Google Pixel 3 XL In 2023! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

The Google Pixel 3 XL had a peculiar design and mixed performance, struggling against competitors.

Transcript

well everyone it's time for us to go and take a look at the Google pixel 3 XL and see how this phone has been holding up the last years that this phone has been basically around so if you want to pick up some of the newer pixels I probably recommend you know picking those up over this one links will be down in the description you can get them from ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 The Pixel 3 XL's design was unconventional for its time, featuring a sizable notch and as bottom bezel, leading to widespread critique.
• 🎥 The phone's single rear camera underperformed relative to competitors, impacting Google's reputation for camera excellence.
• 😀 With only four gigabytes of RAM, the Pixel 3 XL faced challenges in handling memory-intensive applications and multitasking capabilities.
• 🏛️ Battery life was decent with a 3430 mAh capacity, but it was not standout compared to other devices available in its class.
• 🙈 The removal of the headphone jack was seen as controversial, especially as competitors retained this feature in their newer models.
• 👶 Software support for the Pixel 3 XL included updates for approximately two years, but its discontinuation left users seeking newer options for features and security.
• 😤 A strong custom ROM community exists for the Pixel 3 XL, potentially extending its usability for tech-savvy users beyond standard software support.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the most notable design flaws of the Pixel 3 XL?

The Pixel 3 XL featured a large notch and a bottom bezel, which were atypical for 2018's smartphone designs. Unlike competitors like the iPhone X, which had a more seamless display, the Pixel’s design was seen as awkward and outdated, leading many to view it as a misstep for Google.

Q: How did the camera perform in comparison to other flagship phones of 2018?

The Pixel 3 XL had a single 12.2 MP camera on the back and dual 8 MP front cameras. However, it lacked features like 4K recording, which were standard in competitors like the iPhone XS and Galaxy S9+. As a result, its camera performance, often touted by Google, fell short against rivals.

Q: What was the long-term software support situation for the Pixel 3 XL?

The Pixel 3 XL enjoyed a decent lifespan, receiving software updates for about two years post-launch. However, it has been discontinued since, meaning it no longer receives new features or significant security updates, making it less appealing for users wishing to remain current.

Q: How does the performance of the Pixel 3 XL hold up despite its specifications?

While the Pixel 3 XL was powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset, its four gigabytes of RAM limited its multitasking and gaming capabilities. Users might find it adequate for basic tasks but performance suffers in more demanding applications, particularly as apps and games evolve.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Google Pixel 3 XL is noted for its unusual design choices, such as a large notch and bottom bezel, which were not in line with trends in 2018, leading to a perception of it being a flop.

• Despite its decent Snapdragon 845 chipset and 3430 mAh battery, the phone's performance was hindered by having only four gigabytes of RAM, making it less suitable for intensive gaming and multitasking.

• The camera setup was another disappointing aspect, with a single 12.2 MP rear camera that failed to compete with rivals, further affecting its standing in the smartphone market.