Phone · Google · Pixel

Pixel XL

Released in October 2016 alongside its smaller sibling, the Google Pixel XL marked a fundamental transition from the developer oriented Nexus line to Google's self branded flagship hardware ecosystem. Built around a 5.5 inch Quad HD AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, and 4GB of RAM, the Pixel XL set a high standard for computational photography and stock Android software integration. Its signature two tone glass and aluminum back panel made it instantly recognizable, while a 3,450 mAh battery powered a screen heavy experience running Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, with eventual official updates through Android 10. A standout feature that maintains the device's relevance today is the lifetime original quality Google Photos cloud backup perk bundled with first generation Pixel hardware. Because of that uncompressed cloud storage perk, the Pixel XL continues to serve a niche but dedicated group of photo archivists, mobile enthusiasts, and secondary device operators. While it no longer receives security patches or system software updates, the device functions effectively as a backup camera, media player, or light utility phone for users who appreciate classic 16:9…