The Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google’s latest flagship, arrives with Android 14, but an update to Android 15 is expected soon. As usual, Google guarantees seven years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring long-term usability. The upgraded in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor provides more accuracy and responsiveness, even with wet hands, while Face Unlock serves as a reliable backup.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its 6.8-inch display, is notably larger than its predecessors, though the one-handed mode aids usability. The camera bump, which stretches the full width of the back, also acts as a convenient finger rest. The device is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. However, the matte glass back, while stylish, is prone to smudging, and the camera bump can collect dust in its corners.
The Super Actual OLED display is impressive, offering sharp visuals at a 1344 by 2992 resolution. Though customization is limited, the display’s natural color output is pleasing, with HDR10 support enhancing streaming experiences. The 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate ensures smooth performance and energy efficiency. The stereo speakers, while not the loudest, provide clear audio, making it easy to hear in noisy environments.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, developed in collaboration with Samsung, and supported by 16GB of RAM. Performance is generally smooth, with quick app launches and system responsiveness. However, in gaming, the Tensor G4 struggles under high graphics settings, leading to noticeable frame rate dips and heat buildup during extended sessions.
The Tensor chipset in the Pixel 9 Pro XL focuses on AI, particularly with Gemini Nano and Gemini Advanced, which you get free for a year, including 2TB of Google One storage. After the free year, you’ll need to pay to continue using Gemini Advanced, which allows you to have real-time conversations and get help planning tasks, like dinner or trips.
I was skeptical about AI features, but after using Gemini Live, I found it surprisingly useful, even though I typically avoid AI assistants like Google Assistant. The challenge will be adjusting after the free year if I decide not to pay for it.
Pixel Screenshots is another helpful feature, especially if you take many screenshots to remember events or items. Instead of searching through them all, you can ask questions like, “When is the BFI event?” and get an immediate answer. Though it’s not always perfect, it’s better than manually searching. You can also extract text from screenshots to paste into other apps.
Pixel Studio can create images based on your input, but it has limitations, like not being able to generate human images. The satellite SOS feature is free for two years, though it’s not available in all regions. The other AI tools are mostly camera-related, which I’ll discuss later.
Android 14 has been stable overall, but there are some issues. For example, I don’t receive Google Home alerts, and Google Password Manager doesn’t always autofill login information for new apps.
With a 5,600mAh battery, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers impressive battery life, comfortably lasting through a full day of heavy use. However, charging speeds are modest, with 37W wired charging taking over an hour to reach full capacity. Wireless charging is supported but does not offer the fastest speeds.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These specs are almost identical to Pixel 8 Pro, but that’s not a bad thing. The camera system is user-friendly, with Pro controls allowing for high-resolution shots and RAW image capture. While there’s no full Pro mode like on other phones, the Pixel focuses on ease of use, with Google’s processing automatically enhancing your photos.
This excels in capturing detailed, natural-looking photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. However, lens flaring can occur, and motion in low light may result in blurry photos that AI can’t fully fix. The 48MP ultra-wide camera also handles tricky lighting well and supports macro shots, though I didn’t use this feature often. The telephoto lens offers up to 30x zoom, with AI sharpening producing usable images at high zoom levels, unlike many competitors.
Google has introduced new features like the ‘Add Me’ option, which allows you to be added to a group photo after it’s taken. The ‘Auto Frame’ feature in the Magic Editor can reframe a shot after it’s captured, though results can vary. The Magic Editor also retains previous Pixel tools for moving and resizing subjects.
For video supports Ultra HD 4K at 30 or 60fps, with an 8K option using the Video Boost feature. Image stabilization is strong, and the camera handles tricky lighting well, though low-light video can be noisy. The Audio Eraser feature can help remove unwanted background noise from your footage. A future update will add Super Res Zoom for video, enhancing zoomed-in shots.
The front camera is now 42MP and ultra-wide, capturing solid selfies and 4K video at 60fps. The stabilization isn’t as good as the rear camera, but the audio pickup is strong, and skin tones are slightly boosted for a tanned look.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL impresses with its strong design, vibrant display, robust AI features, and excellent camera system. While it may not be the top choice for gamers, its long battery life, comprehensive software support, and innovative AI tools make it a compelling option for those who prioritize these aspects.
Pros
- Stunning 6.8-inch Super Actual OLED with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Excellent, with versatile 50MP main sensor and AI-enhanced features.
- Strong performance with a 5,600mAh battery, lasting well over a day.
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 water and dust resistance.
Cons
- Large and slippery, making one-handed use challenging.
- Tensor G4 struggles with high-end gaming, causing frame rate dips and heat.
- Useful but costly after the first free year.
- Slow compared to other flagships, taking over an hour to fully charge.
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Design8
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fetures8
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Display9
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Performance7
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Battery Life9
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Cameras8
