Pixel 9 Pro XL: The unrivaled king of Android returns

At this year's Made by Google event, Google didn't just unveil the familiar Pixel 9 duo; it surprised us with a new contender: the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The tech giant, known for its Android operating system, has drawn heavy inspiration from Apple, delivering a device that finally feels like the flagship we've been waiting for. With a flat screen, sharp polished edges, and sleek design, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL ready to dethrone the Galaxy S24 as the top Android phone? We got our hands on one from GoMobile, and here's our verdict.

Design and BuildGoogle has given the Pixel a serious facelift. Gone are the rounded edges and thin bezels; now the Pixel looks like it rolled right off Apple's production line—and that’s a compliment. The shiny metal frame and matte glass back give it a premium, attractive look that’s hard to ignore. However, the phone is a fingerprint magnet, so if cleanliness is your thing, get ready to wipe it down constantly—or just get a protective case.

The camera bump, now a pill-shaped feature, no longer blends into the phone’s sides. It still looks a bit odd, but you immediately recognize it as a Pixel. A bonus: the phone sits flat on a table when you tap the screen, avoiding the wobbling issue common with other phones without a case.

The beauty isn't just skin-deep. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which Google claims is twice as durable as its predecessor. The fingerprint sensor also got an upgrade and is said to be 50% faster. While I didn’t time it with a stopwatch, it definitely felt swift and efficient.

On the bottom of the device, you'll find the usual USB-C port, a SIM tray, and a speaker grill. On the right side, the power button is positioned above the volume buttons, a design choice Google stubbornly sticks to year after year. While this might seem trivial, those accustomed to the reverse layout might find it frustrating at first—I caught myself pressing the volume button multiple times, wondering why the phone wouldn’t unlock.

DisplayThe star of the show on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its massive 6.8-inch display, boasting a high resolution and a variable refresh rate that adapts to the on-screen activity. The biggest upgrade? Brightness. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits—brighter than both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra. This makes it perfectly visible even in direct sunlight, a feature that’s not just numbers on a spec sheet but something you'll notice immediately. Even under Israel's blazing sun, I had no trouble using the phone outdoors.

While the colors on the Pixel 9 Pro XL aren’t as vibrant as those on Samsung’s latest flagships, they are incredibly accurate. This means photos and videos appear exactly as they should—without oversaturation or distortion.

PerformanceUnder the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s own Tensor G4 processor. Now, let’s be honest—it’s not breaking any performance records compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra or OnePlus 12. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. When the software and hardware come from the same company (think Apple), there's the potential for perfect harmony.

Sonia Jovanputra, a senior member of the Pixel team, recently told journalists that Google doesn't design its processors to top benchmark charts, but to offer the best user experience. So, while the Tensor G4 might not blow you away in lab tests, it's perfectly tailored to how you use your phone.

In day-to-day use—whether browsing, watching videos, gaming, or switching between apps—the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs smoothly. It’s fast, responsive, and capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Even during intense gaming sessions, the phone stayed cool without overheating.

BatteryThe Pixel 9 Pro XL is a beast in size, and with that comes a bigger battery. Its 5,060 mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even for heavy users. Charging speeds have also improved slightly, with 37W wired charging and 23W wireless charging. However, don’t get too excited—Google still doesn’t include a charger in the box, so you’ll need to shell out extra for a fast charger to take full advantage of the phone's charging capabilities.

CameraThe camera has always been the crown jewel of the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t disappoint. Ranked second on DXOMARK’s smartphone camera list, it delivers stunning results. The 50-megapixel main sensor handles exposure beautifully, producing a wide dynamic range with vibrant highlights and deep, atmospheric shadows. The colors are rich and vivid without veering into oversaturation.

Note: The default setting captures photos in 12 megapixels, so you’ll need to manually switch to 50 megapixels in the camera settings.

The camera system also supports 5x optical zoom, and the photos taken at this level are sharp and detailed. The hybrid zoom, which combines optical and digital zoom, works well for up to 10x, but for the best results, it’s best to stick to the 5x optical zoom. Yes, the phone offers a crazy 30x digital zoom, but let’s be real—no one expects a masterpiece when zooming in that far.

Final VerdictTo sum it up: the Pixel 9 Pro XL is clear proof that Google has learned a thing or two from Apple. It shows that you don’t need the most powerful specs to create a winning phone. With its mesmerizing camera, smooth performance, and clean Android experience, the new Pixel is a top-tier Android that even hardcore iPhone fans might admire.

It may not be the fastest on the market (at least on paper), but it handles every task you throw at it, and it does so in style. If you're looking for a flagship that offers all the best Android has to offer—in a world dominated by Galaxy and iPhone devices—without compromising on quality, design, or, of course, top-tier photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the perfect choice. It proves that Google has finally found its niche, offering an exciting alternative to the two giants ruling the market.

Device reviewed courtesy of GoMobil