Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Release Date Breakdown

After a short wait, Google’s new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are finally official and pre-orders are shipping out. With the release date of October 18th here’s everything you need to know. This Pixel 3 launch breakdown will go over the release date, specs, pre-orders, pricing, colors choices, shipping info and more for potential buyers.

Read: Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3 XL: What to Know

On October 9th the search giant unveiled its successors to the Pixel 2 from last year. Two new phones truly made “inside and out” by Google as they now own HTC. Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL deliver big new screens, improved performance, Android 9 Pie, water resistance, dual front-facing stereo speakers, software smarts and one big notch.

Important Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL Release Details

• Available now for pre-order (click here)
• Pixel 3 Release Date: Available in Stores and Online Starting October 18th 
• Google Pixel 3 starts at $799 – Pixel 3 XL starts at $899
• Choose between three Pixel 3 Colors (Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink) in the US

Now that we’ve gone over the basics and highlighted some key facts, here’s everything else you’ll want to know.

Google Pixel 3 XL Release Date

First things first, when can you get Google’s new Pixel 3 XL smartphone? Well, rumors suggested an earlier release this year to compete with Samsung and Apple, but that’s not the case.

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be released on October 18th following a short pre-order period. That’s from Verizon and the Google Store.

Google once again partnered with Verizon Wireless. However, the unlocked model on the Google Play Store works everywhere, including T-Mobile and Project Fi, and begins shipping on October 18th also. Keep in mind that pre-orders ran out fast and if you order today from the Play Store the ship date is likely sometime in November. So far, we’re only seeing a short delay of only a few days.

Additionally, Google’s new phone hit several different regions around the globe from November 1st.

Google Pixel 3 Pre-Orders

As many Pixel and Nexus users probably know, Google’s phones always sell out or end up in short supply. We’re hoping that’s not the case, but you’ll want to pre-order the Pixel 3 anyways, just in case.

Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are available for pre-order immediately as of October 9th. Those end on the 18th and it’ll officially arrive online and in stores.

Where to Buy the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

While there were a lot of things we were hoping to see from the Pixel 3 this year, none of them came true. Sadly, the phone is still limited to Verizon Wireless. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are available exclusively from Verizon Wireless, or from the Google Store. Additionally, we expect retail sales at Best Buy, Walmart, and many other retail shops in the near future.

In the past, T-Mobile eventually offered the Pixel, and we could see something similar this year. However, as of right now the only option is the Google Store or Verizon Wireless. Along with various partners outside the United States. Plus, we’re assuming carriers like T-Mobile will offer Pixel 3 deals and discounts to steal customers from Verizon. We’ll update once we know more.

Google Pixel 3 Specs

Sporting a bigger, better, beautiful new 6.3-inch OLED display, the big Pixel 3 XL is far better than last years model. The screen is bigger, but that’s not all you can expect. Every aspect of these phones are better, even if they look nearly identical. Plus, the smaller Pixel 3 received some nice upgrades too.

One thing to keep in mind is you’ll get to choose between two different phones to get exactly what’s right for you.

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Specs 

• 5.5 and 6.3-inch Quad-HD AMOLED Displays
• 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Processor with 4GB of RAM (Same processor as S9, Note 9, less RAM)
• 64 and 128GB storage configurations, no microSD expansion
• Android 9 Pie
• Improved 12.3 Megapixel Rear AI Camera with f/1.7 aperture, tons of software tricks
• Dual 8MP Front-facing cameras for Portrait selfies, emoji and more
• Dual Front-Facing Boomsound Stereo Speakers 40% louder than before
• 2915mAh mAh and 3,450 mAh Battery with Fast and Wireless Charging
• IP68 Dust & Water Resistant
• USB Type-C, Google Assistant, Face Unlock technology, no 3.5mm headphone jack
• Type-C headphones in the box (vary by region) and more

Google Pixel 3 Colors

As we mentioned earlier, Google’s Pixel 3 and 3 XL come in three different colors — including one all-new color choice. You can get either phone in Black, White or Pink. However, Google is calling them ‘Just Black’, ‘Clearly White’ and ‘Not Pink’.

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Price

The new Google Pixel 3 and the bigger Pixel 3 XL have a price tag similar to other phones on the market. That said, they are a little cheaper than some, but the bigger 3 XL matches expensive devices like the Galaxy Note 9. Phones are simply too expensive these days. Here’s the full rundown:

• Pixel 3 64GB – $799 (or 128GB for $899)
• Pixel 3 XL 64GB – $899 (or 128GB for $999)

Just as expected, the phones start at $799 for the smaller variant and $899 for the bigger model. Then, you can get the Pixel 3 XL with 128GB of storage for an extra $100, coming in at $999. For what it’s worth, the 128GB Galaxy Note 9 is $999 too. These are expensive phones.

Plus, Verizon wants an extra $30 for no apparent reason. We’ll call it a “notch fee” for now. Order it through the Play Store, not a Verizon retail location or online and save $30.

Other Details

In closing, just know that you can pre-order the Google Pixel 3 or 3 XL starting today, and the phones release date around the globe starts on October 18th.

Additionally, Google announced a new Google Home Hub smart display, and a powerful new Pixel Slate running Chrome OS that looks quite impressive. The Home Hub is already on sale, too.

While Google’s new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL don’t look all that different from last year, or exciting, or even have dual cameras, these are great phones. It’s not just hardware that makes a great smartphone experience, it’s software too. That’s where Google shines. In fact, here are 10 cool things the Pixel 3 can do.

The Pixel 3 has some stunning new camera features, AI smarts, and gives everyone their own personal Google and a world-class camera. That’s on top of faster hardware, Android 9 Pie, and everything else that makes Pixel one of the best Android phones available. Stay tuned for more details, hands-on coverage, reviews and more.