Google Pixel XL
The Google Pixel XL is a balanced everyday device, powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm), suited to light-to-moderate use (2016).
2016 · Lower-mid-range · Android 7.1 (Nougat)ⓘ Grades compare this device against others in its own market segment (Mid-range), not against every device on the site.
⚡ Quick Specs
Size5.5" · 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
RAM4GB
Storage128GB | 32GB
Main Camera3 MP · Laser AF
⚖️ Compare With
✓︎ Pros
✓Razor-sharp 534 PPI display — text and images look crisp
✓5.5" OLED/AMOLED display with deep blacks and vibrant colours
✓Lightweight at 168g — easy to carry
✓3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio without adapters
⊗ Cons
✗Smaller 3,450 mAh battery — may need midday charging
✗Basic Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) for simple tasks only
✗3 MP main camera — basic quality, limited for photography enthusiasts
⚠️ Not ideal for
Heavy usage daysGamingMultitaskingPhotography
ℹ️ Overview
Announced
2016, October 04. Released 2016, October 20
Also Known As
Versions: Global, USA, North America
⚙️ Performance
Chipset
Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
Entry-level — basic tasks only
CPU
Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
OS
Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
RAM
4GB
Fine for everyday apps
💻 Display
Sharpness
534 ppi
Razor-sharp — text is crystal clear
Panel
AMOLED
OLED: perfect blacks, vivid colours, power-efficient
📷 Camera
Main Camera
3 MP
Basic quality — limited flexibility
Main Video
4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps
Main Camera Features
Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
🔋 Battery
Capacity
3,450 mAh
May need midday charging with heavy use
Type
Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable
📱 Design & Build
Weight
168g
Balanced size and weight
Dimensions
154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
Build
Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Colors
Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue
Sensors
Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
📶 Network
Speed
HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps or LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps
2G Bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
📡 Connectivity
WiFi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Google Pixel XL does not support 5G — it supports GSM / HSPA / LTE.
Yes, the Google Pixel XL has NFC for contactless payments and pairing.
No, the Google Pixel XL charges via cable only — no wireless charging.
Yes, up to 18W (18W wired, PD).
No, the Google Pixel XL does not support a memory card.
The Google Pixel XL SIM configuration: Nano-SIM.
Yes, the Google Pixel XL has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Speaker setup: Yes.
The Google Pixel XL ships with Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10.
The Google Pixel XL uses USB Type-C 3.0.
The Google Pixel XL supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA.
The Google Pixel XL has 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX.
