Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9: Pick the right one for you

Google's Pixel lineup just got bigger! This year we get not one, but two Pro phones. That's right, in addition to the regular Pixel 9, we're getting the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Think of it like this: Google's trying to offer something for everyone. The Pixel 9 is the everyday champ, while the Pixel 9 Pro is the high-end powerhouse. And then there's the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is basically the Pro, but bigger. It's like choosing between a regular burger, a gourmet burger, and a supersized gourmet burger!

We're diving deep into what sets these phones apart, from their size and price to the features. So, whether you're a Pixel fan or just curious about what Google is doing with its 2024 Pixel lineup, stick around!

Google Pixel 9: Get at Amazon

You can already buy the Pixel 9 with fancy new Gemini AI features at Amazon. The latest non-Pro model with a G4 chip arrives without discounts right now.

Buy at Amazon

Get Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL at Amazon

The latest flagships from Google, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, are now available at Amazon. You can get each at its standard price, but trade-ins help you save up to $240 with an Amazon Gift Card.

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Get at Amazon

Want more screen real estate to play with? The Pixel 9 Pro XL might be right for you, and it's now available for purchase.

Buy at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Get yours at Amazon

The Pixel 9 Pro can be yours at Amazon. The sleek smartphone with advanced Gemini AI features and 16GB of RAM arrives without discounts.

Buy at Amazon

While it might seem like the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the new addition to Google's flagship phone lineup, it actually has a size similar to last year's Pixel 8 Pro. In fact, it is the Pixel 9 Pro that is the new model, with a similar size to the non-Pro Pixel 9, which is close in size to that of last year's Pixel 8.

As far as materials go, there is nothing fancy going on like titanium or stainless steel. All three Pixel 9 models have an aluminum frame with a glass back panel.

This year there’s a fresh new design. All Pixel 9 variants have a more blocky body with flat sides, fronts, and backs, as well as gently curved corners. The look resembles that of Apple's iPhone 15 series.

The camera bar is no longer a "bar". Instead, now the camera module is shaped like a speech bubble, centered at the top of the phone and no longer connected to the frame.

Durability-wise, water and dust resistance are the same throughout all three models, with an IP68 dust and water resistance certification (the best you get on your typical flagship phone).

There are several Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro colors to choose from, with the ones that come with the regular Pixel being more saturated.

Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL colors:

• Obsidian
• Porcelain
• Hazel
• Rose Quartz

Pixel 9 colors:

• Obsidian
• Porcelain
• Wintergreen
• Peony

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the only one with a different screen size, as the Pixel 9 Pro and standard Pixel 9 share the same screen size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8" screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 both have a 6.3" one.

All three Pixel 9 models come with higher display brightness. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have 3000 nits of peak brightness whereas the Pixel 9 can reach 2700 nits. Besides the brightness though, the 1-120Hz LTPO OLED displays are the same throughout the Pro variants. The display on the regular Pixel 9 can go between 60-120Hz.

Thankfully, Google did not further separate the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL when it comes to the bezel size, reducing it for all three phones while also making the bezels uniform.

Given that all three Pixel 9 models come with the new Tensor G4 chipset (4nm), we don't expect to see any meaningful differences in performance throughout the lineup when we eventually do our benchmark tests on them.

Memory-wize, the regular Pixel 9 comes with 12 GB for RAM vs. the 16 GB on the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. This, in theory, should make the Pro models somewhat more capable at handling multiple tasks at once, but we don't think it will be noticeable for the most part.

It’s worth noting that the increase in RAM for all models is in part due to the requirements for on-device AI functionality. Google says it has carved out a chunk of the memory specifically for that purpose, which suggests the phones have less RAM available for anything that is not related to on-device AI.

As for software, each Pixel 9 series comes with Android 15 out of the box, and all versions get 7 years of software updates.

When it comes to software features, especially those powered by AI, the most notable one so far is called "Add Me". Add Me is a Pixel 9 series feature that lets users combine two separate group selfies with different people in them into one. The idea here is that everyone can be in the photo, even in those moments you can't find someone to snap a photo of your group.

If you have ever wanted the more comprehensive and capable camera system of a Pixel Pro but in a smaller body, well, your wish just came true.

The Pixel 9 Pro comes with exactly the same cameras as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The more affordable Pixel 9, on the other hand, has a dual-camera system consisting of its main (wide) and ultra-wide cameras.

All Pixel 9 models will come with the same 50MP image sensor for the main camera, and a 48MP sensor for the ultrawide camera. That will be a major upgrade for the regular Pixel 9, as the larger resolution and sensor size should introduce a huge jump in image detail and low-light performance, with improved light sensitivity by 110%.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, on the other hand, feature a new 42MP selfie camera, with 30% better light sensitivity compared to the 10.5MP one in last year's models. Unfortunately, that camera has not been included with the more affordable Pixel 9, which remains with the 10.5MP snapper from last year, but with support for AF.

Here's a summary of all Pixel 9 series camera specs:

Also read: Pixel 9 camera: specs and upgrades

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 share the same battery capacity of 4700 mAh, while the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5060 mAh battery. Google says that all models can last more than 24 hours of use, and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.

As for charging speeds, we don’t know the exact numbers for how much power input the Pixel 9 lineup supports, but it appears there has been an improvement.

Last year the Pixel 8 series could charge from 1-50% in about 30 minutes. Now, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 can go up to 55% for the same amount of time, while the Pro XL can reach 70%. Google does state, however, that this measurement has been taken with its new 45W fast charger.

All phones support wireless and reverse-wireless charging.

The first difference your eyes will hook onto when comparing the Pixel 9 series specs is the display size. The Pixel 9 has the smallest one, and it increases as you go up to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The other two differences are the RAM/storage combinations and the cameras, although these are most apparent when comparing the regular to the Pro variants.

Check out the full Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL specs page, or take a look at the overview below: 

So, the good news is that it doesn't seem like there is a massive chasm between the three Pixel 9 models. Much like with previous years buyers will get most of the good stuff even if they opt for the regular Pixel 9.

We are very happy to see that Google did not intentionally give some better specs to the Pixel 9 Pro XL outside of those related to size. This means you won’t have to choose between the two for any other reason besides their dimensions, display and battery size.

Essentially, at least from what the specs tell us, Google is using the new Pixel 9 Pro to fill in the gap that existed between the Pro and non-Pro Pixels from previous years. It is also, however, using it to increase the price of its most high-end flagship by $100.