Google’s third-generation Pixel smartphones are only a couple of months away if the company follows its traditional release schedule. We have already seen a bunch of leaks related to Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, but those were mostly photo leaks. Now reliable Twitter tipster Ice Universe has shared a Geekbench listing revealing the Google Pixel 3 XL specs. Ice Universe has a reliable track record of leaking accurate details about upcoming smartphones.
Geekbench listing reveals Google Pixel 3 XL specs
According to the benchmark listing, the Pixel 3 XL specs include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor, Android 9.0 P software and 4GB RAM. We expected the upcoming Pixel to run the Snapdragon 845 chipset considering it is the most powerful processor available to Android vendors. Last year’s Pixel 2 was powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC. The Android 9.0 P software is also a certainty, and there is a good chance the Pixel 3 will be among the first phones to sport the new software.
Google Pixel 3 XL，4GB RAM，SDM845，Android 9.0. pic.twitter.com/G4cj6LLoPR
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) August 3, 2018
Google Pixel fans might be disappointed with just 4GB RAM. Don’t get me wrong. Last year’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL had 4GB RAM with Snapdragon 835 processor, and they were insanely fast. Considering Google controls both software and hardware of Pixel handsets, it can tightly integrate the two to deliver maximum performance. It means 4GB RAM should be more than sufficient to perform most tasks. But rival Android phones such as OnePlus 6 have moved to 6GB or even 8GB RAM, which comes handy when playing games on mobile devices.
Further, the Pixel 3 XL scored an impressive 2426 points in single-core and 8355 points in multi-core tests. By comparison, OnePlus 6 had scored 2424 in single-core and 8910 points in multi-core tests, and the Galaxy S9 Plus had scored 2244 and 8101 points respectively. All three of them run the same Snapdragon 845 processor. It’s possible that the Pixel 3 XL unit tested on Geekbench was an early test unit. The final device could perform even better.
Other rumored Google Pixel 3 XL specs include a larger 6.2-inch P-OLED display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. The regular Pixel 3 would feature a 5.4-inch display supplied by LG Display. Since they will run Android P out of the box, the phones will offer advanced AI capabilities and cool new features such as Digital Well Being that lets you see and control how much time you spend on your device and within apps.
Last week, an XDA Developers forum member shared leaked images of the Pixel 3 XL. The leak confirmed that the device would have a nearly bezel-less design with a display notch. Its notch is narrower and taller than the iPhone X. Unfortunately, the device retains a thick bottom bezel to offer stereo speakers. The bottom bezel steals the premium feel away from the device. The regular Pixel 3 is said to look similar to last year’s Pixel 2 with bezels at both top and bottom, meaning it will not have a notch.
The upcoming Pixel phones are also said to support wireless charging, a much-needed feature on a premium smartphone. It means they will have an all-glass rear panel rather than a combination of metal and glass. According to XDA Developers, Google will use a combination of glossy and matte glass finish on the back. This way, it will be able to offer wireless charging while retaining its signature two-tone design.
Single camera on the back, two cameras on the front
The fingerprint sensor appears be located on the back panel. Surprisingly, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will continue to use a single camera on the back. Most other premium smartphones today come with dual rear cameras. In fact, Huawei’s P20 Pro sports as many as three cameras on the back, and everyone is loving the P20 Pro.
It will be interesting to see how Google challenges the P20 Pro’s triple camera with only a single lens on the Pixel 3 XL. The company used AI and machine learning on its previous Pixel phones to let users take great pictures. All the Pixel 3 XL specs will not be worth it if Google fails on the camera front because camera is one of the most important features people look at when buying new phones.
The images leaked by XDA Developers confirmed that the Pixel 3 XL would sport dual cameras on the front. It is unclear what purpose the second front camera would serve. It could be used to enable portrait selfies, advanced 3D facial recognition, or augmented reality. On the Pixel 3, the dual front cameras will be placed on the thick top bezel. The cameras are positioned within the notch on the Pixel 3 XL.
Google Pixel 3 release date
Google has historically released the Pixel phones on Oct.4, just in time for the holiday shopping season. If the company follows through its tradition, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL should be unveiled on October 4th, 2018. Reputed tipster Evan Blass has learned from supply chain sources that the search engine giant would also launch the PixelBook 2, new Wear OS smartwatches, and second-generation Pixel Buds at the same event.
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/1020891902378487808?s=19
These flagship phones will be released in the second half of 2018, most of them from China.
Do you think Samsung does not need to be nervous? I don't think Note9 can make Samsung's state better. There are too many competitors. pic.twitter.com/6W6ccphoIy— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) August 1, 2018
However, Ice Universe has shared a roadmap for smartphone launches for the rest of this year. According to Ice Universe, the Pixel 3 would launch in September. The new Pixel phones will be competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 and Apple’s upcoming trio of iPhones.
