Google Pixel 3 Vs Iphone 8 Was Upgrading Worth It Or Should I Stick With Apple

For years, iPhone users have enjoyed a seamless ecosystem, reliable updates, and consistent design. But in 2018, Google’s Pixel 3 emerged as a serious contender—offering pure Android, AI-powered photography, and timely security patches. For someone loyal to Apple, switching from an iPhone 8 to a Pixel 3 wasn’t just about hardware—it was a philosophical shift. Was the upgrade worth it? Or did the comfort of Apple’s ecosystem outweigh the Pixel’s innovations?

This article breaks down the real-world differences between the Google Pixel 3 and the iPhone 8, focusing on daily usability, long-term value, and personal experience. Whether you're considering a switch or just curious about how these two devices stack up, this comparison delivers honest insights based on actual use.

Performance and Daily Experience

The iPhone 8 runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a processor that, even years later, handles everyday tasks with ease. iOS remains smooth, responsive, and optimized for its hardware. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is fluid, and battery life is predictable. There’s no bloatware, and the interface feels intuitive after years of refinement.

The Pixel 3, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845, was top-tier at launch. On paper, it matches or exceeds the A11 in raw benchmarks. In practice, however, early versions of Android 9 Pie had occasional stutters, especially when navigating dense app drawers or using split-screen mode. Over time, Google refined the software, but the initial experience felt less polished than iOS.

One noticeable difference: haptic feedback. The iPhone 8’s Taptic Engine provides subtle, precise vibrations that enhance typing and navigation. The Pixel 3’s vibration motor, while functional, lacks the same sophistication. It’s a small detail—but one that impacts daily interaction.

Tip: If you’re switching from iPhone to Android, spend the first week customizing gestures and notification settings to match your habits.

Camera: Computational Photography vs Consistency

The camera is where the Pixel 3 truly shines. Despite having only a single rear lens (vs. dual on many competitors), Google leveraged machine learning to deliver exceptional photos. Features like Night Sight—introduced shortly after launch—allowed the Pixel 3 to capture usable low-light images long before most smartphones could.

In direct comparison, the iPhone 8 produces natural, balanced photos in daylight. Colors are accurate, dynamic range is strong, and skin tones are flattering. However, in dim lighting, the iPhone 8 struggles. Images become noisy, details blur, and flash often overexposes subjects.

The Pixel 3, on the other hand, uses HDR+ and multi-frame processing to brighten shadows, reduce noise, and preserve highlights. Even indoor shots without flash look dramatically better. Portrait mode is also more consistent, with fewer edge-detection errors than Apple’s implementation at the time.

“Google isn’t selling hardware—they’re selling software intelligence. The camera is their flagship feature.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer

Ecosystem Lock-In: Why Staying with Apple Might Be Smarter

Switching from iPhone to Android isn’t just about the phone—it’s about breaking free from an ecosystem. If you own AirPods, a MacBook, or an Apple Watch, the integration with iOS is seamless. Handoff, Instant Hotspot, iMessage, and iCloud sync create a frictionless experience that Android still can’t fully replicate.

On the Pixel 3, you gain access to Google Assistant (more conversational than Siri), Google Photos (unlimited high-quality backup at launch), and deeper integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Maps. But Bluetooth pairing with non-Pixel devices can be finicky, and features like Smart Lock (auto-unlock near trusted devices) never worked as reliably as Apple’s equivalent.

iMessage remains a major pain point. Once you leave the iPhone, blue bubbles turn green—and you lose read receipts, group chat stability, and Animoji. For users deeply embedded in Apple’s social fabric, this is a real cost.

Detailed Comparison Table: Pixel 3 vs iPhone 8

Feature	Google Pixel 3	iPhone 8
Operating System	Android 9 (upgradable to Android 12)	iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16)
Processor	Snapdragon 845	A11 Bionic
Rear Camera	12.2 MP, f/1.8, HDR+, Night Sight	12 MP, f/1.8, optical image stabilization
Front Camera	Dual 8 MP (wide + standard)	7 MP, f/2.2
Battery Life	2,915 mAh (average)	1,821 mAh (light usage)
Charging	USB-C, wireless (Qi)	Lightning, wireless (Qi)
Software Updates	Guaranteed 3 years (ended 2021)	5+ years (until 2023)
Ecosystem Integration	Google Assistant, Photos, Gmail	iCloud, iMessage, Continuity

Real-World Example: A Year of Switching

Jamie, a longtime iPhone user since the iPhone 5S, upgraded to the Pixel 3 in late 2018. Her goal was better photo quality and escape from Apple’s closed ecosystem. She praised the camera immediately—especially how well it handled her daughter’s indoor dance recitals. “I finally got clear shots without flash,” she said.

But within weeks, frustrations mounted. Her AirPods didn’t auto-switch between devices. iMessage contacts assumed she’d left the conversation when texts turned green. Google Photos occasionally mislabeled faces. After six months, she switched back to an iPhone XR.

“The Pixel took better pictures,” she admitted, “but I spent more time managing tech than using it. With the iPhone, everything just works.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Between Staying and Switching

1. Assess your current device’s condition. Is your iPhone 8 still performing well? If so, the urgency to upgrade diminishes.
2. List your must-have features. Do you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or ecosystem integration?
3. Test drive Android. Use a friend’s Android phone or visit a store to try Google Assistant, gestures, and notifications.
4. Check accessory compatibility. Will your headphones, smartwatch, or car system work seamlessly?
5. Simulate the switch. Temporarily move your primary email and calendar to a non-iCloud provider to gauge dependency on Apple services.
6. Make a trial run. Buy the new phone outright (not on contract) so you can return it if the transition fails.

Tip: Use Google’s \"Switch to Android\" app to transfer messages, contacts, and photos easily from iPhone to Pixel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 receive updates like the iPhone 8?

No—not in the long term. While the Pixel 3 received three years of OS updates (ending in 2021), the iPhone 8 received six years of support, lasting until iOS 16. Apple generally supports devices longer than Android OEMs.

Is the Pixel 3 camera really better than the iPhone 8?

In most conditions, yes—especially in low light and portrait mode. The Pixel’s computational photography compensates for hardware limitations. However, the iPhone 8 produces more natural color science and better video stabilization.

Should I stay with Apple if I already own other Apple products?

Likely, yes. The convenience of iMessage, AirDrop, Handoff, and iCloud sync creates tangible daily benefits. Switching means accepting trade-offs in connectivity and continuity.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For photography enthusiasts and those invested in Google’s services, the Pixel 3 offered compelling advantages over the iPhone 8. Its camera was ahead of its time, and the clean Android experience appealed to power users. However, the iPhone 8 delivered unmatched longevity, ecosystem cohesion, and polish in everyday use.

If you value reliability, long-term software support, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, sticking with Apple was—and still is—the smarter choice. But if you crave cutting-edge camera tech and don’t mind sacrificing some convenience, the Pixel 3 made a strong case for switching.

In the end, the decision isn’t about specs. It’s about what kind of experience you want: the predictable excellence of Apple or the innovative ambition of Google.

💬 Have you switched from iPhone to Pixel or vice versa? Share your experience and help others decide whether to stay loyal or take the leap.