The Google Pixel 3 XL’s biggest departure from last year’s model is the feel of the software. And, well, you’ll get that with the 2 XL anyway. However, we also get a better screen, all-glass design and a great new selfie array, also to blame for that whacking great big notch in the display. This phone takes some of the most natural daylight shots with its rear camera too. However, the lack of extra tech does start to show in its zoomed photos and when you shoot in very dark conditions. The Pixel 3 XL is not a grand step on from the 2 XL. But it’s a top showcase for what Google’s software engineers are up to.

Android as Google intended; Natural-looking camera processing; Fab selfies;

Giganto-notch is distracting; Camera beaten by rivals in some situations;

The smartphone arms race isn’t always pretty. The knock-down, drag-out fight between Apple and Samsung in particular has given rise to some nasty lawsuits and wincing commercials year in and out as the two companies invest millions in outdoing one another.

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’s notch-faced flagship is holds its own, but only just

Android as Google intended; Natural-looking camera processing; Fab selfies;

Giganto-notch is distracting; Camera beaten by rivals in some situations;

Google announced the third generation of its Pixel phones last week , once again with regular- and XL-sized variants. I was given the Pixel 3 XL to review, and I absolutely love it... except for the hideous notch.

The Pixel 3 is a great phone. It's not the Android phone designed to appeal to everyone. It's the Android phone designed to appeal to everyone else. It has a great camera, better build quality, improved screen, updated water-resistance rating, fast charging and wireless charging, new chipset, and...

Outstanding camera Great screen Better build quality Wireless charging Very smooth software Bundled Pixel Buds

Average battery life Screen brightness

If you want a no-nonsense phone that just works, this is what you buy. It truly has become the iPhone of Android, and will likely appeal most to users who aren't interested in lots of options, tweaking the interface, or making the phone feel like a one-of-a-kind device that no-one else has.

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 and the Pixel 3 XL is one of the best phones you can buy. But Google's still mostly interested in your data to improve its AI and the future of Android

AI is starting to change phones, wireless charing is quick a handy

The notch is too big, scratches easily