Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Google Pixel 9: A Detailed Comparison
Google's Pixel series has always been synonymous with cutting-edge technology, clean software, and exceptional camera capabilities. Google's Pixel lineup just got bigger! With the introduction of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 9, the choice between these three models can be challenging. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which model best suits your needs.
This time around, Google makes the process of selecting one of its new Pixel phones a little trickier. Three new models were unveiled during this year's Made by Google event: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Last year's lineup officially only included the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Based only on name conventions, one may readily infer their ranking, but there's more to it than that. In addition to differing in size, design, and hardware, they also have their own share of AI features that add to the confusion. With a length of 6.4 inches and a weight of 7.8 ounces, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the largest and heaviest of the group, fitting the term "XL." You might prefer the more manageable sizes of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which are the same size and weight, unless you have a thing for larger phones.
Design and Size
The Pixel 9 Pro XL may appear to be the newest model in Google's flagship phone range, but in reality, its dimensions are comparable to those of the Pixel 8 Pro from the previous year. In fact, it is the Pixel 9 Pro that is the new model, with a similar size to the non-Pro Pixel 9, which is close in size to that of last year's Pixel 8.
There is nothing particularly fancy about the materials, such as titanium or stainless steel. An aluminium frame and a glass back panel are features shared by all three Pixel 9 versions.
There is a brand-new design for this year. The bodies of all Pixel 9 models are more blocky, with flat fronts, backs, and sides and softly curved corners. The look resembles that of Apple's iPhone 15 series.
The camera bar is no longer a "bar". Rather, the camera module is no longer attached to the frame and is now positioned at the top of the phone in the shape of a speech bubble.
All three versions share the same level of durability in terms of water and dust resistance, with an IP68 certification.
Display
The only Pixel 9 device with a varied screen size is the Pixel 9 Pro XL; the Pixel 9 Pro and standard Pixel 9 have identical screen size. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 both have 6.3" screens, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8" screen.
All three Pixel 9 models come with higher display brightness. The maximum brightness of the Pixel 9 is 2700 nits, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have 3000 nits. The 1-120Hz LTPO OLED screens are the identical in all Pro versions, save from brightness. The normal Pixel 9's display has a 60-120Hz refresh rate.
Performance and Software
All three phones are powered by the Tensor G4, which is paired with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. The only notable variations in this case are RAM and storage capacity; the Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM and is available in 128GB or 256GB. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have 16GB of RAM and come with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage.
It's important to note that the specifications for on-device AI capability have contributed to the RAM increase for all models. According to Google, a portion of the RAM has been set aside just for that use, which implies that there is less RAM accessible on the phones for applications unrelated to on-device AI.
All three devices will receive the same outstanding 7 years of significant Android OS and security updates even though Android 14 launching on all three devices. What's even more amazing is that Google is introducing all of the new Google Pixel 9 AI features, which were shown at the Made by Google Event, to all three models. These features include Add Me, Pixel Studio, Reimagine, Call Notes, the Pixel Weather app, and Pixel Screenshots.
Their feature sets are identical except for Gemini. All three devices will have access to the Gemini app, however only the Pro models will have free access to Gemini Advanced for the first year when using the Google One AI Premium Plan. This will provide 2TB of cloud storage in addition to the greatest Google AI features for the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.
So far, "Add Me" is the most prominent software feature, particularly when it comes to AI-powered functions. With the help of the Add Me feature on the Pixel 9 series, users can merge two distinct group selfies featuring various individuals into a single image. The idea is that everyone can be included in the picture, even if you are unable to locate someone to take a group photo.
Camera
Google deserves praise for equipping all three phones with identical 50MP primary and 48MP ultrawide cameras. The 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom on the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL provides the additional functionality of zooming using an optical lens.
Given that the larger phone often has the greater range telephoto shooter, it is impressive that both Pixel 9 Pro phones genuinely receive the same optical zoom range. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL can achieve up to 30x digital zoom thanks to their 5x optical zoom cameras, whereas the Pixel 9 can only achieve up to 8x.
Even though the front-facing cameras on all three Pixels now have autofocus, the Pro models have a better 42MP camera with a wider 103-degree field of view. A 10.5MP camera with a little reduced 95-degree field of view is included in the Pixel 9. Pro Controls are exclusive to the Pro models and are for individuals who desire more precise control over their photo-taking techniques.
They also differ in the way they record videos, with the Pro phones offering a more advanced 8K video recording option. In the meantime, the Pixel 9 reduces the quality to a still-respectable 24/30/60 FPS 4K video recording. Simultaneously, the Pro devices offer an array of additional video functions, including Night Sight Video, Video Boost, and Super Res Zoom Video.
Battery Life
Google used a 4,700mAh battery in its entry-level Pixel 9 smartphone. This indicates that the Pixel 9's battery has a capacity of 125mAh more than the Pixel 8's, which is 4,575mAh. Even while the gain is encouraging, in practice you probably won't notice much of a difference. Google is still playing it safe when it comes to charging, offering a 27W speed that will bring you up to 55% full in 30 minutes.The Pixel 9 Pro comes next, which is actually a little bit of a downgrade. The Pro's battery is now 4,700mAh instead of 5,050mAh like the standard model had. The Pro's same proportions to the vanilla version are probably the cause of this. Additionally, the gadget features a 27W charging speed.
Conversely, the design of the 9 Pro XL is more akin to that of the 8 Pro from the previous year. As a result, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, this larger phone has a slightly larger 5,060mAh battery. With a 37W charging rate, this Pixel might be the one you've been waiting for if you desire speedier charging. Google claims that 70% of the juice in your battery should return in 30 minutes.
Their charging speeds also differ by a wide gap, with the 9 Pro XL gaining the fastest speed with 37W wired charging — while the other two top out at 27W. Wireless charging speeds also vary between the three: 15W, 21W, and 23W speeds for the 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL. However, those are assuming you’re going to be using the 2nd Gen Pixel Stand. If not, you’re looking at slower 12W wireless speeds using Qi wireless chargers.
Also returning is Battery Share, which allows you to use the phone’s battery to charge up other devices, such as the newly announced Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Although neither of these phones comes with a charger, Google is also releasing a 45W charger that is available for separate purchase for $29.99. Every market where the Pixel is offered will be able to purchase this charger. It's interesting to note that the Pixel 9 series has the fastest charging speed at 37W.
Colors
There are several Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro colors to choose from, with the ones that come with the regular Pixel being more saturated. The Pro versions come in colours Obsidian (Black), Porcelain (White) , Hazel and Rose Quartz (light Pink) whereas the Pixel 9 will be losing Rose and is is available in Obsidian, porcelain, Wintergreen (Light Green) and Peony (Reddish Pink).
Price
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are all available for pre-order starting at $799, $999, and $1099. Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be on shelves at the Google Store and the retail partners on August 22. Pixel 9 Pro will be on shelves on September 4 in the U.S., along with Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with other markets on-shelf in the following weeks.
The good news is that there doesn't appear to be a significant difference between the three Pixel 9 models. Similar to prior years, purchasers who choose the standard Pixel 9 will still receive the majority of the features.
We are pleased to notice that Google did not purposefully improve the Pixel 9 Pro XL's specifications in addition to those pertaining to size. This means that aside from their differences in size, display, and battery capacity, you won't need to select between the two.
The choice between the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL depends largely on your priorities. The Pixel 9 is a great choice for those who want a compact, budget-friendly device with solid performance. The Pixel 9 Pro is ideal for users who need more power and advanced camera capabilities, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the ultimate option for those who want the best in every category, including display, camera, and battery life.
Check out new Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL cases.
