If there’s any doubt that software will play an outsized part in picture quality in future, you only have to look at the Pixel 3 XL to see how far the technology has advanced. The Pixel 3 XL is able to balance the two, exposing parts that need more light and dimming those that risk overexposure. Take a challenging scene where there is a small bright light source shining through a window but where the foreground is too dim. No need for post-processing because images look fine right after you snap them. The aim is to darken some parts and “lighten” others, as you’d do in Photoshop now, except this is done automatically on the Pixel 3 XL. This is rather like how I used to “dodge and burn” a piece of photo paper in a photo lab back when I was in school. Google has built such a solid algorithm here to essentially control light as well as it can. This is like a photographer using a flash that is deflected onto the face for a natural look.
If you are taking a picture of a person’s face, for example, the phone can detect it and automatically calculate how to fill it with light. This appears to bring more light to dark scenes while keeping noise down to a rather acceptable level.Īt the same time, pictures look natural and not “over processed”. The 12.2-megapixel, f1.8 main camera on the back is helped by some highly capable post-processing magic.
It sports an excellent camera.ĭespite using just one lens, instead of two or three on rival Android phones, the Pixel 3 XL takes reliably good photos in both bright and dim situations. Last year’s Pixel 2 XL offered a powerhouse of a shooter and the new Pixel 3 XL is no different. The other big attraction of the new Google phone would be its camera. You just have to swipe right instead of typing out the words. On Gmail, you get prompts for text you are likely to type – say, no, I’m not available when you reply to an invitation over e-mail. It helps too that you always get the latest security updates and newest features that Google is pioneering on the Pixel 3 XL. Thankfully, no Bixby like on Samsung phones. If you like the clean interface that Pixel and Nexus phones of the past offer, it will also be the main reason why you are looking at the Pixel 3 XL.
It’s not difficult to get used to and actually I feel that the interface is less cluttered this way. One change is the need to slide up to show a number of options, such as the row of home screen buttons in the past.
It’s just buttery smooth when you fire up apps and switch between a dozen of them. Indeed, the stock Android 9 “Pie” on the Pixel 3 XL is smooth, zippy and uncluttered.
The Pixel 3 XL has great software but its hardware design and specs fall behind rivals.