Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4: Should You Upgrade? A Detailed Comparison
Struggling to decide between the Google Pixel 3 and the Pixel 4? You’re not alone! Both phones boast impressive features and Google’s signature clean Android experience, making the choice a tough one for potential buyers.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences and similarities between these two generations of Pixel phones. We’ll explore everything from design and display to camera capabilities and performance, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
Get ready to uncover the nuances of each phone, weighing the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a long-time Android user or new to the Pixel family, this guide will provide valuable insights into the Google Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 debate.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 3 | Pixel 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2160 x 1080 pixels | 2280 x 1080 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP | 12.2MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 2915 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- Pixel 3: Features a dual-tone glass and aluminum design with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It has a relatively thick top bezel. The design is functional but can feel dated.
- Pixel 4: Boasts a more modern design with a square camera module and a matte glass back. It features no fingerprint sensor (relying solely on face unlock) and a less prominent bezel.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Display
- Pixel 3: Equipped with an OLED display, offering vibrant colors and good contrast. The display is bright enough for most conditions but lacks the smoothness of a higher refresh rate.
- Pixel 4: Features a 90Hz OLED display, providing a smoother and more responsive experience. It retains vibrant colors and good contrast, enhancing the visual experience.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Processor & Performance
- Pixel 3: Powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor and 4GB of RAM, it offers solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It can show its age in more demanding tasks.
- Pixel 4: Utilizes the Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM, providing a noticeable performance boost, especially in multitasking and graphically intensive apps.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Camera
- Pixel 3: Features a single 12.2MP rear camera, which still takes excellent photos with its superior software processing. It lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
- Pixel 4: Upgrades to a dual-camera system with a 12.2MP main lens and a 16MP telephoto lens. This allows for improved zoom capabilities and portrait mode.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Battery Life
- Pixel 3: Has a battery life that is generally adequate for a full day of use, but it can struggle with heavy usage. It supports fast charging and wireless charging.
- Pixel 4: The battery life is a weak point, often requiring a charge before the end of the day, especially with the 90Hz display enabled. It supports fast charging and wireless charging.
- Winner: Pixel 3
Software & Updates
- Pixel 3: Runs on Android and receives timely software updates and security patches directly from Google. It will have reached its end-of-life support.
- Pixel 4: Runs on Android and receives timely software updates and security patches directly from Google. It is still supported, with updates available.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Face Unlock
- Pixel 3: Relies on a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
- Pixel 4: Uses a secure face unlock system that is fast and reliable.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Motion Sense
- Pixel 3: Does not have Motion Sense.
- Pixel 4: Includes Motion Sense, which allows for gesture-based control (e.g., skipping songs, silencing alarms) using a radar system.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 4 |
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 4 |
| Display | Pixel 4 |
| Battery Life | Pixel 3 |
| Value | Pixel 3 |
| Software Experience | Tie |
| Design | Pixel 4 |
What They Have in Common
- Software Updates: Both phones receive timely software updates directly from Google, ensuring you have the latest features and security patches.
- Google Assistant: Both devices offer seamless integration with Google Assistant, providing voice control and helpful information.
- Call Screen: Both Pixel phones feature Google’s call screen technology, allowing you to screen unwanted calls.
- Excellent Cameras: Both phones are known for their exceptional camera performance, producing high-quality photos and videos.
- Unlimited Photo Storage: Both phones offer unlimited storage for photos and videos at high quality in Google Photos.
Pixel 3 Vs Pixel 4 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Pixel 4 boasts a slightly more powerful processor, the Snapdragon 855, compared to the Pixel 3’s Snapdragon 845. This translates to marginal gains in overall speed and responsiveness, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the difference in real-world usage might not be drastically noticeable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and basic applications. Both phones offer smooth performance, but the Pixel 4 has a slight edge in handling resource-intensive applications. The Pixel 4’s newer processor also improves energy efficiency.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 4 introduced a dual-camera system, adding a telephoto lens to the already excellent single-lens setup of the Pixel 3. This enables optical zoom and improved portrait mode capabilities. While the Pixel 3’s camera was already highly regarded for its image quality, the Pixel 4 offered greater versatility in capturing photos, particularly at a distance. Both phones excel in computational photography, leveraging Google’s software to enhance images. The Pixel 4 also improved on night sight, producing even clearer low-light shots.
Display and Design
The Pixel 4 features a slightly updated design with a more modern aesthetic. It introduced a larger display and smaller bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 3 has a slightly smaller display with thicker bezels, but the quality of the display remains excellent. Both phones have vibrant OLED displays, but the Pixel 4 has a slightly improved screen-to-body ratio. The Pixel 4 also incorporated motion sense gesture controls, which could be useful to some users.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration when selecting a phone. The Pixel 4, with its slightly larger battery, typically offers a similar or slightly longer battery life compared to the Pixel 3. However, battery performance can vary depending on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. While both phones lack wireless charging, the Pixel 4’s battery performance is negligibly better in real-world scenarios. Consider the Pixel 4 if battery life is paramount.
Software and Updates
Both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 run on Android, and both phones are eligible for Android updates. However, the Pixel 4, being the newer device, is likely to receive software updates and security patches for a longer period. Google is committed to providing timely updates to its Pixel phones. The software experience on both phones is clean and intuitive, with Google’s signature design elements. Regular updates ensure both phones stay secure and benefit from new features.
Pricing and Value
The Pixel 3 is generally available at a lower price point compared to the Pixel 4, especially in the used or refurbished market. This makes the Pixel 3 an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a high-quality smartphone experience. The Pixel 4, while more expensive, offers enhanced features and performance. The best choice depends on your budget and desired features. Evaluate your needs and the price difference to determine which phone offers the best value for you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 3 If…
- You want a reliable phone with a great camera at a lower price point.
- You prefer a slightly smaller form factor.
- You’re happy with a good overall experience without the latest features.
- You prioritize battery life.
Buy Pixel 4 If…
- You desire the latest processor for improved performance.
- You want the extra telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
- You value the updated design and additional features like Motion Sense.
- You want the best possible Pixel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major differences in camera capabilities?
The Pixel 4 has a dual-camera system with a telephoto lens, offering optical zoom and improved portrait mode. The Pixel 3 has a single-lens camera, which is still excellent but lacks the zoom capabilities of the Pixel 4. Both phones use Google’s computational photography to produce great images. The Pixel 4 has an improved Night Sight mode.
Which phone has better performance?
The Pixel 4 has a slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 855) compared to the Pixel 3 (Snapdragon 845), resulting in marginally better performance, especially in demanding tasks. However, the difference in day-to-day use is not very noticeable. Both phones offer a smooth and responsive experience for most users. The Pixel 4 handles resource-intensive apps slightly better.
How does battery life compare between the two phones?
The Pixel 4’s battery is slightly larger, and it offers similar or slightly better battery life depending on usage. Battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging. In real-world scenarios, the difference in battery performance is often minimal, but the Pixel 4 may have a slight edge.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature excellent OLED displays. The Pixel 4 has a slightly larger display with a better screen-to-body ratio and smaller bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 3’s display is still vibrant and sharp, but the Pixel 4 has a more modern design, offering a more contemporary feel and expanded viewing area for media consumption.
Does the Pixel 4 have any unique features?
Yes, the Pixel 4 introduced Motion Sense, a gesture-based control system. This feature allows users to control certain functions by waving their hand near the phone. The Pixel 4 also has face unlock, replacing the fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 4’s camera also has improved features, like a telephoto lens and enhanced Night Sight.
Which phone is a better value for the money?
The Pixel 3 is typically available at a lower price, making it an excellent value for those on a budget. The Pixel 4 offers enhanced features and performance but comes at a higher price. The best choice depends on your budget and feature preferences. The Pixel 3 is an excellent option if you are seeking a great smartphone experience at a lower cost.
Will both phones receive software updates?
Yes, both phones are eligible for software updates. However, the Pixel 4, being the newer device, is likely to receive updates for a longer period. Google provides regular Android updates and security patches to its Pixel phones. This ensures both phones remain secure and benefit from new features. The Pixel 4 will likely have a longer supported lifespan.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 4 improves upon the Pixel 3 with a faster processor, enhanced camera capabilities including a telephoto lens, and a more modern design. While the Pixel 3 remains a capable phone and offers excellent value, the Pixel 4’s improvements make it the superior choice for those seeking the latest features and performance. The Pixel 4’s enhanced features justify the higher price point.
Winner: Pixel 4