There's a lot to like here. Google is making a second attempt at a first impression. For folks most concerned about software performance, we think they'll be very pleased with what they get. Seriously. The Pixel XL is a screamer when paging around the UI.

Phenomenal UI Performance; Eye Catching Rear Design; Excellent Camera Auto Software; Best in Class Voice Assistant; Very Good Battery Life and Recharging Speeds

Pricier than the Nexus it replaces; Poor Camera Lens Quality; Camera software ignores more experienced users; Poor Headphone Quality

10

Useless review. You've never seen it, never touched one, wanted blue so went to iPhone, where there's no blue, and lastly come out with the statement "your loss google" i really don't think they will worry about that.

The Google Pixel XL is an acceptable piece of hardware buoyed by superb software and excellent performance. It's hard to call it the best overall Android smartphone when it lacks waterproofing, removable storage, and OIS, even though it definitely runs like the best Android smartphone, with a clean...

Great software; Excellent performance; Camera produces stunning pics in many shooting situations; Ships with useful adapters

Not waterproof; No expandable storage; Camera's low-light performance disappointing

Fast camera that takes quality snaps; As slick and streamlined as Android gets;

Only average battery life; Marmite school of design; No standout features;

The Pixel XL is a bit of a puzzle. A ￡719 puzzle that I'm not sure I've managed to solve after a week of using one. Right now, though, the OnePlus 3 is still the best value Android phone - it's half the price of the XL, but matches it for build quality and a near-stock version of Android.

Fast camera that takes quality snaps; As slick and streamlined as Android gets

Only average battery life; Marmite school of design; No standout features

The Pixel XL beats out all comers in the 5.5″ or larger smartphone category, but at a high price tag. Buy it if you want the best Android smartphone in creation. For those looking for a budget model, try the OnePlus 3 $170 Nextbit Robin.

The downside, for me, is I often want to check the time or unlock the phone while it's lying on the table.

Eye-catching design; Fast camera – and no camera bump; Clever Google Assistant

Not waterproof; Average battery life; Not the bargain Nexus was

For years now, I've said the best Android phone would be an iPhone running the operating system. The Pixel XL finally delivers on that. Sure, it's a very similar design (people always ask me if it's the 7 Plus), but it's also a design that works.

[Update 1: Now that Google's Daydream View VR headset has launched - and it only works with the Pixel at present... and it's revolutionary and brilliant - the value proposition of this phone has been elevated.

Google Assistant's A.I; is innovative, Superb camera, Fast, Unlimited cloud storage, Fast charging, Daydream VR compatibility

Battery life is modest; Expensive; Not pretty; Single speaker is retrograde step; Not waterproof; 15% price hike for Aussies