Google Pixel 9 Pro Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£395.25

Versus £917.17 new

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at

Refurbished price:£383.00

Versus £1,093.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 9 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, both released in August 2024, represent Google's flagship smartphone offerings, running on the Android operating system. While sharing a core set of advanced features and the same powerful internal components, their primary differentiators lie in physical size, display dimensions, and battery capacity, catering to different user preferences for device ergonomics and screen real estate.

Scores

Durability

Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL were launched in August 2024, ensuring they benefit from the latest software and security updates for an extended period.

  • Software Longevity: Google commits to seven years of software and security updates for both models, meaning they are expected to receive support until Android 22. This extended support duration provides a long practical lifespan for users.
  • Build Quality: Both devices feature an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, contributing to their overall durability. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores are not detailed, the robust build materials and IP rating suggest a design focused on everyday resilience. Users seeking to extend the life of their device beyond its initial purchase can consider quality-assured refurbished options, which offer a sustainable choice.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are equipped with identical internal hardware, ensuring a consistent performance experience across both models.

  • Processing Power: Both phones are powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. This processor, combined with a dedicated Titan M2 security coprocessor, provides a responsive user experience, particularly with AI-driven features.
  • Memory and Storage: Each device comes with 16GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking and smooth transitions between applications. Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB, allowing users to choose a capacity that suits their needs for apps, photos, and videos.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 Pro features a 4,700 mAh battery, while the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL includes a 5,060 mAh battery. The Pixel 9 Pro XL generally offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity, with some users reporting it can last a full day of heavy use. Both support fast wired charging, with the Pixel 9 Pro supporting up to 27W and the Pixel 9 Pro XL up to 37W.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a key differentiator between these two Pixel models, primarily due to their physical dimensions, though both offer high-quality visual output.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature vibrant LTPO OLED displays with an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and efficient power consumption. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, offering a more compact viewing area, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a larger 6.8-inch screen, providing expansive visual real estate.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 9 Pro features a resolution of 2856 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 495 ppi. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels, with a pixel density of 486 ppi. While the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly higher pixel density, both displays deliver sharp and clear visuals for everyday use.
  • Brightness and Durability: Both models achieve a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and include an Adaptive Touch feature that adjusts sensitivity for various conditions, such as wet fingers or screen protectors.

Resolution

1280 x 2856

1344 x 2992

Screen type

LTPO OLED

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share an identical and advanced triple-rear camera system, offering a comprehensive photography and videography experience.

  • Rear Camera System: The main camera on both devices is a 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), designed for capturing detailed and vibrant everyday photos. They also include a 48MP ultrawide camera with macro focus capabilities and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom, also with OIS.
  • Front Camera and Video Capabilities: For selfies and video calls, both models feature a 42MP front-facing camera with autofocus and a wide 103-degree field of view, suitable for group shots. Video recording is supported up to 4K at 60 frames per second across all cameras. Additionally, they offer 8K video recording at 30 frames per second through a cloud-based Video Boost feature, which enhances video quality.
  • AI Photography Features: The camera systems are heavily integrated with Google's AI, including features like Night Sight Video, Super Res Zoom Video, Audio Magic Eraser, and Pro Controls, which allow for manual adjustments. New features like 'Add Me' and 'Reimagine' further enhance creative possibilities.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

42 megapixels

42 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, both Pixel 9 Pro models offer a range of practical features that enhance daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support advanced connectivity standards, including 5G (sub-6 and mmWave), Wi-Fi 7/6E/6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. They support both physical Nano-SIM cards and eSIM for flexible network options. As is common with modern smartphones, a USB-C port is present for charging and data transfer, with no dedicated headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: For secure access, both phones incorporate an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded under the display and a secure face unlock system. They also include a suite of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL notably includes a temperature sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 9 Pro measures 152.8 mm in height, 72 mm in width, and 8.5 mm in depth, weighing 199 grams. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger at 162.8 mm in height, 76.6 mm in width, and 8.5 mm in depth, with a weight of 221 grams. Both feature a refined design with an aluminum frame and a matte glass back, providing a comfortable grip.

Weight

199 g

221 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Google Pixel 9 Pro series generally highlights the exceptional camera capabilities and the smooth software experience as significant strengths. Many users appreciate the long-term software support, which extends the usable life of the devices. The integration of Gemini AI features is also a common point of praise, enhancing various aspects of phone interaction.

However, some users have noted that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can feel heavy, which might impact one-handed use for some. The Tensor G4 processor, while capable for AI tasks, has received mixed reactions regarding its efficiency under sustained heavy loads. Additionally, the cloud-based nature of features like Video Boost means processing can take time, which might not suit all workflows.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with flagship features will find the Google Pixel 9 Pro well-suited to their needs, offering a powerful camera system and a vibrant display in a smaller form factor. Conversely, those who value a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity, along with a larger battery capacity for extended use, may lean towards the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both models represent a strong choice for individuals seeking a robust Android experience with a focus on photography and intelligent software. For those considering these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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