It’s time to upgrade from your Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL

Yesterday, Google released the February Android Security Patch for Pixel devices, ranging from the Pixel 3 all the way up to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While this marked the first time that the latest Pixel devices received an update on the same day as the rest, it also marked the end of an era.

• Google has failed us with Android updates

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL launched alongside Android Pie, but the phone was plagued with plenty of issues to make users look elsewhere. It was also the last flagship Pixel to launch before Google introduced its more budget-friendly “A Series” devices, which has continued to grow in popularity. Plus, the Pixel 3 XL launched with that obnoxious notch that only proved that notches were not the way of the future when it comes to smartphone design.

As confirmed by 9to5Google, this is a cumulative update and will be the last update received by the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, which were first released all the way back in 2018. Despite the phone’s already technically receiving their last update in October, Google has already provided one minor update to these handsets, back in January. This was to solve a problem where Pixel owners could not reach emergency services with the Microsoft Teams app installed.

This last and final update carries the following build numbers:

• SP1A.210812.016.C1
• SP1A.210812.016.B1 (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU)

It’s not completely uncommon for Google to release a final cumulative update for one of its devices, as the company did the exact same thing when the Pixel 2 and 2 XL reached the end. Additionally, you won’t find any major new features on board, as the release weighs in at just 12.32MB is largely comprised of security patches and bug fixes. Once installed, your Pixel 3 or 3 XL will be on the February Security release, being upgraded from the October patch.

Now that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL have received their final software updates, it might be time to consider looking at upgrading in the semi-near future. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are fantastic candidates, and the Galaxy S22 is expected to be available this month, so you have a few different options.