HTC Google Pixel XL: Pros and Cons
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
- HTC Google Pixel XL specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
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 specifications
Brand | HTC |
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Name | Google Pixel XL |
Model | PIXELXL |
Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 5.93 oz |
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Dimensions | 6.09 x 2.98 x 0.34 inch |
Colors | black, blue, silver |
SIM type | Nano 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).
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) |
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SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro |
CPU | Quad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 2 GHz Kryo |
GPU | Adreno 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.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | AMOLED |
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Screen size | 5.5 inch |
Resolution | 1440 x 2560 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
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.
Memory, storage
RAM | 4 GB |
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Internal storage | 32 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
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 camera | 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus |
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Flash | Dual LED |
Selfie camera | 8 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 bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
NFC | yes |
FM radio | no |
USB | USB Type-C |
Headphone | 3.5 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
Type | Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable |
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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
Sensors | accelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity |
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Specials | Corning 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
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.