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The newly launched pair of Pixel 3 devices is confirmed to receive Android and security updates through October 2021. This piece of information was shared on a Google support page that was recently updated to include the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL. Both the Google flagships come pre-installed with the latest Android 9 Pie and will be eligible for Android S version that should release by mid-2021 if the Mountain View-based company continues with its current naming scheme and release schedule. Furthermore, Google also intends to provide telephone or online support for the third-generation Pixel devices for up to three years from now. Notably, these timelines are mentioned to be minimum periods for each service and Google may choose to extend them if need be, though that isn’t guaranteed.
Last year’s Pixel 2 series was the first from the company to come backed by a three-year guarantee of Android updates, up from two years offered with the original Pixel and Pixel XL. For the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, the support period is ending a year before the Pixel 3, i.e. in October of 2020. In addition, Pixel 3 owners will be eligible for several other perks such as unlimited storage for full-resolution photos through Google Photos until January 31, 2022, and a six-month complimentary subscription to YouTube Music Premium. A redesigned and improved camera app along with native support for Google Lens is also included, and so is a new set of AR Stickers and related functionalities that will now be rebranded as Playground.
When it comes to its internals, the Pixel 3 series comes equipped with Qualcomm’s current top-end chipset, the Snapdragon 845, along with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of flash memory. The larger Pixel 3 XL differentiates itself with a notched display that measures 6.3 inches from corner to corner, while the Pixel 3 features a smaller 5.5-inch display without a cutout at the top. Google has now placed a glass panel on the back that still retains the dual-tone finish from the previous-gen Pixels, having consequently presented wireless charging capabilities, a first for the Pixel lineup. The Google Pixel 3 series starts at $799 in the U.S. for the unlocked variants and will begin shipping next Wednesday.