Pixel 3 vs Pixel: Which Google Phone Is Better

The Pixel 3 and the original Pixel are two Google phones from different eras, and the better choice depends entirely on your budget and what you value: the Pixel 3 offers a modern camera, wireless charging, and a larger screen, while the original Pixel is cheaper, lighter, and still takes surprisingly good photos for basic use. If you can afford it, the Pixel 3 is the better phone in almost every way, but the original Pixel remains a viable budget option for very light use.

Background: The First Pixel vs. the Third Generation

Google launched the original Pixel in October 2016 as its first fully self-designed smartphone, replacing the Nexus line. It was praised for its camera and clean software, but it had a dated design with thick bezels and no water resistance. The Pixel 3 arrived in October 2018, after the Pixel 2, and brought a more modern look with a glass back, a larger OLED display, and wireless charging. The Pixel 3 also introduced the Super Res Zoom feature and Night Sight, which were major camera improvements. The original Pixel received software updates until 2019, while the Pixel 3 got updates until 2022, so the Pixel 3 is more future-proof in terms of security and features.

Key Specs Comparison

Here’s a quick look at the most important differences:

• Display: Pixel 3 – 5.5-inch OLED, 1080p, 18:9 aspect ratio; Pixel (2016) – 5.0-inch AMOLED, 1080p, 16:9.
• Processor: Pixel 3 – Qualcomm Snapdragon 845; Pixel – Snapdragon 821.
• RAM: Pixel 3 – 4 GB; Pixel – 4 GB (same).
• Storage: Both come in 64 GB or 128 GB, no microSD slot.
• Battery: Pixel 3 – 2915 mAh; Pixel – 2770 mAh.
• Charging: Pixel 3 supports wireless charging (Qi), Pixel does not.
• Water resistance: Pixel 3 has IP68 rating, Pixel has no official rating.
• Headphone jack: Both have one.
• Weight: Pixel 3 – 148 g; Pixel – 143 g.

The Pixel 3 is clearly more powerful and modern, but the original Pixel is lighter and more compact.

Camera: The Biggest Difference

Both phones have a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera, but the Pixel 3’s image processing is far ahead. The Pixel 3 introduced Night Sight, which lets you take bright, detailed photos in near-darkness, and Super Res Zoom, which uses multiple frames to create sharper zoomed images. The original Pixel’s camera was excellent in 2016, but it lacks these features and struggles in low light compared to the Pixel 3. The front camera also differs: the Pixel 3 has a dual 8 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens for group selfies, while the original Pixel has a single 8 MP front camera. For most people, the Pixel 3’s camera alone justifies the upgrade.

Software and Updates

The original Pixel shipped with Android 7.1 and received updates up to Android 10. The Pixel 3 shipped with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 12. This means the Pixel 3 has a more recent version of Android, with better privacy features, gesture navigation, and a more refined interface. Also, the Pixel 3 supports Google’s Call Screen and Hold for Me features (in supported regions), which the original Pixel does not. If you care about getting the latest security patches, the Pixel 3 is the safer choice.

Battery and Charging

The Pixel 3 has a slightly larger battery (2915 mAh vs. 2770 mAh), but its more efficient processor and software optimizations give it similar or slightly better battery life. However, the Pixel 3 supports wireless charging, which is a major convenience if you have a Qi charger. The original Pixel only charges via USB-C, and its battery degrades faster due to age. If you buy a used original Pixel, you may need to replace the battery soon. The Pixel 3 also supports fast charging (18W) and can charge wirelessly at 10W, while the original Pixel supports 18W fast charging but no wireless.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 3 has a glass back with a matte finish, which looks premium but is more fragile than the original Pixel’s aluminum body. The Pixel 3 also has a larger screen with smaller bezels, making it feel more modern. The original Pixel has a metal back that is more durable and less slippery, but it looks dated with its thick top and bottom bezels. Both phones have a rear fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 3 is IP68 water-resistant, so it can survive splashes and brief submersion, while the original Pixel has no official water resistance rating.

How to Choose: Which One Should You Buy?

Here are the main scenarios:

• If you want the best camera and modern features: Get the Pixel 3.
• If you are on a tight budget and only need a basic phone: The original Pixel might be enough, but be prepared for slower performance and no updates.
• If you want wireless charging and water resistance: Only the Pixel 3 offers these.
• If you prefer a smaller, lighter phone: The original Pixel is smaller and lighter, but the difference is modest.
• If you plan to use the phone for more than a year: The Pixel 3 is the only sensible choice because the original Pixel no longer receives security updates.

Common Problems and Considerations

Both phones are old, so you should check for common issues. The Pixel 3 has a known problem with the rear glass cracking near the camera (often due to heat or pressure), and some units have a speaker issue where audio distorts at high volume. The original Pixel has a known microphone problem that can affect calls and voice recordings, and its battery life degrades significantly over time. When buying used, ask about battery health and check if the phone has been repaired. Also, note that both phones no longer receive software updates, so they may have security vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 3 still worth buying in 2025?

Only if you can get it for a very low price (under $100) and you accept that it will not receive security updates. The camera is still good, but the lack of updates makes it risky for banking or sensitive apps.

Does the original Pixel have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the original Pixel and the Pixel 3 have a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s a plus compared to newer Pixel phones that removed it.

Which phone takes better low-light photos?

The Pixel 3, thanks to Night Sight. The original Pixel’s low-light photos are noisy and dark, while the Pixel 3 can produce bright, sharp images in near darkness.

Can the original Pixel run Android 12?

No, the original Pixel’s official support ended at Android 10. You can install custom ROMs, but that requires technical knowledge and may void warranty.

Is the Pixel 3 faster than the original Pixel?

Yes, significantly. The Snapdragon 845 in the Pixel 3 is about 50% faster than the Snapdragon 821 in the original Pixel, and it has better graphics performance. You’ll notice the difference in app loading and multitasking.

What about the Pixel 3a or Pixel 4?

If you can find a Pixel 3a, it has a better battery life and a headphone jack, but it’s slower than the Pixel 3. The Pixel 4 is a better upgrade, but it’s also more expensive. For most people, the Pixel 3 is the sweet spot between price and features.

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