Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review | Excels with its vivid display, sleek design, and advanced AI features

At ₹1,24,999, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is set to compete with the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is expected to feature Apple’s own AI and integrated ChatGPT capabilities.

After a significant hiatus, Google has brought back an XL variant with the Pixel 9 series. As implied by its name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger display and more substantial form factor. Sporting a fresh design language, this phone quickly catches the eye. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is positioned to appeal to those iPhone Pro Max users who favor a larger screen.

Design

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with its bold new design. Its larger display is framed by sleek, minimal bezels, and the refined aesthetic emphasizes both elegance and functionality. The phone features a modern, premium finish with a choice of sophisticated colors that enhance its visual appeal. The rear panel showcases a distinctive camera array, integrated seamlessly into the design for a streamlined look. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL combines advanced design elements with a substantial form factor, making it both eye-catching and comfortable to use.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a larger form factor with dimensions of 162.8 mm x 76.6 mm x 8.5 mm, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which measures 159.9 mm x 76.7 mm x 8.25 mm. Both phones weigh the same at 221 grams.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a refined matte finish that conveys a premium feel. Unlike its predecessors, the Pixel 9 series avoids a plasticky texture, and the back of the phone resists fingerprint smudges. However, it may show smudges if it comes into contact with rough surfaces. Overall, it maintains a clean appearance without requiring frequent cleaning.

The use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 enhances the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s durability, while its IP68 rating provides robust protection against water and dust. When I accidentally spilled a cup of hot tea on it, the IP68 rating proved its worth, shielding the phone from damage and sparing me from any embarrassment.

The distinctive protruding camera visor has become a hallmark of Pixel phones, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no exception. It houses the triple rear camera setup, flash, and temperature sensor. The SIM tray, speaker, and USB port are located on the bottom of the device, while the power and volume buttons are positioned on the right side. The punch-hole display features an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner that is both incredibly fast and accurate. Additionally, the face unlock function performs flawlessly, even when wearing glasses.

A significant upgrade in the Pixel 9 series is its enhanced thermal performance over the Pixel 8 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL remains cool even during typical activities such as photography, video calls, or content consumption, showing no signs of overheating.

Display

As the XL variant, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, compared to the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone Pro Max. It offers a versatile refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, enhancing the overall experience of interacting with content. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the screen remains highly visible even under direct sunlight. Unlike the ‘dynamic island’ design of the iPhone, the punch-hole display of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is less intrusive, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience. The display produces vibrant, vivid colors, and the narrower bezels offer more screen real estate. The screen’s responsiveness is excellent, and the improved haptics make typing feel more satisfying.

Processor

Unlike Apple, which uses different processors for its base iPhone models and Pro units, Google maintains consistency with its self-developed Tensor G4 processor across the Pixel 9 series. Google claims a 10% performance boost over the previous Tensor G3 chipset. As detailed in my Pixel 9 review, the Tensor G4 delivers excellent performance on the Pixel 9 Pro XL as well. With 16 GB of RAM, the Tensor G4 ensures smooth multitasking and seamless app management. I haven’t encountered any lag in performance. The 256 GB of storage on this review unit provides ample space for files. The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14 out of the box and is expected to be among the first to receive Android 15 updates when available. Additionally, Google promises 7 years of OS and security updates. The standout improvement this year is the phone’s ability to stay cool, which complements its overall performance enhancements.

AI

Google has made significant strides in generative AI, and the new Pixel phones showcase these advancements. The Pixel 9 Pro XL benefits from Google’s Gemini, which enhances various functions, from search and image post-processing to interactive features that add convenience and fun. For a detailed overview of these AI capabilities, refer to my Pixel 9 review.

The introduction of Pixel Studio as a native app allows users to delve into AI-powered creativity, although some features, like generating human images, are not yet available. Nonetheless, Pixel Studio offers tools for creating wall art, mood boards, food visuals, and posters. Another notable addition is Pixel Screenshots, which allows users to search for content within screenshots.

Camera

The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in camera performance, whether in daylight or low-light conditions. Its triple rear camera setup—featuring a 50 MP main lens, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens—ensures impressive results. The Pixel 9 Pro XL consistently delivers excellent photos with minimal effort, making it a reliable choice for capturing moments.

Battery

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with a 5,060 mAh battery, which comfortably lasts through a day of regular use and beyond. During my usage—encompassing photography, music playback, and random YouTube content—the battery generally required charging by the end of the day. For typical use, the phone can last over 30-32 hours on a single charge. It supports 37 W wired charging, though it does take some time to top up; reaching 80% typically takes about an hour.

Verdict

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with its fresh design, enhanced thermal performance, and AI-powered camera capabilities. Its chipset performance remains top-tier, and the large, vibrant display offers strong competition to the Pro Max models. The battery life is robust, though the slower charging speed can be a minor inconvenience. The integration of generative AI features makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL more engaging than ever.

Priced at ₹1,24,999, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is set to challenge the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is expected to feature advanced Apple Intelligence and integrated ChatGPT capabilities. In the future tech landscape, the battle will increasingly focus on AI and its optimization rather than just hardware improvements.