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Google Pixel XL vs the best big phones you can buy in 2016

We compare the mighty Google Pixel XL phone with the very best big Android mobiles and the latest iPhones that you can buy in 2016. From all-round superstars like the Galaxy S7 Edge and last year’s Google Nexus 6P, to the great-value OnePlus 3, here’s how these excellent smartphones stack up for specs, camera tech, battery life and more.

The ‘Made By Google’ Pixel XL smartphone is one of the most impressive big-screen handsets of 2016, boasting the latest Snapdragon 821 processor for silky smooth performance plus a best-in-class camera and gorgeous 5.5-inch display.

So how does the Pixel XL stack up against other big-screen blowers like the Galaxy S7 Edge, iPhone 7 Plus and OnePlus 3? Here’s our Pixel XL vs the world comparison review, so you can see which is best for you.

Read next: Pixel vs Galaxy S7 vs Xperia XZ vs Huawei P9 camera comparison megatest!

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Phone Galaxy S7 Edge Google Pixel XL
Screen size 5.5-inches 5.5-inches
Screen resolution Quad HD 2560×1440 Quad HD 2560×1440
Weight 157g 168g
Fingerprint sensor? Yes Yes
Water resistant? Yes No
OS Android 6.0 Marshmallow Android 7.1 Nougat
Processor Snapdragon 820/Exynos Snapdragon 821
Memory 4GB 4GB
Storage 32/64GB 32/128GB
MicroSD? Yes No
Battery 3600mAh 3450mAh
Rear camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel
Front camera 5-megapixel 8-megapixel

Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge is one of our favourite Android phones of the year, boasting a gorgeous, water-resistant design and a supremely sharp Quad HD screen that matches the Pixel XL for size and beats it on resolution. You get full microSD memory card support, so you can expand the on-board storage – a feature sadly missing from the Pixel phone.

However, the Pixel XL packs the latest version of Google’s Android OS and exclusive access to its new Assistant AI. And the Pixel’s 12-megapixel camera is just as strong as the Galaxy S7 Edge’s snapper in pretty much all conditions.

Have a squint of our full Pixel XL vs S7 Edge comparison review for an in-depth breakdown.

Google Pixel XL vs iPhone 7 Plus

Phone iPhone 7 Plus Google Pixel XL
Screen size 5.5-inches 5.5-inches
Screen resolution Full HD 1920×1080 Quad HD 2560×1440
Weight 188g 168g
Fingerprint sensor? Yes Yes
Water resistant? Yes No
OS iOS 10 Android 7.1 Nougat
Processor Apple A10 Fusion Snapdragon 821
Memory 3GB 4GB
Storage 32/128/256GB 32/128GB
MicroSD? No No
Battery 2900mAh 3450mAh
Rear camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel
Front camera 7-megapixel 8-megapixel

Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus is the first water resistant iPhone, so you can take it into the shower for a sexy selfie or check your mails while kicking back in a hot bath. Something you can’t do with the very non-water-resistant Pixel XL. Apple’s A10 Fusion processor is also more powerful than the Pixel’s Snapdragon chipset, but you’ll get similarly smooth performance and all-day battery life from either of these phones.

Google’s phone wins when it comes to screen resolution and produces more punchy colours, although the iPhone’s more subdued visuals are just as crisp to the naked eye. And either phone will suit amateur photographers who want a simple-to-use snapper, which is still capable of capturing detail-packed photos and 4K video in almost any conditions.

Check out our in-depth Pixel XL vs iPhone 7 Plus comparison review for more info.

Google Pixel XL vs OnePlus 3

Phone OnePlus 3 Google Pixel XL
Screen size 5.5-inches 5.5-inches
Screen resolution Full HD 1920×1080 Quad HD 2560×1440
Weight 158g 168g
Fingerprint sensor? Yes Yes
Water resistant? No No
OS Android 6.0 Marshmallow Android 7.1 Nougat
Processor Snapdragon 820 Snapdragon 821
Memory 6GB 4GB
Storage 64GB 32/128GB
MicroSD? No No
Battery 3000mAh 3450mAh
Rear camera 16-megapixel 12-megapixel
Front camera 8-megapixel 8-megapixel
Price £329 £719

While the Pixel XL is one of the most extravagently expensive mobiles of 2016, the excellent OnePlus 3 offers extremely good value for money. At just £329, the OnePlus gives you premium performance that matches the Pixel XL, plus better battery life and faster battery charging.

That said, the Pixel XL’s screen is sharper and the 12-megapixel camera is more dependable across a range of conditions. Home movies shot on the Pixel look better too. Neither phone offers expandable storage, or water resistance.

Take a look at our Pixel XL vs OnePlus 3 comparison review to see our full thoughts on which 5.5-inch phone is best for you.

Google Pixel XL vs Nexus 6P

Phone Google Nexus 6P Google Pixel XL
Screen size 5.7-inches 5.5-inches
Screen resolution Quad HD 2560×1440 Quad HD 2560×1440
Weight 178g 168g
Fingerprint sensor? Yes Yes
Water resistant? No No
OS Android 6.0 Marshmallow Android 7.1 Nougat
Processor Snapdragon 810 Snapdragon 821
Memory 3GB 4GB
Storage 32/64/128GB 32/128GB
MicroSD? No No
Battery 3450mAh 3450mAh
Rear camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel
Front camera 8-megapixel 8-megapixel

If you own last year’s Nexus 6P phone, then the Pixel XL will be a worthy upgrade – as long as you have the cash to spare, of course.

The Pixel XL is a little easier to manage with a single hand, but still boasts a super-sharp 5.5-inch AMOLED screen. You get a performance boost from the Snapdragon 821 processor and extra gig of RAM, although sadly there’s still no expandable storage.

While the camera specs haven’t changed much, the Pixel XL also boasts an improved 12-megapixel snapper that’s particularly strong when dodgy lighting strikes. And while the Nexus 6P should receive an Android Nougat update soon, Google’s Assistant AI will remain a Pixel exclusive.

Want to know more? Hava a look at our in-depth Pixel XL vs Nexus 6P comparison review.

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