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Pixel 3 vs. iPhone XS vs. Galaxy S9

Google's camera pro throws down against the competition.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Jessica Dolcourt
2 min read
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The  Pixel 3  -- sleek and slick in the hand, a refinement over past Pixels  -- has the specs to take on the iPhone XS and Galaxy S9 , and win. There's no one killer feature, but its camera is fantastic and it will be the first in line for Android software and security updates. That's a real bonus that avoids the anguish experienced by other Android users who might wait months for Android updates. 

New to the Pixel 3 is a pair of 8-megapixel front-facing cameras, and support for wireless charging. Google will even sell you its own tricked-out wireless charging stand, the Pixel Stand, for $79.

More importantly, the third-generation Pixel also has the weight of Android Pie software and the deep well of Google's services behind it. Retooled camera processing in the Night Sight feature (not officially out yet, but we've experimented with it) makes low light photography extremely vivid, and another in-development feature will select your best photo. The Pixel 3 also uses AI software, called Google Duplex , to field robocalls on your behalf.

A close look at the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

See all photos

The Pixel 3 is an excellent phone through and through, and one of our favorites for 2018. Then again, so's its fiercest competition. While our long-term photography tests play out, here's how the specs compare with the iPhone XS and Galaxy S9.

Read alsoiPhone XR vs. Pixel 3: Which phone has the best camera?

Update, Nov. 1: This story originally was published Oct. 10, 2018, and was updated on Nov. 1 with more details.

Pixel 3 vs. iPhone XS vs. Galaxy S9


Google Pixel 3Apple iPhone XSSamsung Galaxy S9
Display size, resolution 5.5-inch "flexible" OLED; 2,280x1,080 pixels5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,436x1,125 pixels5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,960x1,440 pixels
Pixel density 443ppi458 ppi570 ppi
Dimensions (Inches) 5.7x2.7x0.3 in5.7x2.8x0.3 in5.81x2.70x0.33 in
Dimensions (Millimeters) 145.6x68.2x7.9 mm143.6x70.9x7.7 mm147.7x68.7x8.5 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams) 5.2oz; 148g6.2 oz; 177g5.75 oz; 163g
Mobile software Android 9 PieiOS 12Android 8.0 Oreo
Camera 12.2-megapixel12-megapixel (standard), 12-megapixel (telephoto)12-megapixel
Front-facing camera Dual 8-megapixel7-megapixel8-megapixel
Video capture 4K4K4K
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (2.5GHz octa-core)Apple A12 BionicOcta-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor (2.8GHz + 1.7GHz), or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 (2.7 GHz + 1.7 GHz)
Storage 64GB, 128GB64GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
RAM 4GBTBD4GB
Expandable storage NoneNone400GB
Battery 2,915 mAhTBD3,000mAh
Fingerprint sensor Back coverNone (Face ID)Back cover
Connector USB-CLightningUSB-C
Headphone jack NoNoYes
Special features IP68, wireless charging support, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones in the boxWater resistant (IP68); dual-SIM (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging; Face ID; AnimojiWater resistant (IP68); dual-aperture camera; super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning
Price off-contract (USD) $799 (64GB); $899 (128GB)$999 (64GB), $1,149 (256GB), $1,349 (512GB)Varies: $720-$800 (64GB)
Price (GBP) £739 (64GB); £839 (128GB)£999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB)£739
Price (AUD) TBAAU$1,629 (64GB), AU$1,879 (256GB), AU$2,199 (512GB)AU$1,199 (64GB), AU$1,349 (256GB)

Read nowGoogle Pixel 3 review

Read next: Best phones of 2018