Pixel 9 Pro XL One Month Later: A Google-flavored iPhone?
Science & Technology
Introduction
After spending just over a month with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google's flagship smartphone for 2024, I've found it to be a device packed with great features—especially in the camera department and AI capabilities. However, I can't help but notice some elements in terms of design that seem to mimic Apple's iPhone, leading me to question whether the Pixel line is becoming a Google-flavored tribute to Apple's offerings. Let's delve into my experience with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and whether these design parallels matter in the grand scheme of things.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is undeniably an attractive piece of hardware. My unit features a porcelain finish, complete with a bright white back and polished trim that exudes a luxurious feel without being over-the-top. Size-wise, it falls between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max, operating in the territory of "big-ass phone." Unfortunately, this size makes it less ergonomic compared to its predecessors, such as the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro.
The display also stands out. Google has employed second-generation technology for the actual display, offering peak brightness levels that surpass previous models, combined with excellent color accuracy and HDR performance. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner from Qualcomm is another upgrade, providing faster recognition and functioning better in low-light conditions.
At the rear, the iconic camera bar is present but has been refined to eliminate visible joints, giving it a sleeker appearance and making it distinguishable as a Pixel device.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Google's Tensor G4 chip, primarily designed to enhance its AI capabilities. Although it may not excel in raw performance benchmarks compared to Snapdragon or Apple's A-series chips, it performs adequately for casual gaming and daily tasks.
However, the impressive battery longevity has caught my attention. With optimized usage, this phone provides an extraordinary full day of heavy use, and it can even stretch into the second day with lighter usage. Improvement in the modem seems to have reduced battery drain during heavy data use, which is a big plus.
In terms of charging, the fast charging maxes out at 37W, which is capable but not groundbreaking. Wireless charging speeds similarly leave something to be desired.
Software Experience
Launching with Android 14, the Pixel has not escaped the scrutiny of providing consumers with a timely experience. Google's AI integration remains strong, especially regarding photography, where it excels. However, some AI features seem questionable in terms of actual utility, such as the AI-generated weather summaries, which don’t provide substantial added value.
Projects like Pixel Studio—an AI image generator—seem limited compared to other contemporary offerings, while the new Gemini AI agent does show promise but isn't exclusive to the Pixel.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues Google's legacy of photographic excellence. The updated front camera with a 42-megapixel resolution positions itself as one of the best in the market for selfies and portrait shots. New features like "zoom in hats" leverage generative AI for photo enhancements, demonstrating innovation in photography. However, it’s worth noting that the overall camera hardware is similar to that of the Pixel 8 Pro, which isn’t a negative attribute.
Video capabilities have seen significant upgrades too. The cloud-based video boost feature enhances footage with smoother motion and even supports upscaling to 8K resolution. However, the need to process videos in the cloud can be cumbersome and detracts a bit from the otherwise stellar video experience.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 Pro XL may share some design characteristics with the iPhone, particularly around the front, but the underlying reasons for purchasing it remain distinctly different. The primary allure lies in its exceptional camera capabilities and innovative AI features that focus on photo and video experiences. While Google's pricing for the Pixel 9 Pro XL positions it at the premium end, there's no denying its competitive nature in the high-end smartphone market.
As we move into 2025 and beyond, it will be interesting to see how Google continues to differentiate the Pixel line while maintaining its technological edge.
Keywords
Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google, iPhone, AI capabilities, camera features, design, battery life, Android 14.
FAQ
Q1: What are the main features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
A1: The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers excellent camera capabilities, including a 42-megapixel front camera, AI photo editing features, and enhanced video recording functionalities like cloud-based video boost.
Q2: How does the battery life of the Pixel 9 Pro XL compare to previous models?
A2: The Pixel 9 Pro XL showcases significantly improved battery longevity, easily lasting a full day of heavy use and potentially into a second day with lighter use.
Q3: Is the design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL similar to that of the iPhone?
A3: Some design elements, particularly on the front, do mirror the iPhone's aesthetics, leading to discussions about the Pixel becoming a Google-flavored tribute to Apple.
Q4: What new software features does the Pixel 9 Pro XL introduce?
A4: The Pixel 9 Pro XL launches with Android 14 and includes new AI features, though some are seen as less useful or limited compared to competing offerings.
Q5: How does the performance of the Pixel 9 Pro XL handle gaming?
A5: While it's adequate for casual gaming, the Tensor G4 chip does not compete with high-end chips from Snapdragon or Apple's A-series for demanding gaming experiences.