The Google Pixel 3 XL, a phone released a few years back, still holds a special place in many hearts. But how does its performance stack up today? In this article, we’re diving deep into a Google Pixel 3 XL performance review, putting it through its paces to see if it can still keep up with modern demands. Let's get started, folks!

Diving into the Specs

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of performance tests, let’s take a quick look at what’s under the hood. The Pixel 3 XL is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, paired with 4GB of RAM. While these specs might seem a bit dated compared to the latest flagships, they were top-of-the-line back in 2018. The Snapdragon 845 is an octa-core processor, featuring four Kryo 385 Gold cores clocked at 2.5 GHz and four Kryo 385 Silver cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This setup is designed to balance performance and efficiency, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks and demanding applications alike. Additionally, the phone comes with an Adreno 630 GPU, which handles graphics processing. This GPU is more than capable of rendering high-quality visuals and running graphically intensive games. It supports advanced features like HDR gaming and efficient power consumption, making it a solid choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The combination of the Snapdragon 845 and the Adreno 630 ensures that the Pixel 3 XL can handle a wide range of tasks, from browsing the web and streaming videos to playing the latest games and editing photos. Despite its age, this hardware configuration remains competitive, offering a fluid and responsive user experience.

Real-World Performance

Okay, specs are cool, but what about real-world performance? In everyday use, the Google Pixel 3 XL feels surprisingly snappy. Navigating the UI is smooth, apps launch quickly, and multitasking is generally handled well. You can seamlessly switch between social media apps, web browsers, and email clients without experiencing significant lag. However, with only 4GB of RAM, you might notice some apps reloading when you switch back to them after a while, especially if you have many apps running in the background. This is one area where the phone shows its age compared to newer devices with 6GB, 8GB, or even 12GB of RAM. Despite this limitation, the Pixel 3 XL still provides a fluid and responsive experience for most common tasks. Web browsing is fast and efficient, thanks to the optimized Chrome browser and the phone's capable processor. Streaming videos in high resolution is also a breeze, with no noticeable stuttering or buffering. Even demanding apps like photo and video editors run smoothly, allowing you to perform basic editing tasks on the go. Overall, the Pixel 3 XL continues to deliver a satisfying user experience for everyday tasks, proving that well-optimized software can make a big difference in performance. The combination of a powerful processor and a clean Android experience ensures that the phone remains a reliable companion for daily use.

Gaming Performance

For the gamers out there, the Google Pixel 3 XL can still hold its own. Games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite are playable at medium to high settings with decent frame rates. Don't expect to max out all the settings, but the Adreno 630 GPU does a commendable job of providing a smooth gaming experience. In more demanding titles, you might experience occasional frame drops, but overall, the phone remains capable of handling most mobile games. One of the key factors contributing to the Pixel 3 XL's gaming performance is its efficient thermal management. The phone doesn't overheat as quickly as some of its competitors, which helps to maintain consistent frame rates during extended gaming sessions. This is particularly important for competitive games where a stable frame rate can make the difference between winning and losing. Additionally, the Pixel 3 XL's display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The large screen size also provides an immersive view of the game world, making it easier to spot enemies and navigate complex environments. While the Pixel 3 XL may not be the ultimate gaming phone, it still offers a satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience for casual and hardcore gamers alike. Its combination of a capable GPU, efficient thermal management, and a high-quality display makes it a viable option for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Benchmarks

To give you some hard numbers, let's look at some benchmark scores. In Geekbench, the Google Pixel 3 XL typically scores around 2300 in the single-core test and around 8000 in the multi-core test. These scores are lower than modern flagships but still respectable for a phone of its age. In AnTuTu, the Pixel 3 XL usually scores around 270,000. Keep in mind that these scores can vary depending on the software version and the phone's current state. Benchmark scores provide a useful way to compare the performance of different devices, but they don't always tell the whole story. Real-world performance can be influenced by a variety of factors, including software optimization, thermal management, and background processes. For example, a phone with a higher benchmark score might not necessarily feel faster in everyday use if its software is poorly optimized. Conversely, a phone with a lower benchmark score can still provide a smooth and responsive experience if its software is well-optimized and its hardware is efficiently utilized. Therefore, it's important to consider benchmark scores as just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating a phone's performance. It's also essential to take into account real-world usage scenarios and user reviews to get a more complete picture of the phone's capabilities. Despite its age, the Pixel 3 XL continues to deliver respectable benchmark scores, demonstrating its ability to handle a wide range of tasks and applications.

Camera Performance

One area where the Google Pixel 3 XL continues to shine is its camera. The 12.2MP rear camera is capable of taking stunning photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Google's image processing is still top-notch, producing images with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The Pixel 3 XL also excels in low-light photography, thanks to its Night Sight mode. This mode uses advanced algorithms to brighten up dark scenes and reduce noise, resulting in impressive low-light photos. The phone's camera also supports features like Portrait Mode, which creates a blurred background effect, and Super Res Zoom, which enhances the detail of zoomed-in shots. The front-facing camera is also excellent, capturing sharp and detailed selfies. It also supports Portrait Mode, allowing you to take stylish selfies with a blurred background. Overall, the Pixel 3 XL's camera remains one of its strongest features, delivering excellent image quality and a wide range of shooting options. Whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or selfies, the Pixel 3 XL's camera is sure to impress. Its combination of high-quality hardware and advanced software algorithms makes it a top contender in the mobile photography arena. Even years after its release, the Pixel 3 XL's camera continues to set a high standard for image quality and performance.

Battery Life

Battery life on the Google Pixel 3 XL is decent, but not exceptional. You can typically get through a full day of moderate use, but heavy users might need to top up the battery in the late afternoon. The phone has a 3430mAh battery, which is relatively small compared to some newer devices. However, Google's software optimization helps to maximize battery life. Features like Adaptive Battery learn your usage patterns and prioritize power to the apps you use most often. The Pixel 3 XL also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. Wireless charging is also supported, providing a convenient way to charge the phone without plugging it in. Overall, the Pixel 3 XL's battery life is adequate for most users, but it's not a standout feature. If you're a heavy user, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger or adjusting your usage habits to conserve battery life. However, for moderate users, the Pixel 3 XL should provide enough power to get through a full day without any issues. The combination of a decent-sized battery and Google's software optimization ensures that the phone can provide a reliable and consistent battery experience.

Software and Updates

The Google Pixel 3 XL originally launched with Android 9 Pie and has since been updated to Android 12. While it may not receive any further major Android updates, it will continue to receive security updates for the foreseeable future. Google's Pixel phones are known for their clean and bloatware-free Android experience. The Pixel 3 XL is no exception, offering a smooth and intuitive user interface. Google also provides timely software updates, ensuring that the phone is always running the latest security patches and bug fixes. The Pixel 3 XL also benefits from exclusive Google features, such as Now Playing, which automatically identifies songs playing in the background, and Call Screen, which helps to filter out spam calls. These features enhance the overall user experience and make the Pixel 3 XL stand out from other Android devices. Overall, the Pixel 3 XL's software experience is one of its strongest points, offering a clean, intuitive, and feature-rich user interface. Google's commitment to providing timely software updates ensures that the phone remains secure and up-to-date, even years after its release. The combination of a clean Android experience and exclusive Google features makes the Pixel 3 XL a compelling choice for Android enthusiasts.

Conclusion

So, is the Google Pixel 3 XL still worth it? If you can find it at a good price, it’s still a capable phone that offers a great camera, smooth performance, and a clean Android experience. However, its age is starting to show, especially in terms of RAM and battery life. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a great camera and don't mind the older specs, the Pixel 3 XL is still a viable option. But if you need the latest and greatest performance, you might want to consider a newer device. Either way, the Pixel 3 XL remains a testament to Google's ability to create well-rounded and long-lasting smartphones. Its combination of a capable processor, excellent camera, and clean Android experience makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich phone on the market, it still offers a satisfying and enjoyable user experience. The Pixel 3 XL's legacy lives on, demonstrating that a well-designed and optimized smartphone can remain relevant for years to come.