The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the latest addition to Google’s Pixel lineup, offering a larger display and battery compared to its sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t bring any groundbreaking new features or exclusive camera tricks, it provides a more extensive screen and longer battery life, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer larger phones.

Display and Design

The most significant difference between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro is the screen size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, offering a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels.

The screen is vibrant, with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays on the market. It also features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and a dynamic experience. Despite the larger screen size, the display quality is on par with the Pixel 9 Pro, with both phones offering excellent sharpness and color accuracy.

However, due to the larger screen, the pixel density on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly lower than that of the Pixel 9 Pro, although this difference is negligible to the human eye. Both displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, a 4nm processor paired with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. This setup is complemented by 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or using resource-heavy apps. The phone comes in various storage options, ranging from 128GB to 1TB, catering to different user needs.

Battery life is another area where the Pixel 9 Pro XL shines. It features a 5,060mAh battery, which is larger than the 4,700mAh battery found in the Pixel 9 Pro. Google claims that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can charge up to 70% in just 30 minutes using a 45W charger. This fast-charging capability is a significant improvement, although it’s worth noting that the charger is not included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.

Interestingly, despite the same charging technology, the Pixel 9 Pro XL charges more efficiently than its smaller counterpart, likely due to optimizations that Google has made for the larger battery. This ensures that even with the larger display and more substantial battery, the phone remains responsive and ready to go with minimal downtime.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro XL mirrors that of the Pixel 9 Pro, with no additional features exclusive to the XL model. It includes a triple rear camera system: a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view. The front camera is a 42MP shooter, perfect for high-quality selfies and video calls.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s cameras are designed to perform exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, thanks to Google’s advanced computational photography. The 5x zoom is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for detailed close-up shots without compromising image quality. However, if you’re expecting any unique camera features on the XL, you’ll be disappointed, as these are identical to what you get on the Pixel 9 Pro.

Software and Features

The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14 and supports up to seven major OS upgrades, ensuring that your phone will stay updated with the latest features and security patches for years to come. The phone also includes the new Gemini Live Conversation tool, an AI-powered feature designed to enhance video calls, although this feature is also available on the Pixel 9 Pro.

Other notable features include an under-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 support, and IP68 dust and water resistance. These features make the Pixel 9 Pro XL a robust and versatile smartphone that can handle most tasks and environments with ease.

Final Thoughts

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid choice for those who want a larger smartphone without compromising on features. While it doesn’t offer any exclusive tricks or enhancements over the Pixel 9 Pro, the bigger display and battery make it a more appealing option for users who prioritize screen real estate and longer battery life.

However, with a price tag of $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849, it’s essential to consider whether the larger size is worth the extra cost. If you don’t mind a slightly smaller screen, the Pixel 9 Pro offers the same performance, camera capabilities, and features for less money. But if a bigger screen and longer battery life are your top priorities, the Pixel 9 Pro XL won’t disappoint.