Google has made an unexpected move in its latest Pixel lineup by introducing not one, but two Pro models: the compact Pixel 9 Pro with a 6.3-inch display and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, featuring a 6.8-inch screen. This dual flagship approach offers something for everyone, whether they prefer a more manageable phone or a larger, immersive display. Both models are packed with cutting-edge technology and are set to make a significant impact in the premium smartphone market.
Design and Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The new Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature Google’s latest Super Actua LTPO OLED displays, which can reach a remarkable peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This makes them some of the brightest screens on the market, ensuring clarity even in direct sunlight. Both models sport a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, delivering smooth visuals whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing graphics-intensive games. The displays are protected by flat Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing durability against everyday wear and tear.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s display offers a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels, while the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL steps up to 1344 x 2992 pixels. These resolutions, combined with the vibrant OLED technology, make for crisp, sharp images and videos, perfect for content creators and media enthusiasts.
Performance and Software: Power Meets Intelligence
Under the hood, both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with the Titan M2 security co-processor. This combination ensures top-notch performance and security. The Tensor G4 is built on a 4nm process and includes a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.1GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 1.92GHz. With up to 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1TB, these devices are designed to handle anything you throw at them, from multitasking to gaming.
Both phones run on Android 14 and come with a promise of seven major OS updates, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for years to come. Google has also packed in new AI-driven features, including the innovative “Add Me” function in the camera app, allowing users to digitally insert themselves into group photos. The Magic Editor, another standout feature, lets users completely reimagine their photos, such as transforming a road into a river, offering unprecedented creative control.
Camera System: Photography Redefined
Google has always been known for its exceptional camera technology, and the Pixel 9 Pro series is no exception. Both models are equipped with a 50MP main wide-angle camera featuring a 1/1.31″ sensor, ensuring stunning photo quality. They are also fitted with two 48MP cameras: one for ultrawide shots and another for 5x telephoto zoom, the latter being exclusive to the Pro models. These cameras are enhanced with Multi-zone Laser Assisted Focus (LDAF) technology, which provides quicker and more accurate focusing, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
The front-facing camera has seen a major upgrade as well, with both Pro models now featuring a 42MP selfie camera, likely utilizing Samsung’s 3J1 sensor. This improvement ensures that your selfies are not only high-resolution but also rich in detail, even in low light.
Battery and Charging: Long-lasting Power
Battery life is a critical aspect for any smartphone user, and Google has addressed this with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 4,700 mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a larger 5,060 mAh battery. Both devices support 45W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% battery capacity in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported, although it’s slightly slower at 21W.
Pricing and Availability: Premium Devices at Competitive Prices
Both models are available in four elegant color options: Obsidian, Hazel, Rose Quartz, and Porcelain. The Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $999, making it a competitive option in the flagship market. The larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its enhanced features and bigger battery, is available for $1,099.
Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Detailed Specifications
Feature | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
CPU | Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 | Mali-G715 MC7 |
OS | Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades | Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
Display | 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 1280 x 2856 pixels, 120Hz, 3000 nits | 6.8″ LTPO OLED, 1344 x 2992 pixels, 120Hz, 3000 nits |
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
Main Camera | 50 MP (wide), 48 MP (telephoto), 48 MP (ultrawide) | 50 MP (wide), 48 MP (telephoto), 48 MP (ultrawide) |
Front Camera | 42 MP | 42 MP |
Battery | 4,700 mAh, 45W wired charging, 21W wireless charging | 5,060 mAh, 45W wired charging, 21W wireless charging |
Price | $999 | $1,099 |
With the introduction of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google is offering users a choice between two premium devices, each designed to deliver a high-performance experience. Whether you prefer the more compact form factor of the Pixel 9 Pro or the expansive display and battery of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, these devices promise to set new standards in the flagship smartphone market.