So, you already have a Pixel 2 and now you're considering it an upgrade. Is the Pixel 3 worth it? Well, that's what we're here to find out today as we put the Pixel 3 VS Pixel 2 battle to the test. Without any further ado, let's get right into it!
Pixel 3 VS Pixel 2: Specifications
So, first of all, let us start with what we can see on paper. Here are the specs for the Pixel 2:
- OS: Upgraded to Android Pie
- Chipset: Snapdragon 835
- CPU: Octa-core
- GPU: Adreno 540
- RAM and storage: 4 gigs of RAM with either 64 or 128 gigs of storage
- Display: 5-inch 1080 x 1920 AMOLED display
- Camera: Single 12 MP rear camera and a single 8 MP front one
- Battery: 2,700 mAh
- Price: About 500-600 bucks
And the Pixel 3:
- OS: Android Pie
- Chipset: Snapdragon 845
- CPU: Octa-core with four Kryo 385 gold cores and four Kryo 385 Silver cores
- GPU: Adreno 630
- RAM and storage: 4 gigs of RAM with 64 or 128 gigs of storage
- Display: 5.5-inch display at 1080 x 2160 (P-OLED)
- Camera: Single 12 MP rear camera and dual 8 MP cameras with a wide and ultra-wide sensor
- Battery: 2,915 mAh battery
- Price: About 900 bucks
The stronger chipset should provide higher levels of performance and the slightly better display and battery are welcome additions as well. But, as far as specifications go, there doesn't seem to be a huge improvement here.
That being said, how about real-life usage? Well, let's take a look.
Pixel 3 VS Pixel 2: Performance
Alright, so, this video that we found here actually compares the XL versions. But, both variants have the same chipset. So, that shouldn't be an issue.
As expected, the Pixel 3 comes out as the strongest out of both the Pixel 2 and 1. What wasn't expected is that the Pixel 1 actually came first in certain tests. But, that's not what we're here for today and at the end of the test, the Pixel 2 pulled ahead anyway, so, meh.
Still, in real life performance, the end result isn't going to be that big. Especially if you consider that both the Pixel 2 and 3 come with the same amount of RAM.
But, judging from that benchmark, the Pixel 3 absolutely destroys its predecessor in terms of gaming. And you don't even need an FPS counter for that. After all, you can see how the rendering looks rather smooth on the Pixel 3 while the Pixel 2 is stuttering all over the place.
Conclusion: if you're into gaming, the Pixel 3 is definitely worth the extra money. However, if all you do is basic day to day usage, you may want to wait for the next generation since you won't be getting a huge performance increase anyway.
Cameras (Photos)
People seem to love taking photos. So, we thought that including a camera comparison is worth it.
To the massive surprise of, well, almost everyone, the shots are nearly identical with minor differences, if any at all. In some cases, the Pixel 2 even appears to perform better.
Our best guess is that both phones are coming with the same rear lens and that the minor differences are due to the software making adjustments on the fly. But, if you happen to know more about that, do let us know in the comments section.
Cameras (Videos)
Leaving photo-shoots aside, let us talk a little bit about video recording for a moment.
The first thing that we immediately noticed on this comparison is that the audio is actually much worse on the Pixel 3. We can't remember if this is one of the many issues that the Pixel 3 came out with and if it's been fixed or not. So, do let us know about it in case you know.
Other than that, quality is once again more or less the same. The Pixel 3 produces a somewhat cooler looking image. But, that's something that you can adjust with software anyway.
Apart from that, you do get the wide-angle lens on the Pixel 3 which is not available on its predecessor. But, still, if care about it that much, you could easily get an inexpensive external wide-angle lens and keep the audio quality of the Pixel 2.
Conclusion
When everything is said and done, we can't find a solid reason to recommend an upgrade from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 3. Unless you're into gaming because the Pixel 3 is clearly superior on that aspect.
Other than that, the cameras are looking more or less identical, performance isn't all that much better, and the same goes for battery and display.
In fact, there have been tests where the Pixel 2 managed to last longer before needing a re-charge. Not sure why that is - especially if you consider the fact that the Pixel 3 comes with a slightly larger battery.
Don't get us wrong. If you don't have a Pixel device at all then the Pixel 3 is not a bad choice for sure. We're just saying that if you already have its predecessor then the upgrade is most likely not worth the investment.
And with that being said, what do you think? Are you going to upgrade? Why? Do you think that the Pixel 3 is worth the extra money after you already got the Pixel 2? Let us know about your thoughts.
That's all for now. Feel like we got something wrong? Forgot to mention anything important? Then let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section down below!
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