Google on Monday rolled out the final update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The update, which was announced back in November, carries the latest February security patch and officially retires the devices from any further software support.

Both models had hit their official EOL back in October 2021 but Google was kind enough to provide an additional patch just as it did with the Pixel 2 series.

The update is actually the second after the Pixel 3 series’ hit the end of its guaranteed update period, with the first being a patch for the crucial Microsoft Teams emergency calling issue.

Google has confirmed to 9to5Google that the OTA is indeed the final release. The update is labeled “Feb 2022” and comes in two variants, with Australian carriers Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone getting their own version.

• Pixel 3 XL: Android 12 — SP1A.210812.016.B1 (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU), SP1A.210812.016.C1
• Pixel 3: Android 12 — SP1A.210812.016.B1 (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU), SP1A.210812.016.C1

The Google Pixel 3 XL was Google’s first attempt at an all-display front, although the result was a controversial notch paired with a huge chin. Design blunders aside, the flagship phone continued to impress with its camera capabilities and well-optimized, simplistic software.

The Google Pixel 3, on the other hand, went for a more traditional design and offered specs near-identical to its XL sibling save for the smaller battery and display with a lower pixel count.

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Google has recently released the January update for multiple Pixel devices which surprisingly includes the Pixel 3 and 3XL. However, the update is still on hold for Pixel 6 series devices which will receive multiple bug fixes later in January. So, let’s take a look at what the new update carries.

According to an official post made on Google’s support forums, The update is rolling out this week with build number SP1A.210812.016.A2. The update brings the January security patch and a whole host of bug fixes. The most notable fix mentioned in the changelog is that Google is finally getting rid of the bug that prevents users from making emergency calls when certain third-party apps are installed on their pixel devices.

One of these culprits is the Microsoft Teams app, for which the company recently has released a patch. However, Google is making changes on a firmware level to prevent this issue from happening again in the future.

Pixel 3a to Pixel 6 series devices also receive a bug fix that was causing an issue where phones would unlock by themselves after a missed call. Other than that, a whole host of fixes and changes have been made all across the board for multiple devices, which you can check by reading the complete changelog.

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Reports of Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices dying early deaths have been circulating for around a year. However, Google now appears to actually be doing something about it, as per multiple reports on Reddit.

Google’s ‘Advanced Hardware Support Team’ has likely been contacting some users (via: PiunikaWeb) that had earlier fruitlessly complained about their Google Pixel 3 series device getting bricked because of getting locked into EDL mode, saying that they are offering a replacement.

“A few days ago I received an email from the Advanced Hardware Support Team saying they wanted to offer me a replacement because they were needing to look at some of these devices. I quickly shipped out my bricked 3XL and they’re supposed to be sending me a replacement device, unsure what model it will be yet,” says one user.

The move is surprising considering Google Support was previously unhelpful for such cases due to expired warranties on most affected devices. It is unclear at the moment as to what model is being offered as a replacement, although most believe that it will be a refurbished Pixel 3 or 3 XL, judging from support’s usual behavior.

The reports from users being offered replacements are few at the moment, but we should hopefully be seeing more of it happening. After all, the problem seems to be occurring randomly, likely due to some hardware fault, with the users having nothing to do with it.

For the uninitiated, the Google Pixel 3 series EDL bricking issue is a fairly widespread one with reports about it still piling up on Google’s Issue Tracker, support forums, and Reddit for a year or so. All the affected say the same thing – their Pixel 3/3 XL shut down one fine day for no good reason and failed to ever power on again. Attempting to boot up the device results in it going into the Qualcomm recovery mode called ‘Emergency Download (EDL).’ The usual tricks to flash a fresh Android ROM are unhelpful because the bricked device stays put in the EDL mode and refuses to go into the regular fastboot mode.

Google had recently confirmed that it indeed is aware of the problem but said that it had “nothing to add” at the time. However, the California-based company now seems compelled to do something about the issue, probably because mishandling of the Pixel 3 series fiasco can translate to bad publicity, which can potentially impact Pixel 6 sales. Although, we hope that it is nothing but good intentions.

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Google unveiled the Google Pixel 3 series last year with Snapdragon 845 and well-optimized software. It hosts an impressive camera, a 6.3-inch display, and improved battery life than its predecessor. Despite enhanced specifications, its design is not well received by most of the users. The huge notch is a significant drawback on Pixel 3 XL causing various problems while using the device.

Fewer sales of Pixel 3 XL than the Pixel 2 series reportedly drove Google to think something out of the box. To avoid Pixel 3 XL like design backlash again, Max J from Samsung News reports that the company formed few teams to design for upcoming phones.

The newly formed three teams will independently design future phones. Each of these teams will have no communication with one another, and Google will prefer the best design for production. Google can freely choose the best design out of all the available options.

The new approach will be used while designing the upcoming Pixel 4 and 4 XL. Meanwhile, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are expected to follow Google’s primitive design strategy. The search giant formed the new approach after revealing the Q1 2019’s financial reports, mainly due to the weak demand of Pixel 3 devices.

You should take it as a pinch of salt as Google officially confirms nothing about the new design strategy.

Along with the design, Google also needs to invest in its distribution network. Google is underperforming in terms of availability of Pixel devices, it is available in 12 countries and that too from their online retail store. To excel in the hardware market, Google needs a revamped distribution strategy.

• Read More: Honor View 20 vs Oppo Find X vs Google Pixel 3: Specs Comparison

Google is working on affordable Pixel 3a series –  Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Both the devices are expected to carry Snapdragon mid-level chipsets with much RAM. According to rumors, the Pixel 3a series launch will take place on May 8th in India.

(via)

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By launching the P30 Pro, Huawei reinvented the world of mobile photography once again. The Chinese giant just cannot stop innovating and other manufacturers struggle at getting close to its amazing hardware innovation. Given that the P30 Pro is now Huawei’s most impressive flagship in the market, we think it is time to compare it with the other flagships from the other brands. After comparing it to the iPhone Xs Max and Samsung Galaxy S10+, here is another comparison against the Google Pixel 3 XL and the new Sony Xperia 1.

Huawei P30 Pro vs Google Pixel 3 XL vs Sony Xperia 1

Design

Despite Sony Xperia 1 comes with a very innovative form factor, I love the Huawei P30 Pro because of its better bezels optimization and its stunning reflective glass back available in gradient hues. It comes with almost 90 percent of screen-to-body ratio and it is fully waterproof (it can go up to 2 meters deep for 30 minutes). Right after, there is Sony Xperia 1 with its very tall 21:9 aspect ratio and Gorilla Glass 6 protecting both the front and rear glass. I do not like the notch of the Google Pixel 3 XL so much because of its size, but it is still a beautiful and original device, and note that it houses front-facing stereo speakers.

Display

Sony Xperia 1 is equipped with the world’s first 4K OLED display ever seen on a smartphone. Its level of detail is so huge that you will probably notice the difference with lower resolution only in a VR environment. It takes several technologies from Sony’s Bravia TVs to improve the color reproduction and it is also HDR compliant. The second place goes to the Google Pixel 3 XL that is another device with an OLED display and it has a high 2K resolution as well as the HDR certification. Due to its lower resolution and less satisfying color reproduction, Huawei P30 Pro cannot compete with its opponents.

Hardware/Software

The smartphone with the most powerful chipset is the Sony Xperia 1 which comes with the Snapdragon 855 by Qualcomm, paired with 6 GB of RAM. But Huawei P30 Pro looks more interesting because it comes with more RAM and a lot more internal storage in its most expensive variant (up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal storage that you can furtherly expand with a micro SD). Given that the Google Pixel 3 XL comes with an old-gen Snapdragon 845 chipset it loses the comparison, but note that it gets updated faster and more constantly with new Android versions and security patches as it is a Google’s phone.

Camera

Not only Huawei P30 Pro wins the camera comparison against the Google Pixel 3 XL and Sony Xperia 1, but it is also the most impressive camera phone in the whole smartphones market. It boasts a quad camera setup including a 40 MP sensor which replaces the green color in the RGB paradigma with yellow in order to capture a lot more light. The first camera samples showed that Huawei P30 Pro in normal mode is able to capture more light and to shoot better photos in low light conditions than Google Pixel 3 XL with its advanced Night Sight mode. Sony Xperia 1 is still an awesome camera phone, but Huawei P30 Pro is way superior.

Battery

With its mammoth 4200 mAh battery, Huawei P30 Pro wins the battery comparison. It is also the only to support reverse wireless charging, so it can be used as a power bank to charge other devices wirelessly.

Price

Huawei P30 Pro hitten the shelves with an €880/$986 price tag, Sony Xperia 1 will cost about €1000/$1120 and Google Pixel 3 XL has a listing price of €960/$1075. At the end of the day, Huawei P30 Pro turns out to be a better device due to its higher camera potentialities, awesome hardware, and way bigger battery.

• Read More: Sony Xperia 5G prototype smartphone showcased at MWC 2019

Huawei P30 Pro vs Google Pixel 3 XL vs Sony Xperia 1: PRO and CONS

Huawei P30 Pro

PROS

• Amazing cameras
• Bigger battery
• Reverse wireless charging
• Better design

CONS

• Worse display

Google Pixel 3 XL

PROS

• Fast updates
• Amazing front cameras
• Good display
• Stereo speakers

CONS

• No expansion slot

Sony Xperia 1

PROS

• Amazing display
• Taller aspect ratio
• Great performances
• Stereo speakers

CONS

• Smaller battery

Buy Links: Get Huawei P30 Pro on Giztop, GeekBuying

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The latest Android distribution chart released by Google as at October 26 is yet to have the latest Android Pie onboard as the usage level is still below 0.1%. Interestingly, a new Google Pixel 3 XL listing on GeekBench shows the device rocking Android Q. Following Google’s naming sequence, it is safe to assume that Android Q is Google’s next-gen Android version which would be released next year.

The GeekBech listing goes to show that an Alpha version of the Android version is already in development and we expect things to get pretty busy in the rumour mill in the coming months. However, there just a few details of the next Android version like it will be Project Treble compliant. Google also disclosed recently that devices which shipped with Android Pe would be on the faster upgrade platform. In addition, the AOSP source code is fixed so developers can prepare in advance for any future operating system updates.

Read Also: Alleged Google Pixel 3 Lite camera samples appear to reveal photography prowess

Further, the Geekbench listing also underscores the priority Google gives its models in pushing new Android updates. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL were launched with the latest Android 9.0 Pie onboard whose actual rollout happening in October. The Pixel 3 models will also definitely be among the early birds to get updates to Android Q whenever it starts rolling out.

(source)

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The notch on the Google Pixel 3 XL smartphone is one of the most derided feature and if that was not enough, some users of the phone are having issues with a bug that adds an additional notch on the right side of the display.

The second notch is a software-related issue and is completely unrelated to the real, physical notch on the screen which houses the front-facing cameras and other sensors. Some users who faced this issue were able to revert the phone to the correct format by restarting it.

However, Google has acknowledged this issue. It said that the company is aware of this highly anomalous behavior and also added that it will be fixed through an upcoming software update.

The Google Pixel 3 XL, launched earlier this month, features a 6.3-inch display with 1440 x 2960 pixels screen resolution and aspect ratio of 18.5:9. There’s support for HDR and a Boosted Mode which adds 10 percent more colors to sRGB.

Under the hood, it is powered by Qualcomm‘s flagship Snapdragon 845 chipset clocked at 2.5GHz. There’s a dedicated security chip – the Titan M, which keeps the OS and your passwords secure. The phone packs 4GB of RAM and comes in 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

There’s a 12.2MP camera sensor on the back with a f/1.8 aperture and a 1.4um pixel size. On the front side, there are two 8MP sensors. One is a 97-degree wide-angle f/2.2 sensor and the other is a standard f/1.8 sensor.

• Read More: Google registers a new type of independent Stylus patent for cross platform data portability

The Google Pixel 3 XL is priced at $899/€949 for the 64GB internal storage model and $999/€1049 for the 128GB storage model. In some other European countries, the phone is priced a bit more expensive.

(Source)

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Google recently launched its third-generation of Pixel series smartphones — Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Unlike the previous generation models, the new-generation phones come with the back panel made up of glass.

With the introduction of the glass back panel, the company was able to introduce support for wireless charging. However, what concerns the most people related to the glass panel is the durability.

Thanks to Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything YouTube channel, we now know what happens when the Pixel 3-series phone goes through a round of torture tests. From the video, we can see that the device stands up to almost everything what was thrown at it, thanks to the Gorilla Glass 5.

While the glass is durable, the device easily left permanent damage and markings on the frosted/matte glass portion of the Pixel 3 XL phone. Rubbing materials like coins on the back of the phone leaves marks that could be rubbed off, but keys and other such sharp or semi-sharp objects left deep gouges that are permanent.

The phone’s aluminium edges are covered in a plastic-like coating and could easily be scrapped away by applying some force. But, it seems that the fingerprint sensor’s functionality does not get affected even with a few scratches on it.

As for the burn test, the screen of the Pixel 3 XL withstood an open flame for about 30 seconds before the pixels became completely dead, which recovered soon after. It appears that the phone had no flex-related issues and also passed the bend test, without any cracks.

Read More: Google registers a new type of independent Stylus patent for cross platform data portability

So, if you’re someone who likes to keep their devices looking as good as they did on the first day of purchase, you should consider using a phone case or a skin on the phone.

(Source)

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Google‘s #madebygoogle event is already upon us as it would commence on Tuesday (October 9) at 11 am ET (8 am PT, 15:00 GMT). The main highlight of the event will no doubt be the unveiling of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Before now, the renders of the models have made several appearances, some coming officially from Google. The notch on the display is the biggest feature of the model as it differentiates its design entirely from that of its predecessor.

Apart from the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google is rumoured to have got a Pixel Ultra in the works. The device is said to feature a large, notch-less and edge-to-edge display. There is also talks of a Pixel Mini with a smaller size. The device was reportedly spotted on GFXBench recently, code-named Bonito. Other smart home products will also likely be unveiled.

Read Also: Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL official pictures and key details leaked

In case you are interested to watch the event live, there are several channels to follow the live stream.  The event will be streamed live from New York on the Made by Google Instagram page (@madebygoogle). The Livestream can also be viewed on the Made by Google YouTube channel. Once again, the event kicks off at 11 am ET (8 am ET, 15:00 GMT) on Tuesday (October 9).

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Google is hosting a madebyGoogle event in New York City on October 9. The search giant is coming with its in-house made new Pixel 3 series devices and rumored Home Hub. All these devices have been in the news from the past few months via leaks and rumors. Today, we have received another live render of the Pixel 3 XL in white color with a mint colored power button.

This time, a Twitter user @IshanAgarwal has posted a high-quality Pixel 3X photos bringing us a detailed look at the device. It seems Pixel 3 XL will bring display notch as like most of the Android devices out now. It also packs a fingerprint on the backside ending rumors regarding the on-screen fingerprint sensor. Further, we can see a single camera shooter with a LED flash on the rear side of the device. Its backside features a frosted glass back with a plastic button of mint color on the sides of Pixel 3 XL.

As per the leaker, IshanAggarwal, it will carry a SIM tray located on the bottom of the device. Google has also amended the UI of the camera app with a refined Google Assistant prompt. The leaker also confirms that Google hasn’t introduced any 4K 60 fps (frames per second) video recording feature. Several other software features have been touted in leaks, but they aren’t present in the device. Well, we think it’s a development ROM, and stable ROM might have it, or these features can be turned on via an OTA update later in the future.

Google Pixel 3 XL Specs

Additionally, according to leaks, Google Pixel 3 XL will carry a 12.2-megapixel camera on the rear side. There will be a dual front-facing camera with 8-megapixel sensor, f/1.8 aperture and another wide angle lens which may be used for improving facial recognition. It will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 having 4/6 GB of RAM with variable internal storage. The latest unboxing video of the Pixel 3 XL confirms that it will pack USB-C Pixel earbuds, a USB-C ‘Quick Switch Adaptor, and a USB-C to headphone socket adaptor. Further, there will be a 6.7 inch 2960×1440 OLED screen with a 3450 mAh battery and a single USB-C port.

• Read More: Google Pixel 3 pink color variant spotted in website’s source code

As per leaks, the expected price of the handset will start at $899. Google has confirmed that it will launch its Pixel 3 series on October 9, with events scheduled in New York and London.

(Source)

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Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to be the first smartphones that would run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. The models have already appeared severally in leaks and that isn’t likely to end until Google official lift the veil covering the models on October 9. Before that happens, the Pixel 3 XL live photo has once again appeared online and this time around it is a black coloured variant.

The model was reportedly spotted by an unnamed drive for Lyft, a ridesharing outfit, at the back of his car not long after dropping off some passengers. This is likely a pre-production unit and could be different from the final launch units but with the rate at wish the next-gen Google Pixel models have appeared in leaked photos and videos, we doubt if there is much surprise on the design aspect. The present leaked unit is similar to the ones we have seen in the past but the smartphone appears to have a transparent protective cover on. It retains the wide notch at the top as well as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The device also comes with a single rear camera which is all but confirmed.

Read Also: Google Pixel 3 XL unboxing video, hands-on images leaked

The Pixel 3 XL is expected to pack a 6.2-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels and 494ppi while the Pixel 3 will have a 5.5-inch display. Both models will be powered by a Snapdragon 845 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM. At the rear, there is a single 12MP sensor while selfies are taken care of by an 8MP shooter. The device will also get its juice from a 3,430mAh battery.

(source)

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Google Pixel 3 XL was recently the subject of a leaked unboxing video which appeared online recently. The device has again appeared in a video preview which not only shows the design but also the Android Pie interface. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to be the first smartphones that would run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. Interestingly, the video preview comes courtesy of the same Telegram channel of a Russian tech blogger as the first leaked unboxing video. The video has, however, been uploaded to YouTube and you can find it below.

The video showcases a white coloured model and of course, we can clearly make out the notch design which has somewhat become a trend, an unpopular one at that. The video also shows some of the specs of the Pixel 3 XL, among which is a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels and 494ppi. This suggests a display in the region of around 6.7 inches based on calculations. At the rear, there is a single 12MP sensor while selfies are taken care of by an 8MP shooter. 

Read Also: Exclusive: Google Pixel 3 XL casing gives us another peek at the design

Further, the Pixel 3 XL is listed with a Snapdragon 845 chipset as well as 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The device will get its juice from a 3,430mAH battery which is quite small but the device would be optimised for power efficiency. The video also showed a demonstration of the Always-on display feature which was unveiled with Android Pie. The tipster did indicate that the Pixel 3 XL model is a pre-launch version, so don’t be surprised if some of the hardware and features are different when the Pixel 3 XL is finally launched.

(source)

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Google is obviously working on the next-gen Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Both models are expected to launch in a couple of months from now but we recently spotted the tempered glass screen for both the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. This is in addition to a few renders of the models which were created by fans. Phonearena has now joined the fray of creators of Pixel3 and Pixel 3 XL renders with its ten cents. The U.S blog issued a disclaimer that the renders were “based on preliminary information about the respective device(s), such as, but not limited to, factory CAD blueprints and live photos of the device(s), or accessories thereof. As such, the images found herein may not be fully representative of the final design of the device(s) “.

Now, lets closely analyse the renders which only capture the front designs of both models. The design seems to have been crafted from the leaked tempered glass protectors which hinted at where the sensors and front camera will be located. If we are to go by these designs, it means the Pixel 3 XL will feature a notch on its display, while the smaller model will have proper top and bottom bezels but trimmed down when compared with that of the Pixel 2. 

Read More: Google Pixel 3 Makes First Appearance in AOSP, Hints At Improved Networking

The models are also going to pack front stereo speakers if the renders are to be believed. Unfortunately, we still can’t tell if the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL will finally join the dual camera trend sweeping through the industry since the rear design is still unknown. However, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL renders seem to suggest the presence of dual selfie shooters. Since the renders are based on the tempered glass protector which leaked on China’s Weibo, it could as well be fake. So, take this with a pinch of salt.

(source)

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