Having used every Google phone since the Nexus days, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out as the best yet. A significant upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro XL, the 9 Pro XL feels like a true leap forward. Though it comes with a steep price tag of ₹1,24,999, its premium features justify the cost, similar to high-end iPhones.
Stunning Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is arguably the best-looking phone on the market, with a minimalist design featuring a flat display, metal frame, and rounded edges. Available in four colors, the Porcelain variant, paired with its mirror-like frame, exudes elegance. Weighing 221 grams, it feels solid and is built with top-notch materials. However, its sleek design also makes it slippery, so using a case is advisable.
High-Quality Display
The 6.8-inch Super Actua display boasts a stunning resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays available. It delivers near-perfect color accuracy and impressive legibility, even under direct sunlight.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset with 16GB RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may not rival the raw performance of the latest Snapdragon or Apple chips but offers a smooth and reliable experience. It excels in day-to-day tasks, app switching, and gaming, running cool even during extended sessions. The battery life is excellent, lasting over 15 hours on tests and easily a full day in real-world use, although the 37W charging speed feels slow by today’s standards.
AI Features and Software
The Pixel 9 Pro XL integrates Google’s Gemini AI throughout, enhancing everything from photography to call transcription. While some AI features feel experimental, they show great promise. The phone ships with Android 14, with seven years of guaranteed updates.
Outstanding Camera System
The Pixel 9 Pro XL sets a new standard for mobile photography with its advanced camera setup: – A 50MP main sensor captures incredible detail. – A 48MP ultra-wide lens and 5X optical zoom telephoto lens deliver superb shots even in low light. – A 42MP front camera is among the best for selfies. – Video capabilities include 4K with potential 8K upscaling via Video Boost.
The Pixel’s AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Add Me are useful, though some, like Super Res Zoom, have room for improvement. Overall, it’s the best phone for photography, offering unmatched versatility.
Verdict: A Compelling iPhone Alternative
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is close to perfection. While faster charging and a more powerful chipset would have been ideal, it excels in nearly every other aspect. For those seeking a premium alternative to the iPhone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a strong contender that deserves your attention.
