Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL, the successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, represents a continuation of Google's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology with a minimalist design. As the flagship device in Google’s 2024 lineup, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is packed with top-tier hardware, innovative features, and a design that, while subtly different from its predecessor, maintains the iconic Pixel aesthetic. This detailed review delves into the features, design, performance, and overall experience of using the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL arrives in a minimalist, eco-friendly box made from recycled paper. Inside the box, you’ll find the phone itself, a USB-C cable, and that’s about it. Google has kept the unboxing experience as simple as possible, emphasizing the device over accessories. The first thing you notice when holding the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its substantial weight. At 221 grams, it’s not a light phone, but the weight adds to its premium feel, giving it a solid, well-built impression.
The phone’s design is a blend of flat glass on the front and back, with polished metal sides that, while looking sleek and posh, are prone to fingerprint smudges. The Porcelain color variant, which is a slightly muddy white, adds a touch of elegance, though it may not be to everyone’s taste. The overall design is understated yet sophisticated, staying true to the Pixel’s design language while introducing subtle refinements.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, which is one of the brightest and most vibrant displays in the market. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, this LTPO OLED panel offers stunning clarity and color accuracy, making it ideal for outdoor use even in direct sunlight. The display supports a 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which not only provides smooth scrolling but also helps in conserving battery life. The 1344 x 2992 pixels resolution at 486 ppi ensures that text and images are sharp, with excellent detail and contrast.
The flat design of the display, as opposed to the curved edges seen in previous models, may not be as visually striking but has practical benefits, such as reducing accidental touches and making screen protectors easier to apply. The polished metal frame, although attractive, tends to collect fingerprints quickly, which can be a minor annoyance for users who prefer a pristine look.
In terms of build quality, the Pixel 9 Pro XL feels robust and durable. The device has an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water, adding to its overall resilience. While the phone is not lightweight, its heft contributes to a feeling of durability and premium construction.
At the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the Google Tensor G4 chipset, which is specifically designed to handle AI and machine learning tasks with greater efficiency. This chipset is paired with a Titan M2 security coprocessor, which adds an extra layer of security, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL not only powerful but also secure. The phone comes with a whopping 16GB of RAM, ensuring that multitasking is smooth and lag-free, even when running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.
Storage options go up to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other media. The inclusion of such generous storage options reflects Google’s understanding of the needs of modern smartphone users, who require more space to store high-resolution content and large applications.
The Tensor G4 chipset, combined with the Titan M2 coprocessor, delivers impressive performance across the board. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or using the phone for productivity tasks, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles everything with ease. The AI and machine learning capabilities of the Tensor G4 are particularly noteworthy, allowing for advanced features like real-time language translation, improved voice recognition, and smarter photo processing.
Google has long been known for its exceptional smartphone cameras, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues this tradition with a powerful and versatile camera system. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP Octa PD wide camera, a 48MP Quad PD ultrawide shooter with a significantly brighter lens, and a 48MP Quad PD telephoto camera. This combination allows for a wide range of photography options, from detailed landscape shots to high-quality zoom images.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera system is the upgraded 42MP Dual PD selfie camera. This is a significant improvement over previous models, offering sharper, more detailed selfies and better performance in low-light conditions. The front camera also supports 4K video recording, making it a great option for vloggers and video callers.
The main camera system benefits from Google’s computational photography prowess, with features like HDR+, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom. These features enhance the quality of photos by improving dynamic range, reducing noise, and preserving details even when zoomed in. The ultrawide camera, with its brighter lens, is particularly useful in low-light situations, capturing more light and producing clearer images.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL also excels in video recording, with support for 4K at 60fps and advanced stabilization features that ensure smooth and professional-looking videos. Whether you’re capturing a family moment or creating content for social media, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers exceptional results.
Powering the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a 5,060mAh battery, which is larger than the one found in its predecessor. This battery size, combined with the efficient Tensor G4 chipset and adaptive refresh rate display, ensures that the phone can easily last through a full day of heavy use. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or using the camera extensively, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers impressive battery life.
The phone supports fast charging, though the exact charging speeds may vary depending on the charger used, as Google, like many manufacturers, has chosen not to include a charging brick in the box. The device also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds, using the back of the phone.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14, with Google’s clean and intuitive user interface. As with previous Pixel devices, the software experience is one of the highlights, with timely updates, exclusive features, and deep integration with Google services. Features like the Google Assistant, Live Translate, and Call Screen are more responsive and accurate, thanks to the advanced AI capabilities of the Tensor G4 chipset.
One of the notable features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the enhanced security provided by the Titan M2 chip, which works in tandem with Android’s built-in security features to protect your data and privacy. The phone also includes Google’s signature features like Now Playing, which identifies songs playing nearby, and At a Glance, which provides contextual information based on your location and activities.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that continues Google’s tradition of delivering top-tier performance and innovative features in a sleek, minimalist design. With its stunning Super Actua display, advanced camera system, and robust performance, it stands as a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is not without its minor drawbacks, such as its weight and the propensity of the polished metal frame to collect fingerprints. However, it offers a compelling package for those looking for a high-end Android experience. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a power user, or someone who simply appreciates a well-designed smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is sure to impress.