Description
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, released in August 2024, stands as a flagship device with top-tier performance, premium design, and impressive camera capabilities. Combining cutting-edge technology, a robust display, and solid battery life, it’s a phone that competes fiercely in the premium segment. See also the Google Pixel 9.
Here’s a tabulated format for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs:
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Launch | Announced: 2024, August 13 |
Body | Dimensions: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
Weight: 221 g (7.80 oz) Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display | Type: LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Size: 6.8 inches, 109.7 cm² (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~486 ppi density) Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Platform | OS: Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) GPU: Mali-G715 MC7 |
Memory | Card Slot: No
Internal Storage: 128GB 16GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera | Triple: 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF
Features: Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance Video: 8K@30fps (via cloud-based upscaling), 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR |
Selfie Camera | Single: 42 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), PDAF
Features: HDR, panorama Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm Jack: No |
Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band
Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC NFC: Yes Radio: No USB: USB Type-C 3.2 |
Sensors | Fingerprint: Under display, ultrasonic
Others: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) Additional Features: Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, Satellite SOS service, Circle to Search |
Battery | Type: Li-Ion 5060 mAh
Charging: 37W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 70% in 30 min 23W wireless (with Pixel Stand) 12W wireless (with Qi-compatible charger) Reverse wireless charging Bypass charging (with “Limit to 80%” option enabled) |
Miscellaneous | Colors: Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian
Models: GGX8B, GZC4K, GQ57S Price: KSh 115,000 |
SAR | SAR EU: 0.99 W/kg (head), 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Tests | Performance: AnTuTu: 1380138 (v10) GeekBench: 4854 (v6) 3DMark: 2540 (Wild Life Extreme)
Display: 2365 nits max brightness (measured) Loudspeaker: -25.5 LUFS (Very good) |
Design and Build
The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a premium build, with a sleek glass front and back made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering both durability and a polished look. The aluminum frame gives the phone a high-end feel, and it’s IP68 dust and water-resistant, ensuring that it can withstand being submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The phone weighs 221g, making it on the heavier side, but this is to be expected from a flagship with such a large display.
Display
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display is one of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. With a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and a pixel density of ~486 ppi, the display offers stunning sharpness, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, which ensures smooth scrolling and excellent content playback. The display can reach peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, making it easily readable under direct sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers protection, further reinforcing the phone’s premium design.
Performance
Under the hood, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset built on a 4nm process. With an octa-core CPU (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4, 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) and Mali-G715 MC7 GPU, the phone delivers a smooth performance across demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The device offers a whopping 16GB of RAM across all storage configurations (128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB), ensuring lag-free performance even with heavy usage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, and guarantees up to 7 major Android updates, ensuring longevity.
Camera
The triple-camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a photography enthusiast’s dream. The 50MP wide camera, 48MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and 48MP ultrawide camera combine to produce excellent photos in various lighting conditions. The camera features Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, and Panorama for better versatility. The video recording capabilities are impressive, offering 8K recording at 30fps (via cloud-based upscaling), 4K at up to 60fps, and 1080p recording up to 240fps with 10-bit HDR.
For selfies, the 42MP front camera offers sharp and clear images, with ultra-wide-angle capabilities and PDAF for faster focusing.
Battery and Charging
The Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a 5060mAh battery, offering solid endurance throughout the day. It supports 37W wired charging, providing 70% battery life in just 30 minutes, while 23W wireless charging (with the Pixel Stand) ensures fast and efficient charging without the need for cables. It also supports reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly.
Additional Features
- Fingerprint sensor: The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor provides fast and secure unlocking.
- Sensors: The device includes a comprehensive set of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, and even a thermometer for measuring skin temperature.
- 5G Support: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is 5G-ready, ensuring blazing-fast download and upload speeds.
- UWB (Ultra Wideband): This enables spatial awareness and improved location tracking, adding an extra layer of convenience.
- Satellite SOS and Circle to Search: These features provide additional safety and navigation capabilities.
Colors and Price
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in four elegant colors: Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian. The device is priced at KSh 115,000 in Kenya, positioning it as a high-end flagship with premium features.
Pros
- Impressive 120Hz LTPO OLED display with vibrant colors and excellent brightness
- Powerful Google Tensor G4 chipset for smooth performance
- Triple camera setup with 8K video recording and impressive low-light capabilities
- Fast charging (37W wired) and long-lasting 5060mAh battery
- 5G-ready, UWB support, and multiple sensors for enhanced functionality
- Sleek design with premium materials and IP68 water resistance
Cons
- No expandable storage
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a flagship device that combines a stunning display, powerful performance, and cutting-edge camera features. With an outstanding display, impressive 8K video capabilities, and long-lasting battery life, it’s an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance device. If you’re looking for a premium experience with an emphasis on camera quality and software updates, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is definitely worth considering.
Shop Pixel 9 Series, Pixel Phones.
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