Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a classy flagship device that boasts a clean and great-looking design. Its display is the brightest around, making it perfect for still photos. The camera system, although not revolutionary, delivers excellent results during the day with crisp detail and well-balanced color rendition. The rear main camera captures high-contrast images with hints of pixelation in certain situations, but textures don't look overprocessed. The telephoto cam provides solid five-time zoom photos with good dynamic range and colors, but some competitors are sharper. The ultra-wide camera delivers bright exposures at night, although the detail level leaves more to be desired. The selfie camera has seen a significant upgrade this year, capturing nicely detailed selfies with vivid colors, lifelike skin tones, and excellent dynamic range. Video recording is where the Pixel 9 Pro XL falls short, particularly in low light conditions where the main cam's 4K videos are softer than the competition. Battery life has improved slightly from last year's model, but it still lags behind some competitors. Charging speed has been increased to 37 watts, and wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported. The device runs smoothly with hiccup-free performance in our testing. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid flagship device that excels in still photography and AI features. Its display and design are top-notch, and software support will be available for an extended period. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking the most powerful chipset or video recording capabilities. If you're looking for alternatives, consider last year's Pixel 8 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a classy flagship design that is both clean and visually appealing. The device's build quality is top-notch, with a premium feel that is evident in every aspect of its construction. One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its display. It's the brightest around, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through photos on a sunny day. However, it's not just the screen that impresses - the device itself is a joy to hold and use, with a comfortable weight distribution that makes it easy to grip. The design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also noteworthy. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic give the device a sophisticated look that is sure to turn heads. The camera module on the back is sleek and unobtrusive, while the rear glass panel provides a satisfying tactile feel when held in the hand. Inside, the device's design is equally impressive, with a well-organized layout that makes it easy to access all of the ports and features you need. The addition of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities further adds to the device's convenience factor. In terms of overall build quality, the Pixel 9 Pro XL scores high marks. The device feels solidly constructed and resistant to wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a flagship smartphone that will withstand the rigors of daily use.
Battery Life
One aspect where the Pixel 9 Pro XL falls short is its battery life. While it's an improvement over its predecessor, the 5,600mAh battery still struggles to keep up with some of its competitors. In our testing, the device managed a decent score of 12 hours and 32 minutes in active use mode, which is an increase from last year's 11 hours and 14 minutes. However, this still falls behind some other flagships that can easily surpass the 13-hour mark. Charging times are relatively quick, with the device going from 0 to 67% in just half an hour using a compatible adapter. A full charge took around an hour and 18 minutes, which is slightly faster than its predecessor. Wireless charging is also supported, along with reverse wireless charging for convenient power sharing. While these features are welcome additions, they don't quite make up for the battery life shortfall. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's battery life is respectable but not exceptional. If you're an avid user who relies heavily on their phone throughout the day, you may find yourself needing to top it off more frequently than expected. However, if you're not a heavy user or can live with the occasional recharge, the device should still be able to get you through your daily tasks without too much stress.
Display
The display of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an outstanding feature that deserves special attention. This stunning screen offers a brightness level that surpasses its competitors, making it ideal for outdoor use or when consuming content in bright environments. Measuring [insert size], the Pixel 9 Pro XL's display boasts a crisp and vibrant picture quality that brings colors to life. The color palette is well-balanced, with skin tones looking natural and not overdone. Textures are rendered accurately, giving a sense of depth to visuals. One notable advantage of this display is its ability to produce an excellent viewing experience in various lighting conditions. Whether indoors or outdoors, the screen adapts seamlessly, ensuring that the content remains clear and vivid. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's display also offers seamless scrolling, making navigation through menus and apps a smooth experience. With no visible pixelation or lag, users can enjoy uninterrupted browsing and gaming sessions. In terms of video playback, this display shines with its support for up to [insert resolution] resolution. Whether watching movies or playing games, the visuals are rendered smoothly, with minimal to no lag. Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's display is an impressive feature that sets it apart from other flagships in the market. Its exceptional brightness, vibrant color palette, and seamless scrolling capabilities make it a joy to use for both casual users and enthusiasts alike. While there may be slight room for improvement in certain aspects, this display is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this device. In conclusion, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's display is an exceptional feature that deserves consideration when evaluating this device. With its impressive brightness, vivid color palette, and seamless scrolling capabilities, it offers a captivating viewing experience that enhances the overall user experience.
Camera
The camera capabilities of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are a highlight of this device. The rear main camera, featuring a 50MP sensor, captures excellent photos during the day with crisp detail and nicely rendered texture. While there may be hints of pixelation in certain situations, the sharpening is conservative and avoids overprocessing. The dynamic range is great, with shadows looking a bit dark on occasion but not gloomy. Skin tones are accurately captured, and facial features are well-defined. Two times digital Zoom from the main camera is decent, although there may be some loss of detail if examined closely. However, taking shots of people at two times is still possible with relative confidence. In low-light conditions, the main camera performs respectably, with exposures looking great overall. Highlights are well-preserved, and color saturation is on point. The detail level in shadows is good, although it may become soft in very dark areas. The 48MP telephoto camera offers five times Zoom photos that are solid, with no complaints about dynamic range or colors. Photos come out plenty sharp, but some competitors are sharper. This camera lacks the extra close focusing capability that is trendy now, and low-light performance is not its strongest point, providing good exposures but soft detail. The 48MP Ultra-wide camera captures very good daylight photos with plenty of detail and an organic-looking rendition. Colors and dynamic range are in line with the other cameras, and night-time shots deliver bright exposures with pleasing tonal development. However, pixel-level detail and sharpness are not great when looking closely. A significant upgrade is seen in the selfie camera, now featuring a 42MP sensor with autofocus. Selfies come out at 10.5 megapixels due to pixel binning, but they're nicely detailed with vivid colors, lifelike skin tones, and excellent dynamic range. Video recording capabilities are not as impressive, with the main camera's 4K videos having high contrast and warmish colors, although the sharpness is unimpressive. The telephoto and Ultra-wide cameras' 4K videos show similar issues. Low-light performance in video recording is also subpar compared to competitors. However, stabilization on all cameras is great, making walking shake and pans look smooth.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a stylish and feature-packed smartphone that impresses in many areas, but its price tag may be a turn-off for some potential buyers. Priced at [insert price], the Pixel 9 Pro XL is certainly not cheap. Considering its sleek design, advanced AI features, and super-long software support, one might expect it to be more expensive than it actually is. However, when compared to other flagship devices on the market, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's price feels a bit steep. One of the main selling points of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its stunning display, which boasts an impressive brightness that outshines most of its competitors. The camera system, too, is excellent for still photography, with crisp details and balanced colors. However, when it comes to video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro XL falls short, with soft and unimpressive 4K footage that can't compete with some other flagships. The value proposition of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is another story altogether. With its long software support commitment from Google, users can rest assured that their device will receive timely updates and security patches for years to come. This level of investment in a smartphone's lifespan makes it an attractive option for those who plan to keep their device for an extended period. Ultimately, the value of the Pixel 9 Pro XL depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a sleek design, advanced AI features, and long software support, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is definitely worth considering. However, if video recording is a top priority or you're on a tighter budget, there may be other flagships that offer better value.
Performance
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a top-of-the-line smartphone that boasts a clean and great-looking design, cutting-edge AI features, and super long software support. In this review, we'll focus on the performance aspect of this device. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,600mAh battery, which did a decent job in our battery test, earning an active use score of 12 hours and 32 minutes. This is an improvement over last year's model but still falls short of some competitors. The new pixels have improved charging rated at 37 watts compared to last year's 27. In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a snappy interface, with no noticeable lag or stuttering in our usage. We ran various apps and games, including graphics-intensive titles, without any issues. The device handled multitasking with ease, switching between multiple apps seamlessly. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for users who value convenience. While we'll be discussing camera performance separately in another review, it's worth mentioning that the rear main camera captures excellent photos during the day with crisp detail. The contrast is high, but shadows can look a bit dark on occasion. However, the dynamic range and color rendition are great. The telephoto cam delivers solid five times Zoom photos, with good exposures and color saturation. However, the detail level leaves more to be desired, especially in low light conditions. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a classy flagship that performs well across various tasks. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, its performance is solid, making it a great option for users who value ease of use and snappy interface.
Pros
1. Brightest Display Around
2. Great Camera Performance
3. Super Long Software Support
4. Classy Design
5. Improved Charging Rate
6. Wireless Charging Support
7. Great Stabilization in Videos
8. Clean and Great Looking Design
Cons
1. Video Recording Capabilities
2. Chipset Not the Most Powerful
3. Battery Life Could Be Better