Pixel vs Pixel 3: Which One Should You Buy?
Pixel 3 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.
Pixel
Pixel 3
Pixel 3 wins 3 of 8 categories
Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.
Bigger shape = better phone.
Scores out of 100. How we score
- SpeedTie6464
- CameraPixel 36872
- VideoNot enough data
- SelfieTie4040
- BatteryTie5858
- DisplayTie6262
- ConnectivityPixel 35765
- SecurityPixel 334100
- ValueTie6868
- Pixel 3 has the bigger battery2,915 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
- Pixel has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12.2 MP
- Pixel 3 has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5"
- Pixel is lighter143 g vs 148 g
- Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $799
- Pixel 3 has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
- Pixel 3 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP53
Why buy each phone
Swipe ⇄Pixel 3 wins — BeastScore 64.8/100
The Pixel 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,915 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (5.5" vs 5"). The Pixel is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12.2 MP).
Lower launch price: $649 vs $799
Larger display: 5.5" vs 5"
Common questions
Which is better: Pixel or Pixel 3?
The Pixel 3 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,915 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (5.5" vs 5"). The Pixel is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12.2 MP). BeastScore: Pixel 63.8/100, Pixel 3 64.8/100.
What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel and Pixel 3?
Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery. Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch display and 2915 mAh battery.
How do Pixel and Pixel 3 compare for speed?
Pixel scores 64/100 for performance; Pixel 3 scores 64/100.
Similar Smartphones
Galaxy S9
iPhone 13
Pixel 3 XL
OnePlus One
Xiaomi Redmi A3x 4G Standard Edition Global Dual SIM TD-LTE 64GB 24048RN6CG (Xiaomi Klein)
BBK Vivo Y01 2022 Standard Edition Dual SIM TD-LTE V3 NP BD KH VN 32GB
A3s Dual SIM TD-LTE VN Version 2 16GB CPH1803 / A2 Pro
Motorola Razr (2019)
Gear for the Pixel 3
All Amazon Finds →Related articles
All articles →
Flagship ShowdownSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Honor Magic V3 vs. OnePlus Open: The Definitive Flagship Foldable Architecture, Hinge Engineering, Crease-Free Displays, and Camera Benchmark Showdown (2026)
An exhaustive microarchitectural breakdown, hinge mechanism durability, crease analysis, dual-screen multitasking benchmarks, and periscope camera shootout across the 4 premier book-style foldables of 2026.
Read →
Tech NewsPixel 10a Now $599 vs Galaxy A57 & iPhone 17e: Still Worth It?
Google quietly raised the Pixel 10a from $499 to $599 in early October, and Samsung pushed the Galaxy A57 up to $599.99 the same week. That puts three "budget" phones at the same $599 starting price as the iPhone 17e. Here is what changed, how the three compare, and which one makes sense now.
Read →
2026 COMPACT FLAGSHIP BENCHMARKSApple iPhone 16 Pro vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: The Definitive Flagship Compact Smartphone Architecture, 6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO Super Actua & ProMotion Displays, Apple A18 Pro vs. Google Tensor G4 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Silicon, 5x Periscope Telephoto Optics, 4K120 ProRes Log, On-Device Gemini Nano & Apple Intelligence, and Real-World Battery Showdown (2026)
A comprehensive 2,500+ word engineering analysis, thermal dissipation benchmark, camera sensor breakdown, and battery endurance comparison of the premier 6.2-to-6.3-inch pro smartphones.
Read →