Heres why the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are Googles most expensive phones ever

With a price of $799, Google’s Pixel 3 is $150 more expensive than the Pixel 2 was at launch. The 3 XL, at $899, is $50 pricier than last year’s bigger model. These aren’t the most expensive smartphones out there — Apple and Samsung go way higher — but it’s a price bump that many people are disappointed by, particularly when some Android phone makers like OnePlus are offering several pieces of the Pixel 3’s core hardware in products that cost significantly less.

Now, specs aren’t everything. The Pixel 3 will feature a spectacular camera and, like its predecessors, will get Android updates first. Google will support it with updates for three years after release, which is a longer commitment to new features and security patches than many of its Android partners will manage. (Hi, Samsung.)

Here are some areas where Google made hardware improvements and upgrades:

There’s also still unlimited photo storage — just like the Pixel 2 got. Pixel 3 buyers will be able to upload their images and videos to Google Photos at original quality / resolution until January 31st, 2022. That doesn’t really explain a higher price for the 3, but it’s still a super convenient thing to have.

But there are also areas where it seems like Google is very happy to stay put and not push itself:

Let’s take a quick look at how much many of today’s high-range and midrange devices will cost you and where the Pixel 3 lands:

iPhone XS Max $1,099 64GB / $1,249 256GB / $1,449 512GB
iPhone XS $999 64GB / $1,149 256GB / $1,349 512GB
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 $999 128GB / $1,249 512GB
LG V40 ThinQ: $900 - $980 64GB
Pixel 3 XL $899 64GB / $999 128GB
Pixel 3 $799 64GB / $899 128GB
iPhone XR $749 64GB / $799 128GB / $899 256GB
LG G7 $749 64GB
Samsung Galaxy S9 $719 64GB / $769 128GB / $839 256GB
BlackBerry Key2 $649 64GB
OnePlus 6 $529 64GB / $579 128GB / $629 256GB
Essential Phone $339 128GB
Nokia 6.1 $269 32GB
Moto G6 $249 32GB

Are the Pixel 3’s new features and improved hardware enough for you to upgrade? Do they justify the uptick in price in your mind? Or, even if the screens are better, are you sticking with your Pixel 2 (or even the original) because there’s not enough new to convince you to preorder?

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