The Pixel 3 is the latest smartphone from Google, following on from the success of last year's Pixel 2. There are a number of new features, many of which are of particular interest to photographers. Like the previous versions of the phone, the camera is at the heart of much of Google's marketing.

Google has announced the latest models in its Pixel range of smartphones: the

Scott and I have already written up our preliminary thoughts on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL , but now it's time to go a bit deeper into the phones that are front and centre of Google's idea of what Android on a phone should be.

About four weeks ago, I sold my first-generation Google Pixel after two years of extensive use and switched to the new Pixel 3. And the one question which refuses to leave my Twitter mentions or private conversations is well, " But why ".

The Google Pixel 3 smartphone is often acclaimed as "the best phone camera" thanks to its near-legendary software stack. Legend or reality, our Image Quality (IQ) analysis will shed more light into real-world camera performance.Learn more: what is our Camera IQ score

And, well, it has and hasn't. The Pixel 3 is but an incremental upgrade compared to the Pixel 2, a rather well-received handset, albeit one with a rather dated design. At the same time having the phone slipped into our hands we can't help but feel that warm 'oooh, this is nice' feeling all over...

It may not be a step change in performance, but this is an excellent Android phone nonetheless

The best Android experience; Excellent OLED screen; Superb camera

Average audio quality; No 3.5mm jack

The Google Pixel 3 can shoot incredible photos and videos, plus they leverage some pretty amazing AI and machine learning feature. Some of them you'll use. Some you won't.

The Google and Pixel 3 XL are strong follow-ups to last year's . Upon Google's initial announcement, the specifications and features of these phones didn't seem terribly impressive, in light of competing flagships based on the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor.

Great Design; Awesome Camera; Strong Performance; Clean; Android Pie

No Expandable Storage; Big Notch On The XL; New Navigation Elements May Take Getting Used To

When Google hardware chief Rick Osterloh introduced the Pixel 3 last week, he didn't utter the word "Android" a single time. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are Google phones. They swim in a sea of Google data and promise to use Google's machine learning to make everything better: photos, annoying spam...

Larger; better screen; Beautiful design; Excellent camera and wide angle selfie cam; Radically improved screen; Loud; clear front-facing speakers; Excellent camera and wide angle selfie cam

Largish top and bottom bezels; Easily scratched rear finish; Limited availability from US carriers and internationally; Doofy notch; Easily scratched rear finish; Limited availability from US carriers and internationally