Google Pixel XL design and build quality
Even if HTC has built the new Pixel XL for Google, you can't see any similarities with the HTC 10 in either of the new Pixel phones. The only common feature between the HTC 10 and the two new Pixel phones is the material used for the smartphone housing, which is aluminum.
Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge (both IP68 certified), or the new iPhone 7 models (IP67 certified), the two Pixel phones are only certified according to the IP53 standard, similar to the HTC 10, for protection against dust and water. This lower protection class protects the Pixel phones only from dust deposits on the inside, and against sprayed water at any angle up to 60 degrees from a vertical position. The Pixel XL and the smaller Pixel don't withstand longer immersion in water unscathed.
For a smartphone with a 5.5-inch display, the Pixel XL is large. Although, purely from the dimensions, the Pixel XL is quite smaller than the iPhone 7 Plus, which is also equipped with a 5.5-inch display. But, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, the Pixel XL looks clumsy.
The fingerprint sensor for the Pixel XL is on the back of the smartphone, in contrast to the Galaxy S7 Edge and the iPhone 7, which place it on the front, under the display. This position is not always ideal for everyday use. So, you have to use either the PIN or a swiping pattern to unlock it when the smartphone is on the desk. Alternatively, you can also take the Pixel XL in your hand to unlock the smartphone with your pointing finger. After adapting to this, however, one will also get used to the positioning of the fingerprint sensor on the Pixel XL.
The design on the back requires some discussion. Instead of a continuous aluminum back, Google hides the upper third of the back under glass. Even though the glass is scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 4, the element has no practical use. Prior to the release of the Pixel phones, it was assumed that a wireless charging element was hidden behind the glass, but we now know that this feature does not exist in either of the Pixel phones. Only the NFC (Near Field Communications) chip can be placed on the back thanks to the glass element.
The analog audio input is officially dead. But the Pixel XL still has the best headphone jack.
Also, the rear main camera with the laser auto-focus and two-color LED flash are protected by the glass element. Both features should help the Pixel XL camera to capture beautiful, sharp, and natural photos and videos. We discuss below in the camera section whether or not this has succeeded. For aesthetics and haptics, however, the camera is good to mention in that it does not protrude from the housing. The reason for this is the missing optical image stabilizer. Optical stabilization is achieved through oscillating lenses, which require more space, accordingly. Google has renounced this and instead relies on a software-based image stabilizer.
The front of the Pixel XL is rather boring compared to the back. This was especially the case with our test device, which had a black front. The proximity sensors are well concealed, giving off the impression that everything on this surface is in the switched off state. With the white model, as in our Pixel review, the recesses for the sensors are more noticeable and disturb the aesthetics.
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