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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL


8.8/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL currently has an Informr score of 8.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 62 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

A stylish, premium device that excels in photography and offers advanced AI features for a seamless experience.

What's good

  • Great camera quality
  • Strong AI features
  • Vibrant display
  • Long battery life
  • Excellent design

What's bad

  • High price point
  • Some AI features feel gimmicky
  • Limited raw performance
  • No charger included
  • Hefty design

Design

The design of the phone signals a shift to bold styling with a pill-shaped camera island that stands out. Reviewers describe the feel as luxurious, with a polished metal frame adding to its sophisticated appearance. The phone’s flat edges evoke a modern touch and offer a comfortable, sturdy grip.

While some comparisons to competitors exist, this structure maintains its own identity. Pocket Tactics noted that the addition of flat sides brings a solid and confident feel.

With an IP68 rating, it handles the elements well. Reviewers from Pocket-lint comment that it is possibly the best-looking phone in its segment, aligning elegance with practical design features.

Display(s)

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a large 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED screen. This display offers stunning brightness up to 3,000 nits, making it easy to see in direct sunlight.

Colors remain vibrant and sharp, enhancing every photo and video. The screen’s high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience.

Reviewers noticed that this display competes well with other top-tier screens, providing an immersive experience for games and media alike.

Performance

Game performance is solid, though it can heat up during extended sessions. Yet, for most day-to-day tasks, it's smooth and fast enough thanks to the 16GB of RAM. Google optimized the new internal cooling design, addressing past heat concerns and ensuring sustained performance.

Despite this, some reviewers note load times are slower due to UFS 3.1 storage, but unless you're all about benchmarks, you'll find few performance issues with this phone. Google’s emphasis on AI makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL a compelling choice for those interested in next-gen technology.

Software & Storage

The Pixel 9 Pro XL brings a straightforward, easy-to-use interface with integrated AI tools. You can enjoy functionalities like the Gemini Live conversational assistant and the innovative Screenshots app, which organizes your screen captures.

Expert reviewers appreciated that AI allows Pixel software to intuitively handle tasks such as reframing images or retrieving saved information quickly. These features add a layer of convenience to daily usage, yet are mostly optional, ensuring they enhance rather than complicate the experience.

Despite some AI glitches, Google's dedication to continual software updates ensures that the Pixel 9 Pro XL will remain current, extending its functionality and longevity over time.

Cameras

The camera setup merges AI tools with stellar hardware, turning everyday moments into vibrant, detailed memories with ease. Influenced by the broader camera industry, the device excels in clarity, whether you're zooming in from afar or capturing wide shots. As noted by reviewers, the 42MP selfie camera is particularly praised for its clarity and color accuracy, setting a new standard for self-portraits. The new "Add Me" function also offers a fresh way to be part of group photos seamlessly, enhancing the group picture experience greatly.

Though the AI enhancements like "Zoom Enhance" and "Super Res Zoom" elevate photo quality, some users might prefer less AI intervention. Still, the ability to craft polished images effortlessly makes this camera suite a top pick for those prioritizing ease and quality in smartphone photography.

Battery

The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers significant improvements in battery life over previous models, ensuring you enjoy up to two days of normal use without looking for a charger. Many users find they still have around 30% battery left after a full day of heavy use, which can include everything from streaming videos to essential tasks. If you do hit a recharge point, the phone supports up to 37W fast charging, enabling about a 70% charge in just over 30 minutes, minimizing the wait for those on-the-go needs.

Some feedback mentioned by reviewers, like Pocket-lint, highlights that the fast-charging capability "will restore you to 70% battery in a whisker over 30 minutes," ensuring minimal downtime, even without the included charger. Additionally, wireless charging remains an efficient option with speeds up to 23W, offering flexible choices for staying powered up anytime.

For those worried about accessibility, though the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t come boxed with a charger, it pairs well with a range of USB-C chargers available on the market, maintaining ease of use. Ultimately, the combination of battery longevity and versatile charging options make it a plausible choice for frequent travelers or anyone seeking reliable performance throughout their busy day.

Audio

The Pixel 9 Pro XL impresses with audio clarity during calls, offering clear voice transmission that makes conversations easy to follow even in noisy environments. Experts have praised its microphones for their sensitivity and precision in capturing your voice.

For entertainment, users will appreciate the well-defined stereo sound that enhances movie watching and gaming. One reviewer from Pocket-lint noted, "The speakers deliver an immersive experience that rivals many standalone audio systems." This makes it perfect for enjoying content without needing additional speakers.

Whether you're in a call or diving into your favorite games and movies, the superior audio delivery of this phone ensures an engaging and enjoyable experience.

The Bottom Line

This device is a top choice with its outstanding camera system, capturing sharp, vibrant images and videos, making it perfect for enthusiasts. The expansive screen and durable design are complemented by innovative AI capabilities that enhance usability, such as the Gemini Live assistant. While the performance in benchmarks may fall slightly short compared to some competitors, the smart features more than make up for it, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Experts agree, "it's hard to argue against it as a sign that we are fast approaching peak Pixel," with AI-driven improvements enhancing daily interaction.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
3.1 GHz
Processor
Processor
3.1 GHz
6.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.8"
50+ MP, f/1.7
Camera
Camera
50+ MP, f/1.7
5060 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechNave
TechNave

Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone is not only made for bigger hands but also delivers a good amount of extra premium features over the vanilla Google Pixel 9.

- Muzaffar Ismail, TechNave
Business Insider
Business Insider

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a 6.8-inch display, is a no-brainer for anyone who prefers larger Google Pixel phones or larger Android phones. I've reviewed every Pixel phone to date and nearly every high-end Android phone available in the US in the last 10 years, and it's easily the best Android phone wi...

- Antonio Villas-Boas, Business Insider
Notebooks
Notebooks

Though the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL may be less XL than its name suggests, it nevertheless delivers a great total package that doesn't require many compromises to be made. Its cameras in particular feature impressive depiction quality and are very flexible—from macro to ultra-wide angle and zoom. Its d...

- Daniel Schmidt, Notebooks
TechPP
TechPP

While it boasts some of the best hardware ever seen on a pixel and sports a different design, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also comes with a very stiff price tag, which puts it up against the likes of the iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

- Nimish Dubey, TechPP
Smartprix
Smartprix

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the top choices for 2024, with improved hardware and Google’s awesome AI and software skills. It may not win every spec battle, but it nails the important stuff: looks, screen, camera AI, and the overall Android vibe. The camera got a nice upgrade, there are cool...

- Deepak Rajawat, Smartprix


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Google Pixel 9 Pro XL prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Google's suggested retail price is $1099.00. You can compare Pixel 9 Pro XL prices from around the web here on The Informr.


Google backs up the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Pixel 9 Pro XL has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6.8"

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen size is 6.8 inches with 1344 x 2992 pixels resolution.

Processor
3.1 GHz

There is a Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core 3.1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 14 operating system (OS).

Camera
50+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 50+ MP, f/1.7 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
128/256/512/1000 GB

Internal memory is 128/256/ 512/1000 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
5060mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 5060 mAh battery. Google's performance ratings are 1534 minutes, 738 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Specs

Overview
Release Date August 22, 2024
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 14

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core 3.1 GHz
Internal Storage 128/256/512/1000 GB
RAM 16 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.99 W/kg
Body: 1.40 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM
Nano-SIM, eSIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX HD
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
50+ Megapixels, f/1.7, Wide
48+ Megapixels, f/1.7, Ultrawide
48+ Megapixels, f/2.8, Telephoto
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
8K (7680 × 4320 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
42+ Megapixels, f/2.2, Ultrawide
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology OLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1344 x 2992 pixels
Pixel Density 486 pixels
Size 6.8 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 5060 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Up to 23 W
Fast Charging Up to 37 W
Video Playback Time Up to 875 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 738 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1534 minutes
Standby Time Up to 9 days
Mixed Usage Up to 6000 minutes
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Rose Quartz, Hazel, Porcelain, Obsidian
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.28 x 7.66 x 0.85 cm (6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 221 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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