With the Pixel 3 XL, Google is finally catching up to modern smartphone design, but even so, its final design will still prove to be polarizing with fans. To get a clear understanding about the dynamic, you just have to compare it to the Pixel 2 XL.

Google adopted the notch with the Pixel 3 XL and cranked it up to the max. In its defense, it houses two cameras, but it is quite an eye sore. However, Google did throw in a key feature fans have been asking for—wireless charging. This is possible through the new glass back, though Google added a two tone finish to keep the Pixel staple alive.

Though only one year-old, the Pixel 2 XL looks quite outdated already. Its big bezels aren’t the norm for flagship devices even though they house dual-stereo speakers, and its overall design leaves a lot to be desired, specifically the coating that hides the premium feel of the aluminum body.

Specs wise, the changes are less radical between the Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 3 XL. You can check out the side-by-side spec comparison and see what else Google changed with its biggest flagship.

Google - Pixel 3 XL Google - Pixel 2 XL
Display Size 6.3-inch, 1440 x 2960 pixel display (522 ppi) 6-inch, 1440 x 2880 pixel display (537 ppi)
Resolution X 1440 1440
Resolution Y 2960 2880
Display Type QHD+ flexible OLED QHD+ pOLED
Operating System Android 9.0 (at launch) Android 8.0 (at launch)
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
RAM 4GB 4GB
Storage
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
External Storage No No
Main Camera (Back) 12MP 12.2MP
Secondary Camera (Front) 8MP 8MP
Networks
  • CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
  • FDD-LTE: Bands⁷ 1*/2*/3*/4*/5/7*/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25*/ 26/28/29/32/66*/71
  • GSM/EDGE: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
  • WCDMA: W1/W2
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0 + LE Bluetooth 5.0 LE
Battery 2915mAh 3520mAh
NFC Yes Yes
Connectivity
  • USB Type-C
  • USB-C
Sensors
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Barometer
  • Fingerprint
  • Gyro
  • Proximity
  • Accelerometer
  • Ambient light
  • Barometer
  • Hall
  • Magnetometer
  • Proximity
GPS
  • Galileo
  • GLONASS
  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • GPS
Height 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) 6.2 inches (15.75 cm)
Width 3 inches (76.2 mm) 3 inches (76.2 mm)
Depth 0.3 inches (7.6 mm) 0.3 inches (7.6 mm)
Weight 184 g (6.49 oz) 6.2 oz (176 g)
Colors Black, Pink, White Black, Blue, White
Supported Audio Formats N/A N/A
Supported Video Formats N/A N/A

Thank you to @evleaks for image assistance.