I attempted to outlive with a Google Pixel XL in 2025; right here’s the way it went

I’ve all the time loved the unique Google Pixel XL in Actually Blue. The Pixel 2 XL will get all the eye, and rightfully so, however one thing in regards to the Pixel XL’s design appeals to me. Till lately, it was the final time Google bought aggressive with pigmentation on a cellphone, and I liked its clear aesthetic. It additionally jogs my memory of when Google saved its Android software program principally inventory, and I loved my expertise with the cellphone.

Sadly, time handed the Google Pixel XL by. Google solely supplied 3 years of software program help, and it has been caught on Android 10 with out safety updates for years. Nonetheless, does that make it unusable in 2025? Nostalgia bought the higher of me, and I needed to discover out. I loaded it up with essentially the most up to date variations of recent apps to search out out. I used the Google Pixel XL for per week in 2025; here is what occurred.

Bringing it updated

Principally all the things was supported

My Pixel XL wasn’t totally outdated, as I powered it on and messed with it as soon as yearly. I could preserve the apps up to date, however I do not severely arrange the cellphone to be used. Most apps weren’t an issue. WhatsApp, Instagram, and Fb did not protest about operating on Android 10. I may obtain Slack for work, and my spirits had been excessive. This was turning out to be simpler than I assumed. Sadly, there was a holdout. Asana, an app I want for work, would not obtain on Android 10. It was the one app that did not wish to be part of the get together, and I needed to push on with out it.

Apart from Asana, the method was comparatively painless. I may log into all my Google accounts and scroll Fb in minutes. I used to be prepared for my week of labor on an nearly 9-year-old smartphone, however app compatibility points weren’t the one issues I confronted.

Not a powerhouse in 2025

Extra RAM makes a distinction

The Google Pixel XL’s spec sheet did not age nicely. It is unfair to ask any smartphone from practically a decade in the past to carry out like new, however the Pixel XL’s lack of RAM is especially limiting. It solely has 4GB of RAM, so my Pixel XL continuously closed packages within the background to handle. Sadly, that taxed the traditional Snapdragon 821 to its restrict, forcing it to open packages repeatedly. I encountered quite a few slowdowns with even fundamental duties, greater than comparable units from the time with extra RAM. I wasn’t anticipating screaming efficiency in 2025, however I needed to have the ability to full fundamental duties with out subject.

I loved my time with the Pixel XL in 2025, however I do not lack the self-awareness to not admit my enjoyment was partially fueled by nostalgia.

When the Pixel XL wasn’t busy closing apps, the expertise was acceptable. I handled random slowdowns on X scrolls, and a number of notifications without delay would trigger my Pixel XL to have a match. Nonetheless, after just a few moments, the efficiency would return to baseline, and I may principally do what I got down to do. Should you let apps load in correctly and are affected person, the expertise can nearly be thought of clean. Something extra difficult than a textual content or e mail, and also you’re viciously introduced again to the truth of utilizing 9-year-old {hardware}. Nonetheless, I by no means skilled a showstopping error utilizing the Pixel XL for per week.

The widgets had been irritating to arrange, however as soon as accomplished, I may replicate one thing much like the format I’ve on my fashionable telephones. I like having a calendar and e mail widget on my second web page. And as soon as I attempted a number of occasions to get the widgets to load, they principally behaved.

Do not ask for a lot, and you will not be disillusioned

It isn’t a life-style cellphone in 2025

I loved my time with the Pixel XL in 2025, however I do not lack the self-awareness to not admit my enjoyment was partially fueled by nostalgia. I additionally helped prop up the Pixel XL’s capabilities by conserving the cellphone job and productivity-oriented. My work entails studying textual content, responding to emails, and collaborating with colleagues on Slack. Should you preserve to that workflow, the Pixel XL nonetheless has some life left.

Nonetheless, as soon as you permit work, your Pixel XL may have you wanting extra. Positive, Instagram scrolls are attainable and pleasant, however even gentle gaming brings the Snapdragon 821 to its knees. Extra complicated widgets and apps would tax the system’s restricted RAM and bathroom down the cellphone. Battery life saved me to about 3 hours of display time on a single cost, hardly the determine you’d want in a every day driver. Despite the fact that it is restricted in comparison with immediately’s sensors, the digital camera holds up decently on the Pixel XL, producing a saturated and crisp picture in excellent lighting.

Nonetheless, utilizing the Pixel XL, I appreciated options not included in immediately’s flagships. I liked the three.5mm headphone jack on the Pixel XL’s prime body. It additionally has a bodily fingerprint reader on the again, which continues to be the proper placement. The Pixel XL’s display is attractive, and it makes me marvel how the corporate bought up to now off-course with screens in telephones that got here later, just like the Pixel 4 XL.

Must you put your previous Pixel XL again in service?

I do not suggest utilizing the Google Pixel XL for any severe work in 2025. It is alright as a backup cellphone if in case you have one sitting round in a drawer or should you’re an fanatic like me who enjoys returning to older {hardware}. Nonetheless, too many cheap finances and midrange choices make extra sense. And whereas a 9-year-old cellphone would not be thought of, finances telephones have gotten adequate that they’re viable choices towards even two- or three-year-old flagships. I miss the Google Pixel XL, however I do know it is higher off again within the drawer.