Hey guys! Ever wondered if your Google Pixel 3 XL is still holding its own? Or maybe you're thinking about grabbing a used one and want to know what kind of performance to expect? Well, you're in the right place! In this article, we're diving deep into the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test, looking at its speed, and how it handles everyday tasks. We'll be exploring everything from gaming to multitasking, giving you a clear picture of what this phone can really do in 2024. Get ready to find out if the Pixel 3 XL is still a worthy contender, or if it's time to upgrade. Let's get started!

Unveiling the Google Pixel 3 XL: Specs and Initial Impressions

Before we jump into the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test, let's take a quick look at the specs. The Pixel 3 XL was released in 2018, so it's a bit of an older phone now. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and comes with either 4GB of RAM. The display is a beautiful 6.3-inch OLED, and the camera, even by today's standards, is still pretty darn good. It was, and still is, a sleek device, and back when it came out, the software experience was considered top-notch. The phone also had some innovative features, like Active Edge, which allowed you to squeeze the sides to launch Google Assistant. Remember those days? Good times!

Now, about those initial impressions. When the Pixel 3 XL first hit the market, the performance was smooth and fluid. Google's software optimization was really something else. It was snappy and responsive, making the user experience a joy. The Snapdragon 845, although not the latest and greatest today, was a flagship processor back then, so it could handle pretty much everything you threw at it. Multitasking was a breeze, and even demanding games ran without significant issues. The beautiful OLED display added to the overall experience, making everything look vibrant and crisp. Of course, the camera was, as expected, a standout feature, thanks to Google's impressive image processing capabilities. Considering its age, the Pixel 3 XL still holds up well. We'll delve deeper into the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test to see how it performs today.

The Snapdragon 845: A Closer Look

The Snapdragon 845 is the heart of the Pixel 3 XL's performance. It's an octa-core processor built on a 10nm process, which, in 2018, was pretty cutting-edge. The CPU is paired with an Adreno 630 GPU, responsible for handling all the graphics-intensive tasks. In simpler terms, this means it can play games, render videos, and run complex apps without breaking a sweat. Back in the day, the Snapdragon 845 was a beast, and even now, it's still pretty capable. While it's not as fast as the latest processors, it's still more than enough for everyday use. Let's not forget the 4GB of RAM, which, while it might seem a bit modest compared to today's phones, was perfectly adequate for the Pixel 3 XL's software optimization. The combination of the Snapdragon 845 and Google's software magic results in a pretty seamless experience. So, the question remains: How does this all translate into real-world performance? Keep reading to find out!

Google Pixel 3 XL Performance Test: Benchmarks and Results

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test! We're talking about benchmarks, the numbers that help us compare the phone's speed and capabilities against others. We're using a variety of industry-standard tests to get a comprehensive view of how well the Pixel 3 XL performs. This helps provide solid evidence. So, let's break it down.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench is a popular benchmark that measures CPU performance. It tests single-core and multi-core performance, which gives us an idea of how well the phone handles individual tasks and multitasking. In Geekbench 5 tests, the Pixel 3 XL scores around 400-500 for single-core and 1800-2000 for multi-core. Compared to modern smartphones, these numbers are noticeably lower, but they're still respectable for its age. It means the phone is capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic apps without major issues. The multi-core score indicates how well the phone can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, so multitasking is still pretty smooth.

3DMark

3DMark is a graphics benchmark that tests the phone's GPU performance. This is important for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. The Pixel 3 XL's scores in 3DMark are, as expected, not as high as modern phones, but the Adreno 630 GPU still performs reasonably well. The Pixel 3 XL can handle many games at decent settings. You might have to lower the graphics settings for some of the more demanding titles, but the overall gaming experience should still be enjoyable. This is great for those who love to game on their phones.

AnTuTu

AnTuTu is another popular benchmark that tests the overall performance of the phone, including CPU, GPU, memory, and UX (user experience). In AnTuTu, the Pixel 3 XL typically scores around 300,000-350,000. This is a decent score, but again, it's lower than what you'd get from a modern mid-range or flagship phone. This score provides a general overview of the phone's performance. The UX score is particularly interesting, as it reflects the phone's responsiveness and smoothness in everyday use. The Pixel 3 XL scores reasonably well in this area, thanks to Google's software optimization. These benchmark results give us a solid foundation for evaluating the Google Pixel 3 XL's performance. But, how does it all translate into real-world use? Let's find out in the following sections.

Real-World Performance: Google Pixel 3 XL in Everyday Use

Okay, benchmarks are great, but what about how the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test in the real world? Let's look at how the Pixel 3 XL handles everyday tasks like browsing the web, using social media, taking photos, and playing games. This is where it really matters.

Web Browsing and Social Media

For web browsing and social media, the Pixel 3 XL performs admirably. The Snapdragon 845 is still powerful enough to handle browsing multiple tabs in Chrome or other browsers. The phone loads web pages quickly, and scrolling is generally smooth. Of course, some heavier websites and web apps might feel a little sluggish compared to newer phones, but overall, the experience is still pretty good. Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter run smoothly, with quick loading times and seamless scrolling. The 4GB of RAM handles the background processes well, so you shouldn't experience any significant slowdowns when switching between apps. This is the comfort of knowing that your older phone can still keep up with your daily habits.

Camera Performance

Ah, the camera! The Pixel 3 XL's camera was a game-changer back in the day, and it's still pretty impressive. Google's image processing is where it shines. The phone takes great photos in various conditions, with excellent dynamic range and detail. The colors are accurate, and the images are generally sharp. Even in low light, the Pixel 3 XL can capture some amazing shots. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the latest phones (like multiple lenses and advanced zoom capabilities), the image quality is still outstanding. If you're someone who values camera performance, the Pixel 3 XL won't disappoint. Taking photos is a breeze. It’s perfect for capturing those precious moments.

Gaming Performance

So, what about gaming? The Pixel 3 XL can handle many games without any problems. Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at medium to high settings. For more demanding games, you might need to lower the graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate, but the experience is still enjoyable. The Adreno 630 GPU is still pretty capable, but it's not as powerful as the latest GPUs. The phone might get a little warm during extended gaming sessions, but this is pretty standard for smartphones. Overall, the gaming performance of the Pixel 3 XL is solid. You can still enjoy playing most of the popular mobile games.

Multitasking

Multitasking is another area where the Pixel 3 XL shines. The 4GB of RAM is adequate for switching between multiple apps without significant delays. You can easily switch between browsing the web, checking your emails, and using social media apps without any issues. The software optimization on the Pixel 3 XL is top-notch, which helps with multitasking performance. While it might not be as fast as phones with more RAM, the Pixel 3 XL still provides a smooth and efficient multitasking experience. This can be very useful for those who want to get work done on the go or just stay connected.

Potential Issues and Considerations

Before you run out and buy a Pixel 3 XL, it's important to consider some potential issues. The Google Pixel 3 XL performance test shows that it's still a decent phone, but it's not perfect. It's an older device, so it has some limitations you should be aware of.

Battery Life

One of the biggest concerns with older phones is battery life. The Pixel 3 XL's battery capacity isn't huge, so the battery life might not be as good as it was when the phone was new. With heavy use, you might need to charge it at the end of the day. If you're a heavy user, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger. However, with moderate use, you should still be able to get through a full day. You could also replace the battery. That can help boost its overall longevity.

Software Updates

The Pixel 3 XL has reached the end of its software update cycle, which means it no longer receives official Android updates from Google. While the phone still works fine, it won't get the latest features and security patches. This could be a concern for some users. However, there are custom ROMs available that can provide you with the latest Android versions, but it's only something for those tech-savvy. You will also have to worry about the security risks.

Display Issues

Some users have reported display issues with the Pixel 3 XL, such as burn-in on the OLED screen. This is a common issue with OLED displays over time, so you might want to check the screen before buying a used one. If you notice any burn-in, it might affect the viewing experience. Checking the display is critical when buying a used phone. Otherwise, you may get a headache.

Storage

The Pixel 3 XL comes with either 64GB or 128GB of storage. If you take a lot of photos and videos, or you download a lot of apps, you might run out of storage quickly. Consider how much storage you need before buying. Fortunately, you can manage your storage by storing your photos and videos on Google Photos or other cloud services. However, if you're not the type to keep track of these things, then maybe this isn't for you.

Final Verdict: Is the Google Pixel 3 XL Still Worth It in 2024?

So, after all this, is the Google Pixel 3 XL performance test a good buy in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and priorities. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Who Should Consider Buying the Pixel 3 XL?

If you're on a tight budget and looking for a phone with a great camera, the Pixel 3 XL is still a good option. The camera quality is still outstanding, and you can get a used one for a reasonable price. If you don't need the latest features or the fastest performance, the Pixel 3 XL can handle everyday tasks without any problems. The software experience is clean and user-friendly, and the phone is relatively compact, which some people might prefer. If you're looking for a simple, reliable phone with a great camera, the Pixel 3 XL could be the right choice.

Who Should Look for Other Options?

If you're a power user who needs the latest features and the fastest performance, the Pixel 3 XL might not be the best choice. The Snapdragon 845 is still a capable processor, but it's not as fast as the latest processors. If you're concerned about battery life or security updates, you might want to consider other options. The Pixel 3 XL has reached the end of its update cycle, so it won't get the latest security patches. If you're looking for a phone with a long battery life, you might want to look at phones with newer and more efficient processors.

The Bottom Line

The Google Pixel 3 XL performance test shows that it is a capable phone that still holds its own in 2024. Despite its age, it offers a great camera, a smooth user experience, and a reasonable performance. However, you need to consider the potential issues like battery life, lack of software updates, and the possibility of display issues. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a great camera and you're not too concerned about the latest features, the Pixel 3 XL is still a good option. Otherwise, you may want to look at more modern alternatives. It's all about balancing your needs with the phone's capabilities.