Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google’s Pixel series has always been synonymous with top-tier cameras, smooth performance, and timely software updates. The latest flagship in the series, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, continues this tradition while introducing some notable changes. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with enhanced hardware, an upgraded camera system, and a new AI-powered suite of features, all packed into a stunning, albeit large, design.
Build and Design
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is built to impress. The phone measures 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm and weighs a hefty 221g. With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, this is a premium device that feels solid in hand. The aluminum frame adds to its sturdiness, but this size and weight make it a challenge for one-handed use, especially if you’re planning to hold the device for extended periods. However, if you prefer larger phones, you’ll likely appreciate the 6.8-inch display and overall size.
It comes in four color options: Porcelain, Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose Quartz, with the Porcelain variant being the one that received the most attention in the review. Despite the attractive build, the glass and metal construction can make the phone slippery, so a case is recommended.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also IP68 certified for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Display: Brilliant and Smooth
The Pixel 9 Pro XL sports a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, this display stands out, delivering bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. Whether you’re using it outdoors in direct sunlight or in dimly lit environments, the screen remains clear and sharp. The 1344 x 2992 pixel resolution provides an ~486 ppi density, ensuring crisp details in every frame.
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This screen is designed for an immersive viewing experience, making it great for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. Google has added always-on display features, which is a useful addition for glanceable information.
Performance: Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 Chipset
At the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the Google Tensor G4 chipset, built on a 4nm process. It houses an octa-core CPU with a combination of 1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4, 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520, paired with the Mali-G715 MC7 GPU. With this setup, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles most tasks with ease, from day-to-day usage to demanding apps and games.
The 16GB of RAM, which comes with all variants (128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage), ensures smooth multitasking. Whether you’re switching between apps, running multiple tabs, or editing photos, this phone performs without lag.
In benchmark tests, the AnTuTu score of 1,380,138 shows it’s a powerhouse, capable of competing with top-tier devices. The GeekBench 6 score of 4854 also indicates a solid performance for both single-core and multi-core tasks.
Camera System: The Pixel’s New Approach
The camera is perhaps the most anticipated feature of any Pixel phone, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t disappoint. It houses a triple rear camera setup:
- 50 MP, f/1.7 (wide): The primary shooter features a large sensor (1/1.31″), ensuring detailed and sharp photos.
- 48 MP, f/2.8 (telephoto): With a 5x optical zoom, this periscope telephoto camera is perfect for distant subjects.
- 48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide): A wide-angle lens with 123˚ field of view brings versatility to the shooting experience.
Google’s new imaging pipeline has taken a different approach from previous models, focusing on a “bright and even” output, often overexposing images, which has led to some photographers, like the reviewer, feeling a little disappointed. While the photos are still impressive, the natural shadows and accurate skin tones that Pixel users have come to expect have taken a back seat in favor of a more “pleasing” result.
On the front, the 42 MP selfie camera with autofocus ensures great clarity and sharpness for selfies, with the added advantage of being able to shoot 4K video at 30/60 fps.
For video enthusiasts, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 8K recording at 30fps, 4K at 24/30/60fps, and 1080p at 120/240fps with gyro-EIS. Google’s AI-driven video enhancements help improve overall video quality, especially in low light.
Battery: Long-Lasting Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with a 5060mAh battery, which is a solid upgrade over its predecessor. The phone delivers excellent battery life, comfortably lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. On a particularly heavy usage day, the reviewer achieved 8.5 hours of screen-on time with 8-9% battery remaining, which is impressive.
Charging is 37W wired (using Google’s official charger), capable of juicing up the battery to 70% in 30 minutes. It also supports 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, although the charging speed is on the slower side compared to some Chinese flagships.
Software: Android 14 with Google’s AI Integration
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 out of the box, with upgrades to Android 15 and up to seven years of OS and security updates guaranteed. This makes the device future-proof and secure for the long term. Google’s AI-driven features are a key highlight here, with tools like the Gemini assistant and Magic Editor, though the reviewer mentions that these often feel more like gimmicks than essential tools.
For instance, the Magic Editor can generate stunning images by reimagining skies or adding elements to photos, but it lacks practical functionality like adjusting simple things such as the color of a t-shirt without causing artifacts. The Add Me feature lets you insert yourself into group photos, which could be fun but isn’t something most people would use regularly.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Full Specifications
- Display: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak brightness, 1344 x 2992 pixels (~486 ppi)
- Processor: Google Tensor G4 (4nm), Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
- GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 3.1)
- Main Camera: 50 MP (wide), 48 MP (telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 48 MP (ultrawide)
- Selfie Camera: 42 MP
- Battery: 5060mAh, 37W wired, 23W wireless
- OS: Android 14, upgradeable to Android 15, 7 years of updates
- Sensors: Under-display fingerprint (ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, thermometer
- Price: $699.98 / £689.69 / €830.00 / ₹ 1,24,999
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a worthy flagship device, offering a beautiful display, capable performance, and impressive battery life. However, the camera, which has historically been a standout feature of the Pixel line, takes a slight step back in terms of color accuracy and control, leaving some professional photographers, like the reviewer, feeling a bit disappointed.
For those who value camera quality above all, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may still be a better choice. However, if you are a loyal Android user or someone who appreciates a smooth, feature-rich experience with AI-driven tools, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will certainly not disappoint.
With its stunning display, premium build, powerful chipset, and excellent software, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a fantastic choice for those who want the best of Google’s hardware and software. Just be prepared for a slightly less consistent camera experience than before.
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