Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9: Pick the right one for you
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Intro
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, there is also 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!
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!
Also read:
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 differences:
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, 221 g | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 199 g | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 198 g |
| 6.8" display: largest from all three models | 6.3" display | 6.3" display |
| $1099 starting price | $999 starting price | $799 starting price |
| Comes with 3 cameras at the back, including a 48MP ultra-wide and 5X telephoto camera | Comes with 3 cameras at the back, including a 48MP ultra-wide and 5X telephoto camera | Comes with 2 cameras at the back with a 12MP ultra-wide and no telephoto camera |
| 42MP selfie camera | 42MP selfie camera | Same old 10.5 selfie camera (but with AF) |
| 16GB of RAM and a maximum of 1TB of storage | 16GB of RAM and a maximum of 1TB of storage | 12GB of RAM and a maximum of 256GB of storage |
| 5,060 mAh battery | Slightly smaller 4,700 mAh battery | Same 4,700 mAh battery as the 9 Pro |
Table of Contents:
Read more:
- Pixel 9 Pro vs Galaxy S24
- Pixel 9 Pro vs Galaxy S25
- Pixel 9 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24
- Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8a
Design and Display Quality
The Google Pixel family finally has a middle child
The new Pixel 9 series has a brand new design and it feels like you are holding a different phone altogether. (Image credit PhoneArena)
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:
Pixel 9 colors:
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.
- Obsidian
- Porcelain
- Hazel
- Rose Quartz
Pixel 9 colors:
- Obsidian
- Porcelain
- Wintergreen
- Peony
These are some of the best displays on a phone we have tested to date. (Image credit PhoneArena)
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.
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.
Each Pixel 9 model showed excellent brightness levels during our lab tests. We were also very happy to see that colors are generally accurate and consistently so between the different models.
Performance and Software
New AI features and the Tensor G4 for all Pixel 9 models
All three Pixel 9 models come with the new Tensor G4 chipset (4nm), so you get the latest flagship chip from Google no much how much you pay.
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 is 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.
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 is 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.
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.
In all of the benchmark tests besides 3DMark Extreme (Low) the results should be very similar. Just like in the 3DMark Extreme (High) test. But for some reason we got mixed scores when doing our tests on the Pixel 9 lineup. We will conduct more tests and come back with either a confirmation that something weird is going on or new results.
As for the 3DMark Extreme (Low) test, it measures how well the phones perform when they have been working under heavy loads for long time and are very heated up. In other words this measures the throttling, which is when the performance falls due to overheating. So it is normal for the smaller phones, which typically have worse thermals, to do worse in this test.
Camera
Pro camera system in a smaller body
All Pixel 9 models come with superb camera systems. (Image credit PhoneArena)
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 come with the same 50MP image sensor for the main camera, and a 48MP sensor for the ultrawide camera. That is 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:
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 come with the same 50MP image sensor for the main camera, and a 48MP sensor for the ultrawide camera. That is 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.
| Camera | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main (wide) | 50 MP, ƒ/1.68, 1/1.31" sensor size, OIS | 50 MP, ƒ/1.68, 1/1.31" sensor size, OIS | 50 MP, ƒ/1.68, 1/1.31" sensor size, OIS |
| Ultra-wide | 48 MP, ƒ/1.7 aperture, 1/2.55" sensor size | 48 MP, ƒ/1.7 aperture, 1/2.55" sensor size | 48 MP, ƒ/1.7 aperture, 1/2.55" sensor size |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, ƒ/2.8, 1/2.55" sensor size, OIS | 48 MP, ƒ/2.8, 1/2.55" sensor size, OIS | N/A |
| Front | 42 MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, AF | 42 MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, AF | 10.5 MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, AF |
PhoneArena Camera Score:
It is awesome to see the standard Pixel 9 perform so close to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL in our PhoneArena Camera Score testing. Apart from its zoom quality, it offers almost the same camera experience.
Also read: Pixel 9 camera: specs and upgrades
Battery Life and Charging
Faster charging and larger batteries
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is charges more quickly than the smaller Pro model. (Image credit PhoneArena)
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.
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.
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
The results from our battery life tests were a bit surprising. We expected the Pixel 9 Pro XL to be the best in this category thanks to its massive battery. Since all three phones share the same chip and display refresh rate, the longer battery life on the standard Pixel 9 is a bit odd. Specifically, it was its score during our Video streaming test that helped it take the number one spot.
Also read: Pixel 9 battery and charging
Specs Comparison
The first difference your eyes 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:
| Specs | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size, weight | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, 221 g | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 199 g | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 198 g |
| Screen | 6.8" OLED 1-120Hz | 6.3" OLED 1-120Hz | 6.3" OLED 60-120Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 4nm | Google Tensor G4 4nm | Google Tensor G4 4nm |
| RAM, Storage | 16/128 GB 16/256 GB 16/512 GB 16/1 TB LPDDR5X | 16/128 GB 16/256 GB 16/512 GB 16/1 TB LPDDR5X | 12/128 GB 12/256 GB - - LPDDR5X |
| Cameras | 50 MP main 48 MP ultra 48 MP 5X zoom 42 MP front | 50 MP main 48 MP ultra 48 MP 5X zoom 42 MP front | 50 MP main 48 MP ultra - 10.5 MP front |
| Battery | 5050 mAh | 4955 mAh | 4270 mAh |
| Charging | USB-C 37W wired 23W wireless 5W reverse wireless | USB-C 27W wired 21W wireless 5W reverse wireless | USB-C 27W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless |
- You can also use PhoneArena's tool for additional Android phone comparisons.
Summary
It's nice to have options — the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is a welcome addition to the roster. (Image credit PhoneArena)
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.
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.
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