Is the Google Pixel 3 XL worth it in 2021?

TLDR: Is the Google Pixel 3 XL worth buying in 2021? The Google Pixel 3 XL is a very capable smartphone as of October 2021, and it will handle most day-to-day usage needs with relative ease. However, here at Swappa, we suggest checking out the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL because it is a year newer and will receive Android software and security updates for an additional year (as compared to the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL).

With a stellar camera and a pure, unadulterated Android experience, the Google Pixel lineup has become a major contender against used iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. But before picking up a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 5 simply because they are the newest, we recommend considering a previous generation model as a way to spend less money. Make sure to keep reading if you’ve been wondering if the Google Pixel 3 XL is worth it in 2021? Or, if you should buy a newer Pixel instead.

Google Pixel 3 XL Hardware

Let’s dive into the specs. This Pixel 3 XL features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB of RAM, 802.11 WiFi, 12.2-megapixel rear camera, a dual selfie camera (with a wide-angle lens), stereo speakers, water resistance, wireless charging, and a fingerprint sensor on the back. While there is only one camera on the back, Google’s Pixel Visual Core chip helps with the Pixel’s HDR+ image processing, making the Pixel 3 XL’s camera stand out in a sea of competitors. 

The Pixel 3 XL  is also available in either 64 GB or 128 GB storage options and comes in three colors: Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink. The Pixel 3 XL also runs on Android 11. Pixel phones are also among the first to receive Android updates, and they often receive those updates long before Samsung, LG and others. 

Pixel 3 XL software features include gesture navigation and shortcuts, call screening, dark mode, split-screen apps, and more. Google has committed to a minimum of three years of new Android version updates for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, up until October 2021. This means the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL should receive Android 12 in 2021.

Google Pixel 3 XL Specs Comparison

Learn more about the Pixel 3 XL in our full Google Pixel 3 XL Overview and Pixel 3 XL Buyer’s Guide. Or, check out our Google Pixel Guide to see how each of the models compare to one another. Still not sure which Pixel is right for you? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel smartphones compare.

Google Pixel 3 XL Review

Is the Google Pixel 3 XL a good phone? The simple answer is yes. It’s also hard to ignore how low the price is, making the Pixel 3 XL an incredible value and perfect for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a larger Android phone with loads of Google features and a great camera, the Pixel 3 XL offers so much for the price.

What’s missing from the Pixel 3 XL? 

• Battery life is okay. With a 3,430mAh battery, delivering roughly 4-5 hours of screen-on time before you’ll need to recharge. With USB Power Delivery fast charging and wireless charging compatibility, this is likely not an issue for most moderate usage. If battery life is a concern, you may want to upgrade to the Pixel 4 XL. 
• RAM is limited to only 4GB. Even in 2018, this was pretty low for a flagship smartphone. This means you can expect apps to close more frequently in the background, causing you to lose your place in apps, and/or wait as they pull new data.
• Video can only be shot up to 4k at 30fps, while the iPhone 8 and iPhone X can shoot up to 60 frames per second. Due to a poorer microphone, the audio quality is not as great as what you’d get from an iPhone — so this might not be the best video camera experience for vlogging. However, the wide angle selfie camera lens does extend to video, which just might make up for it.

Pixel 3 XL Camera

One of the most compelling reasons to buy the Pixel 3 XL is its phenomenal camera. Undoubtedly one of the best smartphone cameras around, it has less to do with the actual camera and more to do with Google’s machine learning imaging software. If a triple camera setup or an added telephoto lens isn’t super important to you, the Pixel 3 XL’s AI-powered camera still is competitive, and certainly good for sharing pictures with family and friends. 

Google’s software and image processing lead to sharp detail, a dynamic range, and accurate colors. Autofocus makes it easy to zero in on what you’re trying to capture, as well as features like Super Res Zoom and Portrait mode. Night Mode allows you to capture amazing shots even in low-light situations. Both the front and back cameras include Auto-HDR, while the back also features Dual-LED flash and panorama. 

Say goodbye to your selfie-stick. The dual front-facing camera with the extra wide-angle lens makes it one of the best selfie cameras around (and super easy to take selfies with a large group of friends). 

Is it worth buying the Pixel 3 XL in 2021?

At its launch in October 2018, the Pixel 3 XL cost $899. Now you can get a gently used Pixel 3 XL for around $100, which is no comparison to the original retail price. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Pixel 3 XL is the best choice in 2021. If you’re on a strict budget, go ahead and grab a Pixel 3 XL — it’ll still handle most day-to-day usage need with ease. But if you can increase your budget, we’d recommend checking out the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL instead.

Swappa makes buying even easier with Buy Now, Pay Later. Get the Pixel you really want today, and pay for it in 4 easy installments spread over time.

The table below shows the current starting prices for various models of the Pixel lineup as of October 2021.

Google Pixel 4

Unlocked

64

CAPACITY

NETWORK

LISTINGS
START AT

155

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Google Pixel 4 XL

Unlocked

64

CAPACITY

NETWORK

LISTINGS
START AT

198

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SHOP NOW >