Is Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 waterproof device ?

Google Pixel devices are one of the best smartphone devices you can get in today’s market. They house the best specifications and the best camera up to date. Recently, Google has announced two new Google Pixel devices this October 2018. The new Google Pixel device will be known as Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 depending on the screen size you choose.

Since Google Pixel series aren’t cheap and are not meant for budget segment buyers. They are the official smartphone from Google that supports the latest Android 11 Operating System. Furthermore, it is housing the best software and hardware features of the latest technology. So customers want to know whether the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will survive underwater or not. That is, either the new Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL are waterproof or not.

The good news is that the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL comes with certified IP68 ratings. This means that the device will survive an accidental splash or water spill conditions. However, to test the device to its extreme. We are going to perform a Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 waterproof test where we will find whether the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 can survive underwater or not.

Is Google Pixel and Pixel XL 3 waterproof device ?

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 Device Specs

Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL was announced in October 2018 which sports a 5.5-inch P-OLED display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. Google Pixel 3 is powered by an Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) with Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64/128GB of internal storage.

As far as the camera concerned, the device has a single-camera setup with 12.2MP primary sensors and a selfie camera with an 8MP + 8MP lens. Other connectivity option includes 4G, GPS, Glonass, Bluetooth, Mobile Hotspot, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. etc.

Both of these devices have similar hardware with differences in screen sizes. And since they are pixel devices, they support Pixel Android 11 Developer Preview as well.

Update: Install Android 11 Developer Preview on Google Pixel devices

 Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 waterproof test

Today we are going to perform Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 waterproof test. After the results of these tests, you will know whether these devices are completely waterproof or not. However, before starting with the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL waterproof test, let’s get to know some of the device specifications.

Features Google Pixel 3 Google Pixel 3 XL
Display 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1080 by 2160 pixels 6.63-inch display with a resolution of 1440 by 2960 pixels
Processor Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
RAM 4 GB RAM 4 GB RAM
Storage 64/128 GB available 64/128 GB available
Design/Build Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Rear Camera 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, OIS, dual pixel PDAF 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, OIS, dual pixel PDAF
Front Camera 8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm (ultrawide), no AF
8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm (ultrawide), no AF

According to the official site, Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL comes with official IP68 ratings. However, we will test it further with our Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL waterproof test. Both the devices are the same in terms of specifications except the screen size. So the results will apply to both the models, i.e. Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL.

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 Splash Proof Test

In Splash proof test, we will test the device to withstand an accidental water splash. This will tell us whether the device survives in such a condition. So when we subject Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 to artificial water splash, the device seems to work fine.

Touchscreen Working
Camera No damage
Splashproof Yes

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 Rainwater test

In this test, we are going to suspend the device in an artificial rain environment. This also mimics the showering conditions as well.

After testing Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 in artificial rain conditions, we observed that the device does not show any signs of damage.

Can you use the device in rainy conditions Yes
Can you use the device while taking a shower Yes
Any damage due to rain or water droplets No

Google Pixel 3 Washing Test

In this test, we are going to wash Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 with running tap water for 1 minute and check whether it survives or not. This will help us verify that this device is waterproof or not.

Also read: Is LG V40 ThinQ really a Waterproof device?

Camera Works perfectly
Speaker No
Water damage with hardware No

I/O Ports Water Test

In this test, we try to check whether the water will go inside Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 or not.

Power & volume rocker buttons Works
Any other I/O port damage None
Charging Point Works
Touchscreen No damage
Earpiece & Mic Works
Speaker Working fine

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 Dustproof Test

In this test, we will keep the device in a sandy environment with lots of grain and sand particles with a running fan around it. This situation mimics dust storms and will check how the device holds in such conditions.

Also read: Download Google Camera Port for Xiaomi Poco F1, Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S

Dust in speakers No
Dust inside the device No
Dustproof yes

Final Results

After performing multiple tests which include exposure to water and dust, we came to a conclusion that Google Pixel 3 is a waterproof device.

Disclaimer

The waterproof test results are purely based on individual/team observation. These tests will only give an idea of whether a device is waterproof or not. We recommend users not to try this test at home, as it might damage your device.

Official IP ratings (waterproof ratings) IP68
Splashproof test Passed
Rainwater test Passed
Washing test Passed
I/O ports test Passed
Dustproof test passed

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 waterproof Cases

No matter how hard you try to save your phone from liquid demand, there are some instances that you can lose your device in case of minor liquid damage as well. So here are some waterproof cases for Google Pixel 3 and Pixel XL 3 which will save your device form liquid damage.

Daily Waterproof Case For Google Pixel 3/ Xl

Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL are waterproof devices, but it won’t break a leg if you add some more waterproof protection to it using the daily waterproof case. It is shockproof and waterproof at the same time. So completely ideal for people who are into hiking, trekking, swimming, etc. The case is not very bulky and looks aesthetically appealing.

Buy Now from Aliexpress

Generic Waterproof Case for Google Pixel 3/ XL

The generic waterproof case is very popular as its ideal if you wish to take your device underwater. It works flawlessly and no water droplets or moisture can pass through. So in case you’re trying to go swimming or to the beach with your Google Pixel 3 / XL then you can take up this case.

Buy From Walmart

Conclusion

Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL is waterproof and dustproof on its own. However, nothing is truly waterproof as the waterproof seal inside Pixel devices can eventually wear off. So users are expected to take proper care of your devices. And in case you don’t want to take any chances, you can buy waterproof cases to bring a sense of security.

Comments

  1. Google Pixel XL 3 – I dropped it in a washing machine by mistake and when I removed my clothes it was there. and it works. I am impressed

  2. DO NOT ASSUME THAT YOUR PIXEL 3 IS ACTUALLY WATERPROOF. My brand new Pixel3 got a very brief sloshing in a bathroom sink and is now trashed. When contacted, Google claims that even though IP68 is in their published spec, they will not cover any damage that results from a phone that was manufactured with an improper seal. PUT YOUR PIXEL 3 IN A WATERPROOF CASE!

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