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In a world dominated by incremental updates, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL enters the scene with a mix of bold AI features, premium hardware, and some quirks. It’s a phone that promises to push boundaries with Google’s AI-first approach, but does it live up to the expectations of a flagship? Let’s explore the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in depth to determine whether it’s worth the hype or another overhyped release.
Design: Familiar Yet Refreshingly Google
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL makes a strong first impression with its premium build. Google has embraced a polished design language, blending a glossy metal frame with a matte glass back. While the overall look feels reminiscent of high-end flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the signature camera visor gives it a distinct Google flair.
Build and Ergonomics
- Dimensions: 8.5mm thick, weighing over 220g.
- Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, adding durability.
- Water/Dust Resistance: IP68-rated.
The design, while premium, isn’t without its flaws. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s boxy frame and slippery finish make it less ergonomic, particularly for prolonged use. Additionally, the power button placement above the volume rockers may take some getting used to for new users.
Display: Brighter Than Ever
Google’s “Super Actua Display” is one of the standout features of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. It’s an OLED panel with near-Quad HD resolution, offering a crisp and vibrant viewing experience.
Display Highlights
- Size and Resolution: Almost Quad HD, 486 PPI.
- Brightness: Peaks at 2200 nits under auto-brightness, making it one of the brightest displays in the market.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz LTPO technology for smooth scrolling and adaptive refresh rate.
The display performs brilliantly in all lighting conditions, whether you’re binge-watching HDR content or navigating outdoors under the sun. Paired with stereo speakers, the media experience is immersive, with the Pixel holding its own against competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Under the hood, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage (up to 1TB). While the hardware might not match the raw power of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple’s A17 Pro chips, Google focuses on optimizing real-world performance.
Benchmark Results
- The Tensor G4 delivers graphics scores similar to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but under heavy loads, it suffers significant performance throttling.
- Gaming performance is limited, making it unsuitable for hardcore gamers.
However, where the Pixel 9 Pro XL shines is in day-to-day use. The Pixel Experience software, combined with the smooth display, ensures a lag-free and responsive experience that rivals the best in the Android ecosystem.
Battery and Charging: Reliable, But No Surprises
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 5060mAh battery, which easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. However, Google’s choice to exclude a charger from the box might be disappointing for some users.
Charging Specs
- Wired Charging: Up to 37W (50% in 15 minutes; full charge in 80 minutes).
- Wireless Charging: Supported.
While charging speeds lag behind some competitors, the overall battery performance is solid, making it a dependable daily driver.
AI Features: Innovative but Paywalled
Google has heavily marketed the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as an AI-powered smartphone, with several features tied to its Gemini AI. However, many of these functionalities require a paid subscription after the first free year, raising questions about their long-term appeal.
Notable AI Features
- Gemini Live: Enables conversational interactions with Google Assistant. While promising, it often requires corrections, making it less reliable for now.
- Magic Eraser: Seamlessly removes unwanted elements from photos.
- Reimagine: Allows users to modify image details using text prompts.
- Zoom Enhance: Uses machine learning to add detail to zoomed-in shots, mimicking the “pause, zoom, enhance” trope from 90s TV shows.
While these features are cool, their practical utility in daily life remains debatable. Paying for a subscription post the free trial may deter users from fully embracing these tools.
Camera System: Still a Pixel Strength
Google’s Pixel phones have long been lauded for their exceptional cameras, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL continues this tradition. With a triple-camera setup, the phone delivers stunning photos and videos that rival the best in the industry.
Camera Specs
- Primary Sensor:
- 50MP, 1/1.31-inch sensor with OIS.
- f/1.7 aperture for excellent low-light performance.
- Ultra-Wide Sensor:
- Performs well but lacks the edge of some competitors.
- Periscope Telephoto:
- Exceptional zoom capabilities, enhanced by AI-driven “Zoom Enhance.”
In good lighting conditions, the Pixel produces vibrant images with excellent dynamic range. Even in low light, it manages to retain impressive detail and natural colors, often outperforming competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Video Performance
For video enthusiasts, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 8K recording via the primary sensor, with impressive 4K 60fps footage. The stabilization issues present in previous Pixel models have been addressed, but switching between sensors during recording could be smoother.
Selfies and Front Camera
The 42MP under-display selfie camera offers excellent photo quality, retaining Google’s edge in this department. Video recording at 4K 60fps is equally impressive, delivering sharp, vibrant footage with superb dynamic range.
Software: A Seamless Pixel Experience
Running on Android 14, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a clean and intuitive interface with a promise of 7 years of software updates. This ensures long-term relevance and security for the device. However, Google’s delayed adoption of Android 15 raises questions about whether updates will extend until 2022 or 2023.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Pixel 9 Pro XL competes directly with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, priced similarly at the premium end of the market. However, its 128GB base storage feels inadequate compared to its rivals,
For its price, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers on software experience, AI integration, and photography but falls short on raw performance and exclusive features.
Verdict: A Flagship That Almost Delivers
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a phone that excels in specific areas, like its camera and AI capabilities, while lagging in others, such as gaming performance and charging speeds. Its AI-first approach is exciting, but the reliance on subscriptions for key features may deter some users.
Who Should Buy It?
- Photography enthusiasts who want cutting-edge camera performance.
- Users seeking a smooth, lag-free Android experience.
- Fans of Google’s AI features and Pixel ecosystem.
Who Should Skip It?
- Gamers or users prioritizing raw performance.
- Those unwilling to pay for AI subscriptions after the first year.
If the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL were priced 20–30% lower, it would be an easy recommendation. At its current price point, Google needs to either match the performance of its competitors or offer truly exclusive features that justify the cost.
What are your thoughts on the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Does it excite you, or do the compromises make you hesitant? Share your views in the comments below!
