Having used every phone Google has made since the Nexus days, I can confidently say that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best yet. While the Pixel 8 Pro XL felt like a modest upgrade, the Pixel 9 Pro XL shatters expectations in the best way possible. Priced at Rs 1,24,999, it’s an expensive device, but like the Pro iPhones, it’s worth the investment. Though it has a few minor flaws like speaker quality, charging speed, and the chipset, overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL impresses.
Stunning Design and Build Quality
Among the smartphones available, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best-looking to me, with its minimalist design, flat display, metal frame, and clean lines. It comes in four colors, with the Porcelain variant looking particularly elegant against its mirror-like metal frame. The phone feels solid and well-built, weighing 221 grams with evenly distributed weight. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro XL is twice as tough as its predecessor, though no phone is invincible. Nonetheless, it’s as well-built as an iPhone, with a uniquely velvety finish on the rear glass.
Premium Features and Display Excellence
As expected from a flagship, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is packed with premium features like Gorilla Glass Victus 2, an IP68 rating, and a fast ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Its 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels is stunningly bright, even under harsh sunlight, thanks to its peak brightness of 3000 nits. The display is finely tuned for accurate colors and excellent white balance, making content look vibrant and enjoyable.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset with AI and safety modules, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid performer. Although it doesn’t match the raw power of the latest Qualcomm or Apple chips, it delivers smooth performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Battery life is impressive, lasting over 15 hours in tests and easily getting through a day or more with typical usage. However, the 37W fast charging is slower compared to competitors, taking about 90 minutes for a full charge.
AI-Powered Experience
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the first smartphones to integrate AI deeply, thanks to Google’s Gemini AI. AI features are present throughout, enhancing photography, call transcriptions, and more. However, the AI implementation feels a bit scattered, with overlapping features like two virtual assistants and dual transcription apps. While promising, the AI experience needs refinement to be more cohesive and user-friendly.
Outstanding Cameras
The Pixel 9 Pro XL shines in photography, boasting a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom, and a 42MP selfie camera. The camera system excels in all lighting conditions, delivering sharp, detailed photos and well-balanced colors. AI enhancements like Super Res Zoom and Magic Editor add further value, though their results can vary. Video quality is good, though not quite up to the standards set by Pro iPhones. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera system is among the best in mobile photography.
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s most refined phone to date, nearly perfect save for a few minor shortcomings. It offers a compelling alternative to the iPhone, combining a stunning design, impressive display, and excellent cameras. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone experience with unique AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro XL deserves your attention.
