Pixel 9 Pro XL Hazel UnBoxing and 1st Impressions!
Science & Technology
Introduction
Today, I’m excited to share a quick unboxing and first impressions of the Pixel 9 Pro XL in the stunning Hazel colorway. I picked this device up from Best Buy and managed to snag an amazing trade-in deal. I traded my Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, which netted me a whopping $ 11,000 credit plus a $ 200 gift card. Given the fantastic deal, I felt compelled to upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Unboxing Experience
The packaging is quite attractive, featuring the Hazel color on the box, an eco-friendly design that emphasizes sustainability. When unboxing, you’ll find the device resting on top, along with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable. Unfortunately, like many modern smartphones, it doesn’t come with a charging brick, which is something I feel is a letdown for devices in this price range.
Upon taking the Pixel 9 Pro XL out of the box, I must say that the Hazel color is beautiful. It feels remarkably premium in hand, which is a significant improvement from previous Pixel devices. While some companies, including Samsung, seem to be borrowing Apple’s design language, I appreciate it! The premium feel is noticeable, even though I wish the sides had a matte finish instead of glossy.
The camera bump, however, is not my favorite design aspect. I would have preferred a more streamlined look. That said, the additional features, like the thermometer on the back, are exciting, even if their usability remains debatable.
Performance Discussion
Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, I have mixed feelings about the performance benchmarks compared to expected competitors. I often wonder how powerful this device could be with a Snapdragon processor, and I look forward to testing the gaming cooling technology it features.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and offers numerous AI features, with Pixel Studio and Gemini being of particular note. The peak brightness can reach up to 3000 nits, a great feature for outdoor visibility.
When I checked the specifications in the settings, I was disappointed to find the base storage only at 128GB—something I feel is insufficient for a device priced over $ 1,000. The battery life is another critical aspect, featuring a 5,000 mAh capacity that I look forward to testing out.
In terms of haptics, the vibration features are quite satisfactory, and it is evident that Pixel devices usually deliver when it comes to haptic feedback. I find these settings apt for personal adjustments as I make the device my own.
Final Thoughts
As I transition from my previous OnePlus 12, I’ve begun transferring over data. Interestingly, I noticed that the device was getting warm during the transfer process, but I hope this isn’t indicative of overheating issues in general usage.
Overall, this is just a quick first impression. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is shaping up to be a solid contender in the smartphone market this year, and I am eager to dive deeper into features, performance, and camera capabilities. The Hazel color is, in my opinion, the best option available! Leave your thoughts about the color and the device below!
Keywords
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Hazel colorway
- Unboxing
- Trade-in deal
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Tensor G4 chip
- Android 14
- AI features
- 5,000 mAh battery
- Snapdragon
FAQ
Q1: What are the main features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
A1: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features the Tensor G4 chip, a 5,000 mAh battery, runs on Android 14, and includes several AI features such as Pixel Studio and Gemini.
Q2: Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL come with a charging brick?
A2: No, the Pixel 9 Pro XL only includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box and does not come with a charging brick.
Q3: What is the peak brightness of the Pixel 9 Pro XL's display?
A3: The Pixel 9 Pro XL can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it suitable for outdoor visibility.
Q4: Is the camera bump design a point of contention?
A4: Yes, the camera bump design is a common critique among users. Some prefer a more streamlined appearance.
Q5: How much storage does the base model of the Pixel 9 Pro XL have?
A5: The base model of the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with only 128GB of storage.