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Google has come a long way since the launch of the original Pixel phone some two years ago.
Ever since the company moved away from relying on manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola to provide its handsets, Google has seen a steady increase in quality, and is delivering tech that rivals even Apple and the flagship iPhone brands.
The Google Pixel 3 XL – released earlier this month – is definitive proof that Google can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest and best phone manufacturers out there.
Despite the criticism the handset has drawn thanks to the notch forever stuck at the top of the screen, we’re confident in saying the Pixel 3 XL is one of the best phones we’ve ever used, and delivers on everything a casual or hardcore user is going to want and need – whether that’s camera, usability, battery life or presentation.
Let’s start with the best thing about the Pixel 3 XL: the camera.
You’ll see headlines around the internet and on your social media feeds proclaiming that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL cameras are the best out there. And there’s a reason for that: Google has somehow managed to make the exemplary camera in the Pixel 2 XL even better, and whether you’re taking low light portraits or snapping vistas of the sunlit countryside in broad daylight, the Pixel 3 delivers.
I will go as far as saying this: I have taken some of the best photos I’ve ever taken on a mobile phone on the Pixel 3 (you can see a few embedded in this article). Thanks to Google’s post-processing and HDR wizardry, the phone can even ‘rescue’ bad photos or snaps you might fumble on.
The Portrait Mode is better than on most other handsets: Google’s tech manages to pick apart the foreground and background with minimal effort, so even if your subject is a different colour to your background, the phone will pick them apart flawlessly.
Photobooth and Top Shot round out a camera that has uses for professional users and youngsters alike. We’ve even had remarks from our colleagues about how crips and ‘professional’ pictures we’ve taken at events or product launches we’ve attended have been.
So, as far as roadtests go, you can take it from us: this camera can make amateur phone snappers seem like pros.
What’s the Pixel 3 XL performance like?
For those of you that care about the specs and the jargon, you’ll like to know that the Pixel 3 XL is powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, comes with 4GB of memory, 64GB or 128GB of storage, and a 3,430mAh battery.
What does that mean in real terms? Well, that Snapdragon 845 means that you’ll see incredibly quick startup times, minimal slowdown when you’re using even the hungriest apps (we had a PlayStation emulator running on the phone for a separate feature on the site, and the Pixel 3 powered it flawlessly, no lag or slowdown, even on the more advanced games).
Everyday apps – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp and so on – all work without a problem. Performance has remained smooth over the month we’ve been testing the phone, even when filling the 64GB model to capacity
How is the Pixel 3 XL battery?
In terms of battery life, we’re impressed. Coming from the original Pixel XL straight to the Pixel XL 3, I’m relieved that I don’t have to ‘babysit’ the handset – the 2016 model requires about two charges per day right now, but the 3 XL – in the entire month I’ve had it – hasn’t needed to be charged during the day at all.
For context, I typically leave the house at about 8am and get back home at 6pm, and whether I’m out and about (using Google Maps to navigate, playing Pokemon GO en route, playing music via Spotify to my Bluetooth headphones) the battery sticks it out.
The battery has never let me down – even on an evening where I went straight from work to a gig, then to a nightclub, then home.
Managing to summon an Uber at 4am with 13% battery left after heavy use of a phone all day? That’s what I’d call reliable.
What’s the Pixel XL 3 like to use?
Thanks to the special version of Android Google uses on the Pixel phones, there’s remarkably little bloat.
Having used various Samsung or Huawei phones over the past few years (Samsung Galaxy S8, Huawei P20 Pro), I am confident in saying that the Pixel 3 has the best version of Android you can use in today’s market.
Despite lacking some obvious customisation features (robust battery saver options are weirdly amiss, for example), the phone offers one of the smoothest, most readable UI experiences you’re likely to see anywhere on the mobile phone market in 2018.
The UI is clean, responsive, easily understandable and the only things that come preloaded on the phone are the essential Google tools. Considering I use Google Docs every day, have a Gmail account as my personal and work email, and use a Google Home setup in my flat, I may be slightly biased towards to seamless integration of the phone into my daily routine.
But if, like me, you’re a Google services user, this phone honestly couldn’t drop into your life in a more streamlined way.
So are there any downsides to the Pixel 3 XL?
In terms of battery life, performance and reliability, this phone is – honestly – a beast.
But there are some caveats you should bear in mind if you’re thinking of picking one up. We know phones these days are as much about their physical looks as they are about power, and the Google pixel 3 XL looks great.
But you have to take care of it: the back glass of the device feels silky smooth to the touch because of the special kind of coating Google has used, but it scratches very easily. Sure, you can rub the scratches off a bit, but one interaction with a zip or button on your sleeve and you’re scratched for good. The same goes for the front screen – though that is a little bit harder to mark. Be warned.
The upside of moving to a glass back means that – via wireless charging – you can get the phone charged in no time at all.
Also, you’re going to want to keep in mind this phone doesn’t offer you facial recognition – a staple in other manufacturer’s flagship handsets (the iPhone X and its successors, the OnePlus 6, Honor 10 and Galaxy S9 all have this tech).
Thanks to the shape and fingerprint sensor on the back of the device, though, we don’t really think it’s that much of an issue. Just be aware that for a flagship smartphone in 2018, it’s a bit odd that the Pixel 3 XL lacks this feature.
Google Pixel XL 3 – Verdict
The Google Pixel 3 XL delivers on every key area we care about in a mobile phone: it’s got a stunning camera (one of the best on the market), it’s got superb battery life, and it’s quick, smart and easy to use.
Whilst it may not offer that many massive steps forward from 2017’s Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL, it certainly boasts some key quality of life updates, and some impressive revisions to everyday functions.
You could probably live without the Pixel 3 XL if you’re coming from a flagship 2017 smartphone – it’s not that much better than what was on offer last year – but if, like me, you’re coming from a 2016 or earlier model, there’s a night and day difference.
Any Instagram-using, data-eating professional is going to see improvements in day-to-day life with this phone in their hand, and even casual users will benefit from the superb battery life, the massive screen and the quick, smooth interface.
And you know what – that notch at the top of the screen that houses the dual front-facing cameras? It won’t even bother you after you’ve gotten used to the phone. Promise.
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