Year after year, Google has been steadily enhancing its Pixel phones, and in 2024, the company has achieved a remarkable milestone with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This latest flagship model represents the pinnacle of Google's smartphone technology, offering a premium experience that stands tall among the best devices on the market. Priced at Rs 1,24,999, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is indeed a significant investment, but it delivers an exceptional feature set and hardware that justifies the cost.
Google recently launched the Pixel 9 Pro XL in India, accompanied by the Pixel 9, and announced improvements to its service center network and an expanded distribution plan, including more offline retail locations. At India Today Tech, we've conducted thorough reviews of both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9, finding both devices to be impressive. Although these phones come with a hefty price tag, they offer a top-notch array of features and hardware—particularly in terms of cameras and display—that make them worth considering.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL showcases significant advancements in build quality and design. The phone features a smooth, mirror-like finish on its metal frame, reminiscent of older iPhone Pro models, which gives it a premium, jewel-like appearance. The glass back of the device has a soft, luxurious texture, enhancing its overall feel. The bezels on the front are now even for the first time in a Pixel phone, marking a notable improvement in design. However, the smooth finish can make the phone quite slippery, so using a case is recommended to prevent accidental drops.
With its substantial 6.8-inch screen and a weight of approximately 220 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a sizable device. While it feels comfortable to use, those with smaller hands may find the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 to be more manageable. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, adding an extra layer of durability and peace of mind for users.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its display. The screen is exceptionally bright and color-calibrated, earning top marks from DxOMark, which rated it as the best phone display they've tested. The display's high brightness levels ensure that it remains usable even under direct sunlight, and it excels in rendering HDR content with stunning clarity and vibrancy.
While the display quality is impressive, the phone's speakers are somewhat less remarkable. Although they are adequate for everyday use, they do not match the performance of speakers found in other high-end phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's audio output could be considered underwhelming given its premium price.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL includes an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature, both of which perform swiftly and accurately. During use, the phone maintained strong network connectivity, achieving impressive WiFi speeds ranging from 200 to 350 Mbps, which is among the best results seen on smartphones connected to a home network.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features Google's new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the base model. While its benchmark scores are competitive but not groundbreaking, the phone delivers a smooth and responsive user experience. It handles intensive tasks, including gaming, without significant heat buildup, offering a fluid and enjoyable performance.
A notable aspect of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its integration of Google's AI technology, powered by Google Gemini. This AI is embedded throughout the phone's software, enhancing features such as photo editing, keyboard assistance, and live voice interactions. Although the AI integration is extensive, it can feel somewhat chaotic due to its presence in numerous aspects of the software. The effectiveness of the AI features may vary depending on individual use cases.
The camera system in the Pixel 9 Pro XL is particularly impressive. It features a new 50-megapixel main sensor and improved image processing and HDR capabilities, resulting in stunningly detailed and vibrant photos across various lighting conditions. While the camera system excels in still photography, its video recording capabilities are somewhat less impressive. Despite improvements and Google's Video Boost feature, which upscales 4K videos to 8K, the iPhone Pro remains superior for video recording.
Battery life on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is commendable, with the phone easily lasting a full day and even extending to two days for users who are more frugal with their usage. However, the charging speed is relatively slow at 37W, taking about 80 to 90 minutes to achieve a full charge. The phone does not include a charger in the box, but any USB-C charger can be used with the included cable.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a significant achievement for Google, placing it among the elite in the premium smartphone market. It competes closely with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with each device excelling in different areas. While the iPhone may have an edge in some respects, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a compelling Android experience with a distinctive feature set and software design. For those seeking the best of Android in a premium package, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a highly recommended choice.
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