Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: A Closer Look at Google’s Latest Flagship
Introduction
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s latest flagship, set to launch in August 2024 with the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 9 Pro. This premium smartphone promises top-of-the-line performance, stunning visuals, and advanced AI features. With its larger screen, powerful processor, and upgraded battery, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to stand out in the crowded market of high-end smartphones. Let’s explore the full range of features that make the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL a must-consider for tech enthusiasts.
Design and Build of Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a sleek design that combines durability with elegance. Measuring 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm and weighing 221 grams, the phone feels solid in hand while remaining comfortable to use. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, with an aluminum frame that adds to its premium look. The phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, allowing it to survive in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Available in Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL exudes sophistication.
Display of Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display that delivers an outstanding viewing experience. With a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and a pixel density of 486 PPI, the display offers sharp and vibrant visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, and the HDR10+ support enhances color accuracy for content consumption. Whether you’re watching videos or browsing the web, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display impresses with its peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight.
Platform and Performance
Running on Android 14, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with up to seven major Android upgrades, ensuring it remains relevant and useful for years. The phone is powered by Google’s 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 a Mali-G715 MC7 GPU, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers lightning-fast performance for all your tasks, from gaming to productivity.
Memory and Storage
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a range of storage options to meet different needs. With options ranging from 128GB to 1TB of internal storage, all paired with 16GB of RAM, this phone ensures that you have plenty of space and speed for your apps, games, and files. Although there’s no memory card slot, the large storage options should be more than sufficient for most users.
Camera Capabilities
Main Camera of Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with a powerful triple-camera system which also helps the pixel to enhance its astrophotography mode and capture more details of the sky:
- A 50 MP wide lens (f/1.7, 25mm) with dual-pixel PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, and OIS.
- A 48 MP periscope telephoto lens (f/2.8, 113mm) with 5x optical zoom and OIS.
- A 48 MP ultrawide lens (f/1.7, 123˚) with dual-pixel PDAF.
This camera system excels in various lighting conditions, and it offers advanced features such as Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, and Best Take, ensuring you capture the perfect shot every time. The phone can also record in 8K at 30fps and 4K at various frame rates, making it a top choice for videographers.
Selfie Camera
The front-facing camera is no less impressive, featuring a 42 MP ultrawide lens with Auto-HDR and panorama capabilities. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s selfie camera supports 4K video recording, ensuring that your front-facing videos are as sharp as those from the rear cameras.
AI Features
Google has infused the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with advanced AI features, enhancing the overall user experience. From AI-powered photography that helps you capture the best shot to predictive AI that makes the phone smarter and more efficient, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive experience. Features like Best Take and Ultra-HDR use AI to optimize your photos, while AI-driven app performance ensures smooth multitasking.
Battery and Charging
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a 5060 mAh battery, offering all-day battery life even for heavy users. It supports 37W wired charging, with the ability to charge up to 70% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the phone offers 23W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand and 12W wireless charging with any Qi-compatible charger. Reverse wireless charging is also available, allowing you to charge other devices on the go.
Connectivity
Connectivity options on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The phone also supports GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC for precise location tracking. Ultra Wideband (UWB) support and Satellite SOS service make the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL a versatile tool for emergencies and advanced wireless communication.
Sensors and Features
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is packed with an array of sensors, including an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a thermometer for skin temperature measurements. These sensors enhance the phone’s functionality, making it a true all-in-one device.
What Could Be Better
While the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a powerful and feature-rich device, there are a few areas where improvements could be made:
Charging Speed: While 37W wired charging is decent, faster charging options like 65W or higher, seen in some competitor phones, would be a welcome addition for those who need quick top-ups.
Memory Card Slot: The absence of a memory card slot might be a downside for users who prefer expandable storage, despite the large internal storage options.
3.5mm Jack: Like many modern smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. While wireless audio is becoming more popular, the option for wired audio would still be appreciated by some users.
Periscope Zoom: The 5x optical zoom is impressive, but other flagship devices offer even higher zoom levels, such as 10x optical zoom, which could further enhance long-distance photography.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an exceptional flagship device with a stunning display, powerful camera setup, and advanced AI capabilities. However, adding faster charging, expandable storage, and improved zoom could make it an even more formidable competitor in the premium smartphone market.
