If you’re looking for a powerful, feature-packed smartphone but you don’t want to throw money at a fancy flagship device, buying a newish Google Pixel is a smart pick. These Android smartphones offer the best of Google’s software, making for a great camera and excellent user experience.
Google discontinued the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 Series earlier this year, but you can still find them on Swappa. And although you could go for the newer Pixel models, we recommend buying newish for later models if you want to save money. Especially because the Pixel 3 and 4 are arguably even more worth it today than they were when they were released.
But which one should you buy?
Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4
First, let’s dig into the specs.
If you compare the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 to the newer Pixel models (Pixel 5 and 4a 5G), you’ll notice that both of these older Pixels are only available in 4G. While 5G phones tout faster downloads, 5G networks aren’t available everywhere in the US. So for most of us, 4G is fast enough in 2020 and beyond.
| Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4 | Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inch | 6.2 inch | 5.7 inch | 5.5 inch |
| Network | 5G | 5G | 4G | 4G |
| Display | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Flexible OLED at 432 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 413 ppi Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,160) OLED at 443 ppi |
| Battery | 4080 mAh Fast wireless chargingBattery Share | 3885 mAh | 2800 mAh Wireless charging | 2915 mAh Wireless charging |
| Water resistant? | IP68 | N/a | IP68 | IP68 |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock | Fingerprint sensor |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP telephoto | 12.2 MP dual-pixel |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP wide 8 MP ultrawide |
| Video | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Camera features | Night SightTop ShotPortrait ModeSuper Res ZoomMotion Auto FocusLive HDR+Frequent FacesDual exposure controlsCinematic PanUltra-wide LensPortrait Light | Night SightTop ShotPortrait ModeSuper Res ZoomMotion Auto FocusLive HDR+Frequent FacesDual exposure controlsCinematic PanUltra-wide LensPortrait Light | Night SightTop ShotPortrait ModeLive HDR+Dual exposure controlsMotion Auto FocusSuper Res ZoomGroup Selfie CamFrequent Faces | Night SightTop ShotPortrait ModeLive HDR+Motion Auto FocusSuper Res ZoomGroup Selfie Cam |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakersHeadphone jack | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
Both phones are compatible with Google’s latest version of their open source OS, Android 11. Pixel phones are also among the first to receive Android updates as they occur — long before Samsung, LG, and others. The Pixel 3 can expect to receive updates until October 2021, the Pixel 4 until October 2022.
When it comes to processing speeds, the Pixel 4 got a bit of a bump compared to the Pixel 3. The Pixel 4 features a Snapdragon 855, while the Pixel 3 has a Snapdragon 845 — both 8 cores. Upgrading to the Pixel 4 means faster clock speeds, with 2.84 GHz compared to only 2.5 GHz for the Pixel 3. The Pixel 4 is also more energy-efficient, thanks to its 7nm processor architecture.
While the Pixel 3 has only 4 GB of RAM, the Pixel 4 kicks it up to 6 GB of RAM. This extra RAM means smoother multitasking and makes it easier to have multiple applications running at the same time.
One of the biggest upgrades you see with the Pixel 4 is the introduction to Google’s Project Soli Motion Sense features. Motion Sense is a combination of radar hardware and innovative software, bringing the most advanced motion sensing features and gesture recognition ever seen on a consumer device. This creates a bubble of awareness around the Pixel, which allows for touchless gestures and more.
This feature is no longer available on the new Pixels. So if you want to use Motion Sense to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music, or swipe to dismiss calls, go with the Pixel 4 over the Pixel 3. Google Motion Sense starts turning on the face unlock cameras as soon as you get close to your phone, helping make unlocking even faster than Apple Face ID. The new unlock method makes use of the powerful sensor array crammed into the top bezel to deliver speedy and secure device authentication. This useful feature is unavailable in the Pixel 3, and it was also discontinued by the newer Pixels.
All other Pixels have a fingerprint reader instead. In the age of face masks, some might prefer a fingerprint reader. But if you want to check out face unlock, the Pixel 4 is your pick.
Neither of these phones have a headphone jack, so if that is important to you, consider picking up the Pixel 4a or 4a 5G.
Camera Comparison: Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4
Do you prefer a telephoto lens or an ultrawide? That’s the question you’ll need to ask yourself when deciding between the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4.
Both cameras have a 12.2 MP dual-pixel camera on the rear, but the Pixel 4 has two rear cameras — adding an extra 16 MP telephoto. This lens makes it easier to take zoomed-in, close up snapshots.
While the Pixel 3 only has one rear camera, it makes up for it with two front-facing cameras. Both phones have an 8 MP camera, but the Pixel 3 has an additional 8 MP ultrawide camera — making it easy to take selfies with friends.
But what really makes Google Pixel cameras great isn’t the hardware — it’s the software. Google’s machine learning imaging software leads to sharp detail, high dynamic range, and accurate colors. Autofocus makes it easy to zero-in on what you’re trying to capture, as do features like Super Res Zoom and Portrait mode. Night Mode allows you to capture amazing shots even in low light situations.
Both cameras include Night Sight, Live HDR+, Motion Auto Focus, Super Res Zoom and Portrait Mode. But the Pixel 4 XL introduced dual exposure controls, a feature that allows you to adjust shadows and highlights in the viewfinder before taking the shot. It also included an astrophotography Night Sight feature that will let you take improved pictures of the sky.
These add-ons do make the Pixel 4 camera a bit better. However, some people may prefer that ultrawide selfie cam from the Pixel 3 that you can’t get on any other Pixel.
Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 Size
The Pixel 4 has a bit bigger screen, at 5.7 inches over 5.5 inches you get with the Pixel 3. The Pixel 4 is a bit slimmer as well, with an aspect ratio of 19:9. The Pixel 3’s aspect ratio is 18:9.
Both displays are OLED with full HD pixel density, making for vivid and accurate colors. However, the Pixel 4’s screen has a higher refresh rate, at 60 Hz. This high refresh rate screen makes for a silky smooth user experience.
Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 Design
The Pixel 3 comes in 3 colors: Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink. For the Pixel 4, you can no longer grab the Not Pink color, and instead they introduced a new color: Oh So Orange. Both phones have a colored power button for an extra pop.
The Pixel 3 is made of aluminum and features a two-toned style on the back, while the Pixel 3 features both aluminum and glass but is all one color on the back. The designs are quite different, and so which one is best is a matter of preference. Both phones have a bit of a forehead bezel, but that’s not something that will stick out much after you get used to the phone.
Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 Price
You can grab a Pixel 3 or 4 on Swappa in either 64 GB or 128 GB, and the price will vary depending on storage size as well as quality.
| Google Pixel model | Avg price (September 2020) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3 (64GB) | $193 |
| Google Pixel 3 (128GB) | $228 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (64GB) | $228 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (128GB) | $270 |
| Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $363 |
| Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $412 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (64) | $440 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (128) | $440 |
When launched in 2019, the Pixel 4 was priced at $799. Now, you can get the same phone for about $363 on Swappa — that’s more than 50%. Talk about a deal.
The Pixel 3 also cost $799 at launch in 2018. Now, you can find it for about 75% off the original price on Swappa, for an average of $193. Depending on the features you’re looking for, that’s arguably a better deal.
Learn more about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 in our Pixel 3 Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 4 Buyer’s Guide. Not sure which to buy? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.
If you’re looking for a phone with a great camera and an excellent software experience, you can find one for under $400 on Swappa. Our marketplace is safe, friendly and people-powered. Listings are checked by our support team to verify you’re not buying any junk, so you can buy with confidence.
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