Google Pixel 3 XL Makes an Early Appearance in Hong Kong [Leak]

[cageymaru]

The Google Pixel 3 XL has shown up on the streets of Hong Kong. Features annotated in the Facebook video include: 6.3" OLED screen, Active Edge, Google Assistant, USB Type-C, wireless charging, Android 9.0, USB Type-C Pixel Buds, 3.5mm USB A, Snapdragon 845, 4GB ram, 64 or 128GB of storage, and a 3,430 mAh battery. Lots of pictures here.

As we all know, Google will officially hold a press conference next Tuesday, 11pm Hong Kong time, 11pm, and it is expected that the latest generation of Pixel phones Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be released. But what is shocking is that the press conference has not been held, the real machine has been flowed out, and even the real goods have flowed into the Hong Kong market!

 

[alamox]

Ugly

 

[Link]

Ugly

That's an understatement.

 

[Domingo]

The normal (non-XL) Pixel 3 is basically just like an upgraded Pixel 2 with almost no bezel. I think you'll see a lot more interest in that model. The notch is a bit too divisive.

 

[spintroniX]

Not sure how I feel about the notch... I can agree it's ugly, but I'm not really worried about aesthetics on a phone (that much).

Seems like a trade off between an ugly screen on a high end phone with no bloat vs. something like a note 9 with a better design but samsung bloat.

What other high end phablet options are there, that are compatible with VZW and no notch?

 

[SomeGiantIdiot]

What's with that bar near the top-middle of phones? Why are phone devs so quick to put that on every new phone?

 

[IdiotInCharge]

3.5mm USB A

Can I ask WTF this means?

Are we getting a headphone jack on round three?

With that and wireless charging... I may be on the non-XL as soon as my current OG Pixel is paid.

 

[cageymaru]

Can I ask WTF this means?

Are we getting a headphone jack on round three?

With that and wireless charging... I may be on the non-XL as soon as my current OG Pixel is paid.

It is an adapter to convert 3.5mm headphones to USB-C I believe. Here is the translated text. I'm not a phone guru, but that's what I got out of it.

Before the test, the author will open the box for everyone. Google's latest Pixel 3 XL, package content is similar to the previous generation, of course, the phone itself, including the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter cable, USB-C cable, charging AC adapter and USB-C to USB -A adapter, but surprisingly, this year's Pixel 3 XL includes the Pixel Buds USB-C headset, so you don't have to buy a separate headset, it is very considerate.

 

[exlink]

I like the regular Pixel 3 from what I've seen in the leaks so far. But you'd literally have to pay me to get the XL over the regular Pixel 3. The XL is hideous with the giant notch and chin. Not sure what Google was thinking with that phone.

 

[Mad Maxx]

I've never cared much about the notch. I just don't see enough in the 3/3XL to convince me that either offers more than my 2XL. 2019 will be my year for an upgrade.

I think the OnePlus 6T shows how the notch can be done right.

 

[cageymaru]

I like the regular Pixel 3 from what I've seen in the leaks so far. But you'd literally have to pay me to get the XL over the regular Pixel 3. The XL is hideous with the giant notch and chin. Not sure what Google was thinking with that phone.

Seems that the notch enables a new feature called Top Shot for better pictures.

 

[nubbin77]

I don't kiss my phone... It's really pathetic calling any of the phones made in the last 4 or so year ugly. They are all rectangles with varying degrees of bezel and a few buttons on the side (or not). The back of the phone is irrelevant, since 95% of us put cases on anyway.

 

[Alpha736]

So, they put a massive notch on it and still have a thick bezel at the bottom. Why have a notch if you're still going to have fairly thick bezels? Kinda defeats the purpose. Bad design.

 

[Disco_Stu_04]

For the love of whatever that is holy---Headphone jack. I really want a pixel but that's a deal breaker.

There's nothing courageous about removing features and charging for it.

 

[cageymaru]

For the love of whatever that is holy---Headphone jack. I really want a pixel but that's a deal breaker.

There's nothing courageous about removing features and charging for it.

They seem to be including an adapter for 3.5mm plugs.

 

[RanceJustice]

The notch is not such a big issue for me if it was there for a justified reason, but I can't understand its presence here. If there's a bezel on the bottom etc.. why offer a notch? I'd almost rather a symmetrical traditional bezels on both sides to offer dual speakers etc.. option. However, what worries me is how well Android apps will handle "Notch" style phones versus those without them, seamlessly. If on device A the entire top row of the screen is content viable and on phone B its not, that needs to be something handled and I can think of a lot of places for things to mess up.

I have my Nexus 6 and have been waiting for a new device. I was hoping that the Pixel 3 XL would be worth i (and Google would finally get a reasonable iPhone Upgrade Program installment system if they're going to treat these phones at near $1000 items you basically rent and are out of fashion in a year or two), but I'm concerned about a number of things including the anemic 4gb/RAM. This is THE Android phone all others are measured against. All 2018 there have been higher end devices with 6gb - 8gb of RAM including major Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Razer Phone etc... so why would Google push 4GB onto the highest end device? Worse, the 845 is nothing to sneeze at but I wish they would wait another quarter and release the Pixel phones at the beginning of a new hardware generation instead of at the very last gasp of the last one. It doesn't make sense - just like the way that they on the Pixel 2 came up with "we don't need dual hardware cameras, we'll just use software magic!". I really expect better of Google.

Who knows maybe when they release there will be multiple versions and things like look much better, but I need a new device soon and I only buy those that are fully hackable/unlockable/dev phones that I can customize to my liking - this means relatively few devices. If only the Librem 5 had full Android app compatibility and high end specs I could get off this entire bloody ride...

https://puri.sm/shop/librem-5/

Its just a pity that in order to get reasonable WiFi/BT speeds, CPU, and especially Android (emulated/VM) support it will cost a fortune through stretch goals. Lacking that, its basically a neat little Linux box but does not function as a modern phone today.

 

[Disco_Stu_04]

Unfortunately, Google's dongle is a failure. e.g. my wife has pixel 2: the dongle "crashes" (for the lack of a better term) and needs to be unplugged and replugged to get it going again....every...single...day.

Plus I choose from: my aviation headset (has aux-in), two earbuds (workout/general listening), noise cancellation for travel, HD-650, HD-600, and a gaming headset.

I'm sorry, but there is no way I'm carrying some wire in my pocket all day just so I can listen to music.

 

[5150Joker]

No reason to buy this ugly thing over a note 9.

 

[IdiotInCharge]

No reason to buy this ugly thing over a note 9.

Actually having Android is the most compelling reason of all.

 

[Domingo]

No reason to buy this ugly thing over a note 9.

There is a huge reason - it isn't running on Samsung's bastardized version of Android.

 

[Fleat]

Actually having Android is the most compelling reason of all.

In my opinion, the gap has narrowed on software quality between stock android "Google" phones and Samsung phones. Just my 2 cents from owning nearly every Nexus device along with every Pixel XL device (with some Samsung/LG interspersed).

This also may be somewhat inflammatory to the die hard fans, but my Nexus 5, 6, 6P, Pixel XL, and Pixel 2 XL all had either serious hardware or software problems at various points in the lifecycle. The Samsung phones I have personally owned have been more reliable (hardware & software wise), but you do have to wait a longggg time for updates.

With that said, Google was absolutely fantastic at dealing with any of the hardware related issues and replaced devices without hesitation. Good luck trying to get that quality of service from Samsung. Just make sure you buy direct from Google.

 

[Deleted member 184142]

Unfortunately, Google's dongle is a failure. e.g. my wife has pixel 2: the dongle "crashes" (for the lack of a better term) and needs to be unplugged and replugged to get it going again....every...single...day.

Plus I choose from: my aviation headset (has aux-in), two earbuds (workout/general listening), noise cancellation for travel, HD-650, HD-600, and a gaming headset.

I'm sorry, but there is no way I'm carrying some wire in my pocket all day just so I can listen to music.

Sometimes I have to reboot the phone to get it to see mine, and no manual setting I know of to say "hey, I just plugged in headphones, stop playing through the speakers". At first I thought it was the headphones, but I have used MANY sets, and a number of dongles including the Google one....Same issue. 3.5mm is a absolute requirement for my next phone.

 

[5150Joker]

Actually having Android is the most compelling reason of all.

Nah, I've never had issues with Samsung's software, especially on the Note. I'd take a Samsung phone over this ugly garbage w/a notch every time.

 

[hmz]

Wired earphones.. That is something from the past..

The device seems so underwhelmed that Google should just forget it and start working on a new one.

 

[exlink]

Calling it now, the camera improvements Google will focus on for the Pixel 3 will be the front facing "selfie" camera(s). That'll be their excuse for the hideously large notch; that they needed to make it so big for the camera tech. I'm expecting only very minor improvements to the rear camera.

 

[IdiotInCharge]

Nah, I've never had issues with Samsung's software, especially on the Note. I'd take a Samsung phone over this ugly garbage w/a notch every time.

I've had enough that I cringe at their mention. My OG Pixel is so much nicer to actually operate.

But points made with sample sizes of one aren't really convincing in any direction- personally, I just want something that isn't massive, that isn't Apple, and that does the fucking job I purchased it to do .

 

[Mut1ny]

Good luck trying to get that quality of service from Samsung

Shiiiiit...Samsungs service with my S8 was exemplary. Two day shipping there and back for screen burn-in...no questions asked. Granted it was one interaction but it was also a week before warranty expired and I no issues.

 

[Fleat]

Shiiiiit...Samsungs service with my S8 was exemplary. Two day shipping there and back for screen burn-in...no questions asked. Granted it was one interaction but it was also a week before warranty expired and I no issues.

I stand corrected and that is definitely comforting to hear. I never personally had to deal with Samsung for a cell phone warranty issue so it is good to hear some solid feedback.

I had many opportunities to deal with Google and they always went above and beyond - even if I wish I didn't have to deal with them for basically every phone.

Nexus 5 boot looping: Google replaced with a Nexus 5
Nexus 6 (outside of warranty) front camera stopped working and random restarts: Google replaced with a Nexus 6P
Nexus 6p prematurely shutting off at various battery levels: Google replaced with a Nexus 6P
Nexus 6p (outside of warranty) prematurely shutting off at various battery levels: Google replaced with a Pixel XL 128GB
Pixel XL microphone stopped working: Google replaced with a Pixel XL
Pixel 2 XL had terrible rattling from the speakers - also had wicked blue tint: Google replaced with a Pixel 2 XL

Now that I type all of this out, I sound like a battered victim that just kept going back for more On the other hand Google did upgrade my device to the next generation device outside of warranty twice.

 

[Iching]

I stand corrected and that is definitely comforting to hear. I never personally had to deal with Samsung for a cell phone warranty issue so it is good to hear some solid feedback.

I had many opportunities to deal with Google and they always went above and beyond - even if I wish I didn't have to deal with them for basically every phone.

Nexus 5 boot looping: Google replaced with a Nexus 5
Nexus 6 (outside of warranty) front camera stopped working and random restarts: Google replaced with a Nexus 6P
Nexus 6p prematurely shutting off at various battery levels: Google replaced with a Nexus 6P
Nexus 6p (outside of warranty) prematurely shutting off at various battery levels: Google replaced with a Pixel XL 128GB
Pixel XL microphone stopped working: Google replaced with a Pixel XL
Pixel 2 XL had terrible rattling from the speakers - also had wicked blue tint: Google replaced with a Pixel 2 XL

Now that I type all of this out, I sound like a battered victim that just kept going back for more On the other hand Google did upgrade my device to the next generation device outside of warranty twice.

All of this could have been avoided by buying an iPhone.

 

[Mikolai]

Sometimes I have to reboot the phone to get it to see mine, and no manual setting I know of to say "hey, I just plugged in headphones, stop playing through the speakers". At first I thought it was the headphones, but I have used MANY sets, and a number of dongles including the Google one....Same issue. 3.5mm is a absolute requirement for my next phone.

If you haven't already, you might be interested in the video that PC World did about dongles on today's modern phones... They mention the exact issue that you experienced with the phone continuously playing sound on speakers when the headphones are connected and detected.

 

[nysmo]

In my opinion, the gap has narrowed on software quality between stock android "Google" phones and Samsung phones. Just my 2 cents from owning nearly every Nexus device along with every Pixel XL device (with some Samsung/LG interspersed).

It's not so much quality anymore as it is performance. Any custom launcher as big as TouchWiz will basically take 1-2 years off the lifespan of your device. Whereas a Note 9 running stock might perform flawlessly until maybe 2022, now it'll show its age around 2020 as newer resource hungry apps are starved to keep room for for the launcher. My LG G2 with custom rom running Oreo performed better than my Galaxy S7 stock. Thats just pathetic.

 

[Deathroned]

The normal (non-XL) Pixel 3 is basically just like an upgraded Pixel 2 with almost no bezel. I think you'll see a lot more interest in that model. The notch is a bit too divisive.

Notch Haters are a Minority

 

[exlink]

Notch Haters are a Minority

Vocal notch haters are a minority.

I have an iPhone XS Max and had an iPhone X last generation. Personally, I’m okay with the notch but would prefer not having one. However, the notch on the Pixel 3 XL is much larger than on the iPhone X/XS to the point that it’s excessive/ridiculous. If you showed me a picture of the phone without any context I would’ve thought it was a meme mocking phones with notches.

 

[DPI]

It'll be hilarious if all these Pixel 3 leaks turn out to have been decoys and that Google rick-rolled everyone.

 

[RanceJustice]

I would literally be thrilled if that was the case....provided of course that the real Pixel 3 lineup is improved on what we've seen thus far. It would also mean that Google is supremely confident in the quality of their new Pixel, as if they try this sort of thing and the device is a dud, it will really leave the egg on on their face; tech bloggers writing/taping tons of "We would have been better off with the joke one" or "All that misdirection...for this?" pieces.

I hope they're not making such a cocky statement in a tweet to simply launch the same hardware we've seen with a lot of "but wait, check out how awesome our Pixel specific (and totally proprietary) software features can be!" .

 

[Mad Maxx]

Once more, I'd like to thank Google (and Apple) for sparing me the desire to spend $1000 on a new cell phone in 2018.