After spending a week with the Pixel 9 Pro and XL, we’ve got our verdict. Google‘s latest smartphones offer a plethora of improvements over their predecessors, but they’re not without their flaws. Here’s what we found out.
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro and XL boast a new design that’s both sleek and stylish. The phones feature a glass back, which gives them a premium feel, and the new ‘Oh So Orange’ color option is a welcome addition to the usual black and white. However, the phones’ dimensions haven’t changed much from the Pixel 8 series, which might be a letdown for those expecting a more significant overhaul.
Display
The Pixel 9 Pro and XL have some of the best displays on the market. The 6.7-inch OLED screen on the XL is particularly impressive, offering vibrant colors and excellent brightness. However, the smaller 5.7-inch screen on the Pro might be too small for some users.
Performance
Both phones are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides lightning-fast performance. The phones also come with up to 12GB of RAM, making multitasking a breeze. However, the lack of a headphone jack might be a disappointment for some.
Camera
The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro and XL is arguably the best on the market. The dual 12.2MP + 16MP setup offers exceptional image quality, and the new ‘Super Res Zoom’ feature allows for higher-quality digital zoom. However, the lack of a telephoto lens might limit the camera’s capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life on the Pixel 9 Pro and XL is decent, with the XL offering slightly better performance. However, the lack of a battery-saving mode might be a concern for heavy users.
Software
The Pixel 9 Pro and XL run on Android 11 out of the box, offering a clean and intuitive user experience. The phones also come with a new ‘Now Playing’ feature that identifies songs playing around you, and a ‘Live Caption’ feature that provides real-time captions for videos.
Conclusion
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro and XL are excellent smartphones that offer a lot of value for their price. While they might not be perfect, they’re definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new Android device.