Google

Google Pixel 3 XL: Pros and Cons

Android OS v9.0 (Pie)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Adreno 630
4 GB / 64 GB
6.3 inch (1440 x 2960 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Google announced the launch of the Pixel 3 XL smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.3 inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) out of the box, and a Li-Ion 3430 mAh, non-removable battery. This phone uses a high resolution 1440 x 2960 px, OLED display. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization). Is this phone a good value for its price? My review aims to answer that question by the end.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Google Pixel 3 XL smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Google Pixel 3 XL / 1

Google Pixel 3 XL specifications

BrandGoogle
NamePixel 3 XL
ModelPIXEL3XL
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.49 oz
Dimensions6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 inch
Colorsblack, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Google Pixel 3 XL is about 6.49 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v9.0 (Pie)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 845
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.5 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.6 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 630

The Google Pixel 3 XL comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) out of the box. Google has integrated many services with Android. These include Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Drive. It's a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processor. It can handle complex tasks and run many applications. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Google Pixel 3 XL / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeOLED
Screen size6.3 inch
Resolution1440 x 2960 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.3 inch OLED display of A13 can produce vibrant and saturated colors. It provides a appealing and immersive viewing experience. The 6.3 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Google Pixel 3 XL comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Google Pixel 3 XL (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Google Pixel 3 XL / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 + 8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Pixel 3 XL has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GALILEO
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
HeadphoneUSB Type-C adapter

The Google Pixel 3 XL supports 4G/LTE networks. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Pixel 3 XL smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. This phone is NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. The Pixel 3 XL smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3430 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3430 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Pixel 3 XL isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCertified IP68 dustproof and waterproof, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Fast charging, Wireless charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The Pixel 3 XL phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. The IP68 rating indicates that Pixel 3 XL smartphone is resistant to water ingress.

The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Wireless charging uses an electromagnetic field. It transfers energy between two objects through electromagnetic induction. Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant. It reduces the likelihood of everyday scratches and abrasions.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Google phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • OLED display
  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • dual selfie camera
  • IP68 certified protection
  • wireless charging
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • no headphone jack
  • low-capacity battery
Add Google Pixel 3 XL to your comparison

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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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