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Google Pixel XL

$250

Overview

Google Pixel XL is a mid-range Android smartphone released in 2016 with a 5.5-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 821 chipset, 12.3 main camera, and 3450 mAh battery.

The device runs Pixel Experience with features like Google Tensor and Magic Eraser. Priced at $250, it targets users seeking mid-range performance.

Specifications of Google Pixel XL

The display of Google Pixel XL measures 5.5 inches with AMOLED technology. Peak brightness reaches 450 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1440x2560 pixels resolution.

Size
5.5 inches
Type
AMOLED
Resolution
1440x2560 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
450 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Google Pixel XL features 1 rear cameras: 12.3 main. Video recording supports up to 2160p.

Main Sensor
12.3
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
2160p

The battery of Google Pixel XL has 3450mAh capacity with 18 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 0. A full charge takes approximately 120 min minutes.

Capacity
3450mAh
Wired Charging
18
Wireless Charging
0
Full Charge Time
120 min minutes

The performance of Google Pixel XL is powered by the Snapdragon 821 chipset with Adreno 530 GPU. Geekbench scores reach 1600 single-core and 4100 multi-core. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 155000.

Chipset
Snapdragon 821
CPU
Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPU
Adreno 530
Geekbench Single
1600
Geekbench Multi
4100
AnTuTu Score
155000

The memory of Google Pixel XL offers 4GB RAM with 32GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4 technology. Storage is 32GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM. Storage is not expandable.

RAM Options
4GB
Storage Options
32GB
RAM Type
LPDDR4
Storage Type
32GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Expandable
No

The connectivity of Google Pixel XL includes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and Bluetooth 4.2. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth
4.2
NFC
Yes

The build of Google Pixel XL weighs 168.0g with Aluminum frame and Glass back. Dimensions measure 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm.

Dimensions
154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight
168.0g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Glass

The software of Google Pixel XL runs Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10 with Stock Android. Software support extends 3 years through 2029.

OS
Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
UI
Stock Android
Update Policy
3 years

Compare Google Pixel XL

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy A54

Google Pixel XL offers competitive value at $250 compared to Samsung Galaxy A54.

$250 price point
Snapdragon 821
5.5" display

Google Pixel XL vs Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel XL offers competitive value at $250 compared to Google Pixel 7a.

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Google Pixel XL vs OnePlus Nord 3

Google Pixel XL offers competitive value at $250 compared to OnePlus Nord 3.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Google Pixel XL

Google Pixel XL has a 12.3 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Yes, Google Pixel XL is excellent for gaming with its Snapdragon 821 chipset. It handles demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

Related: mobile gaming

Google Pixel XL receives 3 years of updates through 2029. This provides solid software support for the device's lifespan.

Related: software support

Google Pixel XL has a 3450mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Google Pixel XL at $250 is a mid-range device offering Snapdragon 821. It's worth buying if you prioritize balanced performance and value.

Related: buying decision

Google Pixel XL supports 18 wired charging with full charge in approximately 120 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 0.

Related: fast charging

Google Pixel XL is available in 32GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Google Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Google Pixel XL ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Google Pixel XL delivers solid value for budget-conscious users who need reliable performance. Select this phone for reliable daily use, if you seek good value without compromising on essential features.

Key Specifications

Display

5.5"

Main Camera

12.3

Chipset

Snapdragon 821

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsN/A
4G LTE BandsLTE
5G Sub-6 BandsN/A
5G mmWave BandsN/A
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation4x4 MIMO
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM Mode
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA SupportN/A

Launch

Announced2016
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$769

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight (g)168.0
Build MaterialsGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
FrameAluminum
Back FinishGlass
Colors["Quite Black", "Very Silver", "Really Blue"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged CertificationsN/A
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded DimensionsN/A
Thermal SolutionPassive Cooling
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeAMOLED
Size (inches)5.5
Resolution (px)1440x2560 pixels
Aspect Ratio9:16
Pixel Density (ppi)534
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)71.2
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)120
Peak Brightness (nits)450
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)N/A
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Update Policy3 years
ChipsetSnapdragon 821
CPUQuad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 530
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash
ModemSnapdragon X12 LTE
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-Core1600
Geekbench Multi-Core4100
AnTuTu Score155000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM4GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4
Storage32GB
Storage Type32GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Storage SpeedUFS 2.0
Expandable Storage
Slot TypeN/A
USB OTG
Filesystem EncryptionF2FS

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor12.3
Main Sensor Size1/2.3"
Main Sensor ModelSony IMX378
Main Lensf/2.0, 28mm
OIS
AutofocusPDAF
Pixel Binning
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashDual-LED
Video Resolution2160p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264, H.265
Slow Motion720p@120fps
Video Stabilization
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution8
Sensor Size1/3.2
Aperturef/2.4
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock2D

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones3
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX
DAC/AmpQualcomm WCD9335

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth4.2
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.0
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorFingerprint (Rear-Mounted)
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)3450
TypeLi-Ion
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging18
Wired StandardPD
0-50% Time (mins)60 min
Full Charge Time120 min
Wireless Charging0
Wireless StandardQi
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box18W
Battery Health FeaturesAdaptive Charging

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Update Window3 years
UI Skin / LauncherStock Android
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesOn-body detection, Find My Device
AccessibilityVoice Access, Live Caption
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsPhone, 18W charger, USB-C cable, SIM tool
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Google Pixel XL Review: Solid Performance for the Price

6.9/10
Good

Our comprehensive review of the Google Pixel XL covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.5 stars)
Pros
  • + Powerful Snapdragon 821 chipset for smooth performance
  • + Wireless charging support
Cons
  • - Camera performance is average
  • - Battery life could be better

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