Pixel 3 preorders: Google officially unveils its Pixel 3 flagship smartphone for preorder

The Google Pixel 3 is finally official. And despite attempts by Google to throw everyone off the scent by suggesting it was all an elaborate double-bluff, the Pixel 3 is pretty much exactly as we expected. And it’s available to preorder – so if you want to get your hands on one of these brand-new handsets, now’s your chance. Take a look at contract details from the major networks below – being honest, none of them strike us particular bargains. But there’s some variety in hefty upfront costs versus heftier monthly prices, so you’ll certainly find some flexibility depending on what works best for your finances.

Google Pixel 3 preorders

• O2 – 20GB data, £20 upfront, £50/mth for 36 months, total cost: £1,820 (introductory offer includes 20GB of data at the price of 15GB, and 40% savings on cinema tickets for 2 years) – Get it here
• EE – 60GB data, £10 upfront, £58/mth for 36 months, total cost: £2,098 (introductory offer includes 60GB data for the price of 20GB) – Get it here
• Carphone Warehouse (with iD) – 1GB data, £300 upfront, £29/mth for 24 months, total cost: £996 – Get it here
• Three – Unlimited data, upfront cost £99, £48/mth for 24 months, total cost: £1,251 – Get it here from 11 October
• Mobiles.co.uk (with O2) – 15GB data, £175 upfront, £34/mth for 24 months, total cost: £991 – Get it here

Google Pixel 3 specs and features: What’s special?

That means a 2,160 x 1,080 5.5in device (up half an inch from the Pixel 2) powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor and 4GB of RAM. The 2,915mAh battery should be good for 11 hours, Google reckons.

Unlike its big brother, the Pixel 3 XL, there is no notch. Both phones stick with a 12.2-megapixel dual-pixel camera on the back, with an f/1.8 aperture. As ever, Google is making quite a big deal about the smarts of its camera technology, with low-light mode using AI to brighten shots without the need for flash, and an intelligent function where you can tap a moving target to ensure they remain the focus of the shot. Good for pet photographers everywhere.

Preorder now from Carphone Warehouse

On the front, it’s a different story, with two 8-megapixel front-facing snappers. Why? Well, one is designed to give a wider field of view, to allow for more people in your selfie. Google says it allows for selfies that take in 184% more of the scene than the iPhone Xs.

Elsewhere, the Pixel 3 welcomes back wireless charging for the first time in a Google phone since the Nexus 6 in 2014. To get the most out of this, Google also unveiled the Pixel Stand as an optional accessory. Not only will this charge the handset, but it’ll also turn the phone into a cut-down version of the Google Home Hub, which was also unveiled. Elevator pitch for that is that it’s Google’s version of the Amazon Echo Show, but you can read more about it here.

Otherwise, the main changes are all software-based. First of all, it comes with Android 9 Pie out of the box, with all the improvements that suggests. The standard selection of navigation buttons – back, home and menu – have been ditched, in favour of gesture navigation.

Elsewhere, the phone introduces a feature where Google Assistant can automatically screen spam phone calls. When it detects a suspicious call, it will answer on your behalf, and then provide a transcription of what was said for you, so you can decide whether you need to call back.

Google Pixel 3 UK release date: When will it launch?

The Google Pixel 3 is available to preorder now on the Google Store in three colours: ‘Just Black’, ‘Clearly White’ and ‘Not Pink.’ While no release date is given, adding them to the basket gives a delivery time of 3-4 weeks, so we’re looking at an early November launch, by the looks of things.

Preorder now from Carphone Warehouse

Google Pixel 3 UK price: How much will it cost?

The Google Pixel 3 starts at £739 for the 64GB model, moving up to £839 for the 128GB model. Given there’s no microSD slot, it’s important to make sure you don’t scrimp here if you need more space.

The optional Pixel Stand – the extra charger that turns your Pixel 3 into a makeshift Google Home Hub – will set you back £69.