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Google Pixel XL review

8.5/10 AVG.
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Google Pixel XL
Google Pixel XL
Google Pixel XL
Google Pixel XL
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8.5/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel XL currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 40 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Google’s first attempt at their own hardware is making the rounds and reviews are rolling in! Available in two variants--the Pixel XL is the larger of the two. Yet, they share many of the sames specifications.

Key differences include:

5.5-inch 1440p AMOLED panel: Both larger and higher in resolution that the screen on the standard Pixel, the XL’s display was loved by all reviewers for its detail and punchy-yet-accurate colors.
3750mAh battery: Coming in at nearly 1,000mAh more than the standard Pixel battery, the XL battery helps to account for the larger display and higher-resolution of the device. Reviews indicate you should expect the same all-day battery life for normal use. Light users might even reach two days.

Of course, to accommodate both the larger display and larger battery, Google had to add a bit of size and weight to the XL. However, no reviewers had problems with one-handed use or complained of holding the phone for extended periods.

Everything else about the phone--including the processor, RAM, operating system and camera--are identical to its smaller sibling. For more information, see our Google Pixel Summary!


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.15 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.15 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
12+ MP, f/2
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/2
3450 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


The Wirecutter
The Wirecutter

The 12-megapixel camera is the best we’ve seen on Android. The Pixel XL is noticeably faster than every other Android phone we’ve tested—even the newer Samsung Galaxy S8—and it runs the best version of Android, unencumbered by heavy skins and redundant features.

- Ryan Whitwam, The Wirecutter
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Pixel XL features top-of-the-line specs to introduce Android 7.1 Nougat to the world. This VR-capable phone has a fast processor, smart AI software and a superb camera, all sandwiched into a funky design.

- Matt Swider, TechRadar
Softpedia
Softpedia

The Google Pixel XL is not the kind of love it or hate it phone, but one that attempts to be the jack of all trades, without neglecting the essential things that users are looking after these days. The Google Pixel is a balanced product, so although it wins some battles, it loses others. The design...

- Bogdan Popa, Softpedia
Digital Photography Review
Digital Photography Review

The Google Pixel XL is an all-around great device with a very good display that currently offers the best camera image quality in smartphones. It lacks the dual-cams and "zooming-capabilities" of some of its rivals, but if image quality is your number one priority you can't go wrong with the Pixel X...

- Lars Rehm, Digital Photography Review
Android Guys
Android Guys

With prices that start at $650, the Pixel is a few hundred dollars more than other models with similar hardware. Head-to-head, though, it’s not fair, particularly if you care about specification bullet points. Look deeper, though, and you’ll find that the software and extra features help...

- Scott Webster, Android Guys


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


HTC backs up the Google Pixel XL with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Google Pixel XL has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
5.5"

The Google Pixel XL's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.15 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 pro Quad core 2.15 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 7.0 Nougat (Update Available: 9.0 Pie) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/2 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32/128 GB

Internal memory is 32/128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
3450mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3450 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 1920 minutes, 840 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Google Pixel XL Specs

Overview
Release Date October 20, 2016
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 7.0 Nougat (Update Available: 9.0 Pie)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 pro Quad core 2.15 GHz
Internal Storage 32/128 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.89 W/kg
Body: 0.56 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/2
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, HDR, Slow motion recording
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Pixel Density 534 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3450 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 840 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 840 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 840 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1920 minutes
Standby Time Up to 23 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Very Black, Quite Silver, Really Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 cm (6 x 2.9 x 0.2 in)
Weight 168 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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