[ad_1]
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an iterative update with modest upgrades, including a brighter and slightly larger display, improved battery life, and faster charging. However, the price difference of around €500/$500 is not justified by these changes, especially considering the near-identical camera performance and better video quality of the Pixel 8 Pro.
[ad_2]
Here is a rewritten version of the content:
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: An Iterative Update or a Pricey Upgrade?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the latest addition to the flagship lineup, but is it worth the significant price hike? The new device dethrones the Pixel 8 Pro as the top-tier Pixel, but is it a revolutionary reboot or just an iterative update?
On paper, the Pixel 8 Pro seems like the more sensible choice, but the devil is in the details. Let’s dive in and see if the Pixel 9 Pro XL justifies its premium price.
Size Comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 8 Pro have near-identical dimensions, with the new device boasting a slightly larger 0.1" display. The bezels are thinner, and the phone is slightly thinner and heavier, but the difference is barely noticeable.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is brighter, reaching over 2,300 nits, while the Pixel 8 Pro tops out at 1,600 nits. The new device also has more screen real estate and thinner bezels, making it a winner in this department.
Battery Life
Despite sharing the same battery size as the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has improved battery life, with an Active Use Score of 12:32h compared to the 8 Pro’s 11:14h.
Charging Speed
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 37W wired charging is noticeably faster than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W, with a 10 percentage point difference at the 15-minute mark. However, the curve flattens as the phone approaches 100% capacity.
Speaker Test
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s speakers are louder than the Pixel 8 Pro’s, but the difference is subtle. The new device’s sound tuning is warmer, with deeper bass, but personal preference plays a significant role in this comparison.
Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip doesn’t offer significant performance improvements over the Pixel 8 Pro’s G3. Both devices are snappy and responsive, but the upgrade is hardly noticeable.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera hardware is largely identical to the Pixel 8 Pro’s, with little to no improvement. The selfie camera gets a significant upgrade, but the main camera remains largely unchanged.
Image Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s image quality is near-identical to the Pixel 8 Pro’s, with no significant difference in rendition, colors, or detail.
Video Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s video quality is surprisingly worse than the Pixel 8 Pro’s, with soft and lacking fine detail. The low-light video appears to have slightly better definition, but this is likely a software issue that will be addressed in a future update.
Verdict
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s upgrades are too modest to justify the price difference of around €500/$500. While the new device has a brighter display, slightly improved battery life, and faster charging, the Pixel 8 Pro edges out its successor in video quality and camera performance. If you’re already invested in the Pixel ecosystem, the Pixel 8 Pro might be the better choice.