This is not the first time we are coming across the leaked Google Pixel 3 XL design. ValueWalk reported back in February that the larger Pixel 3 model would copy the display notch from iPhone X. Folks at GizmoChina have shared CAD drawings of a protective case for the Google Pixel 3 XL. The case renders confirm that the phone will have a display notch and a bottom chin.
Google Pixel 3 XL design: This doesn’t look cool
As per case renders, the Pixel 3 XL will be different from its predecessor. It will have slim bezels on the sides. The notch appears to be taller but narrower than on the iPhone X. Unlike iPhone X, it also has a chin at the bottom to accommodate the speaker, suggesting that the device will retain stereo speakers. Past rumors have indicated the Pixel 3 XL will have a 6.2-inch P-OLED display with a 19:9 aspect ratio. Google will source the screens from LG Display.
The notch houses the ear speaker and two front-facing cameras. It’s unclear why Google is adopting two cameras on the front but only a single lens on the back. Other vendors have moved to dual or triple cameras on the back to enhance the photography experience. Google could use dual front cameras to allow you to take portrait selfies with blurred backgrounds. It could also be used for 3D emojis and advanced 3D facial recognition.
On its existing Pixel models, Google uses AI and machine learning in the main camera to let users capture portrait images. It would be interesting to see how the Pixel 3 XL’s single camera will compete with triple cameras offered by Huawei’s P20 Pro. According to DxOMark, the Huawei P20 Pro is the world’s best smartphone camera. The leaked Pixel 3 XL design suggests Google is still reluctant to adopt dual cameras on the back.
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a circular fingerprint reader on the back panel, in the same location where it was on the Pixel 2 handsets. Folks at XDA Developers said last month that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL would launch without the 3.5mm headphone jack. The publication added that the rear panel of new models would be crafted of a different material than metal. The Pixel 2’s back panel was a combination of glass and metal. The upcoming models are said to use a combination of glossy and matte glass, probably to facilitate wireless charging.
How do you find the Google Pixel 3 XL design? Honestly, I don’t find it cool. The design looks like a low-budget device from Chinese vendors such as Oppo and Vivo.
Rumored specifications
The regular Google Pixel 3 is expected to launch without the notch, meaning it will have thick bezels at the top and bottom. According to recent leaks, it would feature a 5.4-inch P-OLED display supplied by LG Display. This too should have dual front cameras and a single rear lens. The two phones will also likely be powered by the same processor.
A few days ago, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were spotted on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The phones are code-named Crosshatch and Blueline. Google tends to name its devices after marine creatures. In terms of fish, Blueline is bigger than Crosshatch, so Crosshatch could be the regular Pixel 3. These code-names were first spotted in AOSP back in 2017. At the time, they were accompanied by a third device code-named Albacore. It’s unclear what Albacore is.
In terms of hardware specs, the phones are expected to run Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset that also powers most of the flagship Android handsets released this year. They should pack at least 4GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The devices are also expected to have the Active Edge technology that allows users to activate Google Assistant by squeezing the frame of the phone.
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be the first phones to run the Android P software. The new software will use AI and machine learning to monitor your habits and close the apps that you are unlikely to relaunch anytime soon to preserve battery life. It will also bring a feature called Digital Well Being that offers details such as how much time you spend on your device and within each app. You will also be able to set the daily time limit on individual apps.
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL release date
Google is expected to release the next-gen Pixel handsets on October 4th. The search engine giant hasn’t sent out press invites for the Pixel 3 launch event yet. But historically, the company unveiled the original Pixel on October 4th 2016 and the Pixel 2 handsets on October 4th 2017. If Google follows its tradition, it should unveil the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Thursday, October 4th.
The company is also expected to launch the second-generation Pixel Buds, Wear OS smartwatches, and the next-gen PixelBook 2 at the same event. The PixelBook 2 is expected to start shipping by the end of this year.
