Google Pixel XL On Hand Review; More Awesome Than A Nexus

Google unveiled two new smartphones yesterday “Google Pixel and Pixel XL”– for the first time ever under its own brand name. Although the Google Pixel XL was built by HTC, Google has chosen to hide the manufacturer’s logo.

Nevertheless, it is the successor to the Nexus 6P and is anticipated to initially have exclusive software features. Discover all about the price, release and technical data for the Pixel XL here.

• Google Pixel XL design and build quality

The Pixel XL, just like the Pixel, is the first beautiful smartphone that Google has produced since the Nexus 4. Some design elements, including the curves along the edge, are reminiscent of the classic design from 2012. At 5.5 inches, it is significantly larger.
Google has taken the best elements from existing smartphones and incorporated them into the Pixel XL. Thus, not only is it beautiful, but it is also an ergonomic pleasure. Its low weight is particularly remarkable. Google seems to have successfully reduced the weight of the phone. In particular, when directly compared to the Nexus 6P, the Pixel XL is significantly lighter.

The edges of the Pixel XL are smooth and the curvature is both haptic and extremely practical – thanks to these features, the Pixel XL can be easily picked up from a table. The camera, designed to be flush with the rest of the phone, allows it to lay flat on the table.
The front and back of the Pixel XL are protected against scratches by Gorilla Glass. Google has not specified which version it is – if it were the shock-resistant Gorilla Glass 5 though, they probably would have announced it . Water and dust protection is, unfortunately, absent, giving the Pixel XL a considerable disadvantage against its competitors.

• Google Pixel XL display

The 5.5-inch AMOLED display of the Pixel XL has a WQHD resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels or 534 PPI. The AMOLED comes from Samsung and provides a sharp and high-contrast display. A Daydream View VR headset is available for the Pixel XL (an additional $79), legitimising the high resolution: virtual reality is one of the most significant functions of the Pixel XL.
We need to carry out more detailed tests to see how the smartphone handles everyday life. We will only be able to test whether the contrast works well in all levels of brightness in daylight or at night.

• Google Pixel XL performance

After Samsung’s Exynos 8890, the Snapdragon 821 is the fastest processor on all Android devices. It handles like a modified version of the 820, which impressed users with its high functionality and game pace. In contrast to the Snapdragon 820, the 821 is optimised for Daydream VR. With that and 4 GB RAM, the Pixel XL is set up to manage all current tasks.

Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to establish benchmarks through a hands-on experience with the Pixel and Pixel XL, so we can’t offer any standard guidelines. In detailed tests later, we will carry out standard and daily operations and see if the Pixel XL offers a smooth experience for users.

Google Pixel XL audio
The Pixel XL has simpler audio amenities than the Nexus 6P and only offers a mono speaker jack at the bottom of the device. In total, there are three microphones for shooting video, making calls and noise reduction. In extensive testing later, we will investigate the quality of sound and recordings.

Google Pixel XL camera
Google has rejected the dual-camera trend that Huawei, LG, and Apple want to push forward. Nevertheless, the simple 12.3-megapixel main cameras scored an initial rating of 89 from DxOMark, the most renowned camera test on the internet. In our hands-on, we did not extract the pictures that were taken, so unfortunately we do not have samples for you.

Google Pixel XL battery
Google uses a 3,450 mAh battery, as we have already seen in the Nexus 6P. With 15 minutes of charging, it has enough charge to last seven hours of talk time. A detailed practical test will show whether a higher battery life can be achieved by using more efficient components and a smaller display.

What is your opinion ?