yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Essential Phone Questions & Answers] kt-Froggy:
"test-keys" in the build number seems to indicate this is some kind if a non-production unit... It was mentioned earlier that the hardware version might give you a confirmation of whether the device is identical to production ones. Check the About Phone - Model and Hardware. If your hardware version is 1.8, your device should be essentially (no pun intended) the same as the production units. As for being "stuck" on Nougat, you could try flashing an update manually...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
The notch is not ideal but I got used to it pretty much immediately on my iPhone X and never notice it on my OnePlus 6. So I'm confident that I could live with it if I were to purchase a 3 XL and likely not even think about it after the first day. Also, wireless charging is such a welcomed addition to the Pixel Line. Especially for someone like me, who has a wireless charger in my home office, on the table next to the couch and in the bedroom. And that chin, while kind of ugly, is perfectly fine since it also means the phone gets 2 front facing speakers that are apparently 40% louder/clearer than the ones on the 2 XL.

However, what's giving me serious pause in pre-ordering is the 4GB of RAM. This is especially annoying given the $900 price tag. Android, in its current state, is still a resource hog and I prefer not to close out of my apps multiple times a day. 4GB RAM is sure to noticeably slow down the phone, just like it's done to the Pixel 2 XL. I can't believe Google didn't bump the RAM up for this phone. Heck, if the $100 price bump to 128GB also gave the phone an extra 2GB RAM, I'd gladly shell out for it.

But at $900 + cost of accessories, I'm having a very hard time justifying being one of the first to get my hands on the latest Pixel phone, this time around. Now I'll be holding out until the end of the month, when OnePlus announces the 6T. If that phone has wireless charging I'll likely be going that route instead, simply because of the 6GB/8GB RAM options. The increased screen-to-body ratio would be nice too.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] galaxys:
That was the last straw for me. I wanted 6 GB for that SOC 845 like all the other flagships...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] force70:
I could never get used to or be okay with any inotch device but its worse here.

As you say only 4gb ram, max 128gb storage again which is a joke in 2018.

Those 2 are absolutely deal breakers for a device with that price tag.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Virgo_Guy:
I do not like the notch+chin combo but 4GB of RAM alone is the dealbraker for me. I would still get the smaller Pixel 3 but definitely WILL NOT be an early adopter that usually I am.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Reuben_skelz92:
The notch is horrible. I've never liked notches but a smaller one I would try to live with but the pixel 3 xl is ridiculous.

Then only 4gb of ram...either lazy or money pinching, at least 6gm of of ram is the norm for flagships, heck even some midrange phones this year
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] oneandroidnut:
I am the other way around, the 4 GB of ram isn't a deal breaker but the notch is for sure a deal breaker!
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] y2grae:
You must be so much fun at parties.

Every report of hands on so far has stated how smooth the phone is. Surely that's the combination of processor and ram and great OS ?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
I've been told I tend to "bring the party". So I think I can be a good time. :laugh:

With that said, of course the phone is going to feel extremely fluid/fast right out of the box. It will likely remain that way for the first few weeks. But, the Pixel 2 XL started to show signs of slowdowns within just a couple weeks of use for me and for many others on this forum. It was quickly determined that 4GB of RAM was the major cause of the slowdowns. It's one of the main reasons I jumped to the OnePlus 6 with 8GB RAM, which hasn't shown a single instance of lag/stutter in over 6 months of usage. 6GB would be plenty but 4GB simply isn't enough in a 2018 flagship.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Docavelli:
Not experienced any slow down in my 2xl so I'm not worried at all about the RAM. But then I don't game on my phone and I don't ever have more than a few apps going.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Tanquen:
With all the streaming now and the unlimited online storage for pics, what do you use more ram for? With the 128GB I can download enough stuff to watch off line and whatnot. I do still wish they had a headphone jack and SD slot. If folks don’t stop buying them they are just going to keep removing stuff.

Don't lick the notch but I can hide it if I want and it will look like me 2XL.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
I just checked the memory usage history on my OnePlus 6, running Android Pie official release. It says that over the last 3 days I've averaged 4.3GB of RAM in daily usage. If Google would have put 6GB in the Pixel 3 XL, my order would have already been placed. Heck, even 5GB would have been enough. But, at least for my needs, 4GB simply isn't enough.

For what it's worth, in my daily usage I'm constantly switching between:

Youtube Music

Google Keep

Skype for Business

Slack

Gmail

Outlook

OneNote

Google Hangouts

In order to keep performance snappy with only 4GB of RAM, I'd have to set the cap at just 3-4 background processes in Developer Settings. That would mean lots of app redraws on a daily basis. It's just a silly compromise to make in 2018. Especially with a $900 "flagship" phone.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CoreGaming:
I also have a 5T with 8 Gigs an ordered the Pixel 3 XL.. i think/hope Google did it the right way. In my experience a system uses more RAM when its available.

We will see..
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
That is true, especially with Windows. But in order to keep things running smoothly with 4GB RAM, the Pixel 3 XL will have to shut down background processes pretty aggressively. The plus side of that is better battery life. The downside is, at least with my 2 XL, the phone would still slow considerably as RAM got maxed out, before Android would start disabling processes. So it was more reactive than proactive. Meaning I always had to manually shut things down myself to keep it snappy.

From my testing with Android Pie on my 2 XL, the new system update didn't seem to fix that issue. Hence my jump to the OnePlus 6.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] spotmark:
Currently using an Essential Phone so I'm used to the notch, albeit a heck of a lot smaller, but I'm not concerned about it. Everybody groans about something new, but once you get used to it, it's no big deal. I would have liked to have seen more RAM, but for what I do, 4gb will handle it just fine. I'm really excited about getting back to a fantastic camera. If the PH-1 had lived up to the hype, I wouldn't have ordered the 3XL.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tj_f:
Not a deal breaker at all... pretty sure after a day or so will not even notice the notch... Currently have a Pixel XL, and have no issues with 4 GB RAM. Guess it really depends on individual usage if they're bumping up against the 4GB limit...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MArtyChubbs:
Says who? (Michael Cohen)

Do you have any evidence? I have had a pixel XL & pixel 2 XL and and I haven't seen anything that clearly specified 4 gigabytes as some sort of barrier for Android. The desire for more RAM was originally just a Chinese spec arms race?

Dude, lay off the bath salt... Stop licking stuff, it's cameras and a speaker...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wtharp2:
Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I can only keep 2 - 3 programs in memory on my Pixel 2 XL. It is a bit frustrating having to reopen programs I switched out of less than a minute before. So far, I am not frustrated enough to go with a different phone, but I sure would have appreciated more RAM.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Dang, I got nine in there right now.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
I was just at a Verizon store looking at all the devices now available. You will definitely notice the notch but you will get used to it, just like everything in life. However, when you look at the $1000 iPhone XS 5.8" vs. the Pixel 3 XL the difference is astonishing. That is a notch you will not notice. It just blends into the screen as if it didn't exist. The notch on the 3XL is deep. Too deep imo. Yes, you can expand it so it's not a notch but that is really only making the notch across the whole screen. You really need to go into a store and look at it next to the iPhone and the Pixel 3 and decide for yourself. The phone looks great. They all do. I've never had a problem with ram but if you do then the device is not for you, obviously.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tj_f:
I've seen the iPhone... notch size and chin disappear regardless of size for me...

Customization and doing what I want with the device takes precedence. Android grants us the flexibility to make our devices work for us, not the other way around.

Not going to rain on anyone's parade, if your device, regardless of OS works for you, with/without notch, chin, headphone jack, etc., good! Just not a fan of the apple environment, and will never take part in in regardless of whatever hardware they offer.

Understand that the notch and chin are VERY polarizing, and really unhappy with all the negativity with devices that is posted online before actually holding one in hand and using it as a daily driver for any amount of time.

Bring on the hate with this statement. /EndSarcasm

Feel this phone will work for the way my devices are used, and happy with the purchase have made.

If the phone does not live up to expectations, that's a different story, and time will tell if this will work for me or not.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
The iPhone is beautiful period. It fits in the hands perfectly. The display is second to none. I won't buy one for myself as a DD. I'm an Android guy. But negativity aside you have to give Apple props. They are the leader and everyone else follows. There is no customization like we have so I'm not gonna go there. But walk the subways, ask your friends, call your kids. They all have iPhones. The reason is they just work and work well. They did the notch the right way. Nuff said.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] hksg:
I preordered one namely because my Nexus 6P can hold about 30 minutes of charge, and I am annoyed by carrying around a battery pack or charger all day. Really liked the Google phones I bought, but did not try any of the other Pixel phones. My question is if 4GB RAM would be enough if all I really do is check stuff on Epic Haiku and browse Reddit using the Reddit is fun app, and listen to music. Usually doing all three of these things at the same time. I've not had any issues on the Nexus, and was excited for this phone until reading this thread. I don't really care about the notch. Either way, I can no longer cancel, and I really do not want to pay a restocking fee.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cecho:
When I am using my Pixel 2XL on a bike ride, I usually have Endomondo open, as well as Pocketcasts. If I stop and take a picture, often it will shut down my workout on Endomondo. I imagine this will happen on the Pixel 3 as well. It shouldn't on a $1000 phone.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
I use Strava all the time (basically the same app), music on too. I can take easily 20 pics without a hiccup. You must have something configured wrong. I have the Pixel 2 which has the same ram and processor.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] manners400:
I have a Pixel 2XL with 4GB & I'm considering upgrading to the 3XL.... I have not had an issue with ram. Developers options says I use an average of 2.7GB. I'm on the web, on YouTube, I have my phone synced to my watch, constantly getting work emails, using word/Excel etc & have had no issue.

Fun Fact: Most people only get concerned with ram because manufacturers run out of ideas and decide to pack the phones with ram, some need it because it has a lot of overlay bloat/features like the Galaxy Notes but the Galaxy S9 (premium phone) came out with 4GB and no one complained. Everyone complains that Android is less optimized because it uses too much ram in comparison to Apple but when Google decides to keep Ram at 4GB and really focus on optimization people complain why they don't add more ram for the price. Generally when phones get really old the processors fail to keep up with modern task prior to the ram being an issue.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] misiokicio:
Exactly spot on, but folks thinkin more the better... Bigger the better . It won't change their thinking, i am happy using chrome, taking pics and using WhatsApp, even if i was gonna a game and somethin stopped bcs of the ram.. whats the big issue.. few sec and app is up and running,
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cecho:
Haven't configured anything - shouldn't have to. It's just that those 3 apps, when all in memory - might kill the Endomondo process.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
Well then something is very wrong with the app. Maybe get an app that will monitor the ram usage when you launch that hog. 4gb of ram is plenty for 3 measly apps.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MArtyChubbs:
BAM!.. Manners just spit some knowledge...

I feel like RAM trolls have been release by Google Competitors...

Resist more RAM and embrace the notch! Love the camera and software experience.

Stop wasting energy, food, clean water, and most importantly...RAM. Unused RAM kills... Let's regulate Big RAM. Big RAM hates women, drinks beer, boofs the devil's lettuce or whatever and rapes everything. We must resist.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kos26:
The notch and the ram are my two negatives. I was really considering canceling my order and considering going to the regular 3 or back to a locked note from AT&T. But I checked today and it won't let me cancel anymore. Guess my decision is made.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
So the notch and the ram, two obvious "negatives" for you have been known for weeks if not months now and all of a sudden you decide to order and then want to cancel your order? But it's too late? Really?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kos26:
Yup, I saw the leaks just like everyone else. Hands on reviews weeks ago. And you can hide the notch. I still ordered the device, because it has plenty more pros than cons. Doesn't mean I can't consider going with the regular 3.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] gettinwicked:
Make ram great again?

Seriously though, that's soooo right. I'm a system admin, and I always have several consoles, apps, browser pages, RDP manager, vdi, etc open at all times. Many are labor intensive apps. My computer might be using 6-7 GB RAM tops ever. In no way will my phone need more than 4 GB RAM for pretty much anything I throw at it. I typically have YouTube music, chrome, Facebook, words with Friends, messages, TWC, etc. open, and my average is 2.7 GB. Give me a break with this. If 4 GB is a deal breaker, go buy one with more. Better yet, put one up against the 3 and see which runs smoother with all those apps open.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] misiokicio:
U cant win xd, some folks thinkin ram is like their storage memory maybe haha, same as u 2.7 to 3gb and all apps still in ram , its not like some apps require 5gb ram to run
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jmartin72:
4 GB of RAM is more than enough for Android. Anyone that says they need more has no idea how RAM management works. Janky performance and slow down mostly come from poorly written software. My Pixel 2 XL is as fast as the day I bought it, and I'm sure when my Pixel 3 XL arrives it will be the same. OEMs are adding extra RAM just for the sake of adding more hardware, not because it's needed.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] htusa:
Wow. I have yet to see anyone give a valid reason why they need more than 4gb ram in a phone.

I average 3.0gb and I am a heavy user. I am constantly on my phone checking access points, running screen share with employees, running music, checking email, etc.... I am on the OG XL and it's still smooth as glass. My reason for upgrading is battery and a bigger screen. I miss having a Note sized screen.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
I don't know what else to tell you guys. RAM usage with my OnePlus 6 is consistently greater than 4GB with the same apps and daily activities as I used/had on my 2 XL (see screenshot). After just a couple of months my 2 XL often stuttered/lagged in instances where my OnePlus 6 is remains perfectly fluid. However, with that said, I do find it odd that my OnePlus 6 requires over 4GB just for the system. That may lend to what you guys are saying about poorly optimized software.

Regardless of all this, I'm contradicting myself because I had the opportunity to play with a Pixel 3 XL in a Verizon store and must say that it made me miss that overall 'Google' feel. So I went ahead and ordered an unlocked 3 XL yesterday. I'll see for myself if 4GB is the true issue for me or if there was something else wrong with my 2 XL.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] LaNsLyDe:
If you have more RAM on board the system and phone will use more of it. I've been using 8GB of RAM since buying the xiaomi mix 2. I have the 8GB ram version of the one plus now and average 5.3 used. Would be about 6 sometimes on MIUI. With less ram the phone will definitely use less, you won't bottleneck it will just drop out some apps out of memory./ I don't see how lower amounts of ram equal to slowness over time. Maybe the type of ram that was used maybe? It's just multi tasking.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobbyphoenix:
The notch is a non-issue as you said you can hide it. There are two ways to hide it if you want. One is to black out the entire top to make it a full bezel, or you can black it out, but keep the icons there like the LG V series phones do. Check out unboxtherapy's YouTube videos, and instagram posts.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] force70:
True then you get to look at the iphone 4 sized chin and forehead.

Either way its a fail for a flagship 2018 device
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bobbyphoenix:
Nah. Not for me. I'd rather no notch with equally (ish) top and bottom bezels. I personally like the look of bezels than none, and trying not to ghost touch the edges while holding it. With the notch off, it's perfect for me. That's the great thing about it. User choice.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sn0warmy:
That's pretty awesome, actually. I watched a couple of videos but in both of those, the reviewers only showed the ability to hide the nav bar by pulling the entire status bar down below the notch. One even complained about not being able to at least keep the icons/notifications up in the black areas on each side of the notch.

I did not plan on hiding the notch but now that I know I can do it while keeping the icons up there, I might do it.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] drwx:
i have a pixel XL and run endomondo all the time and stream music. i have no issues taking pics at the same time. the only time i've ever had an issue with endomondo and my phone hanging is when i'm almost out of storage and trying to record a video while i'm on a ride.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MArtyChubbs:
Agreed! More RAM just allows more caching of inactive apps in the background. So, more RAM is better than less RAM, however, the benefits are minimal enough for Google to handle with memory management.

seconded by Kanye!

My P2XL is very snappy, but I use flash kernel with unified tuning script and block ads. The improved display and audio over the p2xl are the most important points attaracting me to the "big fail" of 2018.

3 months form now, the pixel phones will be the preferred phone of our favorite YouTubers. Unless FLOSSY CARTER says it sucks, it don't suck!

Regarding the notch my p2xl does not use the area dedicated to the notch on the pixel3XL, it's just filled with color but no information lost. It's funny the new iPhone ads black out the top of the phone so you can't see their notch. Remember guys the trade-offs, we are getting dual front facing speakers and two cameras while sticking the notifications in the corners and not impacting on the media viewing area. I like having additional Hardware while filling an unused area by design. Anybody else have an idea on how to accomplish that different than how Google did? I mean you don't like the look of the notch but you don't want to give up front facing speakers so I like unicorns farts and rainbows too but what the f***?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wtharp2:
You could always bend the edge and place notifications along the edge... (j/k). I don't recommend this...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MArtyChubbs:
Now that's some constructive criticism
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] uicnren:
if you have more than a few notifications on your 2 XL, they are 'lost'.

The 'media viewing area' is certainly impacted as the notch hides a portion of the screen. Of course if you hide the notch, it doesnt impact it, but now your screen is smaller.

What exactly is wrong with the 2 XL design, but with the 3 XL internals? The side bezels of the 2 XL are almost visually identical to the 3 XL, so it wasnt much of a gain there. Bottom bezel is almost identical between the two, another no gain.

Put the 2 cameras in the current 2 XL top bezel and call it a day. If need be, make the phone physically a little taller with symmetrical top/bottom and side bezels.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wtharp2:
So it looks like the issue I am seeing is the battery saving mechanism aggressively closing the programs I want open. So 4 Gig is likely enough, though Android Pie reports I'm using 3.3 to 3.8 Gigs on a routine basis. So I guess I shall see.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c_86:
Where is the setting to do this? I've only seem the ability to move it down not have the icons be there
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] uicnren:
There is only one setting (as of now) in developer options, and that blacks out the ears and moves the status bar icons down below the notch.

There are some apps which currently black out the area while still allowing the icons to remain in the ears.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
I always go with a pure black background, so I should be gtg.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] djy:
The deal breaker is the EMI electrical coil whine like noises during an otherwise clear phone call. This is a phone. All other features are gravy.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] dabug123:
Well prepare for frankenRom and frankenKernel ,love this device no deal breaker here
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ridobe:
I've certainly heard of FrankenRom, but I'm not typically a custom ROM guy. I am, however interested in your kernel. Will it be standalone or will it only be hard baked into the ROM?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] dabug123:
I will have a standalone
[Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] krabman:
Where is Troy at on the recovery?