Google Pixel XL

The Google Pixel XL, a flagship smartphone from the tech giant, has been making waves in the Qatari market. The Google Pixel XL price in Qatar ranges from QAR 1,999 to QAR 2,500, depending on the storage capacity and where you purchase it. This pricing puts it in the upper mid-range category, competing with other high-end smartphones available in Qatar.

Google Pixel XL Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	5.5″ AMOLED
Resolution	2560 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB / 128GB
Main Camera	12.3MP, f/2.0 aperture
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.4 aperture
Battery	3450mAh
Charging	18W Fast Charging
Operating System	Android 7.1 Nougat (upgradable)
Water Resistance	IP53 (splash resistant)

 

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel XL boasts a sleek and modern design that stands out in the crowded smartphone market. With its aluminum body and glass panel on the back, the phone exudes a premium feel that justifies its price point. The device measures 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm and weighs 168 grams, striking a balance between screen size and comfortable one-handed use.

The front of the Pixel XL is dominated by its 5.5-inch AMOLED display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The bezels, while not as slim as some newer models, house the front-facing speaker and camera. On the back, you’ll find the distinctive glass panel that houses the camera and fingerprint sensor, giving the Pixel XL its unique aesthetic.

Display Technology

One of the standout features of the Google Pixel XL is its impressive 5.5-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD), the screen delivers crisp, vibrant images with excellent color reproduction. The pixel density of 534 ppi ensures that text, images, and videos appear sharp and clear, even under close inspection.

The AMOLED technology provides deep blacks and high contrast ratios, making the Pixel XL ideal for multimedia consumption. Whether you’re browsing photos, watching videos, or playing games, the display offers an immersive visual experience that competes with many newer smartphones on the market.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Google Pixel XL is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. While not the latest chipset available, it still offers smooth performance for most tasks and applications. The phone handles multitasking with ease, and even demanding games run without significant lag or stuttering.

Storage options include 32GB and 128GB variants, with no option for expandable storage via microSD. This might be a limitation for some users, especially those who store large amounts of media on their devices. However, Google offers unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos through Google Photos, which helps mitigate this issue.

Camera Capabilities

The camera has always been a strong point for Google’s smartphones, and the Pixel XL is no exception. The 12.3-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The camera software, powered by Google’s advanced image processing algorithms, produces images with excellent detail, accurate colors, and impressive dynamic range.

Low-light performance is particularly noteworthy, with the Pixel XL capable of capturing clear, noise-free images even in challenging lighting situations. The HDR+ mode further enhances the camera’s capabilities, allowing for well-balanced exposures in high-contrast scenes.

The front-facing 8-megapixel camera with an f/2.4 aperture is equally impressive, capturing detailed selfies and providing clear video calls. Overall, the camera system on the Pixel XL remains competitive even years after its release, showcasing Google’s expertise in computational photography.

Battery Life and Charging

The Google Pixel XL comes equipped with a 3450mAh battery, which provides ample power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The efficient Snapdragon 821 processor, combined with Google’s software optimizations, helps extend battery life even further.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel XL supports 18W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. In just 15 minutes of charging, you can gain several hours of usage time, which is particularly useful for those on the go.

Software and User Experience

One of the biggest selling points of the Google Pixel XL is its pure Android experience. As a Google-branded device, it runs stock Android without any bloatware or unnecessary modifications. This results in a clean, intuitive user interface that’s easy to navigate and customize.

The Pixel XL launched with Android 7.1 Nougat and has received several major updates since then. While it may not receive the latest Android versions anymore, the phone still benefits from Google’s regular security updates, ensuring that your device remains protected against potential vulnerabilities.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Google Pixel XL offers a range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. The inclusion of NFC allows for contactless payments using Google Pay, a convenient feature for users in Qatar.

The phone also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate for secure device unlocking and authorizing payments. Additionally, the Pixel XL includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become increasingly rare in newer smartphone models.

Comparison with Other Pixel Models

When comparing the Google Pixel XL to its predecessors and successors, it’s important to consider the technological advancements and price differences:

Pixel XL vs. Original Pixel (2016)

The main difference between the Pixel XL and the standard Pixel is the screen size and battery capacity. The Pixel XL offers a larger 5.5-inch display compared to the Pixel’s 5-inch screen, making it better suited for media consumption and productivity tasks. The larger body also accommodates a bigger battery (3450mAh vs. 2770mAh), resulting in improved battery life.

Pixel XL vs. Pixel 2

The Pixel 2, released in 2017, brought several improvements over the original Pixel XL. It features a more powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, an improved camera with optical image stabilization, and water resistance (IP67 rating). However, the Pixel 2 has a smaller 5-inch display, which may be less appealing to those who prefer larger screens.

Pixel XL vs. Pixel 2 XL

The Pixel 2 XL addresses the screen size difference, offering a 6-inch P-OLED display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. It shares the same improvements as the Pixel 2, including the upgraded processor, camera, and water resistance. The Pixel 2 XL also features a more modern design with slimmer bezels, giving it a more contemporary look compared to the original Pixel XL.

Comparison with Other Smartphones in the Same Price Range

When considering the Google Pixel XL price in Qatar, it’s essential to compare it with other smartphones available in the same price range:

Samsung Galaxy S Series

Samsung’s Galaxy S series phones, such as the S20 or S21, offer more recent hardware, including faster processors, improved cameras, and 5G connectivity. They also feature higher refresh rate displays and more modern designs. However, they typically come at a higher price point than the Pixel XL.

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Apple’s iPhone SE (2nd generation) is often available in a similar price range to the Pixel XL in Qatar. It offers a more compact design with a 4.7-inch display but packs a powerful A13 Bionic chip. The iPhone SE provides access to the iOS ecosystem and regular software updates but lacks some features like multiple cameras and an OLED display.

OnePlus Nord Series

OnePlus Nord phones offer a balance of performance and affordability. They typically feature mid-range processors, multiple camera setups, and large displays with high refresh rates. The Nord series often provides better value for money in terms of raw specifications but may lack the refined software experience and camera quality of the Pixel XL.

Is the Google Pixel XL Still Worth Buying in 2024?

Despite being an older model, the Google Pixel XL still holds its own in many aspects:

Pros:

1. Excellent camera performance
2. Pure Android experience with regular security updates
3. High-quality AMOLED display
4. Competitive price point in the Qatari market
5. Solid build quality and design

Cons:

1. Older processor compared to current mid-range and flagship devices
2. Limited storage options with no expandable storage
3. Lack of modern features like 5G connectivity and high refresh rate displays
4. May not receive future major Android updates

For users who prioritize camera quality, a clean Android experience, and don’t need the latest cutting-edge features, the Google Pixel XL can still be a viable option, especially considering its price in Qatar. However, those looking for the latest technology and features may want to consider more recent smartphone models.

Where to Buy the Google Pixel XL in Qatar

If you’re interested in purchasing the Google Pixel XL in Qatar, several retailers and online platforms offer the device:

1. Alaneesqatar.qa
2. Lulu Hypermarket
3. Carrefour Qatar
4. Jarir Bookstore

It’s recommended to compare prices across different retailers and check for any ongoing promotions or bundle deals that might offer better value for your purchase.