Our Honest Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Pros, Cons, Price

A huge change was announced at the Made by Google Showcase in August 2024. The 9th Pixel phone series would be the first to feature two premium models: the standard Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Just like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max!

The regular Pixel 9 Pro shares many of the same properties as the base device. What makes the XL different is its significantly larger screen and higher battery capacity.

Google also says that the Android phone sets “a new performance standard.” This is mainly thanks to its inclusion of the Tensor G4 chipset, which supports even more advanced AI features. All on a 6.8-inch display!

But does it truly rival the iPhone Pro Max? In this article, we discuss everything you should know about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, including our honest thoughts.

What Are the Pros of the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Google’s focus on AI as a ‘foundational and transformational technology’ is clear on the Pixel 9 series, and one of the 9 Pro XL’s biggest benefits. Here’s why:

Even More AI Features

Google’s AI features didn’t quite feel finished on the Pixel 8 Pro. The Gemini Assistant was pretty limited, for instance. 

But on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, this built-in personal AI assistant uses a multimodal model for communication through everything from text and images to voice. Google has also now launched Gemini Live to extend this feature and help conversations flow more naturally.

Other new AI features include:

• Add Me: Makes taking group shots easy by adding the photographer in afterwards.

• Pixel Studio: A fun tool that supports on-device image editing, from style changes to personal stickers.

• Pixel Screenshots: Saves and organizes important information from screenshots you’ve taken.

• Call Notes: Creates a private summary of your conversation after a phone call.

• Pixel Weather: Offers even more accurate forecasts using AI.

And the best part – you’ll receive a free year of Gemini advanced with the Pro models, including access to Gemini Live. Plus seven years of free OS and security updates!

New Design

A polished metal frame and matt glass exterior give the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL an even more premium feel. A neutral shade selection adds to this, including:

• Obsidian 

• Porcelain

• Rose Quartz

• Hazel

The Pixel Pro’s traditional curves have also been replaced with flatter sides, along with a tough back panel made from Corning’s famously strong Gorilla Glass Victus 2 material. An IP68 water and dust resistance rating shields it from the elements.

Google swaps its iconic square bump for a dual-finish camera bar on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is now more of an island. This provides a place to rest your fingers and makes carrying the large phone much easier!

Brighter Display

The 9 Pro XL has the same dimensions as the Pixel 9 Pro, but with a bigger 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display – great for gamers and avid doomscrollers who prefer a larger screen! This comes courtesy of slimmer bezels.

A 3000-nit peak brightness also set a new record for Google Pixel phones (which has since been broken by the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s 3300 nits!).

Upgraded Phone Cameras 

The Pixel Pro 9 XL seems to have the same camera setup as the Pixel 8 Pro:

• 50 MP main 

• 48 MP telephoto with 5x zoom

• 48 MP ultrawide

However, the ultrawide sensor’s smaller 123-degree field of view captures more light. The main sensor also handles low-light shots much better!

But the biggest upgrade? A 42 MP front selfie camera, increased from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 10.5 megapixels.

This hardware is supported by AI camera features, such as 30x Super Res Zoom (although the 10 Pro XL features Pro Res Zoom up to 100x). The Video Boost feature lets you create higher-quality videos (up to 8K!) without needing a professional editor.  Zoom Enhance, launched a year after its initial announcement, also makes zoomed-in photos much clearer on the smartphone’s Camera app. 

Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL Have Any Drawbacks?

Poor processor and battery performance are two of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s biggest drawbacks.

Google’s prioritization of AI and software is reflected in this Pixel phone, most notably with the Tensor G4. 

The Tensor chip does support 20% faster web browsing and launches apps 17% more efficiently than the Tensor G3. It also offers higher speeds across most of its eight cores.

But this chipset doesn’t rival the Samsung Galaxy S25's Snapdragon 8 Elite in terms of performance. In fact, it consistently scores lower on Android benchmark tests!

Another point of contention is the lowest base model storage option, which is just 128 GB. Not much to hold the Pixel 9 Pro's new AI features or your photos!

Pixel 9 Pro XL users can enjoy an improved battery life versus the Pixel 8 Pro, thanks to its 5060 mAh battery. However, it can only reach top 23 W wireless charging speeds with Google’s own second-generation Pixel stand. This is a pretty expensive purchase, especially after already investing in the 9 Pro XL (more on pricing in the next section).

Sadly, the phone supports just 12 W speeds from any other wireless charging mat. It’s also restricted to the original Qi charging standard. You’ll have to upgrade to the Pixel 10 Pro XL for the latest Qi2.2 speeds!

How Much does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Cost?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL starts from $1,099 for the base 128 GB storage option – a $100 price hike from the Pixel 8 Pro. This pricing strategy distinguishes it from the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, which kept its predecessor’s $999 retail price. 

Choose a higher storage model and you’ll pay:

• 256 GB: $1,199

• 512 GB: $1,319

• 1 TB:  $1,549

Today, you can buy the Pixel 9 Pro XL at a lower price on Amazon. There are also pre-owned devices available for under $500 in 2026!

Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL Worth It?

Overall, we'd say the Pixel 9 Pro XL is worth the $100 price rise. It’s undoubtedly the best Google phone yet, with a 3000-nit display and AI software updates. And the 42 MP selfie lens! We love the unique redesign and durability, too.

This was the case, until the 10 Pro XL launched. The 2025 Pixel series features hidden upgrades rather than a complete design overhaul, including Google’s first in-house Tensor G5 chip and even more on-device AI features. It’s also the first Android (including Google and Samsung) compatible with Qi 2.2, the latest wireless charging standard.

At $1,199, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a $200 higher starting price. However, there isn’t a 128 GB model. It instead jumps straight to 256 GB.

If you’re considering the cheaper Pixel 9 Pro XL, note that the Tensor G4’s slower CPU and GPU make it a poor choice for heavy gamers. However, for the average person looking to use their phone day to day, it still works smoothly.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is pretty much the same as its smaller 9 Pro sibling, with the exception of screen size and battery life. So, if you want a slightly more premium, larger phone, go for the XL. For a smaller option, featuring the same high-end hardware, the 6.3-inch model is a better choice.