If you ask me right now as of January 30, 2017 what's the best Android phone out right now ? My answer would easily be the Google Pixel XL.
But...
This phone is the frigging white unicorn, does not exist.
Verizon shows it back ordered for two months well into March, and Play Store always has it on back order continuously, with an e-mail sign up alert. Best Buy stopped selling the XL at end of December.
So what the hell is really going on here ? I've read articles on Android Police, and other tech sites recently, complain about the lack of stock, and no updates or answers from Google or HTC as to what's going on. It's a big mystery as to why the XL is always out of stock now, four months after release. In the U.S. the XL is just not to be found anywhere in stock for sale right now.
Soon enough the next gen 2017 flagships will be here, the Galaxy S8, and LG G6. Once those two phones hit stores in March and April, the Pixel line will be last years news and all but forgotten.
Good job Google, really good going trying to get a high end flagship out to the masses. It lasted maybe three good months before the phone disappeared. And then they just release it on one U.S. carrier only ? Google if your trying to be like Apple and Samsung, the phone needs to also be on ATT, T-Mobile, and Sprint, and in stock in all the stores. Otherwise just forget this game your playing, you lost.
At this point I would recommend the OnePlus 3T to people looking at the Pixel XL, the spec's are very similar, and runs a near stock like OS, but is half the price. And you can actually buy it right now. But your SOL if your on Verizon and Sprint.