Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a blast from the past for the renowned series of phones. This handset is the first Pixel model since the Pixel 4 range in 2019 to feature the ‘XL’ moniker, with its size being the core selling point.
In this review, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the Pixel 9 Pro XL and assessing what the ‘XL’ branding offers when choosing a Pixel 9 series phone.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available to order in four colourways, Hazel, Obsidian,Porclain and Roze Quartz, with the option of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
Specs
• Dimensions – 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.54mm
• Weight – 221g
• OS – Android 14
• Display – 6.75” OLED
• Resolution – 1344 x 2992
• Processor – Google Tensor G4
• RAM – 16GB
• Storage – 128GB
• Rear cameras – 50MP wide; 48MP telephoto; 48MP ultra-wide
• Front camera – 42MP
• Battery – 5060mAh
• Water and dust resistance – IP68
• Connectivity – 5G; 4G; 3G; Bluetooth 6
Design
The elephant in the room when discussing the Pixel 9 Pro XL is, of course, its large size. In height, it is almost 10mm taller than the Pixel 9 or 9 Pro, and almost 5mm wider. If you like your phone to be on the larger size, the Pixel 9 Pro XL certainly ticks that box.
It’s also worth noting that this phone is heavier, too, weighing in at 221g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is therefore not as pocket-friendly as its sibling handsets, but it can still fit into a larger coat pocket with ease.
The visual identity of Pixel phones was, for many years, defined by the metal strip along the back that houses the cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro XL follows in the footsteps of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro by converting the strip into a rounded box, creating a middle ground between older Pixel phones and the Pixel 8 series. If you ever found the camera strip a tad distracting, this pill box look might be more appealing.
Protecting the Pixel 9 Pro XL are all the standard design features you would expect to see, including damage-resistant glass to shield it from scratches and IP68 resistance.
Display
With a larger form factor comes a bigger screen, and it’s here that the Pixel 9 Pro XL really comes into its own. The 6.7” OLED display is a thing of beauty, presenting every pixel and shade of colour with incredible clarity. The inclusion of HDR elevates the visuals even further, creating stunning contrasts that are rich in inky blacks and true-to-life colour levels.
It's safe to say that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a gamer or film-lover’s dream, and this doesn’t stop at screen size. The display resolution on this phone is also extremely impressive, peaking at 1344 x 2992. This resolution means that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can output games, videos and images with a very high level of pixel density; hugely important if you want the best visual experience possible.
Performance & software
To ensure that watching videos or playing games is as smooth as possible, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features the Google Tensor G4 processor. By combining this lightning-fast chipset with 16GB RAM, Google have created a handset that can easily handle heavy workloads while minimising stutter. Given that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is very much designed for those wanting a high-performance phone, it’s great to see a processor that’s up to the task.
The Tensor G4 chipset is key to powering several features on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, one of which is Pixel Screenshots. This tool is designed to use your screenshot library as a source of information, whether it’s a picture of food you want to learn more about, or a building in the background that catches your eye. Via the on-board Pixel AI, Pixel Screenshots can bring up this information without needing to use a search engine.
Speaking of AI, Google have continued to make it a core part of the Pixel series with Gemini. Powered by the brand’s language-learning model of the same name, Gemini acts as a virtual assistant to help you draft emails, texts and provide additional detail for whatever you’re working on. Opening Gemini requires only a single button, enabling it to be seamlessly integrated into the overall experience. With its large screen and Gemini in mind, the Pixel 9 Pro XL functions not only as a superb entertainment device, but a productivity one as well.
Keeping everything running smoothly is Android 14, which comes with support for 7 years’ worth of updates and features.
Cameras
We heaped praise on the Pixel 9 Pro for its camera hardware, and this same praise is extended to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. On the back you’ll find a 50MP main camera and 48MP ultra-wide lens, as well as a 48MP telephoto camera. This camera array gives the Pixel 9 Pro XL a huge amount of versatility, from long-distance shots to group photos, and the results are superb.
Given the parity then between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, what separates the latter when choosing one as a camera phone? Ultimately, this handset is intended for the most avid of photography-lovers. If you want excellent camera hardware but a huge display as well, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to pick.
Again we must touch on the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s use of AI, specifically the Add Me feature. This tool aims to solve the age-old problem of photographers missing out on a group shot, and the AI does this by combining two photos together to create an image that contains everyone. The process is quick and can be done with just a few taps.
Artificial intelligence also powers the excellent Magic Editor tool, which is integrated into the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s photography suite. The ‘magic’ in the Magic Editor comes from its intelligent functionality; simply type what you want to see, and the tool will add it to your photo.
Battery
The Pixel 9 Pro XL possesses the highest capacity battery out of all the Pixel 9 handsets, which is great to see given its high-end place in the lineup. Its 5060mAh unit makes light work of intense gaming sessions, and it had plenty of juice to spare even after watching several 4K videos.
Wired and wireless charging is also supported on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, so you can easily keep it powered up while travelling.
Summary
If you want the absolute best of what the Pixel 9 series can offer, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the handset to choose. Its premium status is backed up by superb visuals and an excellent processor that barely broke a sweat, on top of multiple AI features that streamline many everyday tasks. There’s no doubt that this phone is one to beat.
You can start using the Pixel 9 Pro XL quickly and easily with our handy data transfer guide. Our experts will take you through each step, so you can enjoy your new handset in no time.