The Google Pixel 3 XL, released on October 18, 2018, was Google’s flagship smartphone, succeeding the Pixel 2 XL. Priced at $899 for the base model, it aimed to deliver a pure Android experience with cutting-edge computational photography and tight integration with Google services. Featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display and a single rear camera, it competed with premium devices like the iPhone XS Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. This review provides a detailed analysis of the Pixel 3 XL’s hardware and software specifications, evaluates its performance, and compares it with other 2018 smartphones in a similar price range to assess its market position.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design and Build
The Pixel 3 XL features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, supporting wireless charging. Measuring 158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm and weighing 184 grams, it’s lighter than the Galaxy Note 9 (201g) and iPhone XS Max (208g), offering a comfortable grip. The two-tone back (glossy upper section, matte lower section) resists fingerprints better than all-glass competitors, but durability tests by Consumer Reports showed poor performance after 100 drops, with a cracked screen, suggesting a case is necessary. Screen repairs cost ~$250 without warranty.
Available in Clearly White, Just Black, and Not Pink, the design is understated but functional. The IP68 rating (1.5 meters for 30 minutes) ensures water and dust resistance, matching the Galaxy Note 9 and surpassing the iPhone XR’s IP67. The large notch, housing dual front cameras, was polarizing, reducing the screen-to-body ratio (82.8%).
Display
The Pixel 3 XL sports a 6.3-inch P-OLED display (2960 x 1440 resolution, 523 ppi), supporting HDR for vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a peak brightness of 420 nits, it lags behind the Galaxy Note 9 (710 nits) and iPhone XS Max (625 nits) in outdoor visibility. The 18.5:9 aspect ratio and notch design maximize screen real estate, but early units had issues like pink tint and black crush, partially fixed via software updates. The display covers DCI-P3 and sRGB gamuts, offering accurate colors, though some criticized inconsistent panel quality compared to Samsung’s AMOLED.
Processor and Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core, 2.5 GHz Kryo 385), the Pixel 3 XL matches the Galaxy Note 9’s performance. Paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it handles daily tasks and gaming (e.g., PUBG) well but struggles with memory management, occasionally closing background apps—a drawback compared to the Note 9’s 6GB/8GB RAM. Benchmarks like AnTuTu (620,000) and Geekbench (Single-core: ~3,600, Multi-core: ~8,300) show it trailing the iPhone XS Max’s A12 Bionic (690,000) but competitive with other 2018 Android flagships. The 10nm process is less efficient than the A12’s 7nm, impacting battery life under heavy loads.
Storage
Available in 64GB and 128GB variants (UFS 2.1), the Pixel 3 XL lacks a microSD slot, a limitation compared to the Note 9. The 64GB base model was restrictive for heavy users, especially with 4K video and high-resolution photos, though Google offered unlimited Google Photos storage (original quality until January 2022).
Battery
The 3,430mAh battery supports up to 14 hours of video playback or 60 hours of audio. Real-world tests show 5–6 hours of screen-on time, adequate for moderate use but trailing the Note 9 (4,000mAh) and Huawei Mate 20 Pro (4,200mAh). It supports 18W fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes with included charger) and 10W wireless charging. Battery life is a weak point, with heavy tasks like gaming or GPS draining it quickly.
Cameras
The Pixel 3 XL features a single 12.2MP rear camera (f/1.8, 1.4μm pixels, OIS), relying on Google’s computational photography. Features like Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and Top Shot deliver exceptional results, particularly in low light, outperforming the iPhone XS Max and Note 9 in night shots. It records 4K video at 30fps with stereo audio, but lacks 60fps support, unlike competitors. The dual 8MP front cameras (f/1.8 wide, f/2.2 ultra-wide) offer versatile selfies, with the ultra-wide lens enabling group shots.
Camera performance is class-leading, with unmatched detail, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. Night Sight set a new standard, though the lack of a telephoto lens limits optical zoom compared to the Note 9 or Huawei P20 Pro. Video quality is solid but trails the iPhone XS Max in stabilization.
Connectivity
The Pixel 3 XL supports single SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM), LTE Cat.16 (up to 1,024 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It includes USB-C 3.1, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS. Connectivity is reliable, with fewer issues than the iPhone XS Max’s early LTE problems. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack (unlike the Note 9) was criticized, though a USB-C adapter is included.
Sensors
Includes a rear fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, barometer, and Active Edge (squeeze to launch Google Assistant). The fingerprint sensor is fast, but Active Edge was underutilized by some users.
Audio
Front-facing stereo speakers deliver loud, clear sound, surpassing the iPhone XS Max and matching the Note 9. No 3.5mm jack, but bundled USB-C earbuds offer decent quality. Audio performance is a strength for media consumption.
Software Specifications
Operating System
The Pixel 3 XL shipped with Android 9.0 Pie, offering a stock Android experience with Google’s optimizations. Key features included:
- Google Assistant: Deep integration with voice commands and context-aware suggestions.
- Digital Wellbeing: Tools for monitoring and limiting app usage.
- Night Sight: Software-driven low-light photography.
- Call Screen: AI-powered call filtering for spam.
- Now Playing: Automatic song identification on lock screen.
It received updates to Android 12, with support ending in October 2021 (three years of major updates, five years of security patches until October 2023), shorter than the iPhone XS Max’s seven years (up to iOS 18) and newer Samsung flagships. Stock Android is clean and fast, with no bloatware, but lacks Samsung’s feature-rich One UI.
Software Issues
Early Android 9 builds had bugs like memory management (apps closing prematurely) and audio glitches, partially fixed in updates. Some users reported inconsistent battery life and overheating during video calls, improved in Android 10. The lack of customization compared to One UI was a drawback for power users.
Performance and User Experience
The Pixel 3 XL delivers a smooth, bloat-free Android experience, with fast app launches and fluid animations. The Snapdragon 845 handles most tasks well, but 4GB RAM limits multitasking compared to the Note 9’s 6GB/8GB. The OLED display is vibrant for media and gaming, though the notch and lower brightness are drawbacks. The camera is the standout, producing stunning photos in nearly any condition, with Night Sight redefining low-light photography.
Battery life is average, requiring careful management for heavy users. Features like Call Screen and Now Playing add unique value, and stock Android feels snappy, though less feature-rich than One UI or iOS. The Active Edge feature is novel but less practical than the Note 9’s S Pen.
Comparison with Smartphones in the Same Range
The Pixel 3 XL launched at $899 (64GB), placing it in the premium flagship segment. Below is a comparison with 2018 competitors in a similar price range: Apple iPhone XS Max ($1,099), Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ($999), Huawei Mate 20 Pro (~$1,050), and OnePlus 6T ($599, included for value context). Prices reflect 2018 MSRP for base models.
| Feature | Pixel 3 XL | iPhone XS Max | Galaxy Note 9 | Huawei Mate 20 Pro | OnePlus 6T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | $899 (64GB) | $1,099 (64GB) | $999 (128GB) | ~$1,050 (128GB) | $599 (128GB) |
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 2960×1440, 523 ppi, HDR | 6.5″ OLED, 2688×1242, 458 ppi, HDR10 | 6.4″ AMOLED, 2960×1440, 516 ppi, HDR10 | 6.39″ AMOLED, 3120×1440, 538 ppi, HDR | 6.41″ AMOLED, 2340×1080, 402 ppi, HDR |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | A12 Bionic (7nm, 6-core) | Snapdragon 845/Exynos 9810 (10nm, 8-core) | Kirin 980 (7nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 64/256/512GB | 128/512GB + microSD | 128/256GB + NM card | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 3,430mAh, 18W fast, 10W wireless | 3,174mAh, 15W fast, 7.5W wireless | 4,000mAh, 15W fast, 9W wireless | 4,200mAh, 40W fast, 15W wireless | 3,700mAh, 20W fast, no wireless |
| Rear Camera | Single 12.2MP (f/1.8 wide) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 tele, 2x zoom) | Dual 12MP (f/1.5-2.4 wide, f/2.4 tele) | Triple 40MP (f/1.8) + 20MP + 8MP (3x zoom) | Dual 16MP (f/1.7 wide) + 20MP (f/1.7) |
| Front Camera | Dual 8MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.2 ultra-wide) | 7MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/1.7) | 24MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (up to Android 12) | iOS 12 (up to iOS 18) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 11) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP68 (2m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP68 (2m, 30 min) | None |
| Connectivity | Single SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, 3.5mm | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.21, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.7 x 7.9mm, 184g | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm, 208g | 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm, 201g | 157.8 x 72.3 x 8.6mm, 189g | 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, 185g |
| Additional Features | Active Edge, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | Face ID, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | S Pen, fingerprint, iris scanner, 3.5mm jack | Fingerprint, IR blaster, no 3.5mm jack | In-display fingerprint, no 3.5mm jack |
Analysis
- Pixel 3 XL: Excels in computational photography, stock Android, and Google Assistant integration. Its camera outperforms competitors in low light, but 4GB RAM and average battery life are limitations, and software support (up to Android 12) is shorter than the iPhone XS Max.
- iPhone XS Max: Offers superior performance, seven-year software support, and a polished iOS ecosystem. Its battery life is slightly better, but it lacks a 3.5mm jack or microSD slot and costs more.
- Galaxy Note 9: Features a larger battery, S Pen, microSD slot, and 3.5mm jack. Its display is brighter, but updates stopped at Android 10, and its camera trails the Pixel in low light.
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro: Boasts a triple camera, 4,200mAh battery, and 40W fast charging. The Kirin 980 is competitive, but US availability was limited, and updates capped at Android 10.
- OnePlus 6T: Delivers flagship specs and fast charging at a lower price. Its cameras and lack of IP rating are drawbacks, and software support (up to Android 11) is shorter.
The Pixel 3 XL’s camera and software experience were unmatched, but hardware limitations like RAM and battery life hindered its competitiveness at $899.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional single-lens camera with Night Sight.
- Clean, fast stock Android experience.
- Vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display with HDR.
- IP68 water resistance and wireless charging.
- Front-facing stereo speakers.
- Useful Google Assistant features (Call Screen, Now Playing).
- Included fast charger.
Cons
- Software support limited to Android 12 (three years of major updates).
- 4GB RAM struggles with multitasking.
- Average battery life compared to Note 9 and Mate 20 Pro.
- Large, polarizing notch.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack or microSD slot.
- Display brightness and panel consistency issues.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 3 XL was a photography powerhouse in 2018, leveraging computational photography to deliver unmatched low-light performance and a clean Android experience. Its stock Android, Google Assistant integration, and features like Night Sight and Call Screen set it apart, but 4GB RAM, average battery life, and a dated notch held it back. Compared to the iPhone XS Max, Galaxy Note 9, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, and OnePlus 6T, it excelled in camera quality and software purity but lagged in hardware versatility and longevity.
For Android purists and photography enthusiasts, the Pixel 3 XL was a compelling choice in 2018. In 2025, its lack of further updates and modest hardware make newer models like the Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24 more appealing, though its camera legacy remains influential.