A Decade-Long Blogger’s Deep Dive into Google’s Latest Flagship
As a tech blogger who’s been reviewing smartphones for over a decade, I’ve seen countless devices come and go. Some were forgettable, others were good, and a few were truly exceptional. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL firmly falls into the latter category. This isn’t just another iterative upgrade; it’s a bold statement from Google, showcasing their vision for the future of mobile technology.
From its stunning display and powerful processor to its groundbreaking camera system and innovative software features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into every aspect of this impressive device, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, whether it lives up to the hype.
Complete Specifications of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | |
|---|---|
| NETWORK | |
| Technology | GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G |
| LAUNCH | |
| Announced | August 13, 2024 |
| Status | Available. Released August 22, 2024 |
| BODY | |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| DISPLAY | |
| Type | LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~486 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Always-on display |
| PLATFORM | |
| OS | Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 |
| MEMORY | |
| Card slot | No |
| Internal | 128GB 16GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM UFS 3.1 |
| MAIN CAMERA | |
| Dual | Triple 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55″, dual-pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, dual-pixel PDAF |
| Features | ulti-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR |
| SELFIE CAMERA | |
| Single | 42 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), PDAF |
| Features | HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| SOUND | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| FEATURES | |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support Satellite SOS service Circle to Search |
| BATTERY | |
| Type | Li-Ion 5060 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 37W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 70% in 30 min (advertised) 23W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand) 12W wireless (w/ Qi compatible charger) Reverse wireless |
| MISC | |
| Colors | orcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian |
| Models | GGX8B, GZC4K, GQ57S |
| Price | $1,072.00. €962.85 or £1,099.00 |
Design and Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a beautiful phone. Its sleek glass body, crafted from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, feels premium in hand and exudes elegance. The seamless integration of the aluminum frame adds to the phone’s refined aesthetic. Available in a range of sophisticated colors—Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian—there’s a Pixel 9 Pro XL to suit every taste.
However, the enormous 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display steals the show. With a pixel density of 1344 x 2992, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and support for HDR10+, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers an unmatched visual experience. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching movies, or playing games, this display will immerse you in vivid colors, deep blacks, and stunning clarity. Even in intense sunshine, vision is great because of the peak brightness of 2000 nits.
If you’re curious how this display stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison of the Pixel 8 vs. Galaxy S23 FE, which also delves into display technology. For a deeper understanding of display technologies, DisplayMate provides detailed analyses of smartphone screens, including OLED and LTPO panels.
Performance and Software: A Powerhouse Under the Hood
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, equipped with the state-of-the-art Google Tensor G4 processor, is an incredible performer. With a Mali-G715 MC7 GPU and a substantial 16GB of RAM, this 4nm processor can tackle any task. The Pixel 9 Pro XL easily handles activities, even those that require a lot of resources, such as resource-intensive games. You can find detailed benchmarks and analysis of the Tensor G4’s performance on sites like AnandTech, which provides in-depth reviews of mobile processors.
Of course, no Pixel review would be complete without addressing the software. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is powered on the most recent version of Android 14, provides a stock Android experience. This translates to a simple, easy-to-use interface devoid of bloatware and pointless modifications. In order to keep your Pixel 9 Pro XL safe and current for many years to come, Google also guarantees up to seven years of software updates. For a closer look at the software experience and a comparison to Apple’s iOS, you can read our Google Pixel 8 vs. Apple iPhone 15 comparison.
Camera: Redefining Mobile Photography
The Pixel 9 Pro XL raises the bar for camera performance, which has traditionally been associated with the Pixel brand. With a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens, the triple rear camera system is an engineering wonder.
In every circumstance, this set of lenses combined with Google’s sophisticated image processing algorithms yields breathtaking images. Whether you’re shooting gorgeous portraits, in-depth close-ups, or beautiful landscapes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL produces pictures that can compete with those taken with specialized cameras.
With features like Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, and Best Take, the camera app has a ton of capabilities that help you take the ideal picture every time. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a filmmaker’s dream device with its ability to record 8K video.
Battery Life and Charging: Getting Through Your Day
With its large 5060mAh battery, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should have no trouble lasting a full day of use. By the end of the day, you’ll still have plenty of energy remaining even with intensive usage, like gaming and streaming videos.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has 37W wired charging compatibility, which makes it possible to swiftly top off your battery. Additionally, it supports 12W wireless charging with Qi-compatible chargers and 23W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand. You can also charge other gadgets wirelessly by using reverse wireless charging.
Other Notable Features
There are a ton of extra features on the Pixel 9 Pro XL that improve user experience. Among them are:
- Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor: Located beneath the display, this allows quick and safe verification.
- IP68 dust/water resistance: Use your phone without anxiety in any conditions.
- Stereo speakers: Immerse yourself with sounds while viewing films or playing games.
- Support for Ultra Wideband (UWB): This makes it possible to interface with devices and monitor accurate locations.
- SOS satellite service: When you’re outside of mobile coverage, you can still get assistance in an emergency.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Stunning 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+
- Powerful Google Tensor G4 processor for smooth performance
- Generous 16GB of RAM for effortless multitasking
- Pure Android 14 experience with no bloatware
- Versatile triple rear camera system with 50MP wide, 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom), and 48MP ultrawide lenses
- Exceptional image quality thanks to Google's advanced image processing
- Long-lasting 5060mAh battery
- 37W wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging
- Up to 7 years of software updates
- Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, UWB support, and Satellite SOS
Cons
- Large size might be unwieldy for some users
- No expandable storage via microSD card slot
- Tensor G4 might not match the raw performance of top-tier Snapdragon chips
- Camera hardware isn't a significant upgrade over the previous generation
- Wired charging speed could be faster
- No charger is included in the box
Conclusion: Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Worth the Price?
A high-end smartphone with a lot to offer, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL shines in terms of performance, display, and photography capabilities. But take into account its drawbacks, such as its size and lack of extendable storage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent option if you value a high-end Android experience above budget and give special attention to the camera, software, and long-term support. If you want a detailed look at the Pixel 8 Pro, our unboxing article provides a comprehensive overview of its design and features.
