[Update: Google will push a ‘final, sunset update’ to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL] It’s the end of the road for Google’s Pixel 3 and 3 XL

November 3, 2021

[Update: Google will push a 'final, sunset update' to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL] It's the end of the road for Google's Pixel 3 and 3 XL 4

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While everyone is in rapture about Google's newly launched Pixel 6 series, today marks the end of the software support cycle for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL that launched back in 2018. The Pixel 3 XL was known for its oversized notch that looked like an unhappy robot face, and while hiding it was an option, doing so meant losing a chunk of the display's viewing area.

Updated November 3rd: Don't go throwing your Pixel 3 or 3 XL in the bin just yet, Google has confirmed to Droid Life that it plans to release a “final, sunset update” to the series sometime in the first quarter of 2022. If this final update is anything like the sunset update for the Pixel 2 series it should bring with it a bunch of bug fixes for Android 12 to leave the Pixel 3 and 3 XL running smoothly.

We aren't here to rehash the Pixel 3 XL review or to dump on it as it leaves the warm clutches of Google's software support, though. Instead, this is a heads-up to those users still rocking the Pixel 3 and 3 XL to inform them of the cessation of security patches and software updates for their devices. Android 13 is not on the roadmap for the Pixel 3 series at this time which means it's probably time to upgrade to a new handset if you are able to do so.

[Update: Google will push a 'final, sunset update' to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL] It's the end of the road for Google's Pixel 3 and 3 XL 8 — Pixel 6

Having had the Pixel 6 Pro in my hands for the past few days, I can confidently say that it's the best Pixel smartphone and certainly the most cohesive Pixel that I've ever used. The bigger battery, speedier charging, modern rear camera setup, and affordable pricing make Google's Pixel 6 series easy to recommend, although I do miss face unlock and the fussy in-display fingerprint reader is painful at times.

Let us know if you plan on upgrading from the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL in the comments below and don't forget to say which phone you are looking at.

Peter Holden Author

With over a decade's experience covering the world of Android and having reviewed more devices than he can count, Peter is excited about where the world of tech is heading. He is currently packing the Oppo Find X9 Pro.