HTC

HTC Google Pixel XL: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
Adreno 530
4 GB / 32 GB
5.5 inch (1440 x 2560 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus

HTC announced the launch of the Google Pixel XL smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Google Pixel XL series was launched with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 5.5 inch AMOLED displays has fast response times. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the HTC Google Pixel 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.

HTC Google Pixel XL / 1

HTC Google Pixel XL specifications

BrandHTC
NameGoogle Pixel XL
ModelPIXELXL
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.93 oz
Dimensions6.09 x 2.98 x 0.34 inch
Colorsblack, blue, silver
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of HTC Google Pixel XL is about 5.93 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).

HTC Google Pixel XL / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
CPUQuad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 2 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 530

The HTC Google Pixel XL comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Google has integrated many services with Android. These include Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Drive. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

HTC Google Pixel XL / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1440 x 2560 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays enable an Always-On Display feature. A part of the screen remains active to display the time, date, and notifications. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

HTC Google Pixel XL / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The HTC Google Pixel 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. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Google Pixel XL has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Google Pixel XL does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The HTC Google Pixel XL supports 4G/LTE networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Google Pixel XL smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. This phone is NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3450 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 Google Pixel XL isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4

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 Google Pixel XL phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. 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 HTC 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

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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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.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / HTC / HTC Google Pixel XL