X

Google's Pixel XL serves up more pure Android goodness

The Pixel and Pixel XL have pretty much the same specs. The Pixel XL offers a larger screen with a higher resolution, but only a slightly better battery life. Take a closer look at the Pixel XL.

Patrick Holland
Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.
Patrick Holland
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The Pixel XL: The Google Pixel's bigger, similarly spec'ed brother

Google has released two mostly identical phones: the 5-inch Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL (pictured above).

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The Pixel and Pixel XL are the first phones to have Google Assistant built in.

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The Pixel XL has an AMOLED display with a pixel density of 534 pixels per inch.

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The back is defined by glass on the top and aluminum on the bottom.

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The Pixel XL has a 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

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It has a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, which Google touts as the best camera ever on a smartphone.

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The camera received a DxOMark score of 89 -- the highest score for any smartphone.

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Despite, having a similar design, the smaller Pixel, seems to be a better fit than the Pixel XL (shown above).

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The phone comes in three colors: Very Silver, Quite Black and a limited-edition Really Blue.

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The "g" on the back stands for Google.

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The bottom is only 7.3 millimeters (0.2 inch) thick.

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The right side of the phone has a volume rocker and power button.

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The power button, on the side, can be pressed twice for quick access to the camera.

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A view of the bottom shows a USB-C port, a speaker and a microphone.

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The Pixel XL is sold unlocked and can be used on any major US carrier by swapping SIM cards.

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Notice the absence of a camera bump. This is due to the Pixel XL's wedge-shaped design.

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Also, on the back is a fingerprint sensor Google calls Pixel Imprint.

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The Pixel and Pixel XL share the same good looks.

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The only major differences between the two phones are display size, battery size and price.

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Spec-wise, both phones are very similar.

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The Pixel in Very Silver underneath the Pixel XL in Quite Black.

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These phones will go head-to-head with offerings from Samsung, Apple and LG.

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Both Pixels sport a wedge-shaped body with the thinnest point being the bottom.

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Though larger, the Pixel XL gets about the same battery life as the Pixel.

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For more on the Pixel XL, check out our review.

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