Google Pixel 3 XL: the best of Android, a quality camera and a horrible notch | technology

Mark: Google
Product: Pixel 3 XL
Key specifications: 6.3 inch OLED notch screen with QHD + resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with 4 GB RAM, 64/128 GB storage and 3430 mAh battery.
Price: Rs 83,000 (starting price)
Evaluation:4/5

The Pixel series from Google may not have been a commercial success, but they are among the best Android phones. As Google enters the third year of selling self-labeled phones, the company's expectations are very high. Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL incorporate the latest innovations from the Android world, upgraded hardware specifications and, most importantly, many automatic learning.

Launched in India earlier this month, Google Pixel 3 starts at Rs 71,000, while the largest model Pixel 3 XL starts at Rs 83,000 for the base model of 64 GB. Obviously, Google Pixel 3s address to Premium customers who are generally inclined to buy the latest Apple iPhone or the flagship devices of the Samsung Note or Samsung series. Let's take a closer look at Google's latest flagship phone, Pixel 3 XL.

Google Pixel 3 XL runs on Android 9 Pie, the latest iteration Android OS. The new mobile operating system is a big step forward compared to previous versions of Android, especially in terms of display and battery optimization. The software also brings a set of exclusive features to Pixel. Pixel 3 XL offers Apple X gestures with a small pill at the bottom. Gestures are simple with a little tap up to extract recent apps and a long one for the menu. It takes a certain amount of time to understand the gestures, but you will quickly find it more intuitive.

The Pixel 3 XL also comes with the Apple Pie Adaptive Battery, one of the most important features of the operating system. This AI-based feature analyzes the use of your phone and therefore limits the use of battery for applications used infrequently. You are also informed about how to use the battery and when the juice is running out. Regarding the life of the battery, Pixel 3 XL lasts an entire day from 100%.

If the phone is subjected to excessive use, the battery will run out faster and heat up a bit too much. For example, when I used the Pixel 3 XL as a point of Wi-Fi access for nearly an hour, the phone started to heat up. This is not alarming though.

To go even further in its performance, the Pixel 3 XL uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. As expected on a flagship smartphone, the Pixel 3 XL works without problems for classic applications such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. Also with a RAM size of 4 GB, Pixel 3 XL still offers solid performance.

We also played the most popular game on smartphone, PUBG Mobile, on the Pixel 3 XL. PUBG Mobile is optimized for phones with low specifications and the opposite. We played PUBG Mobile with the highest graphics option and frame rate. The game runs effortlessly on the Pixel 3 XL and never stutters, even if it warms up a bit. We got good results in the game, proving that the Pixel 3 XL can be a huge advantage for smartphone games.

The two front speakers of Pixel 3 are very impressive and were a delight when streaming videos and shows. Dolby Atmos surround sound does not look like Galaxy Note 9, but it's still awesome.

We have already talked about the performance of the Pixel 3 XL camera, where the software does the most magic. Short summary: Google Pixel 3 XL incorporates a 12 megapixel rear camera with autofocus, two-pixel phase detection, OIS and EIS, and f / 1.8 aperture. On the front, it has two 8-megapixel cameras (wide-angle and normal sensors). Google Pixel 3 XL delivers impressive results in broad daylight. But there is more to the camera.

Google Pixel 3 XL will soon have a "Night Sight" feature. As its name indicates, the mode boosts the quality of images taken in low light. We tested the functionality (via an APK version) of the night mode to be released soon.

The Night Sight mode on the Pixel 3 XL illuminates essentially your photos taken in low light. We tried this feature in the darkest background we could find and the result was amazing. Not only does this illuminate the photo, but it does not lack details. You can refer to the samples of the camera taken in normal mode, with flash and with Night Sight enabled. Once the stable version of this feature is available, we expect even better results.

Acting from the aesthetic, the only problem with the Pixel 3 XL is its weird hack. We all made peace with the notch that was not so bad at first. But the notch on the Pixel 3 XL is just not correct. In fact, the dual camera sensors and the speaker sound like a smiling face. Unlike most smartphones, this one has no option to hide the notch. However, there is a workaround.

Google continues with the subtle two-color design of the colors of the Pixel 3 series. This time, the company has highlighted the power button by adding a mint orange color and orange pop. The most interesting of the three is the "Not Pink" color variant that we used for our review.

Verdict
The Google Pixel 3 XL is as powerful as a high-end Android smartphone. In addition, the camera needs a special mention because it will leave you open-mouthed. The price, however, is a disappointment as competing phones like Galaxy Note 9 are now available for around 20,000 Rs cheaper. Pixel 3 XL is definitely worth taking into account.

First published: Oct. 28, 2018 11:46 IST