Google Pixel 3 XL vs 4 XL – Which should you buy?

While flagship phones can be fun, sometimes you don’t need the latest bells and whistles. Especially when you can safely buy a newish phone that’s a couple years old on Swappa. 

An older Google Pixel really packs a punch, as they’re arguably even more worth it now than they were when they were first released. Google discontinued both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 series phones this year, so now you can only buy their latest Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a 5G, or the budget-friendly Pixel 4a from Google. Luckily, you can still buy them gently used on Swappa. 

When you compare the specs, it becomes even more obvious how worth it a newish Pixel 3 XL or 4 XL on Swappa really is. Google is targeting a different market with the Pixel 5, with a more mid-range starting price than we saw with the previous Pixel flagships and an older processor to match. The Pixel 5 doesn’t offer an XL model, so if you want a bigger phone you’re going to have to look at previous models. 

Pixel phones offer faster Android updates and a streamlined software experience. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump into Google’s ecosystem, now might be the time. And If the Pixel 3 XL or 4  XL wasn’t worth it to you to buy right out of the gate, things have changed — both phones are a steal. 

Pixel 3XL vs Pixel 4XL

So which one should you buy?

Both phones have a great camera and display, with the Pixel 4 XL having a bit fresher specs. Released in 2018, the Pixel 3 XL is available in 64 GB or 128 GB storage options and comes in three colors: Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink. The Pixel 4 XL was released in 2019, also available in 64 GB or 128 GB and comes in Just Black, Clearly White, and Oh So Orange.

Both phones are running 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. 

Google has committed to a minimum of three years of new Android version updates for the Pixel 3, up until October 2021. That means the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are guaranteed to receive Android 12 in 2021. Even if the device doesn’t receive a major platform update after that, you can still count on security updates for the foreseeable future.

The Pixel 4 XL has a Snapdragon 855, while the 3 XL sports a Snapdragon 845. Both of these processers are stronger than what you’ll find in the latest Pixel 5. The Pixel 4 XL does have more RAM than the 3 XL, with 6 GB instead of 4 GB. Both phones offer wireless charging, and neither of them have a headphone jack. 

One of the biggest differences between the phone is the Pixel 4’s introduction to Project Soli’s 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 4 XL. 

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 feature is unavailable in the Pixel 3 XL, 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 XL is your pick.

Pixel 3XL vs Pixel 4XL Specs

Learn more about these Pixels in our Pixel 3 XL Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 4 XL Buyer’s Guide. Not sure which Pixel is right for you? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.

Pixel 3XL vs Pixel 4XL Size

Both phones have a 6.3-inch OLED — the largest screen you can find on a Pixel. However, the phones have slightly different dimensions, with the 4 XL being a bit slimmer than the 3 XL. The display of the 4 XL was also upgraded to 90hz refresh rate, bringing a silky smooth browsing experience. 

The Pixel 3 XL has a notch and a bit of a chin at the bottom of the phone. The Pixel 4 XL also has bezels, but there a bit smaller than what you’d find on the 3 XL. Most people won’t notice the notch or the bezels after a while of using the phone, so the display is up to personal preference. 

Pixel 3XL vs Pixel 4XL Camera

Let’s talk about the camera. While the Pixel 3 XL only has one rear camera, the Pixel 4 XL has 2 — introducing a 16 MP telephoto lens. This camera is great for shooting up close, detailed, accurate shots. However, the Pixel 3 XL features two selfie cameras: a 8MP wide and an 8 MP ultrawide. The ultrawide front-facing camera is great for group shots with friends, and it can capture a lot in a single frame. 

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, 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 XL camera a bit better. However, some people may prefer that ultrawide selfie cam from the Pixel 3 XL that you can’t get on any other Pixel. 

Pixel 3XL vs Pixel 4XL Battery

Battery life wasn’t a strong suit in the Pixel 3 XL, but that was improved with the Pixel 4 XL. While the Pixel 3 XL has a 3430 mAh battery, the Pixel 4 XL’s battery is 3700 mAh. Since these phones have nearly identical displays, that bigger battery means more endurance. So if you’re an active user, a heavy gamer, or someone that watches a ton of YouTube, you’ll probably want to go with the Pixel 4 XL. 

Price

For most people, whether you should buy a Pixel 3 XL or 4 XL will come down to the price. Swappa is the best place to find a gently used Pixel 3 or 4 XL in new, mint or good condition. 

While the Pixel 3 XL cost $899 at launch, you can now get it for about $247 on Swappa. Now, you can find it for as low as $163.  That’s more than 75% off its initial retail price. The Pixel 4 XL is now available on Swappa for about $432 — that’s more than 50% less than the original price when it launched in 2019. As of the date of this article, you can find the Pixel 4 XL for starting at $319. 

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