Hey tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Google Pixel 3 XL performance. Released in late 2018, this phone was a flagship contender, known for its stellar camera and clean Android experience. But how does it hold up in terms of speed and responsiveness in 2024? We're putting the Pixel 3 XL through a series of real-world tests to see if it can still deliver a smooth user experience. This comprehensive review will cover everything from gaming and multitasking to everyday app usage and overall system performance. Get ready to find out if the Pixel 3 XL is still a viable option, even years after its initial launch.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

When the Pixel 3 XL first hit the market, it boasted a premium feel with its glass back and aluminum frame. The design was clean and minimalist, a hallmark of Google's Pixel line. Upon unboxing, you're greeted with the phone itself, along with a few basic accessories – a charger, a USB-C cable, and a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter (remember those?). The phone's large 6.3-inch display was a standout feature, offering vibrant colors and sharp details, making it a great device for media consumption and browsing. Setting up the phone was straightforward, thanks to Android's user-friendly interface. Initial impressions were very positive, with the phone feeling snappy and responsive right out of the box. But first impressions can be deceiving, so let's see how the Pixel 3 XL handles the rigors of daily use and intensive tasks. The phone's design was a significant departure from previous Pixel models, with its dual-tone back, a signature look for the brand. The screen's size made it a good choice for those who enjoy a larger display, and the overall build quality gave a feeling of a high-end device. The first thing you'll likely notice is the screen, which, even today, holds up pretty well. It’s an OLED panel, so you get those deep blacks and vibrant colors that make everything look great. The phone's software experience was also a highlight, as Google's clean Android experience is known for its simplicity and efficiency. This also ensures that the user interface feels fast and fluid, which we’ll see later during our performance tests. The Pixel 3 XL also features the distinctive dual-tone finish on the back, another signature design choice that made the phone visually stand out from other devices in the market. The placement of the fingerprint sensor was also conveniently placed on the back, making it easy to unlock the phone with one hand. Overall, the first impressions of the Pixel 3 XL were very positive, with its premium build, beautiful display, and smooth software experience. Now let's see how it holds up in day-to-day scenarios.

The Pixel 3 XL's Specs: What's Under the Hood?

Before we jump into the Pixel 3 XL performance tests, let's take a quick look at the specs sheet. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, coupled with either 4GB of RAM. While 4GB might seem a bit modest by today's standards, back in 2018, it was a respectable amount. It features an Adreno 630 GPU, which is responsible for handling graphics-intensive tasks. Storage options included 64GB or 128GB, and it's worth noting that the Pixel 3 XL, like other Pixel devices, does not offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The display is a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. This screen is known for its excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, offering a great viewing experience. The camera system, a key selling point of the Pixel 3 XL, features a single 12.2MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP dual front camera for selfies and video calls. The battery is 3430 mAh, which was decent for its time, but may not last a full day of heavy use nowadays. It also supports fast charging, which is a welcome feature. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB-C port. The operating system at launch was Android 9.0 Pie, but it has received updates to newer versions of Android, providing more recent features and security updates. Now that we've refreshed our memories, let’s see how the internal components translate into real-world performance. These specifications, especially the Snapdragon 845, made the Pixel 3 XL a high-performing phone at the time of its release. The presence of an OLED screen and a single lens camera with advanced software processing made it a market favorite. The storage options were standard for high-end phones then, and the included connectivity options provided users with great versatility. The battery life, however, was a point of concern for some users. The focus on software and the promise of timely updates also ensured that the phone would stay relevant for quite a while. In the next section, we’ll move onto the real-world performance tests.

Real-World Performance Tests: Speed and Responsiveness

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty and see how the Pixel 3 XL handles real-world scenarios. We tested the phone across various areas, from general app usage and multitasking to gaming and camera performance. The goal here is to determine whether the phone still feels fast and responsive in 2024. For general app usage, we opened and switched between several popular apps like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail. We noted the app loading times and the smoothness of transitions between apps. The Pixel 3 XL generally performed well, with apps loading reasonably quickly. There were occasional stutters, especially when switching between very demanding apps or when multiple apps were running in the background. Multitasking was tested by running multiple apps simultaneously. We observed how well the phone handled switching between these apps and whether the apps remained in memory without reloading. The Pixel 3 XL managed multitasking reasonably well, but the 4GB of RAM did show its limitations. Some apps would reload when switching back to them after being in the background for a while. This is a common issue with phones that have limited RAM, but it can be annoying if you're constantly switching between apps. Next, we tested gaming performance. We played graphically intensive games such as 'PUBG Mobile' and 'Call of Duty: Mobile' to see how well the phone handled them. The games were playable, but we noticed some frame drops and stuttering, especially with the graphics settings set to high. Lowering the graphics settings improved the performance, but it also reduced the visual quality. The Adreno 630 GPU is a capable graphics processor, but it's starting to show its age in the latest demanding mobile games. Camera performance was also assessed. We took several photos and videos in different lighting conditions to assess the image quality and speed of the camera app. The camera app was generally fast to open and capture photos. The images were still good, thanks to Google's excellent image processing. The Pixel 3 XL is known for its software-based image processing, which enhances the quality of photos, making them look great even with a single-lens camera. The video recording was also decent, with good stabilization and clarity. Overall, the real-world performance tests show that the Pixel 3 XL is still a capable phone for everyday use. However, the performance isn't as snappy as newer phones, especially when it comes to multitasking and gaming. The 4GB of RAM is a bottleneck in some instances, but it’s still more than enough to handle most basic tasks without issue. For the camera, the image processing algorithms keep up, maintaining high image quality.

Gaming and Multimedia Capabilities: Can It Still Handle It?

Let’s dive deeper into the gaming and multimedia capabilities of the Pixel 3 XL. This phone was a top choice for media consumption when it launched, and let’s see if it still holds up. We started with gaming. As mentioned before, we tested popular titles like 'PUBG Mobile', 'Call of Duty: Mobile', and 'Asphalt 9: Legends'. At launch, the Snapdragon 845 was a beast, handling these games smoothly. In 2024, the situation is different. While the games are still playable, the Pixel 3 XL struggles with high graphics settings, and you will notice frame rate drops and stuttering. Lowering the graphics settings helps, but it reduces the visual fidelity. This isn't surprising given that the Snapdragon 845 is several generations old. For multimedia consumption, the phone’s vibrant OLED display is still a treat. Watching videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming services is still a pleasant experience. The colors are rich, the blacks are deep, and the display is bright enough for outdoor viewing. The dual front-facing speakers on the Pixel 3 XL are another highlight. They provide a balanced audio experience, great for listening to music, watching videos, or even playing games. The sound quality is clear and loud, making it an enjoyable experience even without headphones. The large screen makes it easier to watch videos, browse the web, or read articles. One small issue is that the battery life can suffer with heavy use, especially if you're playing games or streaming videos for extended periods. The 3430 mAh battery isn’t as big as batteries in modern phones, and you might need to recharge it before the end of the day. The Pixel 3 XL can handle multimedia with impressive results, mainly thanks to its display and stereo speakers. The gaming performance is slightly limited by its age, but for casual gaming, it’s still acceptable. Watching videos, listening to music, and browsing the web is a fantastic experience on this phone, with the display and speakers standing out.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

Battery life is a critical aspect of any smartphone, so let’s see how the Pixel 3 XL performs in this department. The phone comes with a 3430 mAh battery, which was a decent size at the time of its release, but is now considered relatively small compared to modern smartphones. In our tests, we observed how the battery performed with a mix of everyday tasks, including web browsing, social media use, video streaming, and some gaming. Under moderate use, the Pixel 3 XL could typically last a full day, but with heavy use, such as extended gaming or streaming, you'd likely need to recharge it before the end of the day. This is an area where the phone is showing its age. Modern smartphones often have batteries that can easily last a day and a half or even two days. The Pixel 3 XL, with its older battery, doesn’t quite match up. The phone also supports fast charging, which helps mitigate the issue of shorter battery life. The included charger can charge the phone relatively quickly, which is a big plus. Wireless charging is also supported, adding another convenient charging option. During our battery tests, we measured the screen-on time, which refers to how long the screen is active while using the phone. The Pixel 3 XL usually achieved around 4-5 hours of screen-on time with moderate to heavy usage. This figure varies depending on the types of apps used and the screen brightness level. One factor that impacts the battery life is the age of the battery. As batteries age, their capacity degrades, which means they can’t hold as much charge as they did when they were new. If you've been using a Pixel 3 XL for several years, you may notice that the battery life has decreased compared to when you first bought the phone. Overall, the battery life of the Pixel 3 XL is adequate for light to moderate use. However, heavy users or those who depend on their phone throughout the day may find themselves needing to recharge more often. The fast charging and wireless charging capabilities are welcome additions, but they can't fully compensate for the smaller battery size. If battery life is a priority for you, this is something to take into consideration.

Software and Updates: Still Getting the Latest?

One of the biggest strengths of the Pixel 3 XL is its software experience. Being a Google phone, it received timely Android updates, which kept it up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. At launch, the Pixel 3 XL ran Android 9.0 Pie. It later received updates to Android 10, Android 11, and eventually, Android 12. While it did not receive the latest Android 13 or 14 updates, it still has access to the core features and functionality of the Android ecosystem. Google typically provides updates for Pixel phones for a set period, and the Pixel 3 XL has now reached the end of its update cycle. This means it no longer receives official Android version updates. However, it continues to receive security updates, which are crucial for protecting your phone from vulnerabilities. The clean and bloatware-free Android experience is one of the phone's key selling points. The user interface is simple, intuitive, and highly customizable. It’s also optimized for performance, meaning the phone feels smooth and responsive. Google’s commitment to providing timely updates ensured that the Pixel 3 XL remained relevant for a long time. The software experience is also optimized for performance, meaning that the phone is still fast. Even though it is not receiving updates anymore, the phone performs well on its current operating system. The benefits of timely updates include improvements in performance, new features, and enhanced security. The lack of bloatware also results in improved system performance and a clean, uncluttered user experience. While the Pixel 3 XL has reached the end of its update cycle for major Android versions, it continues to receive security patches. This ensures that the phone is still secure and protected against threats. The Pixel 3 XL, even though it's not the latest Android version, still offers a clean and smooth user experience. The phone’s software experience is still very good, though it's not getting the newest features from the latest Android versions. However, security updates continue to be available to help keep the device secure.

Camera Performance: Does the Magic Still Work?

The camera on the Pixel 3 XL was a game-changer when it was released, and its performance is still impressive today, even with a single-lens rear camera. Google's innovative image processing algorithms were (and still are) the secret sauce behind the camera's success. The Pixel 3 XL captures excellent photos in various lighting conditions. In daylight, the photos are sharp, with great dynamic range and accurate colors. The HDR+ mode, which automatically enhances photos, does a fantastic job of balancing highlights and shadows. Even today, the photos still look great! In low light, the Pixel 3 XL performs admirably, thanks to its Night Sight mode. Night Sight significantly brightens photos in dim environments, capturing detail that would be lost on other phones. The Night Sight feature transforms low-light shots into stunning images. The single-lens setup might seem outdated compared to phones with multiple cameras, but Google's software magic makes up for the hardware limitations. The Pixel 3 XL offers a great experience, thanks to Google’s image processing algorithms. These algorithms provide an impressive level of detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The front camera takes good selfies, with decent detail and good color reproduction. The portrait mode creates a nice bokeh effect, blurring the background. Overall, the camera on the Pixel 3 XL is still one of its standout features. It delivers excellent image quality, even in 2024. The Google Camera app is intuitive and easy to use. The camera’s performance remains competitive, particularly in low light. If you are looking for a phone with a great camera, the Pixel 3 XL is still a solid choice.

Pixel 3 XL: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?

So, after all the tests and analysis, is the Google Pixel 3 XL still worth buying in 2024? The answer is: it depends on your needs and budget. If you're on a tight budget and want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience, the Pixel 3 XL is still a viable option. Its camera performance remains top-notch, and the user experience is smooth and enjoyable. However, there are a few things to consider. The phone's performance isn't as snappy as newer phones, especially when multitasking or gaming. The battery life may not last a full day for heavy users, and you'll have to factor in the lack of future Android version updates. The phone’s age is definitely a factor to consider, but for the right price, it can be a good choice. If you prioritize performance, battery life, and the latest features, you might want to consider a more modern phone. There are many newer phones on the market that offer better performance, longer battery life, and the latest Android versions. If you want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience, the Pixel 3 XL is still a good choice, especially if you can get it at a discounted price. Overall, the Pixel 3 XL remains a capable phone in 2024. The camera quality is still excellent, and the user experience is pleasant. But the performance limitations, battery life constraints, and lack of future software updates should be taken into consideration. Make sure you compare the phone with other options on the market, considering your budget and the features that matter most to you. The price is also a significant factor. If you can find a Pixel 3 XL at a significantly reduced price compared to newer phones, it becomes a more attractive option. For those who can appreciate its strengths and are willing to overlook its weaknesses, the Pixel 3 XL can still be a good purchase. If you’re looking for a reliable phone with a fantastic camera and a clean user interface, it is still a solid option.