Google Pixel XL
By Muhammad Tahir · Updated June 2026 · how we review
How long will it last?
Official promiseSupported until October 2019 · Buy-by October 2017
Google promises 3 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until October 2019 — buying it today still gets you about -6.7 years of safe use (verified June 2026).
Source: Google's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this
Is the Pixel XL worth buying in 2026?
No — its software support has already ended. It no longer receives security updates; see the safer alternatives below.
Our verdict
The larger of Google's first Pixels, a 2016 flagship with a standout camera and headphone jack, now selling around $55 used against its original $769 launch price.
Pros
- Class-leading 12.3MP camera for 2016
- Headphone jack and large 3450mAh battery
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- Security updates ended in October 2019
- No water resistance and dated design
Full specifications
Display
💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).
| Screen | 5.5-inch AMOLED, 1440 x 2560, 60Hz |
|---|
Performance
💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 32GB / 128GB |
Cameras
💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.
| main | 12.3MP |
|---|---|
| front | 8MP |
Battery & charging
💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.
| Battery | 3,450 mAh |
|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired |
Build
💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.
| Dimensions | 154.7 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 168 g |
| Materials | Aluminum body, Gorilla Glass 4 front |
| Water resistance | None |
Software & connectivity
💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.
| Software | Android 7 Nougat at launch |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, headphone jack |
| Update policy | 2 OS upgrades · 3 years of security updates (official promise) |
Better-value alternatives
Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the Pixel XL get updates?
Google guaranteed OS updates through October 2018 and security patches through October 2019. It has received nothing since.
Does the Pixel XL have a headphone jack?
Yes. As Google's first-generation flagship, it retained a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Is the Pixel XL water resistant?
No. The original Pixel XL carries no IP rating and should be kept away from water.
What chip and battery does the Pixel XL use?
It runs a Snapdragon 821 with 4GB of RAM and a 3450mAh battery charging at 18W, a high-end combination in 2016 but modest by today's standards.
How much storage does the Pixel XL come with?
It shipped in fixed 32GB and 128GB versions with no microSD slot, so the capacity you bought is all you get.
Compare it
Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.