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

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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

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

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

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

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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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.

Pre-order a Pixel 3 XL? Have a case ready when it arrives!

Google has unveiled the Google Pixel 3 XL, and if it’s going to be your next phone, you’re going to want to grab yourself a case or three to keep your phone safe when you’re out in the big, cruel world — or when you’re bumbling around your stone-floored apartment at 3 AM. Whether you’re after the stylish protection of the Spigen Neo Hybrid or prefer to show off your Pixel 3 XL’s natural beauty with an affordable Ringke Fusion, there’s a Pixel 3 XL case that can protect your phone and your showcase your style.

Soft fabric sweetness

Google Fabric Case

$40 at Google Store

Google’s fabric cases for the Pixel 2 series were soft, luxurious, and darn near perfect. Slimming down this year, Google also made tweaks to the case’s four color options: “Pink Moon” is more restrained than last year’s fiery “Coral,” and a deep blue “Indigo” replaces the static of “Midnight.”

Lithe, luscious leather

Bellroy Leather Case

$45 at Google Store

Bellroy did a rich leather case for the Pixel 2 series last year, and this year’s case for the Pixel 3 is every bit as luxurious. Made using “gold-rated LWG tannery leather,” this case is expensive, but isn’t this beauty worth it?

Make it yours

Google My Case

$50 at Google Store

Google used to have different listings and styles for its custom cases, but now, all custom cases use the same dual-layer style and the same price tag. You can deck My Case out with custom Google Maps, exclusive designer collections, or a personal photo, and the inner layers now come in three colors to best match your phone or your case colors better.

Our pick

Spigen Neo Hybrid

$14 at Amazon

The Spigen Neo Hybrid is one of our favorite case lines on the market; it earned an AC Choice Award for the Google Pixel 2 and it continues that excellence with the Pixel 3 XL. With distinct two-tone color schemes and a sophisticated Herringbone texture, the Neo Hybrid will protect your phone in style.

Kick up your protection

Spigen Tough Armor

$17 at Amazon

This traditional dual-layer case is made for those who know that luck favors the prepared. The flexible TPU layer and air-cushion design helps absorb the impact of a fall, and the hard candy shell offers stability and a built-in kickstand to prop up your Pixel for an in-flight movie or video chat.

Ruggedly handsome

Spigen Rugged Armor

$13 at Amazon

Spigen’s Rugged Armor has been one of our go-to cases for years, and for good reason: this single-layer case feels great in the hand and protects your phone as well as many dual-layer cases. Contrasting carbon fiber accents give the case a rich look and a slim feel.

Tough as a gemstone

Ringke Onyx

$9 at Amazon

This single-layer case is similar to the Spigen Rugged Armor, using Carbon fiber accents and contrasting textures to make a discreet case look bolder and feel better in the hand. That said, the Onyx comes in two colors, black and a deep Lilac Purple.

Altered carbon

Vinve Carbon Fiber Case

$8 at Amazon

This carbon-fiber-accented case from Vinve comes in four colors: a bright red that borders on salmon, a grey that sits somewhere between pewter and gunmetal, deep navy blue, and the ever-standard black.

Carbon coloring

Detral Carbon Fiber Case

$8 at Amazon

This Dretal case also sports carbon fiber accents and a flexible TPU design that’s easy to slip the Pixel 3 XL in and out of, but the color options here are far wider. Beyond the more traditional Black, Gray, and Navy, you can let your Pixel 3 XL pop with bright shades of Red and Mint green.

Magnetic grip

Detral Magnetic Anti-Slip Case

$9 at Amazon

Hiding under this case’s extra-grippy honeycomb texture is an integrated metal plate for magnetic mounts and stands. That plate will also interfere with wireless charging, but if you’d prefer to use magnetic mounts, Dretal lets you ditch those stick-on magnetic plates.

Lightweight protection

Spigen Thin Fit

$12 at Amazon

Leaving the top and bottom of the phone uncovered, Spigen’s Thin Fit wraps around the sides and back of the phone. This understated case offers corner protection and just enough lip around the camera and screen to help avoid scratches and scuffs. It also has a dedicated gap inside of the case for a magnetic car mount plate.

Crystal Clear

Spigen Liquid Crystal

$12 at Amazon

Eschewing hard polycarbonate backs that tend to produce oily rainbows on many a clear case, the Liquid Crystal’s flexible TPU is easy to apply and easier to grip. This case offers light protection that is as thin as it is beautiful on the Google Pixel 3 XL.

Strap it down

Ringke Fusion

$9 at Amazon

This clear case is a bit more rugged than the Spigen Liquid Crystal, offering beefier bumper and tough polycarbonate back. The Fusion is designed with an anchor point for the included wrist strap, which can help you keep ahold of your phone during a morning jog.

The X factor

Ringke Fusion X

$10 at Amazon

This big brother of the Fusion features an even beefier bumper and reinforced corners for extra protection, and while the black bumper is solid, the red version is translucent, allowing the color to catch the light and shine beautifully.

Affordable crystal

MoKo Clear Case

$8 at Amazon

MoKo’s clear cases display the Google Pixel 3 XL’s beauty to the world with a hard polycarbonate back while a more flexible TPU bumper lets you get the case on and off the phone with ease. Unlike the bulky, buff corner guards on the Ringke Fusion line, MoKo’s small air cushion corners take a more refined approach.

Again, I’m a sucker for the Spigen Neo Hybrid, but the deep purple hues of the Ringke Onyx are absolutely darling and could produce some very fun contrast with the different Pixel 3 XL colors. Just remember: no matter your taste, your phone needs a case.

Google Home Hub vs Lenovo Smart Display: Which should you buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. All of our homes are Connected Homes, and we use our combined experience to make the best recommendations for your needs.

Google Home Hub

Bedside Companion

$149 at Best Buy

Pros

• Compact design
• Crisp display

Cons

• Rear-firing speakers limit where you can place this hub

With it’s super simple and compact design, Google made it clear this is the smart display you get when space is an issue. You can put this anywhere and get the best of Google Assistant right where you are.

Lenovo Smart Display

Kitchen Powerhouse

$249 at Best Buy

Pros

• Huge, beautiful display
• Front-firing speaker puts you in the music
• Security slider for camera

Cons

• Design makes it very wide
• A little pricey

Lenovo made a simple display that sounds great and does everything while looking great, but it’s not a design that works in every room of the house. In the kitchen, however, it’s fantastic.

Google makes the software powering both of these experiences, but the way the hardware is designed and the price tag means these displays are for very different kinds of users.

The smartest display

You can put a Lenovo Smart Display in the kitchen and get a great experience with heaps of features, but Google’s Home Hub was clearly designed to live in more places. It’s compact enough to be a bedside clock of sorts, or to tuck away on a shelf in the laundry room. These design decisions aren’t huge when it comes to the overall experience, unless the amount of space you have really matters.

Display	8-inch/10-inch	7-inch
Speakers	10w + 2 passive tweeters	“Multi-room” audio
Microphone	2×2 Dual mic array	2 mic array
Wireless	2×2 802.11ac MIMO	802.11ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 5
Camera	720p	❌
Google Cast	✅	✅
Google Duo	✅	✅
Price	$199/$249	$149

Google’s Home Hub comes in at $100 less than the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display, but it’s clear you lose a lot more than three inches of display with that price drop. Instead of using a privacy shutter on the camera like Lenovo did, Google chose to release a smart display capable of receiving video chats as a core feature with no camera to send back video. Google’s microphone array and WiFi array in the Home Hub also appear to be less capable than Lenovo’s offering, and while the speakers are certainly comparable the design of the Home Hub places the audio away from you by design. This doesn’t work well in every room, especially places like the kitchen where the audio is competing with everything else making noise.

Still, that price tag is difficult to argue with. At $149 you get an extremely capable visual companion to Google Assistant, including the ability to stream video not only from YouTube but also dozens of other video streaming apps through Google Cast. That makes it possible to basically have a TV in places you wouldn’t ordinarily put one, and the compact design makes it very easy to put in places you simply can’t fit a Lenovo Smart Display.

Lenovo Smart Display

Feature Packed

$249 at Best Buy

This is the Google Assistant display you get when you want the best of every feature.

With it’s killer speakers, huge display, and clever design this is one of the coolest things Lenovo has ever made. And if you’ve got the room for it in your home, it’s going to do a great job every time.

Google Home Hub

Assistant everywhere

An excellent and inexpensive way to make Google Home a big part of your day to day life.

$149 at Best Buy

It’s not quite as big or featureful as some of the more expensive smart displays, but it looks incredible in each of its four available colors and will do a great job delivering Google Assistant to every room in your home.

Marshall’s upgraded line of Bluetooth speakers is sure to impress

These Bluetooth speakers will rock your world.

Marshall has been well-known for decades due to its stellar audio equipment, and the various speakers it has available today are no exception to the quality products we’ve come to expect from the brand. Earlier today, the company unveiled three new additions to its line-up of Bluetooth speakers which are sure to make music lovers turn their heads and start pulling out their wallets: the Acton II Bluetooth, Stanmore II Bluetooth, and Woburn II Bluetooth.

The three new options have a lot of variety in what they offer. If you’re looking for a portable speaker, the Acton II Bluetooth is the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a speaker which will sit in a permanent spot in your home entertainment setup, the Woburn II Bluetooth is a much better fit for that scenario. On the other hand, the Stanmore II Bluetooth offers a ton of versatility; it isn’t too large to carry around yet it will also do a great job of rocking your socks off while at home too.

Each of these speakers is fitted with Class D amplifiers, a bass reflex cabinet system, an upgraded DSP for improved dynamic range compression, Marshall’s iconic logo on the front, and more. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 which allows them to connect to devices wirelessly up to 33 feet away, along with Qualcomm’s aptX technology. Plus with multi-host functionality, two devices can be connected wirelessly at the same time. With the Marshall Bluetooth app, you can switch up EQ presets, set up stereo or ambient mode, wake up your speaker, and more right from your phone.

The Acton II Bluetooth, Stanmore II Bluetooth, and Woburn II Bluetooth speakers are now available at $249, $349, and $499 respectively via Marshall’s website in black and white models, though they’ve already gone out of stock. Entering in your email will send a notification to you when stock is available again. If you don’t want to wait to order, the Stanmore II Bluetooth speaker is available to purchase at Amazon for $349.99, though it is temporarily out of stock as well. Placing your order now will ensure it’s shipped when stock is next available.

See at Amazon
See at Marshall

Curved QLED monitors, gaming headsets, and more are discounted today

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