The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents the pinnacle of Google’s smartphone journey. It’s packed with AI-driven features that genuinely enhance daily use, wrapped in premium hardware that competes head-to-head with Apple and Samsung’s best offerings. Throw in a trio of stellar cameras, mostly improved charging, and Google’s signature clean, uncluttered software, and you’ve got the most polished and impressive Pixel yet.
I’ve always harbored what some might call an irrational belief in the potential of the Google Pixel series. It all started when my college roommate returned from Christmas break with a Pixel XL in its striking “Really Blue” color. From that moment, I was convinced that Google would one day produce the ultimate Android phone. It was a bold belief, I admit—especially given Google’s habit of discontinuing products just as they reach their prime—but I held onto it nonetheless. Despite some missteps and features that seemed more experimental than essential, I think that belief has finally been rewarded. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL might just be the finest Android phone I’ve ever used, embodying everything that makes Google unique at its core.
Google finally perfected its design
My affection for the Pixel series didn’t begin with its near-pure Android experience, but rather with Google’s design choices. I get it—how a phone feels in use should probably trump how it looks, but that wasn’t the case for me. I was captivated by the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, the two-tone finishes (still waiting on another Panda edition, Google), and the understated elegance of the G logo on the back.
As I followed the evolution of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, I saw Google make some bold design choices—some I liked, others not so much. The shift to a larger, square camera bump, the addition of a controversial display notch, and the removal of the beloved rear fingerprint sensor were all part of this journey. But when Google introduced the Pixel 6 series with its now-iconic camera bar, I felt like they were finally onto something. This was an Android flagship that stood out from the crowd, with a design so distinctive that people started asking me what phone I was using, purely based on its appearance.
Gemini Live helps you get the answers you need
At Google I/O, we unveiled an exciting new way to connect with Gemini like never before: Gemini Live. This feature will soon be available to all Gemini Advanced subscribers, including those who own the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As a special bonus, these users will enjoy a full year of Gemini Advanced at no additional cost with their purchase.
Gemini Live brings conversations with Gemini right to your fingertips—whether you’re on your phone or using Pixel Buds. Planning a tailgate party? Need advice on household repairs? Struggling to come up with gift ideas? Gemini Live is here to assist, offering help that’s intuitive, natural, and perfectly suited to your needs.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Cameras
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera system has seen some upgrades this year, with half of its four lenses now boasting new sensors. The most significant improvement is in the selfie camera, which leaps from a modest 10.5MP to a powerful 42MP f/2.2 lens. The ultra-wide camera also gets a boost, featuring a faster f/1.7 aperture for better low-light performance.
Meanwhile, the main and telephoto lenses remain unchanged from last year: a 50MP f/1.7 wide camera and an f/2.8 5X Periscope zoom lens. The photos taken with these lenses are mostly indistinguishable from last year’s, but the enhanced selfie and ultra-wide lenses deliver noticeably better results, especially in selfies.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL software improvements are also worth noting. The video stabilization, for example, has seen a marked improvement, offering smoother footage than before. However, this feels more like Google catching up to the competition, as Pixel phones have long lagged behind iPhones and top Samsung models in this area.
Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL produces images that will satisfy most users, particularly those who aren’t as discerning. However, for someone like me who has tested some of the best Chinese smartphones with superior camera hardware, the Pixel’s images can feel overly processed and a bit too digital. They lack the depth you’d get from a Vivo X100 Ultra, especially in telephoto shots, where the Vivo’s larger sensor shines. Google also seems to favor a cooler color temperature across all images. When comparing 5X zoom shots from the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (on the left) and the Vivo X100 Ultra (on the right), the Vivo’s photos are simply superior, offering more depth and truer colors.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Software and new features
Due to Google’s decision to move up the Pixel’s release by nearly two months, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with Android 14 pre-installed, rather than the soon-to-be-released Android 15. This shift feels a bit unusual, as I’ve grown accustomed to testing new Pixel devices alongside the latest Android versions.
As a result, the software experience on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL closely mirrors that of the Pixel 8 series, albeit with some new AI-driven features that are, for now, exclusive to the Pixel 9 lineup—likely a strategic move by Google to boost sales by keeping these features locked to the newest models.
One of the standout additions is Pixel Studio, a dedicated app that allows Pixel users to generate original images simply by typing text prompts. The app performs impressively, as evidenced by the sample images below. The generated artwork is visually appealing, and I appreciate the variety of styles it offers, including 3D art, pencil sketches, anime-inspired designs, and retro 8-bit video game graphics.
Currently, the app has some limitations—such as its inability to generate images of humans (or at least, humans with visible faces). However, it handles characters like Batman and Iron Man without any issues.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Performance
The Tensor G4 offers a slight bump in power over its predecessor, the G3, but it’s not setting any performance records. When it comes to tasks involving images or graphics, the chip still struggles to keep pace. Take video editing on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, for example. Trimming a clip takes a noticeable pause—one or two seconds to process before you can start—and exporting the final product lingers in the 6-8 second range. In comparison, iPhones handle this instantly, and phones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 manage it in a brisk 2-3 seconds.
While this difference isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s clear that the Tensor G4 lags behind the top-tier chips found in iPhones and other high-end Android devices today.
Another quirk I’ve noticed is the Pixel’s automatic screen brightness, which can be frustrating. Indoors, the brightness often dips so low that the screen becomes dull and lifeless. As someone who tests every flagship phone, this is an issue unique to the Pixel. Just take a look at this comparison: I moved both the iPhone and Pixel from outdoor to indoor settings, and the Pixel’s display dimmed to the point where it looked visibly muted. Over time, I’ve found myself manually adjusting the brightness several times a day to compensate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands as Google’s finest phone to date, seamlessly blending top-tier software with impressive hardware. While it may not boast the raw power of some of its competitors, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels where it matters most: delivering a pure Android experience, stellar camera capabilities, and smart features that make everyday use a joy. Its thoughtful design, combined with Google’s commitment to timely updates, ensures that this phone is not just a device, but a reliable companion that keeps pace with your life. If you’re looking for a phone that embodies the best of Google’s vision, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to beat.