Reviews

Is Pixel 3 XL worth Buying? Honest Review

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2023

On October 9, Google revealed its newest smartphones, Pixel 3 XL and the Pixel 3, at an event in New York City. Except for the display size, the phones are almost identical.

Google decided to take pre-orders of these smartphones at the end of the event, with shipments and sales accessibility set for October 18. Moreover, the Pixel 3 XL is currently the Android smartphone to beat.

So in this article, we will discuss Is Pixel 3 XL worth buying? If we give you the short answer then yes still it is worth buying. But if you want to complete detail about the Pixel 3 XL then read the entire article.

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Google Pixel 3 XL Design

Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL now have all-glass backs, as opposed to the metal housing used in previous generations. Moreover, rather than giving up the Pixel’s two-tone visual effect, Google utilized two distinct treatments on the back crystal, offering the bottom portion, a smooth matte finish.

It feels excellent and good when held in hand, but it also needed to add fast charging to the Pixel line, so, the Pixel 3 will work with any Qi-compatible rechargeable battery. The Pixel 3 XL comes with a 6.3-inch notch display.

If you don’t want a notch, then you can have the option to hide it through the toggle in Settings. The Pixel 3 XL is approximately similar to the iPhone XS Max. The SIM card slot is located on the phone’s bottom, close to the USB-C charging terminal. Besides, you can find a pair of USB-C headphones port on Pixel 3 XL.

The volume and sleep/wake buttons are on the right side of the Pixel 3 XL. Moreover, there are no ports or buttons on the left side. You can buy this phone in two elegant colors, black and Pixel 3 XL white. In the photos, it appears pink in color, but the original color is white.

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Pixel 3 XL Display:

According to DisplayMate Labs, Pixel 3 XL comprises a top-tier display, accurate calibration, and excellent performance. It is far above the perfect point. A drawback you will find is its big notch at the top. It can be distracting for some users. It prominently interferes with content while using the app or scrolling on websites.

After many customer reviews, Google announced adding a feature to “Disable.” it is through the blackening of edges. Another thing that people notice is its stereo speakers, which feel a bit louder than other variants.

Regarding the OLED display concerns, Google has followed the Samsung display style. It gives a fantastic solid color on display, unlike the previous version, Pixel 2 XL, which has muted and dominant colors. That’s why most of the users raise this issue to modify.

If you compare the lineup of Pixel 3 XL with Pixel 3, you will notice a clear difference in that this device is more sift and clear. Unlike the previous devices of the same brand, it does not cause scratch marks on the glass back.

Google Pixel 3 XL: Camera

No doubt, you will surely get impressed by the camera of the Pixel 3 XL, and many people accept the truth that the camera and performance of this device are one of the best among many smartphones. You can have fantastic portrait photography with its expensive lens.

The lens allows you to focus on the subject and blur the background to avoid all mess. So, the manufacturer wanted to add more good features which could be affordable at reasonable prices.

The Pixel 3XL and Pixel 3 both have similar camera sensors and software. Besides capturing fine details, you can get the facility of digital zoom in and zoom out just like telephoto zoom devices. You can enhance the dual broad-angle selfie background.

In recent times, almost all smartphone devices have launched a portrait feature. Still, the only dedication to capturing fine-edge images with a single imposing camera is the achievement of the Pixel 3 XL.

Google has launched many novel features and modes in Pixel 3 XL’s camera. But you may not find a Night Mode in this model. You can capture photos in low light. Besides these, other new modes include Top Shot and Photobooth, which are unique inclusion.

Weight of Pixel 3XL:

The Pixel 3 XL measures 6.2 by 30.0, and its estimated weight is about 6.5 pounds. So the size is similar to the Apple XS Max but lighter in weight than that. If you compare it with Samsung Galaxy Note 9, it would be smaller.

Battery Life of Pixel 3XL:

Comparing the battery life of the Pixel 3 XL with Pixel 3 is far better. The Pixel 3 XL comes with a 3430mAh battery, and the estimated end time is about 8 hours. But if WiFi is used for video streaming at maximum screen brightness, it will only go for 10 minutes. It is much better than the Pixel 3, which has 2915mAh and only 57 minutes of battery life.

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Android 9 Pie

The Pixel 3 XL operates on Android 9 Pie, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. Instead of the conventional back, home, and overview navigation buttons, this device features Google’s new mandatory gesture controls. To simplify emailing, it also comes with Smart Compose, a new feature on Gmail for mobile that streamlines writing repetitive emails.

Google has not specifically designed changes for the Pixel 3 XL’s large 6.3-inch screen. However, Gboard’s one-handed typing mode is accessible, and the gesture button can efficiently operate with your thumb.

The Pixel 3 XL boasts the most polished version of Android, making it a close rival to the sleekness of Apple’s iOS on the iPhone XS. Its digital well-being tools, such as time trackers and Google’s Wind Down, help limit device usage and promote healthier habits.

The phone offers longer battery life, lighter usage, and fast charging options, including the included USB-C cable, and the Pixel Stand wireless charger. However, it should be noted that current third-party wireless chargers only support 5W charging.

Observation

The package includes a set of USB-C earphones and a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

The sound quality is impressive, with solid volume and clear stereo separation, albeit with a slight imbalance where the bottom speaker is stronger than the top.

Flip the screen face down to activate the “Do Not Disturb” mode. The haptic feedback is satisfying and forceful.

In the future, the phone will support an eSim through a software update, with EE already confirmed as a provider.

A unique feature of the phone is the ability to activate Google Assistant by squeezing its sides.

Pros:

Hany Google Assistant feature
Beast performance
The software is highly optimized with swift updates
Beautiful and big OLED screen
The impressive rare and front camera

Cons:

Lack expandable memory

Lack of headphone jack

Is Pixel 3 XL worth buying? Honest Review

The Google Pixel 3 XL, released in 2018, is still a great phone in terms of its camera performance, software, and design. Its camera takes excellent photos, particularly in low light, and has features like Night Sight and Top Shot. The device runs on a clean version of Android.

But the only drawback is the short battery life. According to the usage of 2023, the 3430 mAh battery is low and you have to charge it two or three times in a day. If you are ok with the battery and the slow charger of 18W then you can buy it.

But, the design is modern and the build quality is solid. However, it is worth considering that the Pixel 3 XL is now over five years old, and newer phones have better specs, improved cameras, and longer battery life. So if you’re in the market for a new phone and don’t mind having an older device, the Pixel 3 XL is still a good option.

Final words:

The Pixel 3 XL has all which you had in Pixel 3. On the other hand, if you love big-screen mobile devices, then Pixel 3XL will suit you. It has the powerful camera and hardware capabilities that you need.

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