Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: A sleeker edge?

Amongst the three main devices in the lineup (Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL), we are reviewing the Pixel 9 Pro XL – the larger of the premium model. This is because Pro now comes in 2 sizes: Normal and XL.

Users who want the Pro features in a small size can now rejoice with the introduction of just “Pixel 9 Pro”. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is then equivalent to the Pixel 8 Pro – a large screen flagship.

In an effort to advocate for eco-friendly packaging, the new Pixel 9 lineup now comes in a fully paper-based packaging. This even includes the screen protector, which is now in paper – striked us by surprise.

Aesthetics – a cluster of changes

To house the 3 rear cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro contains a camera bump akin to its predecessor – with a slight twist. Rather than a slightly tapered and integrated look that we are accustomed to, the camera module appears more as a standalone module – making the camera footprint appear smaller.

[Editor: gives hints of the Google Search Bar, right? Or maybe Among Us]

The flattened edges are a welcomed addition for us – the device appears thinner while being able to stand on its side (our editor is particularly satisfied about this) . Users who prefer a flushed aesthetic will be perfectly fine using Google’s accessory case – providing a beautifully gradual curve towards the edge of camera bump, finished with a matte surface.

Upgraded chipset and RAM

With the Google Tensor G4, the Pixel 9 lineup will deliver elevated AI-features due to its higher clock speed. The detail that caught our attention is the RAM increase – 16GB from 12GB (in the Pixel 8 Pro).

Amidst applications becoming more resource-hungry, the 4GB increase would mean having another process running in the background without being silenced by the system.

AI-backed features

Utilising the Google Tensor G4, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL boasts multiple AI-related features. To start, Pixel Studio provided us a fun and easy way of expressing our creative ideation through a prompt – where artworks would be produced.

Artistic expression can be extended to photographs

Here are some creative images we generated with the Pixel Studio app – generated using different prompts.

Through the standalone Screenshot app, screenshots are now clearly organised with features for text and contextual search. Whilst we foresee this feature being highly utilised, we thought it might be better to be part of the Photos app.

The Weather app is also now upgraded to provide a summarised AI weather report for the day – with key insights succinctly delivered through a series of generated bulletins.

Camera features

The Pixel 9 Pro XL largely inherits the superior camera hardware from the previous premium iteration. It includes Zoom Enhance – a feature which utilises AI to intelligently fill in details when users zoom in on the photographs. The slide variation from the predecessor comes with the ultrawide lens – slightly enlarged Field of View (FoV) of 123˚ on the new iteration.

Whilst both the Pro and Pro XL features Video Boost (to optimise low-light videos), the Pixel 9 Pro XL receives additional boost from Super Res Video Zoom – enhancing the details when zoomed in. Video resolution gets upscaled to 8K with the upgraded Video Boost feature.

The front camera now features an astounding 42MP camera – a colossal jump from the 10.5MP on last year’s flagship. The new camera module comes with a slightly broader FoV to pack more faces in a single selfie shot.

Hardware aside, the Pixel 9 Pro XL brings about several welcomed features – such as the “Add Me” camera feature and an improved Panorama capture experience. By mimicking subjects in the actual photo through Augmented reality, this feature intelligently guides the user to fit seamlessly into the picture.

To top off the now-complete group photo, Magic editor adds some flair to the background of the photographs – easily done through a descriptive prompt. The request will generate several options where users can accept their favourite iteration.

Screen

Based on specifications, the Pixel 9 Pro XL peaks at 3,000 nits screen brightness – a bump from the 2,400 nits on the previous generation. Regardless, we find both models perform similarly well under bright sunlight.

Under the screen, the fingerprint sensor is quietly replaced with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor – leading towards battery savings without needing to light up for every fingerprint unlock.

Battery

While battery capacity remains largely the same, the Pixel Pro 9 XL battery lifespan feels slightly longer, capable of achieving > 4 hours of screen time in our testing.

The charging wattage is also now rated at 37W for wired charging and 23W for wireless charging – a marginal increase from 30W and 20W respectively for faster charging.

Availability

The price of the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts from S$1,739 (128GB). It is currently available online through Google Store and resellers, or offline through resellers and telco companies such as Challenger and Singtel.