SpecEagle
Launch report · Google

Pixel XL: The first phone Google built as Google — and a camera benchmark.

SpecEagle Editorial·Oct 2016·$769·Score 56/100

The Pixel XL launched Google’s own phone brand and set an early bar for computational photography. It is a historical first — long obsolete as a device.

Key specs at launch

Display
5.5" QHD AMOLED
Chipset
Snapdragon 821
Memory
4 GB · 32 GB
Main cam
12.3 MP · f/2.0
Battery
3,450 mAh
Weight
168 g
What stands out
  • The first Google-branded Pixel — start of the line.
  • Class-leading HDR+ camera for 2016.
  • Unlimited original-quality Google Photos storage (launch perk).
  • Clean, fast software.
What to watch
  • Mono speaker; only IP53.
  • 32 GB base storage.
  • Software ended at Android 10.
  • Discontinued — a vintage device.
The phone it has to beat
Galaxy Note 5
$699 · score 84/100