Introduction
Starting sooner than predicted in August 2024, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL marks the beginning of a new age of smartphone technology. Renowned for its flawless AI integration and exceptional camera performance, the Pixel 9 series carries on Google’s inventive tradition. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best model in this year’s range with fresh hardware advancements, software enhancements, and amazing new features.
Following Apple’s lead in satisfying consumers who want bigger displays without compromising the most recent capabilities, Google has unveiled both small and XL versions of the Pixel 9 Pro. With a larger display and battery than its smaller cousin, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers an experience fit for power consumers who expect the best.
Let’s start with what distinguishes the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL from the others and then explore its salient points.
Specs and Features at a Glance
- Design & Build: 162.8×76.6×8.5mm, 221g, IP68-rated, glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
- Display: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak brightness, 1344x2992px resolution
- Processor: Google Tensor G4 (4nm) with 16GB of RAM
- Cameras:
- Main: 50MP primary (OIS, 1x-2x zoom)
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP, 5x zoom
- Selfie: 42MP with autofocus
- Battery: 5,060mAh with 45W fast charging (wired) and 23W wireless charging
- OS: Android 14, with up to 7 years of software updates
- AI Integration: Gemini AI for enhanced performance and features
- Price: Starting at $1,059 in the US, €960 in Europe, and £1,099 in the UK
Unboxing Experience
With the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google keeps up its eco-friendly packing habit. Designed in monotone designs, the phone arrives in a recycled paper packaging. Inside is the USB-C cable Pixel 9 Pro XL, a SIM extraction tool, Sadly, as is becoming usual in the business, there is no charger supplied.
Design & Build Quality
With its polished aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and rear panels, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the biggest in the Pixel 9 family and presents a premium style. Though the shiny frame may soon gather fingerprints, the elegant design seems both current and simple. Google offers this device in four distinctive colors: obsidian, rose quartz, hazel, and porcelain.
Three strong lenses are housed in the quite noticeable distinctive camera bar on the rear. IP68 certified, the phone guarantees dust and water resistance, and can withstand 30 minutes of submersion down to 1.5 meters.
Display: Brighter and Bigger Than Ever
With a gorgeous 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display that provides a 120Hz refresh rate for flawless gaming and navigation, the Pixel 9 Pro XL One of the brightest displays available on the market, this one has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, thereby improving outdoor vision even in direct sunshine. Additionally supporting HDR10+ for amazing video playback with rich colors and strong contrasts is the display.
Performance and Battery Life
Google’s Tensor G4 processor along with 16GB of RAM under the hood powers the Pixel 9 Pro XL, therefore guaranteeing seamless multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven work. Based on photographs of your refrigerator contents, the Gemini AI function lets the phone do sophisticated chores such photo editing, conversation summary, and even culinary ideas proposing.
The 5,060mAh battery offers plenty of juice for a full day of intense usage. Comparatively to its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handled over 12 hours of online surfing and 14 hours of movie playing in our tests. Delivering a 70% charge in under 30 minutes, it enables 45W rapid charging. The phone furthermore has reverse wireless charging; wireless charging is available at up to 23W.
Camera Quality: A Photographer’s Dream
The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a standout feature. The rear setup includes:
- 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
- 48MP ultrawide lens
- 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
Software and Gemini AI Integration
One of the most future-proof gadgets in its class, the Pixel 9 Pro XL arrives with Android 14 and will get 7 years of main upgrades. From summarizing talks to creating picture backdrops, the Gemini AI tool improves your everyday chores with clever recommendations. With choices for backgrounds, widgets, and app icons, the phone’s UI is slick and very configurable.
Pricing
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available at the following price points, depending on the storage configuration:
- 128GB + 16GB RAM: $1,059 (US), €960 (Europe), £1,099 (UK).
- 256GB + 16GB RAM: $1,199 (US), €1,119 (Europe), £1,188 (UK).
- 512GB + 16GB RAM: $1,319 (US), €1,388 (Europe), £1,319 (UK).
- 1TB + 16GB RAM: $1,499 (US), €1,689 (Europe), £1,549 (UK).
Verdict: Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL Worth It?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a powerhouse of innovation, combining the best of AI and camera technology with an exceptional display and design. While it does face competition from other flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it stands out with its AI capabilities and Android-first experience.
Pros and Cons.
Pros:
- Exceptional AI features, including Gemini AI for enhanced productivity.
- Brightest display on the market with 3,000 nits peak brightness.
- Stellar camera performance, especially in low light.
- 7 years of software updates.
Cons:
- Battery life, while improved, still trails behind competitors.
- Camera hardware could see more upgrades.
- Video quality lags behind rivals like the iPhone.
Final Thoughts: If you’re a Google enthusiast or someone who values AI integration, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent choice. With its superior software support and cutting-edge technology, it’s built to last for years.
