Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Google’s AI-Powered Flagship Aims to Compete with the Best

Top-tier camera, expansive display, extended battery life, and advanced AI features make this superphone a standout.

Google’s latest superphone is designed to impress with its enhanced battery, superior camera, and cutting-edge smart features. Leading the charge in Android devices, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is built to handle Google’s advanced Gemini AI system, featuring a next-generation conversational voice assistant that represents a significant technological leap.

Priced from £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s largest mainstream phone to date. This year, it’s accompanied by a smaller 9 Pro model, which shares the same specifications and camera setup, available for £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699). The XL model is ideal for those who prioritize a larger display and extended battery life.

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Design and Display

The Pixel 9 Pro XL sports a bold design, even more striking and robust than last year’s models. The rear camera bar is prominently featured, drawing comparisons to Google’s Nest Doorbells, while the aluminum body has a flattened edge, reminiscent of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

This large and hefty device often requires two-handed operation, but Google claims it’s twice as durable as its predecessor, making it more resistant to drops. The 6.8-inch display is both massive and incredibly bright, competing with the best offerings from Samsung and excelling in video playback and outdoor visibility.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip, which offers up to 20% faster browsing and 17% quicker app launches compared to previous models. While it’s smooth and responsive for everyday tasks and gaming, it doesn’t quite match the raw processing power of Qualcomm and Apple’s top chips in benchmark tests. However, Google has focused on efficiency and AI processing capabilities, leveraging its DeepMind subsidiary to optimize the chip for running the Gemini Nano system and other AI models with impressive speed.

Battery life is another area where the 9 Pro XL shines. It can last up to 52 hours on a single charge, even with more than seven hours of active screen use on a mix of 5G and Wi-Fi. This equates to a solid two days between charges, placing it among the longest-lasting smartphones on the market.

AI-Powered Features

AI is integrated throughout the system, enhancing everything from screenshots and photo editing to voice interaction. The Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with Android 14 and promises seven years of software support, making it one of the most future-proof devices available.

The standout AI feature is the new Gemini Live experience. Unlike traditional text-based or voice assistants, Gemini Live offers a fully conversational experience with human-like responses, infused with personality and conciseness. Whether discussing the fastest parkrun routes in south-east London or predicting the weather for an upcoming event, Gemini Live delivers detailed, engaging conversations that feel far more advanced than anything Siri, Alexa, or other assistants currently offer.

While Gemini Live isn’t exclusive to the Pixel, accessing it requires a £19-a-month Gemini Advanced subscription, though the first year is bundled free with the purchase of any Pixel 9 Pro model.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Specifications

• Display:
  • 6.8-inch QHD+ OLED
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • 486 pixels per inch (ppi)
  • Super-bright and vivid display, excellent for outdoor use and video playback
• Processor:
  • Google Tensor G4 chip
  • Up to 20% faster for browsing and 17% faster app launching than previous models
  • Optimized for AI processing and efficiency, designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind
• RAM:
  • 16GB of RAM
  • Facilitates seamless multitasking and consistently efficient performance across diverse applications.
• Storage Options:
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB
  • 1TB
  • Offers ample storage for apps, photos, videos, and other media
• Operating System:
  • Android 14
  • Ships with the latest Android version, featuring new privacy features, enhanced user interface, and more
  • Seven years of software support, making it one of the longest-lasting Android devices on the market
• Rear Cameras:
  • Triple-camera system:
    • 50MP primary camera with advanced computational photography
    • 48MP ultra-wide camera with minimized distortion and improved low-light performance
    • 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 10x hybrid zoom
  • Enhanced digital zoom up to 30x with AI-powered image processing
  • Exceptional low-light performance with Night Sight
  • Advanced camera modes, including Magic Editor, Zoom Enhance, and the innovative “Add Me” feature
• Front Camera:
  • 42MP selfie camera
  • Brighter and sharper images, optimized for low-light conditions
  • Features AI enhancements for better skin tone accuracy and detail
• Connectivity:
  • 5G support
  • eSIM capability
  • Wi-Fi 7
  • Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
  • NFC for contactless payments
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) ensures accurate tracking of locations.
• Battery:
  • Up to 52 hours of battery life
  • 7+ hours of active screen time on a mix of 5G and Wi-Fi
  • Supports fast charging, with a full charge taking about 80 minutes using a 45W USB-C charger (not included)
• Security:
  • New ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, 50% faster than previous models
  • Face unlock option (less secure compared to Apple’s Face ID)
  • AI-powered security features embedded in the Tensor G4 chip
• Durability:
  • IP68 water and dust resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
  • Twice as durable as its predecessor, with improved drop protection
  • Made with 18% recycled materials, including aluminium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • Dimensions: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm
  • Weight: 221g
  • Large and heavy, designed for two-handed use
• Price:
  • Starting at £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849)
  • Additional cost for higher storage variants
• Additional Features:
  • Gemini Live: A next-generation conversational AI assistant, free for the first year with a Pixel 9 Pro purchase (subscription costs £19/month afterward)
  • Extensive AI features integrated throughout the device, enhancing user experience across various apps and tools
  • Advanced sustainability efforts, with repairability options and free recycling services through Google

This comprehensive specs list highlights the key aspects of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it clear why it’s considered a top-tier smartphone.

Pros:

• Seven years of software updates
• Excellent camera with 5x and 10x optical zoom
• Outstanding display and battery life
• Recycled aluminum construction
• Impressive local and generative AI features
• Gemini Live included for a year

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Face unlock is less secure than Face ID
• Performance lags behind the top competitors
• Temperature sensor is still a niche feature outside the US
• AI features are not always flawless

Camera Performance: A Closer Look

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a sophisticated triple-camera system on the rear, setting a new standard for smartphone photography. This system includes a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens. Each of these cameras is designed to deliver exceptional image quality across a wide range of shooting conditions, with particular strength in challenging environments like low light or high contrast.

Primary Camera

The 50MP main camera is the star of the show, capturing incredibly detailed and vibrant photos. Google’s computational photography prowess shines through here, with advanced algorithms working behind the scenes to enhance color accuracy, dynamic range, and sharpness. Whether you’re shooting in broad daylight or in the soft glow of evening, the main camera consistently produces images with excellent clarity and minimal noise.

Ultra-Wide Lens

The 48MP ultra-wide lens offers a broader perspective, perfect for landscape photography, group shots, or any scene where you want to capture more of the environment. This lens minimizes distortion at the edges, a common issue with ultra-wide lenses, ensuring that your images retain a natural look. The large sensor size also helps in low-light situations, where other ultra-wide lenses might struggle, allowing for brighter and more detailed shots even when the light is dim.

Telephoto Lens

The 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom is another standout feature, enabling you to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity. This lens offers a 10x hybrid zoom, combining optical and digital zoom to bring far-away objects up close without significant loss of detail. The telephoto lens is particularly useful for wildlife photography, sporting events, or any scenario where you can’t physically get closer to your subject.

Zoom Capabilities

In addition to the 5x optical zoom, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features an impressive digital zoom that extends up to 30x. While many smartphones suffer from significant quality loss at higher digital zoom levels, Google’s advanced image processing helps retain detail and reduce noise, particularly in well-lit conditions. The 2x zoom option on the main camera also provides a handy mid-range zoom, giving you flexibility in framing your shots.

Low-Light Performance

Low-light photography is where the Pixel 9 Pro XL truly excels. Google’s Night Sight mode, now further enhanced, allows the camera to capture more light and detail than ever before. Whether you’re photographing a cityscape at dusk or capturing indoor scenes with minimal lighting, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers bright, detailed images with well-balanced exposure and minimal noise. The camera’s ability to preserve details in both shadows and highlights in these situations is particularly impressive.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera has also seen significant improvements. The 42MP sensor is larger and more capable than previous models, resulting in brighter and sharper selfies. Whether you’re taking solo shots or group selfies, the enhanced front camera ensures you look your best in every shot, with accurate skin tones and crisp details. Google’s AI-powered enhancements automatically adjust lighting and focus to give your selfies a professional touch.

Innovative “Add Me” Feature

One of the most unique additions to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera suite is the “Add Me” feature, designed to enhance group photography. This feature allows the person taking the photo to be included in the shot by merging two consecutive images. The augmented reality overlay guides you on where to stand for the second photo, ensuring seamless integration into the final image. While the feature is innovative, it does require some practice to use effectively, especially when dealing with objects at the edges of the frame that might blur or merge awkwardly.

Camera App and Features

The camera app on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is intuitive and user-friendly, with a wide array of modes and tools easily accessible. Features like Magic Editor, which allows for advanced photo editing directly on the device, and Zoom Enhance, which improves clarity when zooming in on photos, make the Pixel 9 Pro XL a versatile tool for both casual photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re editing on the go or shooting in challenging conditions, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped to handle a wide range of photographic scenarios.

Conclusion: A Camera to Rival the Best

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera system is not just about numbers; it’s about delivering consistently excellent photos in any situation. Google’s focus on computational photography ensures that you get the best possible image quality, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner. With its blend of powerful hardware and advanced AI-driven features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera is a serious contender in the world of smartphone photography, capable of rivaling the best from Samsung, Apple, and beyond.

This expanded version delves deeper into the capabilities of each camera on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, emphasizing its strengths and innovative features.

Sustainability and Durability

Google doesn’t specify the expected lifespan of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery, but it should retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full-charge cycles. The phone is repairable by Google and authorized third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts available from iFixit soon. Screen replacements are expected to cost around £200.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL incorporates at least 18% recycled materials, including aluminum, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Google provides a detailed environmental impact report and offers free recycling for old devices.

Gemini Live

Gemini Live is one of the standout features of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, designed to bring a more advanced and natural conversational AI experience directly to your smartphone. Here’s a closer look at what Gemini Live offers:

Key Features of Gemini Live:

1. Conversational AI:
   • Gemini Live is a next-generation AI assistant that allows for fluid, natural conversations. Unlike traditional voice assistants that respond with short, task-oriented replies, Gemini Live engages in back-and-forth conversations similar to talking to a human.
   • The AI can understand context, remember previous parts of the conversation, and respond with personality and nuance, making interactions feel more intuitive and less robotic.
2. Real-Time Assistance:
   • Gemini Live offers real-time assistance across a variety of topics. Whether you need information about your daily schedule, the weather, or directions, Gemini Live can provide detailed responses quickly.
   • It can also help with more complex queries, like finding the fastest parkruns in your area, detailing the running surfaces, and even giving travel times based on your current location.
3. Enhanced Interaction:
   • The AI has a bit of personality and can engage in casual conversations, making it feel more like a companion than just a digital assistant. This includes small talk, jokes, and even opinions on certain topics.
   • If the conversation goes off track, you can easily interrupt and redirect it, making the interaction more user-controlled.
4. Integration with Daily Activities:
   • Gemini Live can integrate with your daily activities, such as planning routes, checking weather forecasts, or suggesting activities based on your interests. This makes it a useful tool for managing your day-to-day life.
   • It can provide updates on ongoing tasks, remind you of appointments, and offer recommendations tailored to your preferences.
5. Subscription Model:
   • While Gemini Live is not exclusive to the Pixel, it does require a subscription to access its advanced features. A one-year subscription is bundled free with the purchase of a Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL.
   • After the first year, the subscription costs £19 per month, which may be a consideration for those who find the AI assistant beneficial enough to continue using.
6. Limitations:
   • Despite its advanced capabilities, Gemini Live isn’t perfect. There are instances where it might repeat suggestions or provide responses that aren’t entirely accurate. However, Google’s continuous updates aim to improve its performance over time.

Use Case Example:

Imagine you’re planning a weekend outing. You can ask Gemini Live about local events, the best restaurants, or even the expected crowd size at a popular park. Gemini Live can provide detailed responses, including travel times, weather conditions, and alternative suggestions if the original plan doesn’t suit your needs. All of this happens in a seamless, conversational manner, making the experience more engaging and efficient.

Gemini Live vs. Other AI Assistants:

Compared to AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, Gemini Live is a significant leap forward. It offers a more human-like interaction, deeper contextual understanding, and the ability to handle complex conversations with ease. This makes it not just a tool for answering questions but a more integrated part of your daily life.

Gemini Live represents the future of AI assistants, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL not just a powerful smartphone but also a gateway to more advanced,

Pricing and Verdict

Starting at £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), the Pixel 9 Pro XL is positioned to compete with flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. For those seeking a smaller device, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a similar experience for £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699).

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is a true flagship phone, boasting a stunning display, long battery life, eye-catching design, and a top-tier camera. Its large size may require two-handed use, but for those who don’t mind, it’s one of the best smartphones available today. The AI enhancements, especially Gemini Live, add fun and utility, though the long-term value of the subscription service remains to be seen.

Despite a price increase, the Pixel 9 Pro XL still undercuts its competitors from Samsung and Apple and promises seven years of software updates, ensuring it remains a strong contender for years to come.