The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL are going to divide users. Their new cameras are very exciting, their designs are polarising and there’s a major concern. But one of the world’s most acclaimed leakers has now revealed a new and overlooked consideration:
Legendary industry insider Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka OnLeaks, states his sources believe the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will increase their displays to 5.3-inches and 6.2-inches respectively. This doesn’t sound huge compared to their predecessors (Pixel 2: 5-inches, Pixel 2 XL: 6-inches), but it will result in two of the largest smartphones in the world.
This is why:
The key is their aforementioned polarising designs.
Last year, the 5-inch Pixel 2 was actually longer, wider and thicker than Apple’s 5.8-inch iPhone X due to its substantial top and bottom bezels. Meanwhile, even with reduced bezels, the 6-inch Pixel 2 XL was as tall as the 6.2-inch Galaxy S9 Plus and wider.
Consequently, increasing the size of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL displays will only exacerbate this problem.
Yes, the Pixel 3 will slim down its bezels compared to the Pixel 2, but they will not be anywhere near as thin as the class leaders so the trade-off means it will remain the largest circa 5-inch phone on the market. And while the Pixel 3 XL will switch to a notch design, it is one of the tallest notches ever seen plus the chin bezel remains.
So this big phone is only getting even bigger.
Of course, if you don’t mind a large device, you’ll appreciate there are good reasons for Google going against the minimalist design curve here. Both the new Pixels will retain superb front-firing stereo speakers (a real standout these days) and their big top bezels will house potentially game-changing dual front cameras.
Personally, I’m very happy with this trade-off. After all, my recent long-term review of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL concluded they remain the best smartphones currently on sale. But I appreciate others will be put off.
As for those hoping Hemmerstoffer is simply wrong, I wouldn’t get your hopes up. His track record is impeccable.
Instead, I’d recommend you embrace how Google does things differently because it really works. And if you’re still tempted to stay away, remember there is also an all-new midrange Pixel 3 coming soon…
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