Google's latest flagship smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, has arrived with a fresh design and AI-powered features, but also a higher price tag. Starting at $1,099, the new model brings several refinements over its predecessor while doubling down on artificial intelligence capabilities.
Design and Display
The Pixel 9 Pro XL marks a significant design shift for Google, moving away from the curved edges of previous generations to a more angular, iPhone-like aesthetic. The flat sides and matte glass back give the device a premium feel, though the prominent camera bar remains a polarizing design element.
Housing a 6.8-inch OLED display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts impressive brightness levels of up to 3,000 nits for HDR content. The screen quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that make content pop.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by Google's custom Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and AI processing. While raw benchmark scores may not match top-tier Snapdragon processors, the real-world experience is fluid and responsive.
Battery life is solid, with the 5,060mAh cell typically lasting through a full day of use. Google has finally addressed charging speeds, bumping wired charging up to 45W. Wireless charging tops out at 23W with the official Pixel Stand, while third-party Qi chargers are limited to 12W.
Camera System
The camera hardware remains largely unchanged from the Pixel 8 Pro, but Google has made improvements to its image processing pipeline. Photos exhibit excellent dynamic range, sharpness, and the signature Pixel contrast. The versatile camera system includes:
- 50MP main camera
- 48MP 5x telephoto
- 48MP ultrawide
- 10.5MP selfie camera
New AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Add Me allow for creative photo manipulation, though results can be hit-or-miss. Video quality sees a boost with the new Video Boost feature, which leverages cloud processing for improved stabilization and HDR.
Software and AI
Running Android 14 out of the box, the Pixel 9 Pro XL leans heavily into AI integration. Google's Gemini AI model powers various features, from on-device translation to smart reply suggestions. However, the implementation of some AI tools feels experimental, with inconsistent results at times.
Standout AI features include:
- Pixel Screenshots: An intelligent screenshot organizer
- Call Notes: Automatic call transcription and summarization (with mixed accuracy)
- Magic Editor: Advanced photo manipulation tools
Price and Availability
The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 for the 128GB model, with higher storage tiers available:
- 256GB: $1,199
- 512GB: $1,319
- 1TB: $1,549
While the price increase may be difficult to swallow for some, Google is now matching the premium pricing of competitors like Apple and Samsung.
Verdict
The Pixel 9 Pro XL represents Google's most refined smartphone to date, with a premium design, excellent camera performance, and intriguing AI capabilities. However, the higher price and occasionally inconsistent AI features may give some potential buyers pause. For those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and excited by the promise of AI-enhanced mobile experiences, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a compelling, if pricey, option in the flagship smartphone market.
