This year, Google has taken a bold step by launching not one but two Pro models in its Pixel lineup, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL standing as the larger option. This move marks the first time Google has introduced an XL variant in the Pro series, aiming to cater to those who prefer a larger screen and a more substantial device.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t just about size—it boasts several enhancements and new features that differentiate it from previous models. This review will explore what makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL a standout flagship device in 2024. Let’s dive into the details of this impressive device.
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Design and Build Quality
Despite the “XL” in its name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is only marginally larger than last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, with the screen increasing by just 0.1 inches and the weight by less than 10 grams. The XL designation is primarily because Google now offers a smaller Pixel 9 Pro model, catering to fans of more compact devices, making the XL model the go-to for those who want more screen space.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL introduces a refreshed design, featuring a flat back and frame, echoing the modern aesthetic of the iPhone. The back has a matte texture, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which ensures durability and a premium feel. The aluminum frame is glossy, giving the device a striking appearance. A notable design change is the camera bump, which is now more compact and no longer stretches across the entire back of the phone. This bump houses the cameras, LED flash, and a new thermometer sensor, a unique feature that sets the Pixel 9 Pro XL apart from other flagship devices.
With an IP68 rating, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is well-protected against dust and water, ensuring it can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining a sleek and stylish look.
Display
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is one of its standout features. It sports a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth and fluid interactions. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering excellent scratch resistance and durability. With a sharp 486 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution, the display ensures crisp and clear visuals. Support for HDR10+ video allows for rich and vibrant colors, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL can display Ultra HDR-compliant images with enhanced highlights.
A significant upgrade from its predecessor is the display’s maximum brightness. It achieves over 1,200 nits using the manual slider and can boost up to an impressive 2,200 nits in auto mode. This is a notable improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro’s 1,600 nits and even surpasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 1,800 nits, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s screen highly visible even in direct sunlight.
The display also features LTPO technology, which allows the refresh rate to drop as low as 1Hz to save battery life when the screen is idle. This adaptability extends to high frame rate gaming, where the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay and enhanced visuals.
Audio and Security
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with stereo speakers that offer a loudness rating of ‘very good,’ an improvement over previous models. The sound quality is well-balanced, although some competing flagships may offer slightly better bass and clarity.
For security, Google has upgraded the under-display fingerprint sensor from optical to ultrasonic, resulting in faster and more responsive performance. This improvement enhances the user experience by providing quicker and more reliable unlocking.
Performance and Software
Powering the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chipset. This new chipset features an updated CPU and a GPU with higher clock speeds, although the TPU for AI tasks remains unchanged from last year. While we haven’t conducted extensive performance tests yet, based on past experiences with Pixel devices, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is expected to offer solid performance, though it may not match the cutting-edge speeds of some Snapdragon or Apple A-series chips.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in multiple storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even a 1TB variant, though it lacks expandable storage via microSD. Running on Android 14, it provides a clean, unaltered Android experience with Google’s vision of what Android should be. Google has also integrated several AI-driven features to enhance usability and functionality.
AI Features
Google’s Gemini AI is a key feature of the Pixel 9 series, offering capabilities such as real-time answers, support for over 100 languages, and the ability to summarize conversations from calls, texts, or emails. Buyers get a one-year free subscription to Gemini Advanced, which includes access to Pixel Studio, an AI tool for creating AI-generated images and designs.
Google Photos features advanced editing tools like the Magic Editor, which includes options like Zoom Enhancer, Magic Eraser, and blur and unblur functions. A new feature, ‘Add Me,’ allows users to merge people from separate photos into one group shot or even create duplicates of themselves in a single image. However, this feature works best in well-lit conditions with simple backgrounds.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by a 5,600mAh battery, which performed well in our tests, achieving an active use score of 12 hours and 32 minutes, a notable improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro’s 11 hours and 14 minutes. However, it still falls slightly short compared to some competitors.
Charging speeds have been increased to 37W, up from last year’s 27W, although no charger is included in the box. With a compatible charger, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can go from 0 to 67% in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking about an hour and 18 minutes. The device also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding flexibility to how users can power up their devices.
Camera Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a revamped camera setup, including a new ultra-wide and selfie camera, while the main and telephoto cameras remain the same as last year. The rear camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, all with autofocus. A unique addition is the thermometer sensor, a first in the smartphone industry.
Main Camera:
The main camera delivers excellent photos with high detail, vibrant colors, and balanced contrast. Some images may exhibit slight pixelation, but overall image quality is impressive. The dynamic range is wide, and color reproduction is well-balanced, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL a reliable choice for photography.
Telephoto Camera:
The 5x telephoto camera provides good dynamic range and accurate colors, although some competitors offer sharper images. In low light, the telephoto camera delivers good exposure and color, but detail can sometimes be lacking.
Ultra-Wide Camera:
The ultra-wide camera produces detailed and vibrant images, consistent with the main and telephoto cameras. At night, it maintains bright exposures, though sharpness could be improved at the pixel level.
Selfie Camera:
The new 42MP selfie camera, which uses pixel binning to create 10.5MP images, produces high-quality selfies with natural skin tones, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range. The addition of autofocus ensures sharp and well-focused selfies.
Video Quality:
The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 4K video recording across all its cameras and introduces 8K recording for the main and telephoto cameras. In 4K, videos feature high contrast and warm colors, though sharpness could be enhanced. Low-light video performance is adequate but falls short of some competitors. Video stabilization is excellent, effectively smoothing out motion.
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Pros
- Stunning Display: The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,200 nits brightness makes for excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight.
- Solid Build Quality: With a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is both durable and stylish.
- AI Features: Google’s Gemini AI brings advanced functionalities like real-time answers, language support, and enhanced photo editing tools such as Magic Editor and ‘Add Me’ features.
- Camera Performance: The new 50MP main sensor, 48MP telephoto, and 48MP ultra-wide cameras deliver high-quality photos, and the 42MP selfie camera with autofocus ensures sharp and vibrant selfies.
- Long Software Support: Promises of seven years of software updates make it a great choice for long-term use.
- Battery Life: The 5,600mAh battery provides impressive endurance, and the faster 37W charging is a welcome upgrade.
- Clean Android Experience: Running on Android 14, users get a pure and streamlined interface with regular updates and exclusive features from Google.
Cons
- Average Video Quality: While 4K and 8K recording options are available, video quality could be sharper, and low-light performance is not as strong as some competitors.
- Chipset Performance: The Tensor G4, while capable, may not match the performance levels of the latest Snapdragon or Apple A-series chips, potentially lagging behind in gaming and intensive tasks.
- No Charger Included: The absence of a charger in the box may require users to purchase one separately, which could be inconvenient.
- No MicroSD Slot: Lack of expandable storage means users need to choose their storage option carefully, especially if planning to shoot a lot of 4K or 8K videos.
- Large Size: The XL variant might be too big for some users, making one-handed use challenging and less comfortable for those who prefer compact devices.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a robust flagship device that combines solid design, cutting-edge AI features, and excellent photography capabilities. Its display is one of the brightest available, and the promise of seven years of software support makes it a solid long-term investment.
However, its video recording quality and chipset performance might not meet the highest expectations set by other flagship devices. For users who prioritize a pure Android experience, advanced AI features, and top-notch still photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a compelling option.
