Google Pixel 3: 5 Features We Want Next

The Google Pixel 2 XL is still one of the best Android phones you can buy, but it’s not perfect. Things can always improve. As we get closer to the launch of Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, we want to review a few features next. Actually, these are the features of the phone that we consider needsnot just what buyers want.

With leaks And rumors are everywhere, we know almost everything about these phones. Not to mention that Google has already confirmed an October 9 launch event.

Google’s Pixel 3 will build on the success of the Pixel 2. That means a big, beautiful screen paired with clean and fast software. Not to mention better cameras, louder speakers, improved waterproofing, and more.

Now that Google owns most of HTC’s smartphone division, we expect good things from the Pixel 3 XL. That said, a a few leaks We suggest that it may not be as large as we expect or detail below. Either way, the changes we want here or need To see.

Better Retail Availability and Presence

We know that Google’s new Pixel 3 for 2018 will be a great phone. There is no question about it. The Pixel 2’s biggest issue was that it was only available unlocked or on Verizon Wireless. This cuts out millions of potential buyers on other carriers.

I buy my phones unlocked, but most people don’t. Most buyers want to get into AT&T or T-Mobile and feel the phone first. Try it, see if it’s big enough (or very large) and use features like AT&T WiFi calling. Being limited to unlocked, online sales or Verizon is a problem we hope Google finally tackles in 2018. Unfortunately, we doubt that this will happen. It’ll probably be a Verizon exclusive again.

When you enter a cellular store, you see iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices. If they want the Pixel 3 to be successful, Google needs to be on their side. We want to be able to buy from T-Mobile with a monthly payment plan. If any carrier joins Verizon exclusive, it will be T-Mobile.

Smaller Frames

Frames 2016 too! Phones are moving away from the big bezels of the past, and that’s a good thing. The Galaxy S9, iPhone Xs, and even the upcoming OnePlus 6T all look stunning. These are huge screens found in devices that are small, portable and easy to hold. Thanks to smaller bezels, you can get a phone with a massive 6-inch display in the form factor of a 5.2-inch device a few years ago.

Leak showing the Pixel 3 XL (and the notch)

Shrinking bezels are extremely important and we are confident that Google will keep up with all the latest trends. In fact, Google has somewhat over-matched the iPhone X trend and the huge notch on the screen you see above. Still, the bezels are small and the screen extends all the way to the top of the phone body. Expect something like a 5.5-inch display on the Pixel 3. Then there’s the even bigger 6.2-inch (or larger) Pixel 3 XL. These phones will have a similar overall size and shape to the Pixel 2, only with better screens and smaller bezels.

Since this notch is ridiculous, we really hope Google has the 3rd bezel-less phone that will be its high-end offering.

The only potential issue we see with shrinking bezels on Pixel phones is the front-facing speakers. This is a unique feature of Nexus and Pixel devices, and we doubt Google wants to get rid of them. As a result, we get the chin and notch, as shown above.

Wireless charging

Years ago, most of Google’s Nexus devices featured wireless charging. That quickly disappeared with the Nexus 6P and Google’s Pixel and Pixel 2 family of phones. That said, Samsung has been offering wireless charging for years, Apple has been around for the past two years, and it’s time for Google to do the same.

In fact, I’d be surprised if Google didn’t add wireless charging at this point. Just because it’s a “feature-parity” thing. They must be competitive. Not to mention that buyers these days have so many options for accessories, docks, wireless charging speakers, cars and more. Even hotels and restaurants like Starbucks offer wireless charging. It’s a pretty easy thing to integrate, so let’s Google it.

Better Display and I Hope That Notch Is Fake

Speaking of the screen, we want something better on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. It’s no secret that Google used an LG display on the Pixel 2 XL, and it had all sorts of issues initially. Google and LG fixed most of it quickly and my own personal XL looks good so far. That said, it could and should be better.

The original Pixel has a gorgeous looking Samsung AMOLED display. We think Google will go back this route and offer Samsung or Sharp AMOLED displays on the Pixel 3. However, it could be an SLCD5 from HTC. The best Android phone on the market can’t have a bottom screen.

And for the love of all things Android, please no notch. Clearly, every leak The Pixel 3 XL screen we’ve seen for months has a big notch. A notch bigger than the OnePlus 6, iPhone X, LG G7 and pretty much everyone else. What does Google think?

If there’s a silver lining here, Google added some neat features and controls to Android 9 Pie to hide the notch. So you can use software to hide the notch while still getting a huge status bar that is taller than most. Sigh.

The leaks show what essentially the three cameras on the front. Thus, we can get great selfies and enhanced security from this notch.

Better Water Resistance

The original Pixel wasn’t water resistant, so mine died that way. Google followed suit with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, adding an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. This means these phones can handle more than a splash and can submerge in about 3 feet of water without dying.

We want Google to improve this feature and offer a full IP68 water resistance rating to match Samsung, LG and even Apple’s new iPhone Xs. This means you can accidentally drop your phone in about 5 feet or more of water for more than 30 minutes and it will still work fine. This is one of the hidden features that is also a life saver. You’ll love the extra peace of mind.

Google needs a big screen, smaller bezels, wireless charging and other nice features this late in the year. Especially if they want to compete with the Galaxy S10 in early 2019.

We Can Dream, Can’t We?

In closing, we want to mention a few more Pixel 3 features that you shouldn’t expect. It won’t happen, but it’s something worth wishing for. The things we want to see.

The new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Google removed it last year and they’re not going to go back to this election and offer it in 2018. We seriously doubt this but I’m going to get a headphone jack they want to give us.

I’m going to get a second rear camera as well, but I don’t think we’ll get that either. I would get the phone above or below the upcoming notch design, that’s for sure.

rendered by Ben Geskin

And finally, just stop asking. The Pixel 3 will not have a microSD slot and expandable storage. Google hasn’t offered this since the original Nexus One. That said, we believe Google will offer the Pixel 3 XL in 64GB, 128GB and even a 256GB model that retails for over $1,000. This is more than enough for most.

All said and done, we are waiting More Pixel 3 leaks and rumors over the next few weeks as the launch event draws near. Then come October 9th, Google will announce the phone, confirm pre-orders and hopefully launch it worldwide in the last week of October. In closing, you can find every detail about the Pixel 3 XL here.