The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newest addition to the Pixel family, and it brings some exciting updates to the lineup. This year, Google introduced a triple-device lineup, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is not much larger than last year’s biggest model, the Pixel 8 Pro. The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display, while the Pixel 8 Pro had a 6.7-inch panel. However, what sets the Pixel 9 Pro XL apart is that Google actually made the Pro model smaller, with a 6.3-inch display. This is a departure from the typical trend of phones getting larger with each iteration.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a starting price of $1,099 and offers impressive specs. It is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip and comes with 16GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You can also opt for the 256GB model for $1,119, or go for the 512GB or 1TB variants, which will cost you $1,319 and $1,549, respectively.
In terms of design, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out from its predecessors. It features a premium look and feel, thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 matte back. The shiny polished metal frame adds to its appeal and makes it a worthy competitor to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is highly resistant to fingerprints, which is a bonus for those who like to keep their phones clean.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of about 88%, it provides a more immersive viewing experience compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. The display is highly saturated, delivering vibrant colors and making videos and content pop. While it may not be as vivid as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it strikes a good balance.
When it comes to cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro XL does not disappoint. It features a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The ultrawide camera has received an improved aperture, which allows for better low-light photography. This means that you can expect improved detail and quality in your ultrawide shots, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
In a comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 9 Pro XL came out on top. It handled challenging lighting situations better, delivering shots with little to no lens flare. The colors in the Pixel’s photos appeared richer and more saturated, giving them a more vibrant look. The ultrawide shots also showcased more vivid and detailed colors, particularly in the grass and sky. The telephoto sensor performed well, capturing more robust and detailed images compared to the iPhone.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features the new Google Tensor G4 chip. However, its Geekbench 6 score of 4,569 is lower than other phones in its class. While it may not match the astronomical scores of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it is still a capable performer. Users should not experience any slowdowns while multitasking, although the phone may get hot when using the camera extensively on warm days.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its AI capabilities. Google has packed a variety of AI features into the Pixel 9 family, making it a powerful tool for users. From the improved camera features to the new Gemini Live update for ChatGPT, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a range of AI-driven experiences.
Battery life is another area where the Pixel 9 Pro XL shines. It lasted an impressive 18 hours and 41 minutes in a TikTok rundown test, outperforming the iPhone 15 Pro Max by nearly 4 hours. This means that users can comfortably go about their day without worrying about running out of battery.
Considering its camera capabilities, display quality, battery life, and AI features, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is definitely worth the investment. It competes with the best smartphones on the market and even surpasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in several categories. With its impressive performance and features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the best phones of 2024.