{"id":17000,"date":"2020-11-06T12:21:49","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T18:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/?p=17000"},"modified":"2021-05-20T03:19:57","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T08:19:57","slug":"google-pixel-3-comparison-and-upgrade-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/google-pixel-3-comparison-and-upgrade-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Pixel 3 Comparison and Upgrade Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re still hanging onto the Pixel 3<\/a>, you may be eyeing one of Google\u2019s new 5G smartphones. Is it worth the switch?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or perhaps you\u2019re not too swayed by 5G, but you want to ensure you\u2019re getting access to Android\u2019s software updates for longer, and get a better phone all around. We\u2019re here to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you want to see just how worth it the Pixel 3 is in 2020 by stacking it up against the rest, or you own a Pixel 3 and are wanting to know what phone to grab next \u2014 check out our Google Pixel 3 comparison and upgrade guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pixel 3 Comparison<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the main differences between the Pixel 3<\/a> and other newer Pixel devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Pixel 3 still has a great camera for the price, you can get a better screen and battery if you switch to another Pixel. The right phone for you will depend on what features are must-haves and how much you want to spend. Luckily on Swappa, you can save a lot when you buy newish tech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>Pixel 5<\/strong><\/a><\/th>Pixel 4a<\/strong><\/a><\/th>Pixel 4<\/strong><\/a><\/th>Pixel 4 XL<\/strong><\/a><\/th>Pixel 3<\/strong><\/a><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Screen size<\/strong><\/td>6 inches<\/td>5.8 inches<\/td>5.7 inches<\/td>6.3 inches<\/td>5.5 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Network<\/strong><\/td>5G<\/td>4G<\/td>4G<\/td>4G<\/td>4G<\/td><\/tr>
Display<\/strong><\/td>FHD+ (1080 x 2340)
Flexible OLED at 432 ppi
Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz)
Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors<\/td>		FHD+ (1080 x 2340)
OLED at 443 ppi<\/td>		FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280)
OLED at 444 ppi
Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz)<\/td>		FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280)
OLED at 537 ppi
Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz)<\/td>		FHD+ (1,080 x 2,160)
OLED at 443 ppi<\/td><\/tr>
Battery<\/strong><\/td>4080 mAh
Wireless charging
Battery Share<\/td>		3140 mAh
Fast charging<\/td>		2,800 mAh
Wireless charging<\/td>		3700 mAh
Wireless charging<\/td>		2,915 mAh
Wireless charging<\/td><\/tr>
Water resistance<\/strong><\/td>IP68<\/td>n\/a<\/td>IP68<\/td>IP68<\/td>IP68<\/td><\/tr>
Security<\/strong><\/td>Fingerprint sensor<\/td>Fingerprint sensor<\/td>Face unlock<\/td>Face unlock<\/td>Fingerprint sensor<\/td><\/tr>
Processor <\/strong><\/td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core<\/td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G<\/td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 855<\/td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 855<\/td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 845<\/td><\/tr>
RAM<\/strong><\/td>8 GB<\/td>6 GB<\/td>6 GB<\/td>6 GB<\/td>4 GB<\/td><\/tr>
Rear camera<\/strong><\/td>12.2 MP dual-pixel16 MP ultrawide<\/td>12.2 MP dual-pixel<\/td>12.2 MP dual-pixel16 MP telephoto<\/td>12.2 MP dual-pixel16 MP telephoto<\/td>12.2 MP dual-pixel<\/td><\/tr>
Front camera<\/strong><\/td>8 MP<\/td>8 MP<\/td>8 MP<\/td>8 MP<\/td>8 MP (ultrawide)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the Pixel 3 in our Pixel 3 Review<\/a> and Pixel 3 Buyer’s Guide<\/a>, then see how it stacks up against other Pixel phones in our\u00a0Pixel 3 Upgrade Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pixel 3 vs Pixel 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve got the Pixel 3 and know you want to upgrade, your first look might be at Google\u2019s latest Pixel 5. For starters, the Pixel 5 <\/a>gives you 5G connectivity \u2014 which means faster speeds and lower latency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The battery life on the Pixel 5 is definitely better, with a larger 2,915 mAh battery. The Pixel 5 touts a high-res, fast refresh rate screen and more RAM (6 GB). Night Sight features are also improved with the Pixel 5, allowing you to capture stunning low light images in Portrait mode. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to some additions to the camera software, there is also a change in the hardware. For the rear camera, both feature a 12.2 MP dual-pixel. However, the Pixel 5 has an additional 16 MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 3 may have just one rear camera, however, it comes with an 8 MP ultrawide selfie camera. Both phones also have an 8 MP wide front facing camera as well. So if you prefer a wide angle lens in the rear, that\u2019s one reason to switch to the Pixel 5. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best reasons to switch is you\u2019ll know you can receive Android updates until at least 2023. While the Pixel 3 is compatible with the latest Android 11, updates are not promised after October 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop Pixel 3 and Pixel 5 on Swappa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>
Google Pixel 5<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 3<\/span>
<\/span><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 5<\/span>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
64<\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
CAPACITY<\/div>
64<\/div>
128<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
NETWORK<\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
Verizon<\/div>
T-Mobile<\/div>
Sprint<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LISTINGS
START AT<\/div>
159<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
SHOP NOW ><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4a<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the Pixel 3 was a flagship at first launch in 2018, the Pixel 4a<\/a> was marketed as a budget-friendly phone. While the phone is newer<\/a>, you will get some nice updates from the Pixel 3. But, there will also be some things you miss compared to the Pixel 3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Pixel 3 has wireless charging, the Pixel 4a does not. So if that\u2019s something you care about, you might want to switch to another phone. Regarding the camera, you\u2019ll also say goodbye to the Pixel 3\u2019s ultrawide front camera and just stick with the one 8 MP. The Pixel 3 rear camera has a bit of a larger focal length at 28 mm, compared to the Pixel 4a\u2019s 27 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pixel 4a has an older processor than the 3, with the Snapdragon 730G. As far as GPU goes, the performance of the Pixel 4a is not as great as the Pixel 3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the plus side for some, the Pixel 4a does have a headphone jack. You\u2019ll also get a bigger battery and a bigger screen, at 5.8 inches. The screen takes up most of the phone, with a hole punch camera. This is in contrast to the top and bottom bezels from the Pixel 3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop Pixel 3 and Pixel 4a on Swappa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>
Google Pixel 4a<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 3<\/span>
<\/span><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 4a<\/span>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
64<\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
CAPACITY<\/div>
64<\/div>
128<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
NETWORK<\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
Verizon<\/div>
T-Mobile<\/div>
Sprint<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LISTINGS
START AT<\/div>
159<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
SHOP NOW ><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 XL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This phone will give you a faster processor, with the Snapdragon 845. The Pixel 4 XL<\/a> also has more RAM than the Pixel 3, with 6 GB instead of 3 GB. This enables more multitasking between apps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ths display size on the Pixel 4 XL is larger at 6.3 inches, the same size as the Pixel 3 XL. This screen is also OLED, like the Pixel 3, but this time we also see a fast 90hz refresh rate and full HD, leaving for silky smooth scrolling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battery life is another upgrade you can expect with the Pixel 4 XL. With a 3700mAh battery, that\u2019s a lot larger than the Pixel 3\u2019s 2,915 mAh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Pixel 3 has a fingerprint sensor on the back, the Pixel 4 series introduces Google\u2019s face unlock feature \u2014 which is said to be faster than Apple\u2019s Face ID. This feature is mostly brought to you by Google\u2019s Project Soli Motion Sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. You\u2019ll need to upgrade to either a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL to get these features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also some changes in the camera from the Pixel 3 to 4 series. The Pixel 4 XL only has one selfie camera which is 8 MP, saying goodbye to the Pixel 3\u2019s ultrawide. However, the Pixel 4 XL introduces an additional 16 MP telephoto lens on the back \u2013 making for accurate, detailed zoom shots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 XL on Swappa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>
Google Pixel 4 XL<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 3<\/span>
<\/span><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 4 XL<\/span>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
64<\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
CAPACITY<\/div>
64<\/div>
128<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
NETWORK<\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
Verizon<\/div>
T-Mobile<\/div>
Sprint<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LISTINGS
START AT<\/div>
159<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
SHOP NOW ><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like the Pixel 4 XL, the Pixel 4 <\/a>has all the same Motion Sense features and camera hardware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phone is also powered by a Snapdragon 855, an upgrade from the Pixel 3\u2019s Snapdragon 845. At 5.7 inches, the screen size is smaller than the Pixel 4 XL but still shares the OLED 60 hz refresh rate display.  While the Pixel 3 has 4 GB of RAM, the Pixel 4 has 6 GB \u2014 allowing for more powerful multitasking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL cameras are, overall, better than the Pixel 3 \u2014 especially if you\u2019re looking for a telephoto lens. But what really makes Google Pixel cameras great isn\u2019t the hardware \u2014 it\u2019s the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s machine learning imaging software leads to sharp detail, high dynamic range, and accurate colors. Autofocus makes it easy to zero-in on what you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both Pixel 3 and 4 cameras include Night Sight, Live HDR+, Motion Auto Focus, Super Res Zoom and Portrait Mode. But the Pixel 4 series 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aperture on the Pixel 4 cameras allow for more light, which improves Night Sight performance. The Portrait Mode background blur is also said to be an improvement, due to the dual-rear cameras. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These add-ons do make the Pixel 4 (and 4 XL)  camera a bit better. If you love the Pixel 3 camera, you won\u2019t be disappointed by upgrading to a Pixel 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 on Swappa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>
Google Pixel 4<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 3<\/span>
<\/span><\/div>
\"Product<\/div>Google Pixel 4<\/span>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
64<\/div><\/div>
\"\u25bc\"<\/div><\/div>
CAPACITY<\/div>
64<\/div>
128<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
NETWORK<\/div>
Unlocked<\/div>
AT&T<\/div>
T-Mobile<\/div>
Verizon<\/div>
Sprint<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LISTINGS
START AT<\/div>
310<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
SHOP NOW ><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Still stuck on which to buy? Head over to our Google Pixel Buyer’s Guide<\/a> to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever phone you choose, rest assured that you\u2019ll find the best deal on Swappa. A Google Pixel is a great choice for a phone in 2020, especially if you\u2019re looking for an Android with great software and a phenomenal camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOP GOOGLE PIXEL PHONES<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re still hanging onto the Pixel 3, you may be eyeing one of Google\u2019s new 5G smartphones. Is it worth the switch? Or perhaps you\u2019re not too swayed by 5G, but you want to ensure you\u2019re getting access to Android\u2019s software updates for longer, and get a better phone all around. We\u2019re here to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":17003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-parts\/wpb-single-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,987],"tags":[],"products":[778,780,781,782,784],"class_list":["post-17000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-android","category-google-pixel","products-google-pixel-3","products-google-pixel-4","products-google-pixel-4-xl","products-google-pixel-4a","products-google-pixel-5"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17000"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21063,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17000\/revisions\/21063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17000"},{"taxonomy":"products","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/products?post=17000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}