We’re not saying that this statement is true or false, but we’ve heard that Google’s phones are starting to best Samsung’s. Whether you think that Samsung still remains king of the Android kingdom or you belong to the Apple master race, you can’t deny that Google’s phones has managed to pique your interest. The tech giant has already launched 2 Pixel phones, which has been received quite well by users.
No thanks to Verizon accidentally putting up its Pixel 3 page early (haha), we’ve already known since yesterday that Google was launching a new phone. At today’s official launch, we got a closer look at the new Pixel 3 that will be available from next month, and the Pixel stand.
The Pixel 3 comes in two sizes – the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL. Size aside, picking your phone’s storage might also be a deciding factor as almost all the features in the two phones are the same. The Pixel 3 comes with 64GB of storage, while you can choose between 64GB or 128GB of storage for the Pixel 3XL.
The phones come in a sleek, semi-matte finish that looks almost exactly like its predecessor. It’s also interesting to note that the Pixel 3 XL has a huge notch at the top for the cameras, while Google has chosen to just give the Pixel 3 a wider bezel on top. In addition to Just Black and Clearly White, the Pixel 3 also comes in a new colour – the cheekily named Not Pink. Call it salmon if it makes you happier, but the pinkish tinge is definitely part of the millennial pink trend that we’ve been seeing so much of this year!
Another thing we couldn’t understand is Google’s obsession with colouring the home button which kind of ruins the look of the phone. The Not Pink phone has a neon orange button, while the Clearly White phone has a green home button, although a phone case will easily cover it up.
Each Google Pixel 3 will also come with a pair of the new Pixel USB-C earbuds, and uses a USB-C cable to charge.
The new Pixel 3 will be launched at Singtel and Starhub on 1 Nov, although it’s already open for preorders now. If you’re thinking of changing your phones and you’re wondering if the Google Pixel is a worthy contender, here’s are a couple of new features on the Pixel 3.
WIRELESS CHARGING AND A SMART SPEAKER
Wireless charging is nothing revolutionary now. Google has also dropped the Pixel Stand, which can charge your new Pixel and other Qi-compatible phones wirelessly. The Pixel Stand also doubles up as a speaker with dual front-facing speakers. Just like everything else, the stand has also been designed to make full use of Google Assistant which essentially turns the charging dock into a smart speaker. Use your virtual assistant to set alarms, and view your calendar or simply checking the weather. Streaming songs is as simple as a voice command now.
If you’re into the idea of maximising the use of your Google Pixel, you can also turn the phone into a digital photo frame or even link up to your house through smart home devices. At night, the dock also automatically switches your phone into Do-Not-Disturb mode – not hearing your new messages is a legit excuse now!
UNLIMITED GOOGLE PHOTOS STORAGEÂ
All the photos you take with the Pixel 3 are automatically uploaded to a central Google Drive central storage at original quality, where you download them whenever you want. It’s kind of similar to the Photos function on an iCloud. You can also make use of the Smart Storage function that automatically clears older photos and videos that have already been backed up in your storage, so you don’t need to go through the physical hassle of doing it yourself.
ULTRA WIDE ANGLE SELFIE MODE THAT CAN ZOOM IN! AND OUT!
One of the most common functions of using your phone is to take photos. Previously when taking selfies, the tallest person usually becomes the default “selfie stick”. The Pixel 3 has a dual front camera that includes a wide angle camera so that you can zoom out to fit more people into one selfie. Who knows, you might even capture some scenery too!
A VIRTUAL CAMERA PLAYGROUND WITH STICKERS, EMOJIS AND SUPERHEROES
iPhones have Animoji, and the Pixel phone has Playground. Playground doesn’t turn you into an emoji though – instead it makes your photo more interactive with virtual stickers and characters that respond to you. For example, you can pet the virtual dog and it’ll wag its tail in happiness! There’s also a Marvel superheroes pack, where you can take selfies with Iron Man and other Marvel characters. Oh, and the characters move around as well, so you might have to spend a bit of time trying to catch Iron Man in a good pose! (We also read somewhere there Childish Gambino might also be making an appearance at the Playground later this year).
EVEN BETTER CAMERA FUNCTIONS
Like we said earlier, most people use their phones to take photos and most tech companies tend to focus on improving the photography experience. And with the new Pixel comes a host of more camera functions to help you take only the best photos. The “Motion Auto Focus” keeps your subject in focus, while the “Super Res Zoom” ensures that your picture doesn’t look grainy when you’re using the zoom function. If you’re into phone photography, you can even choose to save RAW files in addition to JPEG photos so that you can greater control over your post edits.
Taking clearer photos is also easier with the phone’s default “HDR+” mode, and the “Top Shot” mode is perfect for capturing candid moments and moving shots before and after you press the shutter button. “Top Shot” also detects blurs and gaze so that you’ll get photos where everyone’s smiling and open, and the phone will recommend you the best shot. Of course you can pick other shots too.
The camera also comes with video stabilisation, but this is only available when filming with the rear camera. The “Fused Video Stabilisation” works when you’re shooting in 4k, but has the best results for shooting in 1080p.
Other Google devices that will also be launched with the Pixel 3 but not in Singapore is a new smart speaker called Home Hub and a new tablet, the Pixel Slate.
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is available in Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink (Singtel exclusive). The Pixel 3 will come with 64GB storage and priced from $1,249, while the Pixel 3 XL will come with either 64GB or 128GB of storage and will be priced from $1,399.
The Pixel Stand retails at $119, and is available for purchase separately.
Preorders are now open at Singtel and Starhub, and online at google.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.