Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Google’s AI-Powered Flagship Takes on the Best

Google's latest flagship, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, is a powerhouse designed to compete with the best in the smartphone market. This AI-driven superphone is packed with cutting-edge features, including a top-tier camera, a massive display, long-lasting battery life, and the innovative Gemini Live AI experience. Priced starting at £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out as Google's most ambitious smartphone to date, offering a combination of hardware and software that aims to redefine user experience.

A Bold New Design

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the largest and most advanced phone in Google's lineup, and its design reflects that. The phone features a striking new look, with a camera bar that protrudes prominently from the back, reminiscent of the Google Nest Doorbell. The aluminum body has been flattened along the sides, drawing comparisons to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This design choice gives the Pixel 9 Pro XL a sturdy and premium feel, although it is a large and heavy device that often requires two hands to operate.

Despite its size, Google has made the Pixel 9 Pro XL twice as durable as its predecessor, ensuring it can withstand accidental drops better than before. The 6.8-inch OLED display is one of the best on the market, offering stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and exceptional brightness, making it perfect for outdoor use and media consumption.

Performance: Powered by Tensor G4

At the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google's latest Tensor G4 chip, which delivers a significant performance boost over previous models. The Tensor G4 is up to 20% faster in browsing and 17% faster in app launching, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience. While it may not match the raw processing power of chips from Qualcomm or Apple in benchmark tests, the Tensor G4 excels in AI processing, thanks to Google's collaboration with its DeepMind subsidiary.

This AI-driven approach allows the Pixel 9 Pro XL to run Google's Gemini Nano system and other AI models with impressive speed and efficiency. The result is not just faster processing but also improved battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro XL can last up to 52 hours on a single charge with moderate use, making it one of the longest-lasting smartphones available today.

AI Features: Gemini Live and Beyond

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its AI capabilities, powered by the Gemini Nano AI model. This new AI system is integrated throughout the phone, enhancing everything from the keyboard to the weather app. Among the most notable AI features is Gemini Live, a next-generation conversational voice assistant that offers a human-like interaction experience.

Gemini Live allows users to have natural, flowing conversations with their phone, offering personalized responses with a touch of personality. For example, during a discussion about running routes, Gemini Live provided detailed information about different parks in Southeast London, including surface types, travel times, and expected weather conditions. While not perfect, Gemini Live is a significant leap forward compared to other AI assistants like Siri or Alexa.

Other AI-driven features include the new Screenshots app, which organizes and makes screen captures searchable. Users can ask for specific content, such as a concert ticket, and the AI will find and summarize the relevant screenshot. The Pixel Studio app allows for creative image generation and editing using text prompts, while the updated Magic Editor in Google Photos offers advanced AI-powered image editing tools, such as reframing and reimagining photos.

Camera: A Photography Powerhouse

The Pixel 9 Pro XL continues Google's tradition of delivering outstanding camera performance. The phone is equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This combination allows the Pixel 9 Pro XL to capture detailed and crisp photos in various lighting conditions, with particularly impressive low-light performance.

The camera app is user-friendly, with all essential tools and settings easily accessible. The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in high-contrast scenes, preserving details even in challenging conditions. The phone also offers a 2x zoom option on the main camera and a 10x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, with digital zoom extending up to 30x in bright light.

One of the most exciting new camera features is "Add Me," which allows the photographer to be included in group shots. This feature blends two photos taken consecutively, guiding users through the process with an augmented reality overlay. While it takes some practice to master, "Add Me" is a fun and innovative addition to the Pixel's already impressive camera suite.

Sustainability and Longevity

Google has made significant strides in sustainability with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The phone is constructed using at least 18% recycled materials, including aluminum, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Google also provides a comprehensive environmental impact report for the device and offers free recycling services for old devices.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to last, with an expected battery lifespan of over 500 full-charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is also repairable, with genuine replacement parts available from Google and third-party shops like iFixit. Screen replacements, for example, are expected to cost around £200.

Pricing and Comparison

The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), positioning it as a premium device in the market. For those looking for a more compact option, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is available with the same specifications for £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699). In comparison, the Pixel 8a costs £499, the Pixel 9 costs £799, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at £1,149, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at £1,199.

Final Verdict

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google's first true superphone, designed to rival top-tier devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. With its massive display, impressive battery life, and industry-leading camera system, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a premium experience for users who demand the best from their smartphones.

The phone's AI features, particularly Gemini Live, set it apart from the competition, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile interaction. While the price increase may be a concern for some, the Pixel 9 Pro XL still undercuts its rivals and offers seven years of software support, ensuring it remains a viable option for years to come.

Pros:

• Seven years of software updates
• Exceptional camera with 5x and 10x optical zoom
• Stunning 6.8-inch OLED display
• Long battery life
• Sustainable materials
• Advanced local and generative AI features
• One year of Gemini Live subscription included

Cons:

• Higher price compared to previous models
• Face unlock is less secure than Face ID
• Raw performance is not top-tier
• Some AI features are still a work in progress
• Temperature sensor is limited in use outside the US

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