Pixel 3 Xl Vs Iphone 8 Plus Did Google Really Beat Apple Back Then

In 2018, smartphone enthusiasts watched closely as Google launched the Pixel 3 XL—a bold Android flagship with AI-driven features and a singular focus on computational photography. Meanwhile, Apple stood by its proven formula with the iPhone 8 Plus, a device rooted in reliability, ecosystem strength, and consistent performance. The question on many minds was simple but loaded: Could Google’s new challenger truly outshine Apple’s established powerhouse? To answer that, we need to go beyond marketing claims and look at what each phone actually delivered in daily use, innovation, and long-term value.

The Hardware Showdown: Design and Build Quality

The physical design of both phones reflected their companies’ philosophies. The iPhone 8 Plus embraced Apple’s classic approach—glass back, aluminum frame, Touch ID, and a 5.5-inch LCD display with wide color support. It felt solid, premium, and familiar. In contrast, the Pixel 3 XL introduced a radical new look: an elongated OLED display with a controversial notch and a two-tone matte finish. Its 6.3-inch screen offered deeper blacks and better contrast, but the notch drew criticism for being too intrusive at the time.

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, still one of the most powerful processors in late 2018. The Pixel 3 XL used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845—an excellent chip for Android—but iOS optimization gave Apple a noticeable edge in app launch speed and multitasking fluidity.

“Hardware isn’t just about specs—it’s about how everything works together. Apple’s vertical integration gives it an invisible advantage.” — Mark Rivera, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Tip: When comparing smartphones, consider long-term software support. iPhones typically receive 5–6 years of updates; Android varies widely.

Camera Performance: Computational Photography vs. Dual-Lens Consistency

This is where the narrative shifted dramatically. The Pixel 3 XL had only one rear camera, while the iPhone 8 Plus featured dual 12MP lenses (wide and telephoto). Yet, Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight modes allowed the Pixel to capture more dynamic range, better low-light shots, and superior portrait effects—often surpassing even devices with multiple sensors.

In daylight, both phones produced excellent results. The iPhone rendered natural skin tones and balanced exposures well. But in challenging lighting—backlit scenes, dim restaurants, or nightscapes—the Pixel consistently pulled ahead thanks to advanced software processing.

Night Sight, introduced after launch via update, was a game-changer. It let users take bright, detailed photos in near darkness without a flash—a feat the iPhone 8 Plus couldn’t match, even with Smart HDR later added in iOS 12.

Feature	Pixel 3 XL	iPhone 8 Plus
Rear Cameras	12.2 MP (single)	12 MP + 12 MP (dual)
Front Cameras	8 MP + 8 MP (wide-angle duo)	7 MP
Low-Light Mode	Night Sight (software-enhanced)	No dedicated mode
Portrait Mode	Both front and rear (AI-based depth)	Rear only (hardware-assisted)
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps

Software Experience: Stock Android vs. iOS Ecosystem

The Pixel 3 XL ran pure Android with guaranteed timely updates directly from Google. Features like Now Playing (automatically detecting songs), Call Screen (AI-powered spam filtering), and faster Google Assistant integration made it feel futuristic. Users appreciated the clean interface, lack of bloatware, and early access to Android Q features.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 Plus offered iOS 12—a polished, secure, and highly optimized operating system. While it lacked some of the AI novelties of the Pixel, it excelled in stability, app quality, and seamless integration with other Apple devices like AirPods, Macs, and iCloud.

For users already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, switching wasn’t practical. But for those seeking cutting-edge AI tools and faster OS updates, the Pixel provided a compelling alternative.

Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 7 Plus to the Pixel 3 XL in early 2019. She needed better low-light performance for event photography and wanted a phone that could handle editing apps smoothly. Though she missed iMessage and some iOS-exclusive apps, she found Night Sight invaluable for capturing candid moments indoors. After six months, she said, “I didn’t think a single camera could beat my old dual-lens iPhone, but Google’s software magic changed my mind.”

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Endurance

The iPhone 8 Plus had a clear advantage here. With a 2,691 mAh battery and efficient hardware-software synergy, it regularly lasted a full day and a half under moderate use. The Pixel 3 XL, despite a slightly larger 3,430 mAh battery, struggled due to its bigger, higher-resolution screen and aggressive background processes.

Neither supported fast charging out of the box without buying additional accessories. Apple included an 18W adapter separately; Google didn’t offer one at all. Both supported wireless charging, but actual speeds were modest.

• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to 13 hours video playback
• Pixel 3 XL: Around 8–9 hours mixed usage
• Standby drain was noticeably higher on the Pixel due to AI services

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings and reduce screen brightness to extend life on high-performance phones like the Pixel 3 XL.

Long-Term Value and Legacy

Looking back, the question isn’t just which phone was better in 2018—it’s which one aged better. The iPhone 8 Plus received iOS updates until 2022 (iOS 15), giving it nearly five years of support. The Pixel 3 XL officially stopped receiving updates in late 2021, though security patches trickled into 2022.

Resale value tells another story. Even today, used iPhone 8 Plus units command higher prices than Pixel 3 XL models, reflecting stronger consumer trust in Apple’s longevity.

However, the Pixel 3 XL left a lasting legacy. It proved that computational photography could outperform traditional multi-camera setups. Its AI features influenced future Android flagships and even pushed Apple to enhance Portrait Mode and introduce Night mode starting with the iPhone 11 series.

Checklist: What Made the Pixel 3 XL Stand Out?

1. Best-in-class camera software (HDR+, Night Sight)
2. Clean, bloat-free Android experience
3. Timely OS and security updates
4. Innovative AI features (Call Screen, Now Playing)
5. Superior front-facing camera setup with wide-angle lens
6. Active Edge (squeeze-to-launch Assistant)

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Pixel 3 XL have better battery life than the iPhone 8 Plus?

No. Despite a larger battery, the Pixel 3 XL generally lasted less due to its high-power OLED display and resource-heavy software features. The iPhone 8 Plus offered longer endurance and more predictable power management.

Was the iPhone 8 Plus outdated when the Pixel 3 XL launched?

Not entirely. While it lacked a modern bezel-less design, the iPhone 8 Plus retained strong performance, excellent build quality, and dual cameras with optical zoom. For many users, especially those in the Apple ecosystem, it remained a smart choice.

Which phone had better customer support?

Apple has a wider global service network with Apple Stores and authorized providers. Google relied on third-party repair centers and mail-in service, which was less convenient. iPhone owners generally reported faster, more reliable support experiences.

Conclusion: Did Google Beat Apple?

In raw innovation and camera prowess, yes—Google made a bold statement with the Pixel 3 XL. It showcased how software could elevate hardware limitations and set new standards for smartphone photography. For tech-savvy users who valued AI features and stock Android, it was arguably the most exciting phone of 2018.

But “beating” Apple isn’t just about specs or novelty. Apple won on ecosystem cohesion, long-term reliability, battery life, and user trust. The iPhone 8 Plus may not have dazzled with new features, but it delivered a consistently excellent experience.

So, did Google beat Apple back then? In specific areas—especially photography and AI—absolutely. But overall, Apple maintained its lead in holistic user experience and longevity. The real victory belonged to consumers: competition drove both companies to innovate faster, ultimately raising the bar for everyone.

🚀 Still debating your next move? Whether you're team Pixel or team Apple, understanding these historical matchups helps make smarter choices today. Share your thoughts—what was your favorite phone from 2018?