The Pixel 3 came out in 2018. It still works as a phone and supports eSIM, but Google's updates ended in 2022.
The quick answer
- Calls and data: yes on most US carriers
- eSIM: supported, so it can use free eSIM trials on many carriers
- Software: stuck on Android 12, no security updates since 2022
- Good as a backup or camera phone
Calls after the 3G shutdown
The Pixel 3 supports VoLTE and is on most carriers' approved lists. It also supports eSIM, which most older phones here don't, so you can try carriers' free eSIM trials on it.
How to check yours
- Find the IMEI: dial *#06#, or look in the phone's settings or under the battery.
- Enter it in your carrier's compatibility checker. Every major carrier and most prepaid brands have one.
- If it isn't supported, it's usually missing approval for VoLTE (calls over 4G), which every US phone now needs.
The software limit: Android 12
The Pixel 3 stopped getting updates in 2022 on Android 12. Apps still support Android 12 in 2026, so it's more usable than the Pixel 2, but without security patches it shouldn't be your main phone.
Who it still works for
Someone who wants a compact Android with a very good camera as a second phone, or a phone to test a carrier's network on an eSIM trial.
If you're replacing it
A new moto g 2026 or Galaxy A17 costs little, gets years of updates, and several carriers give them away when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).
Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.
See phone deals →Frequently asked questions
Is the Pixel 3 still usable in 2026? +
Does the Pixel 3 have eSIM? +
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Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.