Introduction
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the latest addition to Google’s flagship lineup, and it brings a host of new features and improvements. This review will delve into every aspect of the phone, from its design and display to its performance and camera capabilities, providing a thorough analysis for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL continues Google’s tradition of sleek and minimalist design. The phone measures 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches and weighs 7.8 ounces, making it slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro. The aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back provide a premium feel and durability1. The design is elegant, with a refined camera bar that has become a signature of the Pixel series.
Display
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels. This display is not only large but also incredibly bright, setting new records for brightness in a smartphone. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and an excellent viewing experience. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web, the display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details.
Performance
Under the hood, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, which offers significant improvements in performance and efficiency. This chip is designed to handle the most demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to multitasking. The phone comes with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance even with multiple apps running simultaneously. However, some users might find the base storage of 128GB limiting, especially considering the phone’s high price.
Camera
The camera system on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of its most impressive features. The phone boasts a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The front camera is a 42MP sensor, perfect for high-quality selfies and video calls. The camera performance is excellent, with sharp images, vibrant colors, and impressive low-light capabilities. However, the improvements over the previous generation are minor, which might be a disappointment for some users.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels. The phone is equipped with a 5060 mAh battery, providing the longest battery life in a Pixel phone to date. In real-world usage, the phone easily lasts a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use. The phone supports 37W wired charging, 15W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand, and 12W Qi wireless charging. This ensures that you can quickly top up the battery whenever needed.
Software and AI Features
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user experience. One of the key highlights of the phone is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI. This AI offers a range of features, from generating images to helping with itinerary planning and cataloging screenshots. While some of these features are still in their early stages, they provide a glimpse into the future of smartphones and how AI can enhance the user experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Extremely bright screen: The display is one of the brightest on the market, making it perfect for outdoor use.
- Long battery life: The 5060 mAh battery ensures that the phone lasts all day on a single charge.
- Powerful AI tools: The integration with Google’s Gemini AI offers a range of useful features.
- Terrific build quality: The phone is made with premium materials, providing a durable and elegant design.
Cons:
- Expensive: The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099, making it one of the more expensive smartphones on the market.
- Large size: The phone’s large size might be a drawback for some users.
- Limited base storage: The base model comes with only 128GB of storage, which might not be enough for some users
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a top-tier smartphone that excels in many areas, from its bright display and long battery life to its powerful AI features and premium build quality. However, its high price and large size might be a drawback for some users. If you’re looking for a phone with cutting-edge AI features and don’t mind the premium price, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great choice