Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review
Google’s 2025 lineup includes two Pixel 9 Pro models: a new compact size and the oversized Pixel 9 Pro XL, which kicks off at Rs. 124,999 in India. After running my SIM in the XL for a week, here’s my take on its camera, gaming chops, AI bells and whistles, and more.
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a true 6.8-inch behemoth—much larger than the 6.3-inch Pixel 9—making one-handed use a stretch. Google’s one-handed mode pulls the UI down, and the camera bar doubles as a thumb rest, but you’ll still feel safer gripping it with both hands, especially at Rs. 124,999.
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects both front and back, and after a weekend in the same pocket as an S24 Ultra, I’ve only seen one tiny front scratch. The glossy metal frame resists dents but attracts fingerprints. With full IP68 water and dust resistance, brief dips and spills are no issue.
The XL’s flat display gives you slimmer bezels and a rock-steady footing on a desk, thanks to the edge-to-edge camera bump. However, the squared-off sides can tire your hand—much like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Personally, I’m itching to swap my SIM into the regular Pixel 9 Pro for a comfier fit.
Around back, soft-touch matte glass comes in four colours; I tested the Obsidian finish, which shows smudges faster than I’d like. The full-width camera bar keeps the phone from rocking, though the sharper corners can trap dust and debris.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
₹124,999.00- Display: 6.8″ OLED (QHD+)
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4
- Memory: 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage
- OS: Android 14 …
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Features
Although it ships with Android 14, Android 15 is expected within a couple of months. Google promises seven years of OS upgrades plus security patches, so this phone will stay current for the long haul.
New and notable:
- Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for faster, more reliable unlocks—even with wet fingers
- Face unlock backup, which occasionally takes an extra beat for security
Display and Audio
The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a Super Actua OLED panel at 1344×2992 pixels (QHD+), delivering crisp, neutral-toned visuals without fiddling in settings. HDR10 streaming support makes Netflix and other services pop.
Display highlights:
- LTPO refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz
- Bright enough for outdoor use despite some glare
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front (no Armor variant)
- Energy-efficient always-on screen
Software animations feel buttery smooth, and the stereo speakers offer clear, room-filling sound—loud enough for busy environments without noticeable distortion.
Additional Tips
- Use a grippy or textured case to counter the glossy frame’s slipperiness.
- Apply an anti-glare screen protector or tweak Adaptive Brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Once Android 15 arrives, explore its new privacy controls and AI enhancements.
- Invest in a desk stand designed for edge-to-edge camera bars for rock-solid stability.
- Watch for post-launch camera updates—past Pixels have seen significant photo improvements via software patches.
Performance and Gaming
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Google’s fourth-generation Tensor G4 paired with 16GB of RAM. Thanks to G4’s efficiency boosts, the phone powers on in seconds and apps launch instantly, making day-to-day navigation feel snappy.
When it comes to gaming, Tensor G4 doesn’t match the raw frame-rate chops of some competitors. In my tests with Wuthering Waves at medium settings, gameplay was generally smooth but I noticed occasional frame-rate hitches. Crank the graphics to 60 FPS max and those dips become more pronounced, plus the chassis heats up after about an hour—enough to prompt a quick cooldown break, but never enough to trigger throttling or shutdown.
On the AI front, you get an on-device Gemini Nano model plus a year of free Gemini Advanced (including Gemini Live) and 2TB of Google One storage. Gemini Live—Google’s full-flow conversational assistant—helps you plan dinners, vacations, and more, and I found it surprisingly helpful despite my initial scepticism. After 12 months you’ll need a subscription to keep using the Advanced tier.
Pixel-exclusive productivity tools include:
- Screen Search: Ask questions about your screenshots and get instant answers without hunting through dozens of images.
- Text Extraction: Copy and paste text from any captured image.
- Pixel Studio: Generate AI-created graphics (though it can’t yet render realistic humans).
- Satellite SOS: Free emergency messaging via satellite for two years.
- Built-in Temperature Sensor: Measure body or object temperature on demand.
- Ultra-Wideband: Use your phone as a digital car key.
Overall, Android 14 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL feels mature and polished.
Battery Life
The XL model’s 5060 mAh battery is one of its standout features. Thanks to Tensor G4’s efficiency and Android’s optimizations, I consistently hit around nine hours of screen-on time—even with heavy use (streaming video, camera sessions, audio playback, and background standby). In real-world terms, you can cruise through a full weekend on a single charge if you dial back usage.
Charging speeds:
- Wired: 37 W charging takes just over an hour from 0 to 100 percent.
- Wireless: Standard Qi charging (no Qi 2 support).
Adaptive charging automatically paces overnight top-ups to preserve long-term battery health.
Cameras
The Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a familiar trio: a 50 MP main sensor with octa-PD, a 48 MP ultra-wide, and a 48 MP telephoto with 5× optical zoom. Google’s camera app remains clean and intuitive, with hidden Pro controls for full-resolution and RAW shooting if you need them.
In daylight and high contrast, the default processing nails natural tones, fine detail, and realistic textures. Fast motion in low light can blur beyond what AI sharpening can fix, but for family snapshots and portraits, it’s a standout performer.
The ultra-wide handles tricky lighting gracefully and can even focus close for macro shots. The telephoto lens reaches up to 30× with AI-driven sharpening that holds together better than most competitors—ideal for crisp shots of kids, pets, or distant subjects.
New AI editing features include:
- Add Me: Guide a second photographer to capture you in an existing group shot from the exact same angle.
- Magic Editor Auto-Frame: Recompose images after capture, with generally excellent edge detail (though it can look messy on rare occasions).
Video
You can record 4K at 30 or 60 FPS, plus an 8K option that uses cloud-based “Video Boost” processing (expect processing delays). 4K footage is impressively stable when walking and handles contrast well. Low-light clips show some noise, but Video Boost brightens and refines them if you’re patient.
Additional video tools:
- Audio Eraser: Remove unwanted background sounds like wind or chatter.
- Zoom Video (coming soon): Capture sharp, stabilized video at high telephoto zoom levels.
The 42 MP front camera is ultra-wide for group selfies and records up to 4K 60 FPS. Selfie stabilization is decent, and audio capture remains clear in all conditions.
Final Thought
After a week with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, its polished software, versatile camera system, and clever AI tools have won me over. It’s undeniably large, so I’m eager to try the regular Pixel 9 Pro for the same premium experience in a more pocket-friendly size. Between Google’s swift updates and the one-year free Gemini Advanced trial, it’s a compelling flagship—just remember that AI subscription kicks in after twelve months.
