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Best Google Pixel 3 Deals for March 2020

PCMag rounds up all the best contract and SIM-free deals for Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL, alongside the more budget friendly Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

Looking for the best Google Pixel 3 deals? Then you’ve come to the right place. The Google Pixel 3 ships with one of the best camera phones on the market (only topped by the glorious Huawei P30 Pro).

Google Pixel 3 deals are a great alternative to the big three from Samsung, Apple, and Huawei, and you can still get a number of impressive specs packed into these devices.

Android fans will rejoice to see these great prices, and specs of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, both of which pack top-of-line specs and an excellent camera.

The Pixel 3 tends to see plenty of cheap tariff deals and can be bought for less than £600 over two years if you’re so inclined. With the Pixel 4 potentially on the horizon, alongside the new mid-range Pixel 3a, the Google Pixel 3 is a hot device for cheap deals.

This handy guide will present all the best deals on these magnificent devices, alongside a great selection of SIM-free deals if you're so inclined to buy the Google Pixel 3 SIM-free. If you're put off buy the price of the Pixel 3, you should also consider the more affordable version of the handset, the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL.

Compare the best Google Pixel 3 deals using our list below, or use PCMag's Pixel 3 comparison tool.

Best Pixel 3 Deals

The Pixel 3 is a modern and gleaming smartphone with its glass back and solid matte finish across the rest of the device. The camera functionality of the Pixel is one of its best features as it sports two front-facing 8MP cameras, once of which is designed for wide-angle selfies, meaning groups photos can be achieved without cutting people out of the picture.

The Pixel 3 can be praised for its fast performance, sharp camera capabilities, and advanced AI functionality. If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish smartphone, the Pixel 3 should definitely be on your radar.


One of the most affordable deals on the Google Pixel 3 out there right now. Sky mobile continues to break new ground with cheap contracts. there is a 36 month commitment, but Sky will let you upgrade with two years. (Sky Mobile, 36 Month Contract)

Get this deal on Sky Mobile


Best Pixel 3 XL deals

The big brother to the Pixel 3 can offer an even bigger screen size and a sharp QLED screen. There’s not a lot of difference when it comes down to hardware between the 3 and the 3 XL - so there’s only really the size and the look to consider when making a purchase.

The Pixel 3 XL is the same size as Apple iPhone XS Max, but it is slightly lighter. While it is also smaller than the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, meaning it hasn’t entered full phablet territory just yet. Another notable difference between the 3 and 3XL is the notch in the screen for the larger model.


This low cost package from Sky Mobile is a great deal and well worth considering if you don't need any more than 5GB data per month. Sky runs with a 30 month contract, but will let you upgrade after two years. (Sky Mobile, 30 Month Contract)

Get the deal from directly Sky Mobile.


Best of the Rest

Best Google Pixel 3a Deals

The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL are seriously impressive when it comes to budget smartphones. These affordable devices can pack a huge punch and include that brilliant Google camera quality, alongside some equally as impressive hardware for such a budget device.

Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL deals are brilliant to come across, as the already cheap handsets can become even cheaper.


  • £24 p/m, 5GB data, FREE upfront cost, £96 cashback

If you were considering the Google Pixel 3 simply because of its powerful camera, but was put off by its price tag, the 3a is much more competitively priced.

This is a great deal to consider, and you monthly costs effectively drop to £20 after cashback. When it comes to cheap phone deals, this is up there with the best. (Vodafone, 24 Month Contract)

Get the deal from Mobiles.co.uk


Best of the Rest

Best Pixel 3a XL Deals

As always, the XL is worth considering if you want a little extra screen size on your handset. The battery size is the other big difference between the XL and its younger sibling.


  • £43 p/m, 50GB data, FREE upfront cost

This deal comes packed with a brilliant £300 in cashback, effectively bringing the monthly cost down to only £28.50. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Get the deal from Affordable Mobiles


Best of the Rest

Can I keep my mobile phone number when I change contracts?


It’s incredibly easy to switch your phone number over to a new device. All you need is a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old network.

Recent regulations from Ofcom now mean you can switch providers without having to call up your old network!

All it takes is one text, here are the relevant steps:

  1. If you want to switch and keep your existing phone number text "PAC" to 65075 to begin the process
  2. Your existing provider will respond by text within a minute
  3. You will then receive the switching code (PAC), which will be valid for 30 days
  4. All provider's reply must also include important information about any early termination charges or pay-as-you-go credit balances

Your PAC code can be handed to new provider, and the company must arrange for the switch to complete within one working day

One in six people want to keep their mobile number when they switch. For those who don't, you can text "STAC" to 75075 to request a "service termination authorisation code"

Which phone network is the best?


Every network has its own benefits, but there isn’t really a wrong choice when it comes to picking. All the networks have their own set of advantages, so here’s some to take note of when buying your next phone.

EE

  • Great 4G and 5G speeds
  • Free BT Sport
  • Free Apple Music

O2

  • Priority rewards (2-4-1 dinners, free coffee, and more)
  • WiFi hot-spot access

Vodafone

  • Data coverage abroad
  • Red Entertainment deals
  • Unlimited 5G Network

Three

  • Unlimited data packages
  • 4G calls and texts
  • London Underground WiFi coverage

What about 5G?


PCMag has a dedicated article that will give you all the relevant information on 5G, but here’s the jist:

The United Kingdom now has its first 5G network. At the end of May, EE, one of the four major providers, launched 5G in six major cities across three countries: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Vodafone is soon to follow, with its 5G network going live on July 3, and Three and O2 will have their own options by the end of the year.

A number of smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, LG, and Oppo are also supporting the new wireless technology.

Should I get a contract or a SIM-free phone?


In the UK, the most popular option is to pay for your phone paying through a contract. These allow you to pay for both your device and SIM in one package and benefits those who don’t want to pay-out a massive sum when they get a new phone.

The other option is to buy a phone outright, and then buying the SIM separately. This isn't as popular, but it can come with a number of benefits, if you can afford the handset.

There’s plenty of freedom when it comes to your data plan and going SIM-free is cheaper in the long run. Although, that initial upfront payment does tend to put most people off.

What data plan should I get?


  • 1-2GB - In 2019, you're probably going to need at least 1GB on your plan. Most providers will offer this at a reasonable price, and it will allow for plenty of messaging, mapping, and emailing services on the go.
  • 3-5GB - If you find yourself scrolling through social media in your spare time, we’d suggest opting for the 2-3GB mark.
  • 6-9GB - The occasional YouTube video or music streaming session won't be a problem with this bracket.
  • 10-19GB - This amount of data is normally more than enough for the majority of users, and will let you download audio, scan social media, and watch YouTube on the go.
  • 20-30GB - Big data is perfect for streaming online video from sites like Netflix. Packages like this will also offer plenty of add-ons as well.
  • Unlimited - Three is still the only big provider to offer unlimited data. It can be pricey, but if you're looking for absolutely no limits, Three is where you need to look.

Don't be afraid to bump up your data, as there's a world of possibilities on high data plans that get cheaper every year.

How much memory do I need on my phone?


If you like having all your photos, music, downloads, and videos to hand, directly on your device, you should opt for the larger 128GB or 256GB models.

However, a lot of devices now pride themselves on their cloud storage capabilities, so if you stream from Spotify, and save loads to Google Drive, you could save some money and use a lower memory handset, if possible.

Also consider some phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10, have the ability to extend their memory with additional SD cards, so you don't necessarily need to go for the larger memory models