Google's latest flagship smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, represents a significant leap forward in hardware quality while doubling down on AI-powered features. But does it do enough to justify its higher price tag and stand out in an increasingly competitive market?
Hardware Improvements
The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch OLED display with an impressive 3,000 nit peak brightness, making it one of the brightest screens available on a smartphone. The bezels have been significantly reduced compared to its predecessor, bringing it in line with competitors like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices.
Google has adopted a new design language for the Pixel 9 series, featuring flat sides reminiscent of recent iPhones. The phone has a matte glass back protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with a weight of 221g and thickness of 8.5mm. While these dimensions are in line with other flagship devices, the glossy metal sides may not appeal to everyone.
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| The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a sleek design with a striking camera module, showcasing its modern hardware advancements |
Camera System
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro XL includes:
- 50MP f/1.7 main camera
- Improved ultra-wide camera with f/1.7 aperture
- 5X periscope telephoto lens
- Upgraded 42MP f/2.2 selfie camera
While the main and telephoto cameras remain largely unchanged from the Pixel 8 Pro, the ultra-wide and selfie cameras have seen notable improvements. Google's computational photography continues to produce pleasing results for most users, though some may find the images over-processed compared to competitors with superior hardware.
Performance and Battery Life
The Tensor G4 chip powering the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers improved performance and better thermal management compared to its predecessor. However, it still lags behind top-tier chips from Apple and Qualcomm in raw power, particularly for graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery life is adequate but not class-leading, with heavy users potentially needing to recharge before the end of a long day. The 5,060 mAh battery supports relatively slow charging speeds of 37W wired and 23W wireless.
AI Features and Software
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and introduces several new AI-powered features:
- Pixel Studio: An app for generating original images from text prompts
- Reimagine: Allows editing and altering existing photos using AI
- Gemini Live: An advanced conversational AI assistant
While impressive, it's worth noting that some of these features may eventually come to other Android devices.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 for the 128GB model, representing a $100 increase from last year's pricing. Higher storage options are available at $100 increments. The device is officially available in 32 countries.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is undoubtedly the company's most refined hardware offering to date, with a stunning display, improved cameras, and powerful AI features. However, its higher price point and lack of standout features compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may give some potential buyers pause.
For those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem or who prioritize AI-enhanced features and clean software, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a compelling option. However, users seeking the absolute best in raw performance or camera hardware may want to consider alternatives, including some Chinese brands not widely available in all markets.
