Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: 3 ways to beat iPhone 15 Pro Max

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this Google Pixel 9 Pro XL It is the latest member of the Pixel series. Before the launch of the Google Pixel 9 series, there were only two phones in the range: a base model (like last year’s Google Pixel 8) and Pro versions (such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro in 2023).

Now, Google changes everything with a triple device lineup: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Proand Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Interestingly, despite the name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t much larger than last year’s largest model, the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch panel.

What real What makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL bigger than the Pixel 9 Pro is that Google actually shrunk The Pro model drops from 6.7 inches to 6.3 inches. So yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller Than Pixel 8 Pro. I know this is weird because phones usually become bigger Not smaller than their predecessors.

Now that you have a good idea of ​​the Pixel 9 Pro XL (and its new lineup), let’s dive into my experience with it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price and specs

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a Google Store starts at $1,099. It has the following specifications:

If needed, you can upgrade to the 256GB model for more storage, which will cost $1,119. If you want the 512GB model or the 1TB model, you’ll have to spend $1,319 and $1,549 respectively. (I highly recommend buying the 256GB model. Based on my personal experience, 128GB of storage lasts about a little over a year before you run out of storage.)

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL design

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, unlike its smaller successors like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, actually It seems and Feel Premium quality—thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 matte back panel. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a shiny, polished metal frame, and it really competes with similar products iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also highly resistant to fingerprints, so you can use it without feeling guilty.

The specific device I’m testing in this review uses a Hazel chassis. There are three other color options available, including Obsidian (black), Rose Quartz (pink), and Porcelain (off-white).

I’ve seen them with my own eyes. Obsidian is probably the most popular of the four colorways. You can never go wrong with a gorgeous onyx device that looks like it would be on Batman’s desk. Rose quartz gives the Pixel 9 Pro XL a pink hue. emphasize the word Varied Because it’s more of a pastel color, it’s barely there, a “baby shower pink” if you will. If you want a really pink that’s not afraid of pink, check out the “Peony” color on the Pixel 9.

While Google has made subtle, generation-to-generation changes to the camera bar, it’s improved the visual appeal of the Pixel 9 series. The stylish Geordi La Forge-style visor no longer extends from edge to edge. It now features an island design with a body color that matches the chassis.

On the right side of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you’ll find the volume and power buttons. At the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C port and SIM card slot (the Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports eSIM).

Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just a A little bit Larger (6.41 inches long vs. 6.40 inches long). However, it’s slightly thinner (0.33 inches vs. 0.35 inches). The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels pretty good in the hand; the curved edges are forgiving as I wrap my fingers around them. As someone who’s never been a fan of the Pixel series’ design, I’m finally starting to like it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL display

Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels. It has a screen-to-body ratio of about 88%, which is a slight jump from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 87% screen-to-body ratio. This means Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers a more immersive viewing experience with thinner bezels, allowing more of the display to be dedicated to your content.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

I played some videos on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, including from platforms like YouTube and Netflix. One thing I noticed is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s panel is very saturated, especially compared to my iPhone 15 Pro Max. For example, while watching love is blind ukOne contestant’s electric green top seemed more vibrant than its Apple counterpart, as if it was popping out of the screen.

However, my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, is even more vivid than the Pixel 9 Pro XL — maybe also vivid. Pixel 9 Pro XL is “just right”.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s megapixel count remains unchanged from the Pixel 8 series. It still has a 50MP wide-angle camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

This time around, though, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s ultra-wide camera is getting a minor update with an improved aperture, which means you should get better ultra-wide photos in low-light conditions.

In other words, those ultra-wide shots of stunning landscapes you took on vacation should have better detail on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

I tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL against my beloved iPhone 15 Pro Max, and to my surprise, the former beat it. And I have proof.

wide angle camera

I took some photos of vintage cars in a museum and was blown away by how well the Pixel 9 Pro XL captured them:

^This is a photo of Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

This is the scene shot by iPhone 15 Pro Max:

^This is a photo of iPhone 15 Pro Max
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

The first thing that caught my eye was that the Pixel 9 Pro XL handled challenging light better, taking photos with almost no lens flare (unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max). The Apple device offers a more realistic interpretation of the two vintage cars, while its Google rival captures richer, more saturated footage.

ultra wide angle camera

I also took some photos of Northport Harbor on Long Island, New York. This is an ultra-wide-angle photo taken by Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, with green trees on both sides:

Northport Harbor photo taken with Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

This is the same landscape shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max

Photo of Northport Harbor taken with iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Pixel 9 Pro XL’s interpretation of scenes appears more vivid and colorful. The grass takes on a greener hue, and most strikingly, the sky and harbor look bluer. Ripples and waves in the water also appear more detailed.

Telephoto

Before digital zoom (i.e. software) is activated, the telephoto sensors of both Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max reach a maximum of 5x optical zoom. Optical zoom) skyrocketed).

Looking at the photos taken with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you’ll see that the capture of the striking flowers is more robust and detailed than on the iPhone 15 Pro Max:

^This is a photo of Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

^This is a photo of iPhone 15 Pro Max
Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro XL may have an advantage over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to cameras, but you’ll find that the Google phone is weaker in terms of performance.

If you’re curious about how far the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Super Res Zoom feature can zoom, check out my For personal experience, I zoomed in to 5,280 feet And get incredible details.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance

We ran Geekbench 6 on a Pixel 9 Pro XL equipped with the new Google Tensor G4 chip and achieved a multi-core score of 4,569.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

This score is quite low compared to scores from other phones we’ve reviewed:

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – 4,569

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – 6,069

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – 6,300

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 7,078

iPhone 15 Pro Max – 7,359

I know the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s score of 7,359 may seem astronomical—because it is. It’s too powerful for a smartphone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t need to hit this score to be considered as bad as the most expensive iPhones, but its Geekbench 6 score is surprisingly low. When you consider that the Pixel 8 Pro actually offers higher score (4,639, for example), the G4 chip feels even more underpowered.

Even so, I didn’t experience any slowdown when I was working on multiple apps at the same time. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can get a little too hot at times, especially when using the camera on warm days. Using this phone on the beach can be a nightmare.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL artificial intelligence features

Apple smartphone is in trouble! Google has incorporated rich artificial intelligence features into the Pixel 9 series. Check out our extensive practical experience:

I also recommend you check out the new Gemini scenea major update to Google’s ChatGPT competitor.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life

So damn believable! In our testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL drained power at just 5% an hour.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

We ran the TikTok test on the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 50% brightness. Now, imagine our surprise when we saw that it lasted an astonishing amount of time 18 hours and 41 minutes One charge. This beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes in the same test.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Is it worth it?

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Yes completely Worth it based on battery life alone. You can leave home comfortably with your Pixel 9 Pro XL without worrying about a drained battery. You can take a break from laziness no Charge your phone for a night or two.

Moreover, in terms of shooting capabilities, it can compete with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the best smartphone in the market. That being said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max in at least three areas: camera, display, and battery life.

Best of all, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Google AI features are incredibly easy to use (although they have their own quirks), making the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the most popular phones out there. Best phones of 2024.