Reviews
THE GOOGLE PIXEL 9 PRO AND 9 PRO XL ARE THE BEST PIXEL PHONES YET
By Max Buondonno, CNN Underscored
Published 1:15 PM EDT, Fri August 23, 2024
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What’s in this review
- What I liked about them
- What I didn’t like about them
- Bottom line
As I type this review, I have the Pixel 9 Pro XL sitting next to my keyboard, and all I want to do is keep picking it up and playing around with it.
This phone, Google’s highest-end flagship for 2024, is the most beautiful Pixel phone to date. It’s also the fastest, with the best screen, the best cameras, and the most interesting AI features yet, thanks to Gemini. Compared to other flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out as one of the best smartphones you can buy. Period.
It has its shortcomings, and it’s disappointing that the price went up this year for the same size phone. Still, this is genuinely the first time in ages that I’ve considered ditching my iPhone and switching to the Pixel full-time. It’s just that good.
Let’s talk about it, shall we?
With its upgraded design, stellar cameras, and compelling AI upgrades, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers and is one of Google’s best smartphones to date.
From $999 at Best Buy
From $999 at Amazon
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has one of the most beautiful screens on any smartphone. Coupled with great cameras, a gorgeous design, and fun AI features, it’s Google’s best flagship yet.
From $1,099 at Best Buy
From $1,099 at Amazon
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THEM
THE BEST PIXEL DESIGN TO DATE, NOW IN TWO SIZES
There’s no doubt about it: Google nailed the design of the Pixel 9 Pro series. Both the smaller and larger versions have flat edges similar to the iPhone and recent Galaxy devices, as well as flat displays. The side aluminum rails have a polished finish for extra sheen, while the back glass offers a matte finish to reduce fingerprints. This device looks striking no matter how you hold it.
I received the Porcelain version of the 9 Pro XL and the Hazel version of the 9 Pro. They aren’t as exciting as the Wintergreen or Peony colors, but they are sharp nonetheless. Google has even included an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, so you won’t have to worry about scratching or cracking your screen, thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back.
I love the fact that Google decided to ship the Pixel 9 Pro series in two different sizes. For fans of smaller phones, there’s a 6.3-inch model, while those who need the most screen possible can choose the 6.8-inch version. I’ve mainly used the 9 Pro XL, and the extra size is definitely more convenient for getting work done, but the smaller variant is equally nice since you can easily use it with one hand.
While it’s evident that this year’s Pixels are more similar to the competition than ever, they’re still Pixels at heart. That’s clear from the huge camera bump on the back, centered on the upper part of the devices. I’m a fan of this look, although it still tends to collect a lot of lint.
Flip it around, and you’ll find two gorgeous Super Actua displays. Google uses AMOLED panels with sharp resolutions, making everything look crystal-clear, colorful, and vibrant. For the first time ever on a Pixel phone (and a rarity among smartphones), both models come with 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making them incredibly bright even in direct sunlight. I’ve had no trouble viewing either of these screens in sunny conditions, surpassing even the best displays from Apple and Samsung.
INCREDIBLE CAMERAS WITH USEFUL TRICKS
If you were wondering if these are the best Pixel cameras to date, I’m happy to report that they are and will give Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro some stiff competition when it hits the market.
Google includes the same 50-megapixel camera as found in the Pixel 8, along with a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto lens that provides an impressive 5x optical zoom. This year, there’s an updated 48-megapixel ultrawide camera that maintains a narrower lens but captures stunning landscapes.
There isn’t a lighting situation in which the Pixel fails to impress. Google has perfected post-processing features such as Night Sight and astrophotography, making these some of the best low-light cameras available. The hardware versatility and pro controls in the camera app give you plenty of flexibility for capturing your desired shots.
The video quality is fantastic. For an Android phone, I’ve never seen 4K clips look this good. They’re virtually on par with the iPhone, a claim I’ve never been able to make before. This holds true for all three cameras.
When compared to phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro keeps pace and often surpasses them in terms of quality. You may get more natural-looking photos with the iPhone and significantly better zoom with Samsung, but the Pixel offers a well-rounded experience you can rely on for capturing everyday moments.
If you prefer to remember moments differently than you experienced them, Google enables this with AI. On the Pixel 9 Pro, you can use Magic Editor to reimagine backgrounds in your gallery photos or reframe images so your subject is properly centered. These features can be fun to play with if taken lightly.
A particularly intriguing camera update this year is Add Me. Capture a photo of your group, and then have one of your friends take a picture of you in the same frame; the two images will merge so that everyone is included. This feature works surprisingly well, ensuring visual cohesion from a distance.
While it can sometimes feel gimmicky, Add Me can be especially useful when you want to ensure everyone is present in a special group shot.
THE AI STUFF IS REALLY COOL
AI is not limited to the camera. The major narrative surrounding the Pixel 9 series is artificial intelligence, with Google integrating its Gemini chatbot across every version and entirely replacing the Google Assistant. While it may not be the sole reason to purchase a Pixel phone, it’s definitely progressing toward that goal.
Gemini Live is a prime example. With the Pixel 9 Pro, you can converse with Gemini like you would with the Google Assistant, but it feels much more like a human interaction. You can ask follow-up questions, interrupt conversations and more. The experience feels akin to speaking with a futuristic supercomputer, albeit simplified to run on your phone.
In order to access Gemini Live, a subscription to the Google One AI Premium plan is necessary, costing $20 per month. However, the plan also includes 2TB of cloud storage with Google Drive and Gemini access in apps like Gmail and Docs. The best part? If you purchase a Pixel 9 Pro series phone, you get a year of it free, resulting in a $240 savings.
Gemini Live isn’t the primary experience; you need to initiate a live conversation to use it. This is probably a good decision, as it keeps the standard experience clean and user-friendly. Hold down the power button and talk to Gemini like you would the Assistant, and you’ll have a familiar experience with the added benefit of more contextual responses and capabilities like generating images.
Note that Gemini can understand the content displayed on your screen, providing insights about movies or YouTube videos you’re watching. It also features a neat UI that overlays the content you’re referencing.
GREAT PERFORMANCE AND SOFTWARE SUPPORT
The Pixel 9 Pro series features Google’s Tensor G4 processor. It is roughly 10% faster than last year’s G3 model and performs admirably against the latest iPhones and Galaxies. Although it doesn’t quite match the competition in benchmark comparisons, it remains plenty fast for everyday usage.
Multitasking is seamless across these devices, thanks to the 16GB of RAM, an impressive amount for smartphones. Everything runs smoothly on the Pixel 9 Pro without any slowdowns.
As usual, Google excels on the software front. The experience is top-notch, complete with a clean UI and an array of smart features like Now Playing and Call Screening. The Pixel 9 Pro currently ships with Android 14 and will soon be updated to Android 15. Moreover, Google promises seven years of software updates for its entire lineup, allowing you to enjoy the latest features for years to come.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THEM
BATTERY LIFE COULD BE BETTER
I was somewhat disappointed with the battery performance of the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. While they aren’t necessarily bad, both are firmly one-day phones when I was hoping for longer-lasting usage.
The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery, while the 9 Pro XL boasts a 5,060mAh cell. Both perform adequately for a day’s worth of usage, generally leaving 10% to 20% charge at day’s end. However, other brands such as the S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 manage to stretch into day two on a single charge, so it’s disappointing that Google couldn’t achieve the same with its lineup.
Fortunately, Google compensates with 45W charging support for the first time on a Pixel phone. However, you’ll need to purchase a compatible adapter separately, like Google’s own, which is priced at $30. Without it, you’re limited to 15W wireless charging, using standard Qi and not the newer Qi2 technology.
THE PRICE HIKE IS NO FUN
The Pixel 9 Pro is technically more expensive this time. The previous generation’s $1,000 price tag for the larger Pixel phone has now been replaced by the standard 9 Pro with the Pro XL starting at $1,100. Even the base Pixel 9 now starts at $799 instead of $699.
Whether these new prices are justified or not, it’s disappointing to pay more for a phone that used to cost less. If saving money is a priority for you, consider last year’s models.
ONLY 128GB? REALLY?
In 2024, where advanced AI technology, self-driving cars, and reusable rockets exist, the Pixel 9 Pro series still starts at 128GB of storage.
For some users, this may suffice. However, as other brands (including Apple) shift to 256GB for their base configurations, Google’s insistence on 128GB feels dated.
Many users will need to spend an additional $100 to upgrade to the 256GB variant.
BOTTOM LINE
The Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are the best Pixel phones yet, and I have no hesitations recommending them to anyone in search of a high-end Android device. Their drawbacks are far outweighed by the overall experience, and the promise of seven years of software updates ensures they will remain relevant for years to come.
