Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 and iPhone XR?
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 starts at £121, £9.30 less than the iPhone XR.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 2915 mAh on the Google Pixel 3, 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR specs
The Google Pixel 3 and iPhone XR both launched in 2018 and offer solid options depending on your preferences. The Pixel 3 fits well if you want a smaller, lighter phone with a sharper screen resolution and slightly more RAM. The iPhone XR suits those who prefer a larger screen and iOS with ongoing software updates. The XR also offers a range of storage options, which can be important if you want more space. Pixel 3 uses USB-C while the iPhone XR has a Lightning connector. Camera quality is similar with slight differences in megapixels. Both are unlocked and have physical SIM plus eSIM support.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system, important for everyday reliability and long-term use.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3 has a 2915 mAh battery while the iPhone XR has a slightly larger 2942 mAh battery. The difference is small but might mean the iPhone XR offers marginally longer usage between charges, which could suit heavier daily users.
Operating System
The Pixel 3 runs Android, offering a more open and customisable experience, while the iPhone XR operates on iOS, known for its smooth integration and app ecosystem. Your choice may depend on which system you prefer or are already invested in.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance includes chipset, RAM, and storage options, which affect speed, multitasking, and how much data or apps you can keep on your device.
Chipset
The Pixel 3 uses the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm), while the iPhone XR runs on the Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm). Both are strong chipsets from 2018 designed to handle everyday tasks smoothly. The A12 Bionic's smaller 7 nm process may contribute to efficiency and performance, which benefits users who run demanding apps.
RAM
With 4 GB of RAM, the Pixel 3 has a bit more memory than the iPhone XR's 3 GB. This extra RAM can keep more apps active in the background, which helps if you multitask heavily or use memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3 is stocked with 64GB storage, which suits users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, providing more flexibility if you want extra space for photos, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality is about size, resolution, and display type, which influence how sharp and vibrant the visuals appear and how comfortable the device is for viewing content.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen compared to the Pixel 3's 5.5 inch display. A bigger screen suits those who watch more videos, read, or prefer more space for typing and browsing.
Resolution
The Pixel 3's screen resolution is 1080 x 2160, higher than the iPhone XR's 828 x 1792. This means the Pixel 3 offers sharper images and text, which benefits users who value crisp detail on their display.
Screen Type
The Pixel 3 uses a P-OLED screen type, which typically delivers deeper blacks and better contrast. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, known for accurate colours and brightness. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise contrast or true-to-life colour accuracy.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual specs cover camera megapixels and front camera quality, important for photography and video calls.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Pixel 3 has a 12.2 megapixel main camera while the iPhone XR comes with a 12 megapixel main camera. Both are close in resolution, which means they capture detail well for everyday photography.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Pixel 3 features an 8 megapixel front camera compared to the iPhone XR's 7 megapixels. This slightly higher resolution may appeal if you take many selfies or use video calls often.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous differences include physical size, weight, connectors, and network features that affect daily handling and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3 is smaller and lighter at 145.6 mm height, 68.2 mm width, and 148 g weight. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier measuring 150.9 mm height, 75.7 mm width, and 194 g weight. Choose the Pixel 3 if you want a compact device or the XR if you prefer a larger feel in hand.
Connector Type
The Pixel 3 uses a USB-C connector, common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone XR uses Apple's Lightning connector, which may suit users already invested in Apple cables and chargers.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 4G networks and have a physical SIM slot plus eSIM support. Both are unlocked, so they work with a wide range of UK carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121, £9.30 less than the iPhone XR
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3 appreciate its small, light design and capability. Many report the phone looks like new and works perfectly, with some noting the screen has a pinky orange tint. Battery life can require attention for some users. A few experienced issues with network unlocking or battery performance. Overall, Pixel 3 owners value its condition and good price, finding it suited to those who want a compact device.
Those who purchased the iPhone XR often highlight its like-new appearance and excellent condition. The screen size is appreciated for being just right, especially by users preferring a larger display. Some mention the replacement battery is not official Apple but the phone runs well and fast. Buyers appreciate the range of storage options and the ease of setup. The XR suits people wanting a spacious screen and reliable iOS experience.
In summary, Pixel 3 customers tend to favour a smaller, lighter phone with sharp screen detail, while iPhone XR users enjoy a larger display and ongoing iOS support. Both devices perform well for everyday use according to their owners.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR FAQs
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The Google Pixel 3 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Google Pixel 3 is cheaper refurbished, from £121 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The Google Pixel 3 has 2915 mAh and the iPhone XR has 2942 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XR has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
