Google Pixel 3 XL Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Google Pixel 3 XL is a high-end smartphone that was released in October 2018. It boasts a sleek design, impressive camera capabilities, and a powerful processor. As we approach mid-2023, it's worth taking a closer look at this device to see how it has held up over the years and whether it's still a viable option for those in the market for a new smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel 3 XL boasts a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads. The phone's overall build quality is impressive, with a glass front and back that is reinforced with Gorilla Glass 5, and an aluminum frame that gives it a sturdy feel in the hand. The phone's dimensions are 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) and it weighs in at 184 g (6.49 oz), making it a comfortable fit in the palm of your hand.

The phone's design is relatively simple, with a smooth and glossy finish that is available in three colors - Clearly White, Just Black, and Not Pink. The phone's ergonomics are also impressive, with an easy-to-reach fingerprint sensor located on the back of the phone. The volume and power buttons are located on the right side of the phone, offering easy access for both left- and right-handed users.

One of the phone's standout features is its IP68 dust and water resistance, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities or who simply want added protection against accidental spills or drops.

Overall, the Google Pixel 3 XL's design and build quality are impressive, offering a sturdy and modern look that is sure to impress. The phone's ergonomic design and water resistance make it a practical choice for everyday use.

Display

The display of the Google Pixel 3 XL is undoubtedly one of its defining features. With a 6.3-inch P-OLED screen and a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, the display is both large and incredibly sharp, boasting a pixel density of 523 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is also impressive, coming in at around 82.8%, which means that the edges of the phone are nearly non-existent, providing an immersive viewing experience.

The P-OLED technology used in the display allows for high contrast ratios and vibrant colors, making for stunning visuals. The display also supports HDR, which enhances the quality of the content you watch, and the Always-on Display feature allows you to see important notifications and information at a glance.

The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both the front and back of the device provides added durability, ensuring that the display can withstand minor bumps and scratches. The display is also IP68-rated, making it dust and water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes, giving users peace of mind when using the phone in harsh conditions.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are also noteworthy. The display is highly accurate, and the touch response is smooth and fluid, providing an enjoyable user experience.

Overall, the display of the Google Pixel 3 XL is undoubtedly impressive, offering a large, sharp, and vibrant screen with excellent touch sensitivity and responsiveness. It is a standout feature of the device and one that is sure to impress users.

Performance

The Google Pixel 3 XL boasts impressive performance capabilities, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and octa-core CPU. With 4GB of RAM, this device offers smooth and seamless multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps with ease.

In terms of gaming, the Pixel 3 XL delivers a fantastic experience, with high frame rates and no lag. The Adreno 630 GPU ensures that even graphically intensive games run smoothly and look great on the device's 6.3-inch P-OLED screen.

In benchmark tests, the Pixel 3 XL performs exceptionally well, scoring an impressive 258,244 on AnTuTu v7 and 341,814 on AnTuTu v8. Geekbench v4.4 scores also show that the device is a powerhouse, with a score of 8,088.

Real-world usage further demonstrates the Pixel 3 XL's impressive performance capabilities. The device is lightning-fast when opening apps, and multitasking is seamless. Users can quickly switch between apps and even run multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing any slowdowns.

Overall, the Google Pixel 3 XL delivers exceptional performance that exceeds expectations. Whether it's gaming, multitasking, or running benchmarks, this device performs incredibly well, making it an excellent choice for those who demand high performance from their smartphones.

Software and User Interface

The Google Pixel 3 XL runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box and is upgradable to Android 12. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate through the phone's features and settings. The phone also offers a lot of customization options, allowing users to personalize their experience with the phone.

There are some pre-installed apps on the phone but they are not excessive or overwhelming and can be uninstalled if not needed. The user interface is designed to be minimalistic and uncluttered, which is a welcome change in the world of smartphones.

One of the standout features of the Google Pixel 3 XL is its integration with Google services and AI technology. The phone uses Google Assistant, which is a powerful virtual assistant that can help users with a wide range of tasks, from sending texts to booking appointments and even controlling smart home devices. The phone also has a feature called "Now Playing," which uses machine learning to identify songs playing in the background and display the title and artist on the lock screen.

Google is known for providing timely software updates to its devices, and the Pixel 3 XL is no exception. The phone receives regular security updates and new features, ensuring that it stays up to date with the latest technology.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Google Pixel 3 XL are excellent. The phone offers a clean and intuitive user experience, while also providing powerful AI features and integration with Google services.

Camera

The camera on the Google Pixel 3 XL is undoubtedly one of its most impressive features. The rear camera boasts a single 12.2-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and 1.4-micron pixel size. The dual-LED flash and Pixel Shift technology allow for impressive low-light performance, while the OIS ensures that images are sharp and blur-free.

The camera also has a number of features such as Auto-HDR and panorama mode, and it can record 4K video at 30fps. The front-facing camera is a dual setup, with an 8-megapixel primary lens and a secondary 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The front camera also features Auto-HDR for improved image quality.

In terms of performance, the camera on the Pixel 3 XL is a top performer, producing images with excellent color accuracy and detail in both well-lit and low-light conditions. The zoom capabilities and image stabilization are also noteworthy, allowing for clear, blur-free shots even when zoomed in.

Video recording is another area where the camera excels, with 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p recording at 30/60/120fps. The gyro-EIS is a nice addition, providing stabilization to video footage, reducing the shakiness and making it look smoother.

Overall, the camera on the Google Pixel 3 XL is one of the best on the market. It is fast, intuitive, and produces stunning images that are sure to impress. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or just someone who wants to capture great shots, the camera on the Pixel 3 XL won't disappoint.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Google Pixel 3 XL is a highly connected device that features a wide range of networking capabilities. It supports both GSM and CDMA networks, as well as HSPA, EVDO, and LTE for fast data speeds. Wi-Fi connectivity is also top-notch, with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and dual-band capabilities. The phone also supports Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA for easy file sharing.

Bluetooth 5.0 is included for wireless audio streaming and device pairing. The phone also supports aptX HD for high-quality audio streaming. NFC is also supported, making it easy to use Google Pay for contactless payments.

GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO are all supported for accurate location tracking and navigation. The phone also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

One downside is that the phone does not have a headphone jack, so users will need to rely on USB-C or Bluetooth headphones for audio output. However, the phone does come with stereo speakers for loud and clear audio.

Overall, the connectivity and networking features of the Google Pixel 3 XL are impressive and should meet the needs of most users.

Additional Features

The Google Pixel 3 XL comes equipped with some impressive additional features that make it stand out from the crowd. One of the most notable features is its IP68 dust and water-resistant rating, which allows it to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage. This makes it a great option for users who are frequently on-the-go and need a phone that can handle whatever life throws their way.

Another great feature of the Pixel 3 XL is its lack of a headphone jack, which may seem like a disadvantage at first glance, but actually allows for improved audio quality through the use of compatible USB-C headphones or wireless earbuds. In addition, the phone boasts stereo speakers that deliver impressive sound quality and volume, making it great for watching videos or listening to music without the need for external speakers.

The Pixel 3 XL also includes a range of innovative features, such as Google Lens, which allows users to scan text, identify objects, and search for information simply by pointing their camera at it. The phone also includes Active Edge, which allows users to launch Google Assistant with a simple squeeze of the phone's sides.

Overall, the additional features of the Google Pixel 3 XL make it a versatile and innovative device that is well-suited for a wide range of users. Whether you need a phone that can withstand the elements, want improved audio quality, or are looking for innovative features that can make your life easier, the Pixel 3 XL has a lot to offer.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Google Pixel 3 XL to other related phones, there are a few standout models that come to mind. Firstly, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is a notable competitor, offering a similar screen size and resolution, as well as a comparable processor and RAM. The S9 Plus also boasts a dual-camera setup, with a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. However, the Pixel 3 XL's camera still outperforms the S9 Plus in terms of overall image quality and low light performance.

Another phone to consider is the iPhone XS Max, which is Apple's largest and most high-end device. The XS Max also features a large OLED screen and a powerful chipset, as well as a dual-camera setup with advanced portrait mode and portrait lighting features. However, the Pixel 3 XL's camera still edges out the XS Max in terms of overall image quality and dynamic range.

Finally, the Huawei P20 Pro is another notable competitor, with a triple-camera setup that includes a dedicated monochrome sensor for better low light performance. The P20 Pro also offers a larger battery capacity and expandable storage options, which the Pixel 3 XL does not. However, the Pixel 3 XL's camera still outperforms the P20 Pro in terms of overall image quality and color accuracy.

Overall, while these phones offer similar features and capabilities to the Pixel 3 XL, it's clear that Google's device still stands out as a top performer in terms of camera quality and overall user experience.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Google Pixel 3 XL is a solid flagship smartphone that delivers excellent performance, a stunning display, and an impressive camera. While it may not be the most affordable device on the market, its premium features and design make it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. The phone's water and dust resistance, wireless charging capabilities, and fast charging technology also add to its appeal.

That being said, the lack of expandable storage options and the absence of a headphone jack may be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, some may find the phone's design to be too similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 2 XL.

Overall, the Google Pixel 3 XL is a top-tier smartphone that offers a premium experience to its users. Its combination of powerful hardware and intuitive software make it a great choice for those in need of a reliable and high-performing device. If you are willing to overlook its minor drawbacks, the Google Pixel 3 XL is definitely worth considering.