Google Pixel XL

Mobile Review, Overview & Expert Insights

Google Pixel XL was announced in October 2016. Google Pixel XL is powered by Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm), optimized for AI-driven tasks, photography, and smooth real-world usage, with benchmark figures such as AnTuTu score of 165,000 and Geekbench score of 320 / 900.

It features a 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame display, offering clear visuals for videos and apps. The device packs a Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable battery, ensuring dependable all-day endurance. Google’s camera system (12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3", 1.55µm, PDAF) focuses on computational photography for consistent and natural-looking results.

Pros

  • Large battery capacity for long usage sessions.
  • Google Tensor chip optimized for AI features, photography, and smooth everyday performance.
  • Fast charging support (as listed).
  • Clean Android experience with timely updates directly from Google.
  • Strong computational photography and AI-powered camera features.
  • Enhanced on-device security and privacy protections.

Cons

  • Not primarily focused on heavy gaming performance compared to flagship Snapdragon rivals.

Expert opinion

Google Pixel XL is powered by Google’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) chip, which prioritizes AI-driven features, computational photography, and smooth real-world performance rather than raw benchmark dominance. Its Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable battery should provide dependable endurance for typical daily use. The Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame display contributes to a comfortable viewing experience for media and everyday tasks.

Key Specifications

Below are the main specifications including processor, battery, display, camera, and storage configuration of this smartphone.

Battery Capacity: Li-Ion 3450 m Ah, non-removable
Os: Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
Ram: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Type: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Size: 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2
Main: 12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3" , 1.55µm, PDAF
Features: Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama

Chipset Ratings "ᴿᵉˡⁱᵃᵇˡᵉ ᵂᵉᵇ ˢᵒᵘʳᶜᵉˢ ⁻ ⁹⁹% ᵛᵉʳⁱᶠⁱᵉᵈ

Antutu
165000
Geekbench
320 / 900

Price, Colors, Battery

Battery

Battery Capacity: Li-Ion 3450 m Ah, non-removable
Battery Charging: 18W wired, PD

Colors

Color swatch for Quite Black Color swatch for Very Silver Color swatch for Really Blue

Camera

Main Camera

Main: 12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3" , 1.55µm, PDAF
Features: Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video Quality: 1080p@30 fps

Selfie Camera

Selfie Camera: 8 MP
Selfie Camera Features: F/2.4, 1/3.2" , 1.4µm
Video Quality: 1080p@30 fps

Display

Display specifications covering screen size, panel technology, resolution, and protection features affecting viewing experience and visual clarity.

Type: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Size: 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2
Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
Weight: 168 g

Hardware

Hardware configuration including processor, RAM, internal storage, and performance-related specifications that influence speed and multitasking capability.

Os: Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
Cpu: Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
Gpu: Adreno 530
Clock: 2x 2.35 GHz Kryo, 2x 2.19 GHz Kryo (Custom 64-bit)
Cores: 4
Ram: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Storage Type: UFS 2.0
Cardslot: No

Features

Connectivity and additional features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS positioning, NFC support, USB connectivity, and built-in sensors.

Wlan: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE, apt X
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS
Nfc: Yes
Usb: USB Type-C 3.0
Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Sim: Nano-SIM

Sound

Audio features including loudspeaker performance and headphone jack availability for media and communication usage.

Loudspeaker: Yes
Audiojack: Yes

Announcement

General information including technology type, launch timeline, dimensions, and overall device build details.

Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
Announcement Month: October
Announcement Year: 2016
Price List