Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Best Google Phone Yet

1. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: First Impression

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the top smartphones in 2024 and is the best Google Pixel phone to date. It commands attention with its impressive size and elegant design. The 6.8-inch Super Actua display takes center stage, featuring slender bezels and a glossy finish that conveys a sense of luxury. The newly designed camera bar on the rear is more sculpted and pronounced, distinguishing it from earlier Pixel iterations. The smooth edges and flat back contribute to a sophisticated, contemporary look, while the incorporation of recycled aluminum enhances the design’s sustainability.

Upon holding the Pixel 9 Pro XL, its weight and dimensions are immediately apparent. At 221 grams, it feels substantial yet manageable. The flat rear and matte texture ensure a secure grip, facilitating ease of use despite its larger size. The gently rounded corners enhance the ergonomic design, although those accustomed to lighter devices may perceive it as somewhat heavy.

When activated, the display emerges as the most captivating aspect of the device. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, colors appear vibrant, and the clarity is exceptional, clearly establishing the screen as one of the device’s standout features. The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the experience, allowing for fluid transitions and making every interaction feel effortless. Whether navigating through applications or enjoying video content, the display consistently impresses.

In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro XL creates a powerful initial impression with its sturdy construction, sophisticated design, and exceptional display, establishing itself as a premium device from the very first interaction.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Measurements, Weight, and Build

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a sizable and robust smartphone, characterized by its substantial dimensions that enhance its overall presence. It measures 16.28 cm in length, 7.66 cm in width, and 0.85 mm in thickness, positioning it as larger than many competing smartphones in 2024. These specifications categorize it among the larger devices, catering to users who favor expansive displays and are comfortable with the additional weight.

Weighing in at 221 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a solid and substantial grip. Although this weight may feel cumbersome for those used to lighter models, it imparts a sense of durability and resilience that many users will find appealing. The device’s frame is constructed from recycled aluminum, which not only enhances its premium feel but also aligns with eco-friendly practices. The flat rear surface, complemented by a sculpted camera bar, presents a contemporary and refined aesthetic that conveys a high-end quality. The matte finish on the rear panel is designed to minimize fingerprints, helping to maintain its elegant appearance during everyday use.

The front of the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, which offers both durability and resistance to scratches. The flat edges of the device provide a comfortable grip, while the frame feels smooth yet robust enough to endure accidental drops. The overall construction of the phone is commendable, striking a balance between sleek design and sturdy materials. Whether one is appreciating its visual appeal or holding it, the Pixel 9 Pro XL radiates a premium essence, establishing itself as one of Google’s most well-crafted smartphones to date.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with a remarkable camera system, positioning it as a leading option in the realm of smartphone photography. Featuring a trio of robust rear cameras alongside an upgraded selfie camera, this device expands the possibilities of mobile photography and videography, providing a variety of features suitable for both casual users and professionals alike.

On the rear, the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 50MP main camera, which acts as the primary sensor. This camera is engineered to deliver sharp, vibrant images with exceptional detail, even in difficult lighting situations. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF) ensures that each shot remains steady and clear, minimizing blurriness caused by hand movements. Google’s AI-enhanced computational photography further refines images, optimizing exposure, color fidelity, and contrast. Regardless of whether the setting is a bright sunny day or a dimly lit environment, the 50MP sensor consistently yields high-quality results.

The rear camera configuration also features a 48MP ultra-wide camera, enabling users to capture more within a single frame. This camera is particularly well-suited for landscapes, group photos, and architectural images, providing a broader field of view without distorting the image’s edges. The ultra-wide camera benefits from Google’s AI enhancements, ensuring that details remain intact even when zooming out or shooting in low-light conditions.

Additionally, the setup includes a 48MP telephoto camera, which provides 5x optical zoom. This capability allows users to approach distant subjects without compromising image quality, in contrast to digital zoom. With Super Res Zoom, which utilizes AI to enhance zoomed-in images, users can achieve up to 30x zoom for photographs, with minimal detail loss. This feature makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL particularly suitable for capturing distant landscapes, wildlife, or intricate details of far-off subjects.

For those who are passionate about taking selfies, the 42MP front-facing camera represents a significant enhancement compared to earlier models. This sensor not only provides high-resolution selfies but also boasts improved performance in low-light conditions, facilitated by Google’s Night Sight technology. Additionally, it includes autofocus capabilities, ensuring that selfies are crisp and well-focused, irrespective of the distance. The front camera is versatile, serving not only for photography but also excelling in video calls and personal vlogging due to its high resolution.

When it comes to video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out. Both the rear and front cameras are capable of recording 4K video at 60fps, resulting in smooth, high-definition footage. The integration of optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) guarantees that videos remain steady, even during movement. Whether capturing dynamic action sequences or tranquil landscapes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL provides clear and stable video quality. Furthermore, Google’s Night Sight Video feature enhances low-light video recording, enabling users to capture intricate details in dimly lit settings without the need for additional lighting.

In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s robust camera hardware, combined with Google’s sophisticated AI-driven software, offers an outstanding photography and videography experience. This camera system significantly enhances the value of the device, empowering users to take professional-quality photos and videos with ease. From casual snapshots to creative compositions, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consistently delivers impressive results, establishing itself as a leader in mobile photography.

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: CPU, GPU, and OS

The Google Tensor G4 serves as the driving force behind the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, featuring an octa-core CPU architecture designed for optimal performance, efficiency, and AI-centric functionalities. This processor is composed of eight cores, organized into performance and efficiency clusters. The high-performance core operates at clock speeds of 3.1 GHz, delivering the necessary power for demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and intricate AI tasks. In addition, three balanced cores function at 2.6 GHz, while four efficiency cores operate at 1.92 GHz, ensuring seamless daily activities like multitasking, web browsing, and background operations without excessive battery consumption.

Manufactured using 4-nanometer (nm) technology, the Tensor G4 chip represents one of the most sophisticated semiconductor fabrication techniques available in 2024. This compact architecture facilitates a higher transistor density, enhancing both power efficiency and overall performance. The 4 nm design contributes to reduced heat generation, allowing the device to maintain a cooler temperature even during demanding tasks. This feature is particularly advantageous for users who frequently engage in heavy multitasking or gaming, as it guarantees sustained high performance without the risk of throttling due to overheating.

Regarding performance, the Tensor G4 empowers the Pixel 9 Pro XL to operate seamlessly across a wide range of applications. Whether managing advanced photography capabilities such as Super Res Zoom or facilitating real-time language translation, this chip excels in AI and machine learning functions. Consequently, the device is not only fast but also intelligent, adeptly handling features like voice recognition, live translation, and image processing with speed and precision.

The Google Tensor G4 significantly enhances the Pixel 9 Pro XL by delivering an optimal combination of power, efficiency, and artificial intelligence optimization. Its 4 nm architecture guarantees superior performance for users while ensuring outstanding battery longevity, thereby playing a crucial role in the phone’s overall success.

The Mali-G715 MC7 GPU integrated into the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an advanced graphics processor tailored for demanding applications such as gaming, video rendering, and AI-enhanced graphics. It comprises 7 cores that provide efficient and seamless performance, particularly with high refresh rate displays like the Pixel’s 120Hz screen. This GPU is compatible with Vulkan and OpenGL, facilitating superior rendering in both games and applications, which results in crisp visuals and smooth frame rates. When paired with the Tensor G4 chipset, the Mali-G715 MC7 ensures outstanding gaming experiences and fluid video playback, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize high-quality mobile graphics.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL operates on Android 14, offering users a streamlined and user-friendly interface along with extensive customization capabilities. A notable aspect of this device is its provision for seven major Android updates, which guarantees that it will remain current and secure for an extended period. Android 14 brings forth numerous enhancements, such as improved privacy settings, optimized battery performance, and more effective multitasking capabilities. The Material You design empowers users to tailor the interface with dynamic color themes, resulting in a more individualized experience. Together with Google’s AI-enhanced tools, these features significantly enrich the user experience, contributing considerable long-term value to the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

5. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Display

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features an impressive 6.8-inch Super Actua display, meticulously crafted to provide outstanding visuals and a fluid user experience. With a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, the screen achieves a pixel density of 486 ppi, ensuring that images, text, and videos are rendered with remarkable clarity and detail. The display’s substantial screen-to-body ratio of approximately 88% allows it to dominate the front of the device, offering an expansive and immersive viewing area while minimizing the presence of bezels.

A notable highlight of this display is its peak brightness of 3000 nits, which guarantees excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. This exceptional brightness level positions it among the brightest smartphone displays available, significantly enhancing outdoor usability for viewing photos, videos, or utilizing applications while on the move. The adaptive refresh rate, which varies from 1Hz to 120Hz, facilitates smooth scrolling and improved energy efficiency. The display intelligently adjusts the refresh rate according to the content being displayed, ensuring seamless transitions during gaming or media playback while conserving battery life when showing static images.

The OLED technology employed in the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display produces vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios, making it an excellent option for enjoying HDR content. With support for HDR10+, it enhances the dynamic range, delivering a more vivid and lifelike viewing experience, particularly beneficial for streaming services and high-definition video.

Regarding durability, the display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus, recognized as one of the most resilient materials for smartphone screens. This provides enhanced protection against drops, scratches, and everyday wear, offering users greater confidence when using the device in various settings.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a display characterized by high resolution, an adaptive refresh rate, and remarkable brightness. This display not only enhances the experience of consuming media but also improves everyday activities such as browsing and reading. The integration of advanced display technology along with robust build quality significantly contributes to the overall value of the device, establishing it as a standout feature of this flagship model.

6. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Battery and Charging

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a powerful 5060 mAh battery, specifically engineered to meet the demands of its advanced functionalities and display. This significant battery capacity facilitates prolonged usage, allowing users to engage in activities such as gaming, streaming, and browsing for over half a day without the necessity of recharging.

The charging capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro XL are equally noteworthy, as it supports 37W fast charging, which can achieve up to 70% charge in merely 30 minutes. This swift charging option minimizes the time users spend connected to a power source, enabling them to maximize their enjoyment of the device.

In addition, the smartphone offers wireless charging at 23W, providing added convenience for those who prefer a cable-free experience. It also includes reverse wireless charging, which allows users to power compatible devices or accessories directly from the phone.

Furthermore, the battery management software in the Pixel 9 Pro XL is optimized to extend battery life by adapting to user habits and conserving power during periods of low usage. This ensures that the device operates efficiently without compromising performance, making it an excellent choice for users who depend on their smartphones throughout the day.

In summary, the combination of a substantial battery capacity, rapid charging features, and intelligent battery management significantly enhance the user experience, establishing the Pixel 9 Pro XL as a leading option in the smartphone market for individuals who prioritize battery longevity and charging efficiency.

7. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Variants, Prices, and Connectivity

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in an array of eye-catching color options, such as Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz, enabling users to select a design that aligns with their individual tastes.

Regarding memory configurations, the Pixel 9 Pro XL provides a 16GB RAM variant, accompanied by storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, addressing the varying requirements of users, from casual activities to intensive multitasking and media storage. The starting price for the Pixel 9 Pro XL is approximately $1,099 for the entry-level model, with prices reaching up to $1,549 for models with enhanced storage capacities.

Connectivity features prominently in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which includes strong options for both wired and wireless connections. On the wired side, it supports USB Type-C with USB 3.2 capabilities, facilitating rapid data transfer and charging. For wireless connectivity, the device is equipped with Wi-Fi 7, which ensures quicker and more reliable internet connections, as well as support for 5G networks, allowing for high-speed mobile data access.

Moreover, the Pixel 9 Pro XL includes Bluetooth 5.3, which enhances range and energy efficiency when connecting to wireless headphones, speakers, or other devices. In summary, the combination of its appealing color selections, substantial RAM and storage options, competitive pricing, and extensive connectivity features positions the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as a versatile and attractive option for users.

8. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Main Specifications, Pros and Cons, and Score

Specifications

• Released: August, 2024
• Chip: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
• GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
• Operating System: Android 14
• Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
• RAM Memory: 16 GB
• Dimensions: 16.28 X 7.66 X 0.85 cm
• Weight: 221 grams
• Screen Size: 6.8 inches
• Screen Area: 109.7 cm²
• Resolution: 2992 X 1344
• Highest Nits: 3000
• Main Cameras: 50 MP (Wide), 48 MP (periscope telephoto), 48 MP (ultra-wide)
• Selfie Camera: 42 MP (ultra-wide)
• Battery: 5060 mAh
• Charging: 37 W (Wired), 23 W (Wireless)
• Battery Life: More than 36 hours (Normal Usage). Up to 16 Hours (Continuous Video Playback, Intense Gaming).
• Wired Connectivity: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
• Wifi: Wifi 7
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

Pros & Cons

Score

Verdict

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL impresses with its stunning 6.8-inch OLED display, delivering vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz refresh rates, making it a joy for media consumption and gaming. Its AI-enhanced camera system excels in low-light photography, capturing breathtaking shots. The clean Android experience and timely software updates enhance usability, making it a top choice for Android enthusiasts.

However, the battery life may not satisfy heavy users, and some might find the lack of expandable storage limiting. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium, AI-powered smartphone experience.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Do not make your decisions based solely on the information provided in this article. Do your own research.

**We do not claim that the information in this article is 100% accurate. The information may change or vary.

***Prices may vary and are subject to change in the future.

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