Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: specs and features, camera quality test, gaming benchmark, user opinions and photos

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - size matters

There are fewer and fewer fans of compact smartphones, because the larger the display, the easier it is to work with a mobile assistant, and the more comfortable it is for the eyes. That is why the American company Google decided to please its fans with a fairly large phablet, delighting with flagship technical characteristics and top photographic capabilities.

The appearance of the new product is interesting, but at the same time controversial. It is difficult not to notice the rather thick frames of the AMOLED display, the strongly protruding block of photo modules, but such shortcomings are compensated by beautiful signature colors of the glass rear panels, durable and stylish metal edging, full protection from moisture and dust according to IP68 standards, an under-screen fingerprint scanner. The 6.8-inch AMOLED panel can slightly disappoint only with the PWM effect indicators, which are far from minimal. The clarity of the image at an impressive resolution of 2992x1344 pixels, its smoothness at a 120 Hz refresh rate and a brightness of more than 3000 cd/m2 prove that this is a flagship AMOLED screen. There are no problems with color rendering either.

But the performance is already questionable. The latest Tensor G4 processor, even with 16 GB of RAM and a Mali G715MC7 graphics adapter, only scores 1,200,000 points in the AnTuTu test, which is more like the level of mid-range chipsets. Resource-intensive games run with a stable frame rate, but not always at maximum graphics settings. You will have to lower them, for example, in Genshin Impact and Fortnite. The energy-efficient CPU, however, provides about eight hours of active screen time from a 5060 mAh battery. The power of the wired charger is modest by today's standards (37W), but there is a wireless analogue. The permanent memory can be 128/256/512/1024 GB, but due to the lack of a slot for MicroSD cards, it is recommended to take one of the latest options.

The main 50-megapixel technological sensor Samsung ISOCELL GNK with hybrid stabilization, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with OIS and optical five-fold zoom and a wide-angle lens of the same 48 MP are capable of working real miracles both in daytime and evening shooting. Impeccable noise reduction, fantastic detail, correct color rendition will be typical for 99% of photos and video files. Stereo sound with a volume of 90 dB, contactless payments NFC, optimized Android 14 complete the list of advantages of the device. Unfortunately, the peculiar chip, slow charging and immodest price tag do not allow us to recommend the device to everyone.