Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Supersize If You Want – Not Because You Have To
Meet the latest giant in Google’s smartphone lineup: the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This isn’t just another upgrade; it’s a bold reimagining of what a Pixel phone can be. With its larger size, you no longer have to compromise between screen real estate and camera prowess.
Design and Display
The Pixel 9 Pro XL flaunts a radical new design that stands out in a crowded market. Its sleek lines and premium materials scream sophistication. The display is expansive, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether you’re streaming videos or scrolling through social media, everything looks stunning on this screen.
Performance
Under the hood, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and its smaller sibling are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset. This means lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking. Apps launch quickly, games run smoothly, and everyday tasks feel effortless.
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the trio of rear lenses that both models offer. The camera system captures stunning images in various lighting conditions. Night mode is particularly impressive, ensuring your low-light shots are clear and vibrant.
AI Features
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its enhanced AI capabilities thanks to Gemini. Now you can engage in full conversations with Google Assistant like never before. It’s not just about voice commands; it understands context better than ever.
Additionally, it can sift through your screenshots to find information you may have forgotten about—a game changer for anyone who relies on their phone for organization.
Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life, the XL variant has an edge with increased capacity compared to its smaller counterpart. However, charging speeds remain similar across both models. If longevity is crucial for you during long days out, this could sway your decision.
Pricing Considerations
At $1099/£1099, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a $100/£100 premium over its smaller sibling. When factoring in storage options, this price gap widens further. Is that extra cost justified? It depends on how much you value screen size versus portability.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers an enticing package for those who want more from their smartphone experience without sacrificing camera quality or performance. Its fresh design and advanced AI features make it stand out from previous generations.
Ultimately, whether you choose to supersize or stick with the standard model depends on your personal preferences and budget constraints. Either way, Google continues to push boundaries in smartphone technology—making it an exciting time for fans of their devices!
Design & Build: Total Transformation of the Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bold step forward in smartphone design. Gone are the curved edges, replaced by a sleek, flat frame that feels refreshingly modern. This change alone sets it apart from its predecessor and aligns it more closely with current trends.
A Nod to Familiarity
At first glance, the polished aluminum finish evokes strong iPhone vibes. Google has chosen not to follow Apple and Samsung into matte titanium territory, but that’s okay. If you spot a punch-hole camera, you know you’re in Pixel territory—dynamic islands belong to Apple.
Unique Back Design
The rear features a distinctive free-floating camera oval. While we haven’t reached smartphone design singularity yet, this choice shows Google’s commitment to innovation without straying too far from what works. It’s clear they aim to attract customers from rival brands while maintaining their own identity.
Size Matters
With the introduction of a smaller Pro model, Google had room to go big with the XL version. At 221g, this phone is hefty—especially once you add a case. The flat sides provide ample grip, though the polished finish does little to hide fingerprints. In contrast, the silky rear glass offers a cleaner look.
Color Choices
Google has opted for muted colors this time around. The four options—Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian—are subtle compared to the vibrant Bay Blue and Mint of the Pixel 8 Pro. This choice reflects a more refined aesthetic aimed at broader appeal.
Features That Endure
Many beloved features return for 2024. The rear temperature sensor still feels like an answer to an outdated question—a remnant from pandemic times—but it remains part of the package. Thankfully, the in-display fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed for easy access; no finger yoga required here! Plus, face unlock is quick and secure enough for banking apps.
Built Tough
IP68 water resistance is standard for flagship phones these days—and Google delivers on that front as well.
Exciting New Addition: Satellite SOS
One standout feature is Satellite SOS—the first of its kind on an Android device. This brings the Pixel up to speed with Apple’s latest offerings and will initially launch in the U.S. After two years of ownership, users will need to pay for this service—but it could be worth it for peace of mind in emergencies.
In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a total transformation in design and functionality while respecting its roots. With modern aesthetics and thoughtful features, it positions itself as a serious contender in today’s competitive smartphone market.
Screen & Sound: See the Light
The Pixel 9 Pro is a game-changer in the smartphone world. At 6.8 inches, it boasts the largest screen Google has ever placed in a non-folding phone. This impressive size comes mainly from slimmer bezels, allowing for an immersive viewing experience.
While the previous model featured a slight 2.5D effect, this one opts for a sleek design with Gorilla Glass 2 that sits flush against the frame. Unfortunately, it seems that Gorilla Armor glass—known for its reflection-busting capabilities—remains exclusive to Samsung.
What truly sets the Pixel 9 Pro apart is its brightness. With a peak of 3000 nits, it competes fiercely with other flagship devices when it comes to HDR video quality. Scrolling through Google Photos is a delight, especially since it now supports Google’s Ultra HDR standard. The standout feature? A high brightness mode (HBM) that ramps up to an impressive 2000 nits outdoors. Watching YouTube clips in direct sunlight? No problem at all.
The resolution holds steady from last year at 2992×1344 pixels—still more than many competitors offer. While the phone defaults to a lower resolution of 2244×1008 to save battery life, visuals remain sharp and detailed from any typical viewing distance. The adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz also delivers smooth scrolling while conserving power on static content like the always-on lockscreen; however, you still can’t force it to run at 120Hz constantly.
Kudos to Google for achieving vibrant colors and deep blacks that make every image pop. After transitioning from a larger folding phone, I found myself completely engrossed in my Netflix binge on the Pixel—size didn’t matter anymore.
Sound quality matches the display’s excellence. The stereo speakers pack a punch with down-firing drivers that deliver solid low-end presence. You can crank up the volume without worrying about distortion—a feature that enhances your audio experience whether you’re watching videos or listening to music.
In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro combines stunning visuals and robust sound into one sleek package, making it an excellent choice for media lovers everywhere.
Cameras: The Bigger Picture
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is making waves in the smartphone camera arena. With a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens, it seems familiar. However, Google has focused on enhancing one key area: the ultrawide camera.
Enhanced Ultrawide Experience
The new f/1.7 lens on the ultrawide camera allows more light to enter. This means better performance in low-light conditions. Shots taken with this lens are now much closer in quality to those captured by the main camera. This is a significant improvement over last year’s model.
Autofocus and Stabilization
All three rear cameras feature phase-detect autofocus. The main and telephoto lenses come equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS). The main camera also benefits from laser autofocus, while the ultrawide can double as a macro lens. These features ensure sharp images across various shooting scenarios.
Upgraded Selfie Camera
The front-facing selfie camera has received a major upgrade too. It now sports a 42MP sensor with autofocus capabilities. This leap enhances your self-portraits, making them sharper and more vibrant.
A Mixed Bag of Expectations
While these upgrades are impressive, they may not fully satisfy those looking for cutting-edge hardware like 1-inch sensors found in some competitors. An improved panorama mode and an “add me” feature didn’t quite make up for that gap either. Still, Google’s renowned image processing offers hope for excellent results.
Daylight Performance
During bright daylight, the Pixel 9 Pro excels with engaging colors and great definition. The Ultra HDR algorithms have been refined for better highlights and deeper shadows. Dynamic range is preserved beautifully, allowing for stunning outdoor shots.
Twilight Conditions
When lighting dims, the Pixel holds its ground well—especially during twilight or indoors. While it lacks the natural depth of field seen in devices with larger sensors, software compensates effectively to maintain quality.
Ultrawide No Longer Weak Link
The ultrawide camera has shed its reputation as the weak link in low light conditions. Detail retention and noise handling have improved significantly; center frame shots now rival those from the main sensor.
Zoom Capabilities
Zooming can be tricky; shots taken at night may appear overly sharpened or lack detail past 5x magnification. However, during daylight hours, zoom performance shines brightly thanks to Super Res zoom technology that maintains clarity up to around 10x magnification.
In conclusion, while it may not boast groundbreaking hardware changes compared to rivals, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out through its innovative software enhancements and reliable performance across various lighting conditions. Whether you’re capturing landscapes or selfies, this phone aims to deliver impressive results that keep pace with user expectations.
Software Experience: Gemini’s on the Line
The Pixel 9 generation is here, but don’t expect a groundbreaking software overhaul. It launches with a familiar version of Android, similar to what you experienced on the Pixel 8 series. However, there’s good news: it will be first in line for Android 15 updates. With a seven-year update promise, you might switch phones before Google stops supporting this device.
New Apps to Explore
Even though the core software remains unchanged, new apps are making waves. Pixel Weather is one of them. Powered by Gemini, it transforms complex data into simple daily summaries. Imagine receiving concise reports like “mild and slightly humid evening with a chance of rain later.” It’s all about clarity without the clutter.
Then there’s Pixel Studio, which allows you to generate images from text prompts. This feature takes a leap from the AI wallpapers of the Pixel 8. Instead of choosing from preset phrases and styles, you can create unique visuals—though keep in mind that this process happens in the cloud rather than on your device.
The Star of the Show: Pixel Screenshots
My favorite addition? The Pixel Screenshots app. It gathers all your screenshots in one convenient location and uses Gemini to recognize text within those images. This makes finding specific screenshots effortless. Plus, you can jot down notes or set reminders right within the app! While I appreciate its functionality, I wonder if integrating it into an established app like Keep Notes would have been smarter. Google has had its ups and downs with maintaining services after launch.
Meet Gemini Live
Lastly, let’s talk about Gemini Live—the standout feature that lets you interact with your AI voice assistant as if you’re chatting on a phone call. You can choose different voices and even interrupt or pause at any time during your conversation. It feels like just the beginning; more integrations with other Google apps are expected soon.
However, there’s a catch: accessing Gemini Live requires a Google One premium subscription costing $20/£19 per month. Thankfully, each Pixel purchase includes a twelve-month trial to explore these new features as they roll out.
Conclusion
While the Pixel 9 may not introduce an entirely new software experience, it does bring exciting apps powered by Gemini that enhance usability and interaction. Whether you’re weather-watching or generating art from words, there’s plenty to enjoy—even if some features come at an extra cost.
Performance & Battery Life: Daily Driver
The Pixel 9 Pro XL showcases Google’s latest advancements in mobile technology. Powered by the fourth-gen Tensor silicon, this device boasts improved efficiency and performance. Let’s dive into what makes it a strong contender for your daily driver.
Enhanced Performance
Google’s new chipset features efficient ARM cores that deliver a performance boost of about 10-15% compared to last year’s Tensor G3. This translates to quicker app launches, with claims of up to 17% faster access. In real-world testing, apps like YouTube Music and Feedly opened noticeably quicker side-by-side with the Pixel 8 Pro.
While benchmarks reveal that the Pixel 9 Pro XL lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagships, it holds its own in everyday use. The phone feels responsive, with smooth frame rates during gaming and swift app transitions. With a generous 16GB of RAM, multitasking is seamless; switching between apps is quick and hassle-free.
Storage Shortcomings
However, not everything shines brightly. The base storage of 128GB feels inadequate when competitors offer at least 256GB for similar price points. Google argues that their pricing aligns with Apple and Samsung, but many fans miss the days when Pixels were known for their value.
Charging Capabilities
Another letdown is the absence of Qi2 magnetic charging. Despite being part of the Wireless Power Consortium’s board, Google missed an opportunity here. While you can charge the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 23W using an official stand, it only reaches up to 12W on standard Qi pads—far slower than rivals like Oppo or Honor.
Wired charging isn’t much better either. Google promises a 50% charge in just half an hour using a new 45W USB-C power brick; however, it maxes out at only 37W. Many competitors offer double this speed or more.
Impressive Battery Life
On a positive note, battery longevity stands out as one of the Pixel’s strong suits. Google’s claim of “all-day use” holds true even under demanding conditions like gaming and video streaming. I often found myself ending the day without needing a portable charger—a significant win for anyone on-the-go.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in performance and battery life for daily tasks, it falls short in storage options and charging speeds compared to its competitors. If you prioritize responsiveness and longevity over raw specs, this device may just be your perfect daily driver.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Verdict: A Flagship Worth Considering
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has arrived, and it’s making waves in the smartphone arena. Just ten months after its predecessor, some skeptics wondered if this new model would truly feel like a worthy upgrade. Spoiler alert: it does.
Stunning Display
First off, let’s talk about the display. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a brighter screen that is nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re streaming videos or scrolling through social media, the visuals are vibrant and sharp. It stands tall against competitors from Apple and Samsung.
Top-Tier Performance
When it comes to performance, this phone doesn’t disappoint. Everyday tasks run smoothly, and gaming is a joy thanks to its powerful CPU. You’ll experience lag-free multitasking, making it perfect for both work and play.
Impressive Battery Life
Battery life is another strong suit of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It offers more than respectable longevity, ensuring you can go through your day without constantly searching for an outlet. Plus, the faster charging speeds are a welcome addition—no one likes waiting around for their phone to power up.
AI That Works for You
The Gemini AI continues to evolve, becoming smarter in ways that genuinely enhance user experience. From organizing photos to suggesting actions based on your habits, this feature makes everyday tasks easier.
Camera Excellence
Photography remains one of Google’s standout features. The rear cameras excel in various lighting conditions, capturing stunning images every time. With advanced AI editing tools at your disposal, transforming your photos into masterpieces has never been simpler.
A Tough Choice
However, there’s a catch. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro offers nearly identical specs—same CPU, same cameras, same AI capabilities—but at a lower price point of $100/£100 less. While the charging times are slightly slower and battery life is comparable, many users might find the smaller model more appealing unless they specifically crave that larger screen experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is indeed a flagship worth considering. Its bright display, top-tier performance, impressive battery life, smart AI features, and excellent camera make it stand out in today’s market. Yet for those who don’t need all that extra screen space or prefer saving some cash, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro remains an enticing option.
Ultimately, whether you choose the XL or stick with its smaller counterpart will depend on your personal preferences—but either way, you’re getting an exceptional device.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Technical Specifications Overview
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is here, and it’s packed with impressive features. Let’s dive into the technical specifications that make this smartphone a standout.
Display
- Size: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 2992 x 1344 pixels
- Type: AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive from 1Hz to 120Hz
Experience vibrant colors and smooth scrolling with the stunning AMOLED display. Whether you’re gaming or streaming, this screen delivers.
Performance
- CPU: Tensor G4
- Memory: 16GB RAM
Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers lightning-fast performance. Multitasking is seamless with ample RAM to handle any app.
Camera System
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP Main Camera (f/1.7) with dual pixel PDAF, OIS, and laser AF.
- 48MP Periscope Telephoto (f/2.8) featuring 5x optical zoom and OIS.
- 48MP Ultrawide (f/1.7) equipped with dual pixel PDAF.
Capture stunning photos in any light condition. The versatile camera setup allows for breathtaking landscapes and detailed close-ups.
- Front Camera:
- 42MP (f/2.2) with PDAF for sharp selfies.
Selfies will never look better! The front camera ensures you look your best every time.
Storage Options
- Available in:
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
Choose the storage option that fits your needs. With up to a terabyte of space, you can store all your photos, videos, and apps without worry.
Operating System
- Runs on Android 14
Enjoy the latest features and security updates with Android 14. Experience a user-friendly interface tailored for efficiency.
Battery Life
- Capacity: 5060mAh
- Charging:
- Wired: Up to 37W
- Wireless: Up to 23W
Stay powered throughout your day. Fast charging ensures you spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying your device.
Dimensions & Weight
- Size: 163 x 77 x 8.5 mm
- Weight: Approximately 221g
Sleek and stylish, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed for comfort in hand while maintaining a premium feel.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design. From its brilliant display to its powerful cameras, this smartphone is built for those who demand excellence in every aspect of their device. Whether you’re capturing memories or enjoying media, the Pixel experience remains unmatched.
