Google bets heavily on artificial intelligence, presenting two smartphones with a high hardware-software optimization
The event in that of New York was planned for some time and, perhaps, Google, hoped that some details still remained to be revealed. Instead, between rumors and Asian vendors who anticipate the times, of Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL we knew almost everything well before their presentation and official launch.
This, however, does not mean that there were no surprises during the event Made by Google that was held on the morning of October 9 in New York. Along with the smartphones that try to steal the scene to the new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max were unveiled new accessories (the Pixel Stand, wireless charger, and custom covers, just to name a few examples), the Pixel Slate (first hybrid tablet with Chrome OS on board), the Home Hub (the artificial intelligence home assistant with monitor) and the third generation Chromecast.
The scene, however, was all (or almost) for the new smartphones made by Google. The data sheet of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, two of the most anticipated smartphones of this late 2018, is that of a high-end Android smartphone of the second half of the year to which are added, however, artificial intelligence features exclusive to Big G devices. Google Duplex, for example, evolves again and now answers the phone instead of the owner of the device in case calls arrive from unknown numbers. But that's just one of the many new features of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
Technical Features Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
On the data sheet front, as mentioned, the two Pixel 3s don't present any major new features compared to the direct competition. Both mount the SoC Snapdragon 845 supported by 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 or 128 gigabytes of storage. On the connectivity front, in addition to support for 4G LTE, we find a Bluetooth 5.0 chip and the various motion and geolocation sensors. The big news is the Titan M chip, a cybersecurity solution that should ensure personal data protection, memory encryption and operating system integrity directly "on board" the phone. Fast charging, on the other hand, will allow for up to 7 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
The photographic compartment has been slightly revised, with the introduction of a second sensor. Unlike direct competitors, however, Google decides to leave a single sensor at the back and add a wide-angle sensor at the front. This makes it possible to take group selfies without the need to use selfie sticks and other accessories.
Google has also made rather conservative choices when it comes to design. The two phones are very similar to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in both shape and size. The larger displays (6.3 inches vs. 6 inches for the XL models; 5.5 inches vs. 5 inches for the "standard" models) have been made possible by even thinner edges than the previous models.
Automechanical Intelligence for Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
If on a spec sheet level the differences between Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL and the other top of the line phones aren't too obvious, it's on the software front that Google engineers have managed to put their best foot forward. The customization of Android, especially if you analyze the many innovations at the level of artificial intelligence, has no equal in today's mobile phone sector. The already mentioned Google Duplex, in fact, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Despite mounting a single 12.2-megapixel photo sensor, Google aims to contend with Huawei and Apple for the scepter of the best photographic smartphone on the market. And to do so, it is betting everything on artificial intelligence algorithms. Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are equipped with High Definition Zoom, a computational technology used at the level of astronomical photography that allows you to enlarge the image without losing quality; the Best Shot mode, on the other hand, exploits AI to take photos in the right moment, so as to capture the best light and avoid photos with closed eyes or half-smiles; the Seize the Moment mode, instead, takes images autonomously, so that the photos have a more spontaneous and immediate look. The artificial intelligence "package" is completed by Google Assistant and Google Lens.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, prices and Italian release
For the first time since Google launched the Pixel series, the devices will be available from the start in our country and can be purchased directly from the Google Store. A novelty not to be underestimated for the many Italian fans of the devices of the Mountain View giant. The Google Pixel 3 costs 899 euros in the 64 GB version and 999 euros in the 128 GB version; the Pixel 3 XL costs 999 euros in the 64 gigabyte version and 1,099 euros in the 128 gigabyte version. The two devices will be bookable from 18:00 next October 9 and purchasable from November 2 on the Google Store.