Google’s third-generation of Pixel phones, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, are now available for preorder. The span of time between preorder and shipment date is short and sweet, with Google aiming to get the new gear into hands shortly after October 18th when preorders ship. The thing is, whether it can stick to that date is anyone’s guess — especially considering the Pixel 2’s dismal stock situation in 2017. Just three hours following their announcement in 2017, much of the stock faced delays from two weeks up to six or seven weeks on certain models, while others were completely out of stock for weeks at a time. Buying through Verizon is a good plan, as Google’s carrier partner three years running has fared better regarding preorder and post-release stock. If you decide to do this, keep in mind that while a Pixel purchased through Verizon is technically unlocked and will work with any carrier, the bootloader is locked by default, and may be worth less down the road if you decide to sell it. Verizon is currently hosting a buy-one-get-one offer for the 64GB variant of the Pixel 3, and if you preorder today (October 9th), you’ll receive a free Pixel Stand . Best Buy is offering a $100 gift card with the preorder and activation of a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL through Verizon. Additionally, the retailer is honoring Verizon’s buy-one-get-one promotion, so you’ll earn back a total of $899 in savings. You can also preorder the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL on the Google Store, or through Google’s Project Fi wireless service. During the preorder phase, buying on Fi comes with a $799 service credit if you purchase two of the new phones for a new or existing plan. It’s crucial for Google to be able to meet demand, and not just to adequately meet the minimum expectation of buyers. The iPhone XR will release on October 26th with preorders opening on October 19th, and because of its more affordable $749 price, it stands to be the Pixel 3’s biggest competitor at launch. If Google can’t keep its stock in the green, the iPhone XR will look pretty attractive. Related How to trade in your old Pixel phone If you plan to preorder, do so quickly. We’ll be keeping a close eye on stock during Google’s Pixel 3 preorder phase, and will add retailers that are offering the phones on preorder as we find them. Edited 12:57PM ET, October 10th: Updated to reflect that Verizon’s day-long preorder promo that included the Pixel Stand for free is now over. Also, we’ve added Best Buy’s preorder information.<doc-sep>Google's new phones, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will launch in stores on Oct. 18. I've been using both of them for the past week and have a few thoughts you should know about before you go pick one up. There are two phones, the Pixel 3 with a 5.5-inch display and the larger Pixel 3 XL with a 6.3-inch display. Aside from the screen size and a notch in the larger phone's screen, the devices are pretty much identical in features. Google's phones aren't perfect, but they're markedly better than the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL that launched last year. They're really good phones. Here's what you need to know. What's good Todd Haselton | CNBC Google fixed almost all of my complaints about last year's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Those phones felt cheap and had displays that I thought looked washed out, until Google offered a software update that fixed the issue. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL improve on last year's design in almost every way. They look similar, but have much better displays, which are more colorful and pleasing to look at than last year's screens. That means photos, movies and apps all look much more vivid, instead of dull as they did last year. But Google fixed other things, too. Both devices are now IP68 water-resistant, which means they can last up to 30 minutes under three meters of water. I dropped my test unit in a fountain outside the office, and it still works just fine. I'm glad Google is finally adding this feature, which is also available on other Android phones and the iPhone. The camera is incredible and a lot of fun to use. Google doesn't use two lenses like Apple does. Apple uses a dual-lens system for zooming and creating portrait photos in some cases, but the results are just as good on the Pixel. Google uses software for zooming, and the results are impressive compared with a hardware zoom lens. Google's software takes the blurry image that's originally snapped and then fills in the details so that it looks more clear. The Portrait mode, which blurs the background around a subject, is super impressive, sometimes better than the iPhone XS Max I own. Colors sometimes looked more accurate to me on the Pixel 3, too, but that really comes down to personal preference. Take a look: The Pixel 3 Portrait mode is good, as you can see here. Todd Haselton | CNBC And here's my dog Mabel: The camera is really good Todd Haselton | CNBC The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL also have two front-facing cameras. One is a wide-angle lens, so you can fit more people into a picture. It just gets really pixelated sometimes, as you can see here: Using the wide-angle front-facing camera. Todd Haselton | CNBC Google includes exclusive software on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL that you won't find on most other Android phones. Android 9 Pie, the latest version of Android, is included, and you'll get the most recent versions for the next three years as well as security updates. But this year Google included a couple of fun new features. There's a "call screener" that you can activate when an unknown number calls you. Google Assistant will answer the call for you and ask who's calling, and why. Google will convert the answer to text for you to see in real-time. You can label calls as spam and have Google tell the person to add you to a do not call list. It won't prevent spam calls entirely, but it's a nice step in the right direction and worked well when I had a colleague call me pretending to be a spammer. Another feature, coming later this year, is similar but will automatically call restaurants in select cities to book a reservation for you. Call screening on the Pixel 3 Todd Haselton | CNBC Like Apple, Google also includes a new feature that shows you how long you use certain apps. You can select time limits for the apps you know you use a lot, like Facebook or Instagram, to prevent yourself — or your kids — from using those apps too often throughout the day. It's not a feature I use, but it works and some people might appreciate it. The battery life is good. I preferred using the Pixel 3 XL because it has a larger battery and a bigger screen. It didn't die on me during the days I tested, even when I was using it a lot for filming or checking out various new features. You probably won't get two days of use out of either phone, but a day is all I need. There are lots of other great features of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The stereo front-facing speakers are impressively loud, and I often found myself just using the Pixel 3 in my bedroom as a speaker. The software is clean and fast, and I like the addition of wireless charging this year. What's bad Todd Haselton | CNBC I don't have a ton of complaints about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, but there are some things to know about. The biggest problem is they both come with either 64GB or 128GB of storage. Other Android makers and Apple have moved on to 256GB and even 512GB of storage, which means there's a lot more space for your movies and large apps. It's no wonder why Google is doing this, though. It's a cloud company, and most people probably stream music and movies now, anyway. Still, other Android makers, such as Samsung and LG, include microSD card slots so you can add more storage if you want to. I'd like to see Google make this an option. Also, I don't like relying on a fingerprint reader. Since the iPhone X and Galaxy S9, I've long become adjusted to my phone recognizing my face to unlock. Google doesn't offer that option here, and I wish it did. Todd Haselton | CNBC<doc-sep>With Google announcing its duo of flagship smartphones yesterday, many of you are probably wondering when will they arrive in your home country and at what price. Unfortunately, availability remains a big issue with the Pixel phones even though the lineup has matured and it's now in its third generation. Pre-orders have already started in all markets to get the phones, except for India and Taiwan. This year Google has added four more markets to the rather short list that now consists of 13 countries - UK, US, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Ireland, India and Canada. Here are the prices and launch dates across those for the base 4GB/64GB models. Country Pixel 3 Pixel 3 XL Launch date US $799 $899 Oct 18 UK £739 £869 3-4 weeks Australia AUD1,199 AUD1,349 3-4 weeks Germany €849 €949 3-4 weeks Italy €899 €999 3-4 weeks Canada CAD999 CAD1,129 3-4 weeks Spain €849 €949 3-4 weeks India INR71,000 INR83,000 "Coming soon" Singapore SGD1,249 SGD1,399 3-4 weeks Japan JPY95,000 JPY119,000 3-4 weeks Ireland €899 €999 3-4 weeks Taiwan N/A N/A N/A France €859 €959 3-4 weeks Unfortunately, the Taiwanese Google store doesn't disclose any availability dates or prices so for now. Also, the Pixels in India are exclusively available through Flipkart and the pre-order starts tomorrow, October 11.<doc-sep>Google finally unveiled the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL — the company’s latest and greatest set of smartphones, featuring an upgraded processor and improved internals, a new design, and more. Now that the new phones are out, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on them for yourself. The phones are available in a few different colors, including “just black,” “clearly white,” and “not pink.” In case you’re wondering how to get the Google Pixel 3 or Google Pixel 3 XL for yourself, we put together this guide. Unlocked As you might expect, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are both now available for purchase unlocked through the Google Store. Here’s a rundown of Pixel 3 unlocked pricing. 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800 or $33.29 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing $800 or $33.29 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,000 or $41.63 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing The unlocked version of the phone is compatible with all major carriers — so if you’re on T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T, that’s how you’ll have to get the phones, considering the fact that they’re exclusive to Verizon. Carriers As mentioned, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are exclusively available on Verizon, meaning that you won’t be able to get them through any other carrier except Google’s own Project Fi. T-Mobile While the Google Pixel 3 was exclusive to Verizon at launch, the phone is now also available on T-Mobile. Pricing for the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL can be found below. 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800, or $30 per month for 24 months with $80 down. $800, or $30 per month for 24 months with $80 down. 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $900, or $30 per month for 24 months with $180 down. Visible The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are coming to Visible. If you own a Pixel 3 device, you can now bring it to Visible to use on the $40-per-month carrier. Not only that, but if you bring your Pixel to Visible and activate a new line, you’ll get a $100 prepaid Mastercard Virtual Account. Verizon The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are now available straight through the Verizon website or in a Verizon store, so if you’re a Verizon customer or willing to make the switch, then you can pull the trigger now. Here’s a rundown of pricing for the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Verizon. 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800, or $33.33 per month for 24 months $800, or $33.33 per month for 24 months 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900, or $37.49 per month for 24 months $900, or $37.49 per month for 24 months 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $930, or $38.74 per month for 24 months $930, or $38.74 per month for 24 months 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,030, or $42.91 per month for 24 months Google Project Fi As you would expect, the Google Pixel 3 is also available through Google’s own Project Fi, and it’s available for the same price as it is unlocked — so you’ll save a few bucks through Google compared to through Verizon. When it comes to deals, Project Fi is also offering a $799 service credit when you buy two Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL phones and add a new member to an existing group plan. Updated on May 7, 2019: The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are now compatible with Visible and available on T-Mobile. Editors' Recommendations<doc-sep>
Google Google announced its new Pixel 3 phone at a press event in New York City on Tuesday. It's one of several products that were expected during Google's event. Google also announced the Pixel Slate, a new Chromebook tablet that can double as a laptop, and Google Home Hub that's like a Google Home smart speaker but with a built-in screen. Here's the rundown of everything Google announced Tuesday. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL The Pixel 3 succeeds last year's Pixel 2 phone. It will be available in two sizes: a 5.5-inch standard model and a 6.3-inch XL model. Google said the front speakers are 40 percent louder than last year, and its new plastic OLED screen is the best Google has used in a phone. That's important, since there were a lot of complaints about the Pixel 2 display when it first launched last year. Google spent a lot of time chatting about how good the camera on the Pixel 3 is. Last year's Pixel 2's camera is still considered one of the best phone cameras on the market. Google said this year's device has tech that's "generations ahead of other phones" with a custom imaging chip that enhances images right on the device. (Apple also has a custom image chip built into its phones.) The Pixel 3 camera automatically shoots several photos at once in burst mode, and a feature called "Top Shot" will automatically detect and pick the best picture you've snapped. It also has smart zoom that uses software to enhance details in zoomed-in images. Google put a big focus on low-light photography and said pictures at night work so well you'll never need to use the flash. (A flash is still included though.) Another neat feature called "Screen Call" can help you detect spam calls as they come in. If you agree that it's a spam call, you can mark it as spam and block the number. Finally, there will be a $79 Pixel Stand wireless charging accessory that allows you to still use the Google Assistant. That means you can see the screen and speak to your phone from across the room, use your phone as a smarter alarm clock with details on the weather and your commute status and more. The phone can also double as a photo frame while it's wirelessly charging on the dock. The Pixel 3 will be available in three colors: pink (Google calls it "not pink"), black and white. Pre-orders are open now for $799 and it launches Oct. 18. Google Home Hub Google The Google Home Hub is like a Google Home, with a built-in speaker and Google's smart assistant. You can ask it to turn on the lights, lock the doors, what the weather is, how long it will take to get to work and just about anything else you'd normally want to know from Google. But, unlike a Google Home, it also has a built-in display that can show photos and more visual answers to your questions, like a snapshot of the traffic on your commute or the weather forecast. It's a lot like Amazon's Echo Show. Google Google also says Home Hub doubles as the world's "best photo frame." You can use it to show any album you've created, or that was shared with you, when it's idle. A feature called "live albums" lets you select people you want to see and then will only show you pictures of those people. It's automatically updated as you upload new pictures, too. Pre-orders start Tuesday and it costs $149. Google Pixel Slate The Google Pixel Slate Google The Pixel Slate succeeds last year's Pixelbook laptop but, instead of having a display that folds back behind the screen for a tablet experience, the Slate has a keyboard that can be detached from the screen. This allows it to serve more like an iPad Pro. It still runs ChromeOS, Google's laptop operating system that runs web apps and Android applications. Google Pixel Slate Google