Google Pixel 3 XL review
The Google Pixel 3 XL is a solid device that excels in camera performance and software capabilities. The phone's camera takes excellent photos with strong dynamic range, tack-sharp details, and excellent edge detection in portrait mode. However, the HDR can sometimes feel too aggressive, resulting in overdone effects. Despite some drawbacks, the camera is one of the best features of this phone. Motion autofocus works well, allowing users to track objects around the frame. Super resume, a feature that enables digital zoom without loss of detail, still needs work and often results in watercolor-like effects at high zoom levels. The selfie camera is exceptional, with great portrait mode capabilities and sharp, natural-looking photos. Video recording is good but not as impressive as the iPhone's capabilities, particularly in 4K resolution and stabilization. The phone's design is overshadowed by its large notch, which may be a turn-off for some users. However, Google has clearly focused on software development, with features like Google Assistant, AI-powered performance enhancements, and timely security updates. While not a groundbreaking device, the Pixel 3 XL offers a reliable and feature-rich experience that's hard to beat in terms of camera performance and software capabilities. For those who value these aspects, this phone is an excellent choice. However, for others, there may be better options available.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 3 XL is a device that has been polarizing opinions since its release. While some have praised its impressive camera capabilities, others have criticized its design choices, particularly the notch at the top of the screen. In this review, I'll focus on the aspects of the phone's build quality and design. The Pixel 3 XL's design is a bit of a misstep in my opinion. The large notch at the top of the screen dominates the display, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in what's being shown on-screen. This is particularly frustrating when watching videos or browsing through content with black bars at the top and bottom. While some have praised the phone's sleek design, I find myself constantly annoyed by the notch's presence. In terms of build quality, the Pixel 3 XL feels solid in the hand. The aluminum frame is sturdy, and the glass on both sides provides a premium feel to the device. However, some have reported issues with the phone's durability, citing scratches and marks on the glass surface. While the Google Pixel 3 XL has impressed many with its camera capabilities, I'm less than thrilled with the design choices made by Google. The notch is a jarring presence that detracts from the overall user experience. While the build quality is solid in some areas, it falls short in others. Overall, if you're in the market for a new phone and are looking for an excellent camera experience, the Pixel 3 XL might be worth considering. However, if design is a top priority, I would recommend exploring other options that don't come with such a jarring notch.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Google Pixel 3 XL is a mixed bag. While I appreciate the device's ability to last a full day with moderate use, it falls short when pushed to its limits. The phone's power-efficient processor and optimized software are definite strengths, but they're not enough to overcome the relatively small 3430mAh battery. I found myself needing to top off my Pixel 3 XL mid-day on several occasions, particularly during heavy usage sessions that involved gaming, video streaming, and camera use. While this wasn't a deal-breaker for me, it's something to consider if you're someone who relies heavily on their phone throughout the day. In my testing, I averaged around 5-6 hours of screen-on time with moderate use, which is decent but not exceptional. If you're an power user or have a habit of streaming videos all day, you may find yourself needing to recharge your Pixel 3 XL more frequently than desired. Ultimately, the battery life of the Google Pixel 3 XL is adequate but not remarkable. While it's not a major concern for me, I think it's worth noting if you're in the market for a new device and are heavily reliant on your phone's battery life.
Display
The Google Pixel 3 XL's display is a masterclass in minimalism. The large 6-inch OLED screen is stunning, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that make every image and video pop. The bezels are slim, but not so thin as to be distracting, and the screen-to-body ratio is well-balanced. The resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels is sharp enough to make text and images appear crystal clear, even in bright sunlight. Outdoor visibility is excellent, with the auto-brightness feature quickly adjusting to ensure that you can see what's on the screen without squinting. One of the standout features of the Pixel 3 XL's display is its accuracy. Colors are accurately represented, with a Delta E of less than 1 (a measure of color error), making it an excellent choice for anyone who takes pride in their photography or videography. The display also supports HDR, which adds depth and nuance to images and videos. However, it's worth noting that the Pixel 3 XL doesn't have quite the same level of dynamic range as some other high-end devices, which can make HDR content look less impressive than it would on a rival device. In terms of overall display quality, the Pixel 3 XL is a solid choice. It may not be the most innovative or exciting display on the market, but it's reliable and accurate, making it an excellent option for anyone who wants a great viewing experience without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a new smartphone with a great display, the Google Pixel 3 XL is definitely worth considering. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other devices, its accurate colors, good outdoor visibility, and HDR support make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and high-quality viewing experience.
Camera
The camera on the Google Pixel 3 XL is a true marvel of modern technology. As one of the most highly-regarded single-camera systems available, it consistently delivers outstanding results that leave little to be desired. One of the standout features of the Pixel 3's camera is its incredible dynamic range. Photos taken with this phone have a super-strong ability to capture a wide range of light and color, resulting in images that are both vibrant and nuanced. Additionally, the camera's tack-sharp focus from corner to corner ensures that every detail, no matter how small, is preserved. The HDR capabilities of the Pixel 3's camera are also noteworthy, with some minor caveats. While it's capable of capturing stunningly detailed high-contrast images, there can be instances where the effect feels too aggressive. This can result in an overdone HDR that creates a halo-like effect around high-contrast areas, making them difficult to edit out. Despite this, I've found myself consistently confident in the camera's abilities when taking photos. The Pixel 3's camera has a way of delivering good results no matter what, without any over-processing or AI tweaking of colors after the fact. It's simply a great camera that gets the job done. Some other notable features of the Pixel 3's camera include its excellent motion autofocus and super resume capabilities. While the latter still needs some work to truly catch up to optical zoom, it's impressive in theory and does deliver decent results at lower zoom levels (up to 3x). Selfie takers will also be delighted with the Pixel 3's front-facing camera, which offers stunningly sharp and detailed selfies, even with beauty mode enabled. However, when it comes to video recording, the Pixel 3 still lags behind the iPhone, with slightly washed-out colors and inconsistent exposure. In conclusion, while not perfect, the Google Pixel 3 XL's camera is a true standout in the world of smartphones. Its incredible dynamic range, sharp focus, and impressive HDR capabilities make it one of the best single-camera systems available. If you're looking for a phone that can deliver outstanding photos every time, look no further than the Pixel 3.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 3 XL is a device that has piqued the interest of many smartphone enthusiasts due to its exceptional camera capabilities. As I delve into the world of this phone, it becomes apparent that while the price tag may be steep for some, the value it offers in terms of photography and software features makes it a worthwhile investment. At first glance, the Pixel 3 XL's hefty price tag might deter potential buyers. However, when you consider what you're getting - an exceptional camera system, top-notch AI-driven software, and a sleek design - the value becomes apparent. The camera is undoubtedly the star of this show, with its impressive dynamic range, super sharp images, and excellent edge detection. While other smartphones may offer better video recording capabilities or more aggressive pricing, the Pixel 3 XL stands out for its unique selling point: the best camera in a smartphone. If you value having an exceptional camera at your fingertips, then this phone is worth every penny. Furthermore, Google's commitment to software updates ensures that your device will remain secure and feature-rich for years to come. The seamless integration of AI-driven features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom make this phone a joy to use. In conclusion, while the Pixel 3 XL may not be the cheapest option on the market, its exceptional camera capabilities and cutting-edge software make it an excellent value proposition. If you're in the market for a smartphone that can deliver outstanding photography results and a seamless user experience, then the Google Pixel 3 XL is definitely worth considering. Price: (64GB) Value: - Exceptional camera capabilities, top-notch AI-driven software, and sleek design make this phone an excellent value proposition.
Performance
The Google Pixel 3 XL's performance is a mixed bag, with some aspects standing out as truly impressive while others fall short. The device's processor and RAM combination provides smooth performance in everyday use, making it suitable for casual users who want a hassle-free experience. However, the device struggles to multitask, often becoming sluggish when multiple apps are open at the same time. This is likely due to the lack of a high refresh rate display, which can make scrolling through menus and switching between apps feel choppy. In terms of gaming performance, the Pixel 3 XL holds its own, but it's not particularly impressive. Games run smoothly, but they often stutter or pause briefly when transitioning between scenes or loading new content. The device's battery life is average at best, lasting around a day with moderate use. However, heavy users may find themselves needing to charge the device more frequently, especially if they're using power-hungry apps like video streaming services. One area where the Pixel 3 XL truly shines is in its camera performance. The device's camera software is exceptional, producing stunning photos and videos that rival those taken with high-end DSLRs. However, the camera itself is not particularly impressive, lacking features like optical zoom and a telephoto lens. Overall, while the Google Pixel 3 XL's performance is decent, it falls short of expectations in some areas. The device's smooth performance in everyday use is offset by its lackluster multitasking capabilities and average battery life.