Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review
Discover the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: sleek design, advanced AI, impressive camera, and long-lasting battery. Find out more!
Google has released four new Pixel phones, including the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. For those who like larger phones, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the successor to the 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the biggest flat Pixel yet with a new design that replaces the old camera bar with a camera “pill.” It has a flat, polished frame that looks similar to an iPhone and is now twice as durable. Updated Super Actua Display is brighter than previous models and new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is faster.
Pixel 9 series will get seven years of OS and security updates. It won’t come with a new Android version but will receive updates like the Pixel 8. Phone features new AI capabilities, including a richer Weather app, a Screenshots app with search functions and Pixel Studio for creating images with AI.
Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL come with a year of Google One AI Premium including Gemini Live feature for conversational AI. Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM provide faster performance, especially for image processing and app loading.
Camera system has been improved with higher resolution selfie camera and better HDR+ for more accurate photos. New Video Boost feature enhances 4K videos to 8K and improves zoom.
Magic Editor allows you to edit photos creatively though it might affect authenticity. Pixel 9 Pro XL also has better battery life and slightly faster charging speeds.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Specification
| Specification | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|
| 💲 Price | $1,099 / AU$1,849 |
| 📱 Display | 6.8-inch OLED |
| 🔍 Resolution | 1344 x 2992 |
| 🔄 Refresh Rate | 1 – 120Hz |
| ⚙️ CPU | Tensor G4 |
| 🧠 RAM | 16GB |
| 💾 Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 📷 Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x zoom) |
| 📸 Front Camera | 42MP |
| 🔋 Battery Size | 5,060 mAh |
| ⚡ Charging | 37W wired, 15W wireless (Pixel Stand), 12W Qi wireless |
| 🌊 Resistance | IP68 |
| 📏 Size | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches |
| ⚖️ Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| 🎨 Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz |
Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Price and Availability
- Starting Price: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849
- On Sale: From August 22, 2024
- Release Dates: Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available from August 22, 2024; Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available from September 4, 2024.
UK: Buy directly from Google for double storage at no extra charge if purchased before September 5.
US: Get $200 in-store credit if ordered before August 28.
Australia: Receive a limited edition poster with purchases made before August 25.
Bonus: Includes a year’s access to Google One AI Premium (2TB), Gemini Advanced, Gemini Live, Fitbit Premium, Nest Aware, 10% back on Google Store purchases and unlimited Magic Editor saves in Google Photos.
Pixel 9 Pro XL Review Design
- New Look: No more camera bar; replaced with a camera ‘pill’
- Frame: Made from 100% recycled aluminum
- Build Quality: Slimmer and more premium than previous models, similar to iPhone 15
- Durability: Improved with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 rating
Pixel 9 Pro XL has a new squared aluminum frame that feels like iPhone in hand. It’s heavier and feels more premium than past Pixels. The camera bar is replaced with a new camera ‘pill’ design, giving it a bold look. Google claims the phone is twice as durable as its predecessor.
Available in four colors: Obsidian, Hazel (similar to iPhone 15 Pro Titanium), Porcelain and Rose Quartz.
Pixel 9 Pro XL Review Display
- Size: 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED
- Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits (high brightness) and 3,000 nits (peak brightness)
- Fingerprint Sensor: New ultrasonic sensor
Pixel 9 Pro XL’s screen is a refinement of the Pixel 8 Pro’s display. It has the same resolution but offers improved brightness levels, making it very bright compared to competitors. The display has a flat design with thin bezels and excellent viewing angles.
LTPO OLED panel supports a refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz, which helps with power efficiency and smooth user experience. The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is faster and more reliable than previous optical one especially in wet conditions.
Pixel 9 Pro XL Review Software and AI
- Updates: Seven years of OS and security updates
- Android Version: Launches with Android 14
- AI Features: Gemini AI integration
Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and offers seven years of updates, ensuring long-term support. It features a clean and customizable Android experience with unique Pixel-specific AI enhancements.
Key AI Features:
- Weather App: Provides dynamic weather reports with customizable widgets.
- Pixel Screenshots App: Allows notes, collections and searchable content within screenshots.
- Pixel Studio: Creates images from text using AI, though it currently focuses on objects and animals rather than people.
Google Gemini
Pixel 9 Pro XL includes a year’s access to Gemini Advanced, featuring latest Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini Live conversational AI. This AI helps with tasks like recipe suggestions and setting explanations though it can’t perform actions on some features yet.
Key Features:
- Gemini Live: Provides conversational AI for advice and explanations.
- YouTube Summaries: Generates text summaries of videos.
- Zoom Enhance: Upscales images, though results vary.
- Call Notes: Summarizes phone calls (not available during review).
While Gemini offers richer results it can be slower compared to Google Assistant for some tasks.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Camera
Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in photography with its advanced AI capabilities which enhance both capturing and editing.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Camera: AI improves image quality with better exposure, detail and color.
- HDR+ Improvements: Produces more realistic and detailed images.
- Night Sight: Enhanced for low light and panorama mode.
- Video Boost: Upscales 4K footage to 8K, providing flexible editing options.
- Add Me: Helps take group shots when there’s no one else to help.
- Magic Editor: Allows extensive edits like changing backgrounds or adding elements, though it may challenge your sense of authenticity.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Performance
Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with new Google Tensor G4 SoC, 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. Although it handles current tasks and high-fidelity games well, it falls behind Apple’s and Qualcomm’s top processors in raw power.
Performance Details:
- Tensor G4 Chipset: Tensor G4, built on a 4nm process, offers incremental improvements over its predecessor with a 10% increase in CPU performance, a 15% boost in graphics and a 16% enhancement in NPU performance. However, it lacks ray tracing support due to the switch from Immortalis to a Mali GPU.
- RAM and Storage: Pixel 9 Pro XL features a new 16GB RAM limit, benefiting from phone’s AI capabilities. Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB, with the 1TB model available only in the US. Other regions like UK and Australia have a maximum of 512GB. Google does not use latest memory standards compared to competitors like Samsung.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Battery
Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery and improved 37W wired charging offering significant improvements in battery life.
Battery Details:
- Battery Life: Pixel 9 Pro XL provides up to 9.5 hours of screen-on time which is about 65% longer than Pixel 8 Pro despite having a slightly smaller battery (5,050mAh).
- Charging Speed: Phone supports 37W wired charging, promising up to 70% charge in 30 minutes. Although new 45W Pixel charger was not available for review, testing with a 30W charger achieved a 55% charge in 30 minutes while a 65W charger reached 65% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Pros And Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Durable and sleek new design | ❗ New AI features require deep trust in Google |
| ✅ Huge amount of RAM for future-proofing | 💰 Expensive compared to more powerful phones |
| ✅ Bigger display and battery, faster charging | ⚡ Fast charging, but no charger included |
Conclusion
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is standout addition to Google’s Pixel lineup offering a range of upgrades and features for users who appreciate a high-end, large-screen smartphone. As largest flat Pixel to date, it combines a fresh design with substantial improvements in durability, display brightness and AI capabilities.
