Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00
Google Pixel 4 XL
Starting at
£149.99What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 4 XL?
Google Pixel 3 vs 4 XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 starts at £121, £28.99 less than the Google Pixel 4 XL. The Google Pixel 4 XL is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Software updates
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4 XL.
- The Google Pixel 4 XL has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger battery: 3700 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL specs
The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 XL differ mainly in size, performance, and battery capacity. The Pixel 3 has a smaller screen and lighter weight, suited for those who prefer a compact and easy-to-handle phone. The Pixel 4 XL offers a larger, higher resolution screen and more RAM, making it better for users who want a roomier display and smoother multitasking. Battery capacity is notably higher in the Pixel 4 XL, which may appeal to those needing longer usage between charges. Each device fits different daily needs depending on your priorities for screen size, speed, and battery life.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- WhiteSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL battery life and software updates
The Pixel 4 XL has a larger battery that can support longer use, while both devices run Android and share similar network support.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3700 mAh battery, which is larger than the Pixel 3's 2915 mAh. This means the Pixel 4 XL can provide longer battery life between charges, which is useful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day or prefer not to charge frequently. The Pixel 3's battery suits users with lighter daily use or who prefer a smaller device.
Software Updates
Both run Android, but you should expect that neither will receive the newest system features or security patches.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL performance
Performance differences come down to chipset, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Technology
The Pixel 3 uses the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset built on a 10 nm process, while the Pixel 4 XL features the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset with a 7 nm process. The newer chipset in the Pixel 4 XL offers more efficient performance and can manage tasks with improved speed and responsiveness, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Pixel 4 XL comes with 6 GB of RAM compared to the Pixel 3's 4 GB. More RAM allows the Pixel 4 XL to keep more apps open simultaneously and handle memory-intensive tasks more smoothly. Both models are stocked with 64GB of storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL screen
Screen quality matters for viewing experience, and the Pixel 4 XL offers a larger, higher resolution display compared to the Pixel 3, though both use P-OLED technology.
Screen Size
The Pixel 3 has a 5.5 inch screen, which is smaller and more compact, ideal if you prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket. The Pixel 4 XL's 6.3 inch screen provides a larger viewing area, better for watching videos, browsing, or reading content.
Resolution
The Pixel 4 XL offers a higher screen resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels, compared to the Pixel 3's 1080 x 2160 pixels. This results in sharper images and more detail on the Pixel 4 XL, enhancing the experience for media and detailed visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL camera
Both phones share similar camera capabilities, so the choice here depends more on other factors than image quality.
Camera Resolution
Both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 XL have an 8 megapixel front camera and a 12.2 megapixel main camera. This means both capture similar detail levels in photos and selfies, making either phone suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL size and design
Size, weight, and connectivity affect how the phones feel to use daily. Both models support 4G networks, are unlocked, and use USB-C connectors.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Pixel 3 is smaller and lighter, measuring 145.6 mm tall, 68.2 mm wide, and weighing 148 g, making it easier to carry and use with one hand. The Pixel 4 XL is larger and heavier at 160.4 mm tall, 75.1 mm wide, and 193 g, which suits users comfortable with a bigger device and who want a larger screen.
SIM and Network
Both phones support a physical SIM card plus an eSIM and work on 4G networks. They come unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible carrier without restriction.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 or Google Pixel 4 XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121, £28.99 less than the Google Pixel 4 XL
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 193 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3700 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Google Pixel 3 often looks like new and suits those who want a small, light, and capable phone. Many mention it works perfectly and appreciate its condition. Some note the screen may have a pinky orange tint, which can be annoying. Battery life gets mixed feedback: some find it needs attention, with one reporting rapid battery drain and sudden shutdowns. Overall, the Pixel 3 is praised for good value, fair screen condition, and reliable everyday use.
Reviews for the Google Pixel 4 XL highlight its attractive condition and high-resolution screen. Customers appreciate the larger display and find it good for multitasking and media. Some users experienced issues with battery life, including early failure, and occasional speaker problems, but others enjoyed trouble-free use and good performance. The Pixel 4 XL is seen as a solid choice for those wanting a bigger phone with better speed and screen detail.
The Pixel 3 suits buyers who prefer a compact, lighter phone for everyday use, while the Pixel 4 XL fits those who value a larger screen and more memory for smoother multitasking and media viewing.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel 4 XL FAQs
Google Pixel 3 vs 4 XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4 XL. The Google Pixel 4 XL has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3 is cheaper refurbished, from £121 compared with £149.99 for the Google Pixel 4 XL.
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger battery: 3700 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. Updates for the Google Pixel 4 XL ended in Oct 2022. Its last version is Android 13.
The Google Pixel 4 XL adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3700 mAh vs 2915 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £28.99 more (from £149.99 vs £121).
Both come in 64GB refurbished.
