PIC- A- BOO!

The Pixel 3 XL takes imaging performance to the next level

Every year, ahead of the Indian festival season, there is a rush of smartphone releases. A few automatically become flagships. Right now, Google’s Pixel 3 XL leads the stakes.

For starters, the Google stamp on the device makes it the only YouTube Signature Device in the world, which means it is optimised for YouTube video streaming and downloads using lesser bandwidth than any other phone.

The Top Shot feature on the Pixel 3 XL uses machine learning, to take multiple shoots and chooses the best one based on an intelligent set of parameters, which goes into a granular level to identify if even one of the persons in a group selfie has blinked. Likewise, the Photobooth feature uses artificial intelligence to identify funny faces and responds by taking a snap at the right time, without you having to click the camera button. Having taking the shot at very high shutter speed, the Super Res Zoom ensures that the image is digitally zoomed to display the finest details in even low- light shots. Another interesting use of AI is for the Motion Auto Focus mode in video where you can choose a subject and virtually circle it so that it remains in focus, though the subject moves.

Besides imaging features, the Pixel 3 XL leverages the best of Google’s tech with The Wind Down feature, which is synced with your Google Assistant to remind you to go into shutdown mode at night by turning your phone into monochrome and limiting app usage, saving screen time, and power. Pixel 3 XL, with its mix of innovative features comes at an asking price of ` 83,000 ( 64 GB) and ` 92,000 ( 128 GB). For a 6.3 inches full screen device with Android 9.0 Pie and Google Assistant with a camera configuration of 12.2 MP dual pixel and 8 MP, the Pixel 3 XL carves out its position in the premium smartphone space.