Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL Review: Premium Pixels with AI Power

Milesh Kumar

Publish on: 20 August, 2025

Launched on August 22, 2024, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL ~($999 and $1,099) are Google’s flagship offerings, powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, 16GB RAM, and a triple 50MP+48MP+48MP camera system. With the Google Pixel 10 series debuting today, August 20, 2025, these models remain premium choices with 7 years of Android updates (to 2031) and advanced AI.

Design & Build

Both phones feature a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 body, IP68 water resistance (1.5 m, 30 min), and a flat, iPhone-like design with a pill-shaped camera module. The Pixel 9 Pro (6.3”, 199 g) suits smaller hands, while the Pro XL (6.8”, 221 g) feels hefty, with X posts noting wrist strain. The polished aluminum frame and matte back resist fingerprints. Colors include Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.

IP68 Rating: Dust- and water-resistant.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner: 50% faster than Pixel 8 Pro.
Face Unlock: Secure but struggles in low light.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL Display

The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3” LTPO OLED (1280×2856, 495 PPI, 120 Hz, 3000 nits), while the Pro XL offers a 6.8” LTPO OLED (1344×2992, 486 PPI, 120 Hz, 3000 nits). Both support HDR10+, with vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. GSMArena calls them among the brightest displays tested.

3000 Nits: Excellent in sunlight.
120 Hz LTPO: Battery-efficient refresh rate.
Gorilla Glass Victus 2: Durable.

Performance & Software

The Tensor G4 (4 nm, deca-core) with 16 GB RAM handles gaming and AI tasks smoothly, though benchmarks lag behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Android 15 (upgraded from Android 14) offers Gemini Live, Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Video Boost (Pro-exclusive). X posts praise software but notes occasional heating.

Tensor G4: Optimized for AI.
7-Year Updates: To 2031.
16GB RAM: Multitasking prowess.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL Camera

The Google Pixel 9 Pro specs and Pro XL specs include a 50MP main (f/1.7, OIS), 48MP ultrawide (f/1.7), 48MP 5x telephoto (f/2.8), and 42MP selfie (f/2.2). AI tools like Add Me, Magic Editor, and Super Res Zoom (30x) deliver stunning photos, rivaling the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 8K video and Video Boost enhance quality, but lens transitions are jerky.

50MP Main: Vibrant, accurate colors.
42MP Selfie: Sharp low-light shots.
Video Boost: Cloud-enhanced 4K/8K.

Battery & Charging

The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4700 mAh battery (~24 hours), while the Pro XL’s 5060 mAh lasts ~2 days. The Pro XL supports 37W wired (0-70% in 30 min with 45W charger) and 23W wireless (Pixel Stand); the 9 Pro gets 21W wireless. No charger included, drawing X criticism.

5060mAh (XL): Long-lasting.
37W Wired (XL): Faster than 9 Pro.
Qi Wireless: No Qi2 support.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL Pricing Table by Storage Variants

Model	Storage	US Price (USD)	India Price (INR)
Google Pixel 9 Pro	128GB	$999	₹84,999 (~$1,012)
Google Pixel 9 Pro	256GB	$1,099	₹94,999 (~$1,131)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL	128GB	$1,099	₹94,999 (~$1,131)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL	256GB	$1,199	₹1,04,999 (~$1,250)

Check Price: Amazon

Pros & Cons

Google Pixel 9 Pro Pros:

6.3” LTPO OLED with 3000 nits, HDR10+.
50MP triple camera with AI excellence.
7-year updates to 2031.
Compact design at 199 g, IP68.
16GB RAM for smooth AI tasks.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Cons:

Smaller 4700 mAh battery vs. Pro XL.
Slower 21W wireless charging.
Minor heating during heavy use.
No charger included.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Pros:

6.8” LTPO OLED with 3000 nits.
5060mAh battery for ~2 days.
37W wired charging, faster than 9 Pro.
IP68 and premium build.
Same 50MP camera as the 9 Pro.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Cons:

Heavier at 221 g, wrist strain.
No charger included.
Oversaturated display colors.
Jerky zoom transitions.

Read Also: 
1. Top 5G Gaming Phones Under $800 for 2025
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The Foldable Phone That’s Stealing 2025

Verdict

The Google Pixel 9 Pro ($999) and Pro XL ($1,099) excel with Google Pixel 9 Pro specs and Pro XL specs—Tensor G4, triple cameras, and AI—making them top Android phones, per PCMag’s Editors’ Choice. The 9 Pro suits compact preferences, while the Pro XL offers a larger screen and battery. Drawbacks include slower charging and minor AI inconsistencies. Available at the Google Store, Amazon, or Verizon, they’re premium picks before the Pixel 10 series arrives.

Closing Question: Will you choose the Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL, or wait for the Pixel 10? Comment below!