature, which replaces the fingerprint sensor as the authentication method on the iPhone and allows you to use Animoji and Memoji.

The Google Pixel 3 XL, on the other hand, brings back the Google Pixel 2’s “Active Edge,” which allows you to squeeze your phone to activate Google Assistant or interact with notifications. There’s also the Pixel Stand, which wirelessly charges your Pixel 3 XL and turns into a bedside display with one-touch shortcuts and voice commands enabling you to pose questions and check your schedule. Google Assistant is also set to get the ability to screen your calls and filter out spam, or make calls for you to book appointments or restaurant reservations.

Winner: Google Pixel 3 XL

Price

This is perhaps one of the biggest points of difference — while the Google Pixel 3 XL starts at $900, the Apple iPhone XS Max starts at a whopping $1,100, which is no small price to pay. Safe to say, if money is of concern to you then the Google Pixel 3 XL may be the better choice for you. If you’d prefer to go for an iPhone but don’t want to shell out the cash, you could still go for the smaller iPhone XS, or the upcoming iPhone XR.

Overall winner: Apple iPhone XS Max

Both the Google Pixel 3 XL and the Apple iPhone XS Max are great phones, but there is no way around the improved performance and better design of the iPhone XS Max. We think the Pixel 3 XL tips the scales in the camera department and has some compelling A.I. features, but it doesn’t quite match up to Apple’s biggest. That’s not to say you should avoid the Google Pixel 3 XL — in fact, if you prefer an Android device, then the Google Pixel 3 XL is one of the best you can find.

Editors’ Recommendations

• iPhone XS Max vs. iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus: The big guys clash
• Apple iPhone XS Max vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Powerhouse face-off
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Apple iPhone XS vs. Sony Xperia XZ3: Which is the best phone for you?
• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR: All the hands-on photos you could ever need

Pixel 3, Home Hub, and Pixel Slate — our first look at all Google’s new devices

Google has unveiled the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, its next-generation Android phones that could be the ones to beat for 2018 and into the new year.

Along with the Pixel 3 line, Google also took the wraps off of the new Pixel Slate, a tablet that features the company’s Chrome OS operating system, and works with the new Pixel Slate Keyboard — though you won’t get the $200 keyboard in the box with the device. And, it showed off a new Pixel Stand, which charges the Pixel 3 wirelessly and turns it somewhat into a Google Assistant-powered hub. Not to mention the Google Home Hub, a new Google Assistant-powered smart display that can control your smart home and offer up information when you need it.

We were on hand for Google’s October 9 New York event, where the company showcased the new set of devices and what they had to offer. Not only were we there, but we took a bunch of photos — many of which you can check out below.

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL largely stole the show at the event — and for good reason. They feature the latest Qualcomm chip, the Snapdragon 845, coupled with 4GB of RAM, an upgraded 12.2-megapixel camera on the back, and a new dual-sensor front-facing camera on the front. On the Google Pixel 3, that front-facing camera is included in the forehead — while on the Pixel 3 XL, it’s found in a somewhat tall notch. Both devices come in three colors — Just Black, Clearly White, and Not Pink.

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google Pixel Stand

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At its core, the Pixel Stand is a Qi-enabled wireless charger — but it does a whole lot more than that too. The Google Pixel Stand essentially turns the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL into an Assistant-powered display. You’ll see information related to your day and calendar events on the display, plus you can ask Google Assistant to perform different functions, control your smart home, and more.

Google Pixel Slate

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google also unveiled the new Pixel Slate — its most recent take on a Chrome OS-powered tablet. The new device supports the Pixel Slate Keyboard, which is a folio-style keyboard that’s sold for $200. The Pixel Slate is described by Google as its vision for the future of Chrome OS, delivering a high level of productivity in a mobile form-factor. The device starts at $599 and will be available in a few different configurations, though the base model comes with an Intel Celeron processor, and options range up to an Intel Core i7 chip. Prices range up to $1,599 — putting the device in some serious competition with other premium tablets and 2-in-1s.

Google Home Hub

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Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

The Google Home Hub is essentially Google’s version of the Amazon Echo Show, and displays all the Assistant-powered information that you could need. You’ll get things like upcoming appointments, calendar information, and more — plus you’ll be able to do things like control your smart home devices straight from the Home Hub’s interface. When it comes to pricing, the Google Home Hub comes in at $150.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub
• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Google takes on iPad Pro and Surface Pro with its new Pixel Slate
• Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

Pixel 3, Home Hub, and Pixel Slate — our first look at all Google’s new devices

Google has unveiled the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, its next-generation Android phones that could be the ones to beat for 2018 and into the new year.

Along with the Pixel 3 line, Google also took the wraps off of the new Pixel Slate, a tablet that features the company’s Chrome OS operating system, and works with the new Pixel Slate Keyboard — though you won’t get the $200 keyboard in the box with the device. And, it showed off a new Pixel Stand, which charges the Pixel 3 wirelessly and turns it somewhat into a Google Assistant-powered hub. Not to mention the Google Home Hub, a new Google Assistant-powered smart display that can control your smart home and offer up information when you need it.

We were on hand for Google’s October 9 New York event, where the company showcased the new set of devices and what they had to offer. Not only were we there, but we took a bunch of photos — many of which you can check out below.

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL largely stole the show at the event — and for good reason. They feature the latest Qualcomm chip, the Snapdragon 845, coupled with 4GB of RAM, an upgraded 12.2-megapixel camera on the back, and a new dual-sensor front-facing camera on the front. On the Google Pixel 3, that front-facing camera is included in the forehead — while on the Pixel 3 XL, it’s found in a somewhat tall notch. Both devices come in three colors — Just Black, Clearly White, and Not Pink.

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google Pixel Stand

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At its core, the Pixel Stand is a Qi-enabled wireless charger — but it does a whole lot more than that too. The Google Pixel Stand essentially turns the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL into an Assistant-powered display. You’ll see information related to your day and calendar events on the display, plus you can ask Google Assistant to perform different functions, control your smart home, and more.

Google Pixel Slate

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google also unveiled the new Pixel Slate — its most recent take on a Chrome OS-powered tablet. The new device supports the Pixel Slate Keyboard, which is a folio-style keyboard that’s sold for $200. The Pixel Slate is described by Google as its vision for the future of Chrome OS, delivering a high level of productivity in a mobile form-factor. The device starts at $599 and will be available in a few different configurations, though the base model comes with an Intel Celeron processor, and options range up to an Intel Core i7 chip. Prices range up to $1,599 — putting the device in some serious competition with other premium tablets and 2-in-1s.

Google Home Hub

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Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

Juliana Jara/Digital Trends

The Google Home Hub is essentially Google’s version of the Amazon Echo Show, and displays all the Assistant-powered information that you could need. You’ll get things like upcoming appointments, calendar information, and more — plus you’ll be able to do things like control your smart home devices straight from the Home Hub’s interface. When it comes to pricing, the Google Home Hub comes in at $150.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub
• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Google takes on iPad Pro and Surface Pro with its new Pixel Slate
• Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

Google Pixel Slate vs. HP Chromebook x2

Chromebooks are no longer budget systems meant for schools and organizations looking to save a buck and keep things simple. While Chrome OS continues to evolve and remains a less feature-complete (albeit more secure and easy to manage) platform, it’s increasingly running on premium hardware that offers excellent build quality, high-performance components, and great looks.

HP recently joined the fray with a detachable tablet 2-in-1, the Chromebook x2, that offers just as much premium quality without as much of a premium price. Google just announced the Pixel Slate, so we’ve compared it to the Chromebook x2 to see if it’s enough to keep Google on top of the Chrome OS heap.

Design

HP designed the Chromebook x2 to compete with the best detachable tablets, no matter the platform. It’s a solid slate, with an all-metal build that exudes the “solid chunk of metal and glass” feel that optimizes great gadgets today. The Chromebook x2 also enjoys a thoroughly functional design, with a tablet portion that magnetically snaps into a keyboard base to form a traditional clamshell notebook that feels entirely stable in a user’s lap.

Where the Chromebook x2 is a Surface Book-style 2-in-1 in terms of how it mates with its keyboard base, the Google Pixel Slate is much more like the Surface Pro. The tablet portion connects to a detachable keyboard cover that doesn’t provide quite the same stability on a lap. The all-aluminum Pixel Slate itself appears to be well made, though we’ll reserve final judgment until we’ve had a chance to review it.

Both of these 2-in-1s are tablets first, so they sport bezels that are a little larger than today’s trend, to make them comfortable to hold in tablet mode. We like the Chromebook x2’s more stable clamshell format and excellent keyboard mechanism, while the Pixel Slate might be less stable on a lap, and while its rounded keycaps are interesting, but we haven’t had a chance to try them out for extended typing sessions. The touchpads look similar, and both offer touch displays and active pens to support all of the modern input methods.

Connectivity is similar, with both the Chromebook x2 and the Pixel Slate offering dual USB-C ports. However, the Pixel Slate doesn’t include a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning you’ll be want a pair of Bluetooth headphones, while it does offer a fingerprint scanner for password-less login — something the Chromebook x2 lacks.

We like both devices, but the Chromebook x2 is better as a traditional notebook, and so it gets the nod.

Performance

The Chromebook x2 utilizes a low-powered 7th-generation Intel Core m3-7Y30 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage to provide fast performance for Chrome OS. In our testing, the Chromebook x2 kept up with whatever tasks we asked of it, including a hearty mix of Chrome, Chrome OS apps, and Android apps.

The Pixel Slate offers a greater variety of configurations, starting with an Intel Celeron CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage, ramping up to an 8th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That means that while it’s likely slower than the Chromebook x2 at its starting price of $599 (identical to the Chromebook x2), Google is offering configurations for significantly more money that will be much quicker.

Both the notebooks are built around 12.3-inch IPS displays, although the HP runs at 2,400 x 1,600 (235 PPI) resolution in the 3:2 productivity-friendly aspect ratio, while the Pixel Slate offers a higher 3,000 x 2,000 (293 PPI) resolution. We found the Chromebook x2’s display to be bright, to offer excellent contrast and colors, and to be a joy to use for both working and consuming media. Google is touting its “Molecular Display” (Low-Temperature PolySilicon, or LTPS) technology that’s supposed to offer a great experience while using less battery life, and we’ll be sure to report on its quality during our review.

The Chromebook x2 is more than fast enough for the typical Chrome OS uses, but the Pixel Slate will be faster in its higher configurations. That gives Google the win here.

Portability

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Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Mark Coppock/Digital Trends

The Chromebook x2 enjoys a significant 48 watt-hours of battery capacity, which is a good amount for a tablet. In our testing, we found battery life to be very good, with the device lasting for over four hours when running our aggressive Basemark web benchmark battery test. That usually means a notebook will endure a full working day for less strenuous productivity tasks. HP’s 2-in-1 also very thin and light when considering it tablet portion, which is 0.33 inches thick and weighs just 1.62 pounds. Note that it’s quite a bit heavier than some 2-in-1 combos at 3.07 pounds thanks to its keyboard base.

The Pixel Slate is thinner at 0.28 inches, and it weighs almost exactly as much as the Chromebook x2, at 1.6 pounds. That makes it very comfortable to hold in the hand when used as a tablet and with a pen. The keyboard is somewhat lighter than HP’s version, which means you’ll have less to carry around to be fully productive. Google’s tablet also packs in 48 watt-hours of battery capacity, an impressive feat given the tablet’s thin frame. Accordingly, it’s likely to enjoy similar battery life to the Chromebook x2 except for when it’s equipped with the highest-end components — although we’ll have to see if Google’s battery-saving claims about its display hold true.

Both of these tablet-first Chromebooks are thin, light, and (should) last long on a single charge, and so we’ll call this category a draw.

The cheaper HP Chromebook x2 has the edge

The Chromebook x2 has just one configuration, a Core m3 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, that costs $599 including the keyboard base and active pen. The Pixel Slate starts at $600 for a Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, and ramps all the way up to $1,500 for a Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

However, the Pixel Slate Keyboard runs a whopping $199 and the pen is $99, meaning that you’ll be adding nearly $300 to the overall price if you want to be fully productive. That makes the Pixel Slate a much more expensive machine.

If you need the power of the Google Pixel Slate’s more expensive configurations and don’t mind spending the money, then it’s likely a great option. But we like the HP Chromebook x2 more for its excellent price/performance ratio, and for its greater comfort when using it as a traditional notebook.

Editors’ Recommendations

• HP Chromebook x2 Review
• HP Chromebook x2 vs. Google Pixelbook
• Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 review
• The best Chromebooks of 2018
• Leaked Intel processor could help Google Pixel Slate dual-boot into Windows

Google Pixel 3 XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S9+: Which should you buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and use nearly every one to find the best phones for every type of potential buyer.

Google Pixel 3 XL

Pure Google

$899 at Google Store

Pros

• Large, high-quality screen
• Great camera
• Stereo speakers
• Wireless charging
• Sizable battery

Cons

• No headphone jack
• Very large display notch
• Limited carrier availability

Google refreshed its hardware and jumped to a 6.3-inch 18.5:9 display — but it’s not all about size, the display is dramatically better as well. The rest of the phone builds on all of Google’s strengths: simple hardware, capable specs, smooth software and an amazing camera experience front and back. It also added wireless charging and kept stereo speakers.

Samsung Galaxy S9+

Flagship standard

$750 at Amazon

Pros

• Amazing display
• Great dual cameras
• SD card slot
• Headphone jack
• Stereo speakers
• Wireless charging

Cons

• Software can be cumbersome
• Slower wired charging
• Historically inconsistent software updates

The Galaxy S9+ is the flagship phone all Androids are inevitably compared to. It consistently outsells the competition for a reason: it has every feature and spec people want, with few caveats. Build quality, performance, specs and features are all here, plus a great camera and well-known brand to wrap it all together.

Samsung undeniably has the benefit of mass appeal and mind share among general consumers thanks to its massive sales over the past five years. But Google’s Pixels have a small, devoted following that finds the simpler approach appealing. Here are the differences between the two.

What’s the difference between the Google Pixel 3 XL and the Samsung Galaxy S9+?

Whether you choose the Pixel 3 XL or Galaxy S9+, you’re getting all of the core features, specs and hardware design you expect from this level of phone. Google does things its own way in many respects, but it hasn’t created hardware that’s particularly unique. Both phones are large metal-framed, glass-backed slabs, with slightly different takes on the finer details — the Pixel 3 XL is flat and has glossy sides, compared to the GS9+ with its curved screen and matte metal finish. The Pixel has an etched glass back that cuts down on fingerprints as well, and has colors that are dull rather than shiny. You get IP68 water and dust resistance on both, thankfully.

There isn’t much differentiation in the hardware or design — just the details.

The phones are the exact same height, and nearly identical in weight and thickness, with the only difference between them being the GS9+’s narrower body on account of its curved display. Usable screen real estate is near-identical, on account of the Pixel 3 XL’s notch taking up a little room. You get the same sort of asymmetrical stereo speakers on both phones, too.

Elsewhere inside the phones, they have the same processor, same base storage and all of the typical connectivity options. The batteries are also nearly the same size, and they both have both fast wired and wireless charging — though the Pixel has a slight advantage in charge speed with a cable. (We’ll get a better feel for real-world battery life on the Pixel 3 XL soon.) Samsung has the advantage of 6GB of RAM in the GS9+, whereas the Pixel 3 XL’s 4GB feels a little small for 2018 — though Google has historically done well with performance with less RAM.

The only real hardware wins for Samsung are with storage and audio. Though both phones have the same base 64GB storage, the Galaxy S9+ is available with up to 256GB internally and has a microSD card slot for the big storage users out there. It also has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a really big draw for many buyers. The Pixel 3 XL comes with a USB-C to headphone adapter and USB-C headphones, but it’s far more cumbersome than using the headphones you already have without any adapter.

Operating system	Android 9 Pie	Android 8.0 OreoSamsung Experience 9.0
Display	6.3-inch OLED2960x1440 (18.5:9)Gorilla Glass 5	6.2-inch AMOLED2960x1440 (18.5:9)Gorilla Glass 5
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845Pixel Visual Core	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
RAM	4GB	6GB
Storage	64/128GB	64/128/256GB
Expandable	No	microSD
Rear camera 1	12.2MP, 1.4-micron, PDAFf/1.8, OIS	12MP Dual Pixel f/1.5 or f/2.4, OIS
Rear camera 2	n/a	12MPf/2.4, OIS
Front camera 1	8MP, auto focusf/1.8, 75-degree lens	8MP, auto focusf/1.7
Front camera 2	8MP, fixed focusf/2.2, 97-degree lens	n/a
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, NFC, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 LENFC, GPS
Audio	Stereo speakersUSB-C	Stereo speakers3.5mm headphone jack
Battery	3430mAhNon-removable	3500mAhNon-removable
Charging	18W USB-C PDQi wireless	Quick Charge 2.0Qi wireless
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Security	Fingerprint sensor	Fingerprint sensorIris scanner
Dimensions	158.0 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm184 g	158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm189 g
Colors	Just Black, Very White, Not Pink	Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, Slate Grey

Google already arguably had a better camera than the GS9+ when it came to shot-to-shot quality in the Pixel 2, and now a year later it’s rolling out faster processing, better image quality and new features that help it compete with Samsung’s dual-lens solution. The Pixel 3 XL has new digital zooming tech to remove the need for a secondary telephoto lens, a new “Night Sight” mode that promises better low-light shots than simply having an f/1.5 lens, and faster processing with the Pixel Visual Core to remove some of the sluggish performance of last year. Samsung’s pair of cameras is really good, but Google likely just took a good leap ahead of Samsung if these features work out even somewhat as intended.

With some fresh features and a second selfie shooter, Google likely just jumped ahead of Samsung’s cameras.

Up front, Google now matches Samsung with auto focus on its front-facing camera, which is a real improvement for selfies that you won’t want to give up once you’ve experienced it. But again it’s stepping ahead of Samsung with a second camera for wide-angle shots and even better portrait mode photos.

Perhaps the biggest deciding factor in which phone is best for you is how you feel about Google’s approach to software. The Pixel 3 XL doesn’t change Google’s formula: a simple, sleek, consistent and powerful software experience with deep integration of Google’s apps and services, and little extra cruft or bloatware. Android 9 Pie is a great version of the OS, with tons of use-focused features and an emphasis on battery life and taming notifications. Google’s software is far simpler and less involved than Samsung’s, and requires less work to get set up and operating how you want. The other side of that coin is dramatically fewer customization options, and few whizz-bang features built in — you’ll have to download apps for more advanced functions.

How much you value Google’s clean and simple software may be the deciding factor here.

In losing all of the extra features and customization options, you get the benefit of having the latest and greatest Android software before anyone else. You’ll get security updates every single month, and you’ll get the latest feature updates as soon as they’re available. The security aspect is absolutely important, and some people will also value having the top features right away.

Because the Galaxy S9+ is now several months old, it starts to carve out a price advantage over the new Pixel 3 XL. Though the retail price for the GS9+ was high, it’s regularly available unlocked for about $750. At that price, it’s a considerable jump up to the Pixel 3 XL’s price of $899.

If price is at all a factor for you, the GS9+ may just edge ahead of the Pixel 3 XL. Either because of its cheaper unlocked price, or because of its wide carrier availability that increases the chance you can find it further discounted or available as part of other promotions from the carriers. But if you value software simplicity and camera performance, start looking at the Pixel 3 XL — it’ll be worth your consideration.

Google Pixel 3 XL

Pure Google

$899 at Google Store

Google’s best-ever phone, with a big screen and battery to match its capabilities.

Phones are large nowadays, and Google’s Pixel 3 XL is no exception. A 6.3-inch OLED screen is dramatically improved from the Pixel 2 XL, and the rest of the experience builds on Google’s strengths: awesome software, great performance, innovative camera features and guaranteed updates.

Samsung Galaxy S9+

Flagship standard

$750 at Amazon

The benchmark Android phone that does it all, and looks great doing it.

It’s hard to argue with Samsung’s formula. The hardware is beautiful, well-built, and filled with top-end specs and features. The GS9+ has an industry-leading display, fantastic camera and every feature a phone buyer wants. The software just requires some massaging to work the way you need it to.