It's one of our favorite phones of the year, but the Pixel 3 XL isn't what we usually see from big-screen phones. For instance, it costs less than $1,000 (more specifically, $899, £869 and AU$1,349), and it has only one rear camera lens.

The Pixel 3 XL has a top-of-the-line camera that includes an enhanced low-light feature and it can now take wider selfie shots; It's water resistant, has wireless charging and its Google Assistant has convenient new skills such as call screening

The phone's onscreen notch is taller than other phones'; It doesn't have expandable memory or a headphone jack

The Pixel 3 is the ultimate expression of Android and proof that AI done right can make your life easier.

Excellent performance; Quality OLED display; Top-tier cameras; Charming design; Call Screen is a godsend

A bit expensive; Bezels could be slimmer

Editors' Note, May 7, 2019: CNET's Google Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL reviews are here. Read more about the cheaper variants of the Pixel 3 phones and why Google decided to release these budget handsets.

The Pixel 3 XL is pricey for a phone with no expandable memory, but its standout camera and premium hardware make it one of the best phones of the year.

The Pixel 3 XL has a top-of-the-line camera that includes an enhanced low-light feature and it can now take wider selfie shots; It's water resistant, has wireless charging and its Google Assistant has convenient new skills such as call screening.

The phone's onscreen notch is taller than other phones'; It doesn't have expandable memory or a headphone jack.

I used the Pixel 2 XL for most of 2018. Even if it wasn’t my main phone, I always had it as a back up in case there was something I needed to snap a picture of. After the in October, I was more excited for the Pixel 3 XL software, than the hardware.

Operates nicely, no lag., Camera takes incredible pictures, Great features such as Call Screen, Night Sight, and Google Lens

Battery life could be better, Phone is simple looking, No expansion slot / headphone jack, Retail price is high (look for promos)

It's a testament to just how high expectations are for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL that, even after months of the Google phones leaking, interest in them remains high. Now, the pair of Android 9 Pie handsets are finally headed to shelves, promising the cutting-edge in Google's computational...

Camera technology leads the pack; Elegant; tactile glass & metal design; Wireless charging is a welcome addition; OLED screens look great

Pixel 3 XL notch is divisive; More expensive than last year's Google phones; Still no headphone jack

The Google Pixel 3 XL is the big-screen, best-camera phone combination of 2018, a one-two punch when it comes to offering an expansive, color-rich display and photos your friends won't believe came from a smartphone.

Best camera phone we've tested; Problem-free 6.3-inch OLED display; Solid battery life vs smaller Pixel 3

The notch cut out is hard to ignore; Not one-hand friendly as Pixel 3; More expensive; like all 2018 phones

The Google Pixel is the panacea of Android phones, designed to show what you can do with pure Android software, tuned to the Google-designed hardware. Its pièce de résistance is the camera, where Google's aim is to showcase what artificial intelligence (AI) can really do.

Outstanding camera performance; Android Pie is clean and fast; High quality design and build; No screen issues this time around

Battery life isn't class leading; Some software foibles

The hounding influx of new smartphones, slipping into the market every other day, can be tiring but there are select smartphones that cut through this noise and still manage to keep you raring and interested.

Scratch-resistant glass design; IP68 rating; Striking display rated among best by DisplayMate; Mind-blowing and unbeatable camera; Wide-angle selfies; AR characters and Google Lens built into the camera app; Front-facing stereo speakers; Wireless charging and Pixel Stand support; MIMO Wi-Fi

Lacking RAM; 4K video capped to 30fps; Poor notch optimization in YouTube; Disabling the Notch is unnecessarily complicated; Inability to disable navigation gestures

Google Pixel 3 stands out of the crowd with its stunning design and camera performance. But its not only about camera, despite having 4 GB of RAM it is capable of handling high-graphics intensive games smoothly. With smooth and clean UI, it is the perfect Android phone out in the market.

Brilliant photos; super low-light; wider selfies; wireless charging

Doesn't have expandable memory and a headphone jack; no pro/manual mode

Google's third attempt at a Pixel phone is its most successful yet. The Google Pixel 3 is an excellent device with a nice display, truly stunning camera (now with the incredible Night Sight feature) and the best version of the Android software.

Great haptics; Google's Android is the best Android; Much-improved design; Breathtaking camera both on the front and back; Fast wireless charging and clever Pixel Stand (even if it's not included

No form of facial unlocking; Can scratch easily