Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review

Pros

• Ultra-bright screen
• Powerful AI tools
• Terrific build quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Large
• Limited base storage

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Specs

With prices starting at $1,099, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is your best bet for accessing Google’s Gemini AI’s largest screen. You may create photos, get assistance with organizing an itinerary, and quickly organize your screenshots using Gemini. Naturally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an Android phone as well, and it shines thanks to its superior cameras, cutting-edge networking options, longer battery life than the previous model, and Google’s dedication to providing long-term software support.

Although we would prefer greater consistency from the Gemini-based apps and features, Google is undoubtedly ahead of the competition with this goal. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great phone for those who want to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), but for everyone else, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still our Editors’ Choice for high-end Android phones because it comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus, longer battery life, sophisticated and potent productivity software, and AI-based creative tools at a slightly higher price.

Design: The Most Graceful Pixel

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a superbly engineered smartphone with premium components and a well-considered design. Its basic design makes it difficult to distinguish it from the crowd because it resembles that of the iPhone and Galaxy phones. The only feature that makes it stand out is the large camera module on the back.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs 7.8 ounces and has dimensions of 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches (HWD). It is, of course, larger than the $799 Pixel 9 and $999 Pixel 9 Pro (both 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches, 7.0 ounces), but it is nearly identical to the Pixel 8 Pro from the previous year (6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches, 7.5 ounces). In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.4 by 3.1 by 0.3 inches, 8.18 ounces) and the $1,199 Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.3 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches, 7.8 ounces) are comparable in size and weight.

The aluminum frame of the 9 Pro XL is protected with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and rear. The sleek frame and the matte coating on the back combine to create a refined overall appearance. Keep a cloth close at hand because the reflective frame acts as a bit of a fingerprint magnet. In terms of comfort, the 9 Pro XL is pleasant to hold in any position. This helps while holding the phone normally because the weight distribution is somewhat skewed toward the bottom part of the device. The Pixel 9 Pro is a great choice if you’d rather have a smaller phone with the same functionality.

There are four color options for the Pixel 9 Pro XL: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Rose Quartz (light pink), and Hazel (gray/green). The Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but it else has an identical structure and style. For people who prefer smaller smartphones but still want all the features and power of the high-end model, Google is delivering it.

Display: Maximum Brightness

A vivid 6.8-inch OLED display with 2,992 by 1,344 pixel resolution and an adjustable refresh rate that can be set between 1Hz and 120Hz is a highlight of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This translates to responsive animations and fluid scrolling; when high refresh rates aren’t required, the display intelligently adapts to conserve battery life. The screen is marginally bigger than the Pixel 8 Pro from the previous year, which had a 6.7-inch screen with the same resolution. Increased screen real estate is provided without compromising clarity thanks to the size increase. With a screen size of 6.3 inches and a pixel density of 495 ppi, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro boasts 2,856 by 1,280 pixels.

It appears as though Google hid a spotlight behind the glass. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the Pixel 9 Pro XL outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro by 600 nits. The iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7 inches, 2,500 nits) and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8 inches, 2,600 nits) are not as brilliant as the 9. Pro XL’s screen size and brightness. In terms of brightness, the 9 Pro is equal to the Pro XL.

The Pixel’s vivid screen came in handy during testing. On a bright day, the display was fully visible and responsive as I was framing photographs. This greatly facilitated the process of taking fast, precise pictures without squinting or straining to notice details.

Performance: Passable, But Not Outstanding

Google gives the Pixel 9 Pro XL 16GB of RAM in addition to 128GB to 1TB of storage. Google organizes its storage options according to hue for whatever reason. 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage are available for the Hazel and Porcelain models; the Obsidian model can be set with all available storage options up to 1TB, while the Rose Quartz model can only have 256GB of storage. For a gadget costing $1,099, the 128GB of storage on the model I tested is just too little. Costs for the 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models are $1,199, $1,319, and $1,549.

The base edition of the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 256GB of storage, which puts its $1,299 beginning price very close to that of the $1,199 256GB Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google’s Tensor G4 engine and Titan M2 security chip, which is designed to protect sensitive data like fingerprints, are the main components of all the new Pixel phones. According to Google, the Tensor G4 accelerates app launches by 17% and web browsing by 20%. The 9 Pro XL’s processor enables Gemini Nano to be used for tasks like language translation and transcription without an internet connection.