Last Updated on 2 years by admin
Google didn’t leave any of the three generations of Pixel
Google started to manufacture mobiles around four years back. Three generations of Pixel phones introduced during the last four years. Furthermore, without any boundaries in hardware design, it added several revolutionary software features. So, Android 10 is now available on all generations of Pixels including the Pixel XL, which is three years old.
We know that Google leads the pack when it comes to Computational photography. Also, If you don’t have an idea of what Computational photography means – It uses the computer processing capabilities in cameras to produce an enhanced image beyond what the lens and sensor pics up in a single shot. Making Android version 10 (Android Q) compatible with all existing Pixel hardware makes us even believe Google will keep supporting its handsets as long as possible.
Time to evaluate
Running the latest updated of Android Q for two weeks, we believe this is an excellent time to evaluate the performance of Pixels / Googles Hardware. It also gives us a chance to go back to older devices and see how they’re managing in 2019 with Android 10.
Before proceeding with the comparison results, we have shared the basic phone specifications to make it easier for you to identify the results
Pixel Specifications
| Pixel XL | Pixel 2 XL | Pixel 3 XL | Pixel 3a XL | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 |
| Processor | 2.15 GHz and 1.6 GHz quad core 64-bit ARMv8-A | 2.35 GHz and 1.9 GHz octa core 64-bit ARMv8-A | 2.5 GHz and 1.6 GHz octa core 64-bit | 2.0 GHz and 1.7 GHz octa core 64 bit |
| Graphics | Adreno 530 | Adreno 540 | Adreno 630 | Adreno 615 |
AnTuTu Benchmark v7.2.3 (Also, Higher the better)
| Model | Overall score | CPU | GPU | UX | Memory |
| The Google Pixel XL | 160381 | 53096 | 62264 | 38790 | 6231 |
| *Pixel 2 XL | 204410 | 70655 | 81963 | 43434 | 8358 |
| The Pixel 3 XL | 262312 | 74224 | 121853 | 52735 | 13500 |
| Pixel 3a XL | 160650 | 61295 | 45373 | 41866 | 12166 |
The Snapdragon 670 exceeds the Snapdragon 821 at CPU-related tasks and even posts a better overall score.
3D Mark Sling Shot Extreme
| Model | Overall | Graphics | Physics | Overall | Graphics | Physics |
| The Pixel XL | 2378 | 2458 | 2134 | 2233 | 2326 | 1959 |
| 2XL Pixel | 2997 | 3090 | 2713 | 2842 | 3027 | 2341 |
| 3XL Google Pixel | 3334 | 3328 | 3357 | 3233 | 3420 | 2715 |
| 3aXL Pixel | 1679 | 1512 | 2736 | 1560 | 1409 | 2500 |
Snapdragon 670’s Adreno 615 GPU fall short. However, it can’t hold up to the Adreno 530 on the Snapdragon 821 and lags harshly behind the Adreno 540 and Adreno 630 on the Pixel 2 XL and 3 XL.
GeekBench (Higher the better)
| Geek Bench 4.4.2 | GB 4.4.2 | Geek Bench 5.0.1 | GB 5.0.1 | |
| Model | – Single core | Multi-core | Single core | Multi-core |
| -Google Pixel XL | 1561 | 3883 | 315 | 890 |
| -The Pixel 2 XL | 1782 | 6031 | 363 | 1455 |
| *Pixel 3 XL | 2355 | 8254 | 482 | 1800 |
| *Google Pixel 3a XL | 1621 | 5125 | 351 | 1336 |
CPU benchmark GeekBench evaluates single- and multi-core performance, and here once more, we realize the Snapdragon 670 doing well.
Android 10 breathes new life into the first-gen Pixel’s and the phone has a lot to offer in 2019.
Also, most of us never even dreamed that Google would include its first-gen Pixels to receive the Latest Android 10 OS. However, Google added the devices in its beta program hearing to the user demand. Both Pixel XL and Pixel 2 XL phones also received the final updated. Consequently, we are glad google choose these phones to receive the update as the phones are holding up well. Also, it is remarkable to see how a 3-year-old phone and a four-month-old Pixel 3a XL work seamlessly with the same Operating System. This makes us think Snapdragon 821 still has a lot left to offer while the same amount of 4GB of RAM across all three generations.
We used Pixel XL and Pixel 3a XL to test out the update, from the installation to Animations we did not come across any bugs or lags during the last two weeks of use. Further, Animations are just as smooth it could ever be on both models.
What Makes Pixel XL Feel Old: OS / Design?
Though older Pixel XL performed well with Android 10 after seeing the large bezels, it looked a bit different in hand and during gesture-based navigation. The newly released phones like OnePlus 7 Pro, note 10+ and Mi Mix 3 has made our mind think the phones that have bezels on it are older versions. Furthermore, this feeling was changed after using the Pixel XL for a few days. Also, if you are addicted music lover you will feel a difference in the Pixel XL sounds as it only supports a single speaker. Unlike Pixel 2 XL and 3 XL, it doesn’t output stereo quality sounds. Also, some even complain that the Pixel XL speaker positioning is terrible as it can easily cover up the speaker.
Also, Google has done a fantastic job by bringing its latest camera features to older devices. Night Sight debuted at the end of last year but is available on all Pixel phones, including the Pixel XL. Which is a big deal as it extends the life of the phone, and with the device picking up the Android Q update, it should still hold up for another year. Even though the Pixel XL is not available in the market anymore, the used device can get a better deal as it is still a great phone in 2019.
How is Android 10 working out for you?
Finally, what’s the best you love about android10? Above all, did you come across any issues after updating your device? In addition, Share your experience and thoughts with us. We thetechpapa.com members are interested in hearing your comments and support you with possible problems.
