The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL claims to be the best smartphone for photography with its triple camera module and x10 zoom. It also touts itself as the top AI smartphone, featuring Gemini Live. I tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL and here’s my review.

Design & Display

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL looks a lot like an iPhone, but in a good way. The finish is very clean and the grip very pleasant. The 120 Hz Oled screen is bright and colorimetrically calibrated.

Pros:

  • Excellent finish.
  • IP68 certified, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on screen and back.
  • Pleasant grip.
  • Bright screen.
  • Photo module doesn't make the smartphone wobbly when set down.

Cons:

  • Massive form factor, not appreciated by all.
  • Selfie camera takes up too much screen space.
  • The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and rear. The frame is metal, with straight edges and rounded corners. The smartphone is IP68-certified for water and dust resistance. It weighs 221 g.
    In short, the smartphone is resolutely premium. Visually, I find it very similar to the . Its main distinguishing feature is its large, dragonfly-shaped photo module. The latter has the merit of not making the smartphone wobbly when laid flat. I really like the matte glass back. The smooth metal edges are very soft. The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels great in the hand, despite its weight and imposing format.

    The screen of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a 6.8-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1344 × 2992 pixels. The screen is flat and has a variable refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hz (LTPO). Maximum brightness is 3000 nits at peak and 2800 nits in HBM (high brightness) mode.
    I found the Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen to be very bright, with no visibility issues during my photo test in full sunlight. However, I still find the benefit of a variable refresh rate limited in terms of fluidity, as it typically remains at 30 FPS anyway. The colors were well-saturated without being overdone in the 'adaptive' color mode. On the downside, the selfie camera punch-hole is, in my opinion, too large and intrusive.


    Interface & OS

    Google is launching its Pixel 9 Pro XL, not with the new version of Android, but with Android 14. The smartphone will receive seven years of updates. And it also inaugurates a number of AI features as well as Gemini Live, its conversational chatbot.