Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review

Design, build quality, handling

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the largest Pixel of the new generation - the Fold is in a different boat. Do not be fooled by the XL moniker, though - it is, in fact, the same size as the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 9 series introduces a new design that some will consider modern, or mainstream, while others will call it a turn-off or Apple-like (not necessarily the same thing, mind you).

We are inclined to like the new Pixels. They do feel more iPhone-ish because of the flat design and obvious glossy frame-matte back and matte frame-glossy back segmentation between the Pro and non-Pro models.

No matter the similarities, any of the Pixel 9 phones is different enough from an iPhone. And the Pixel 9 Pro XL is quite the premium smartphone both in looks and build.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels - one that keeps the screen safe, and another one with a matte finish on the back. The frame is made of aluminum and is polished to perfection, which looks good at first only to become smudged by fingerprints immediately.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in four colors - Porcelain (ours), Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian.

The colors of the Google Pixel 9 Pro series

Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. Google advertises it as quite tough, one that theoretically may survive a downhill slide to a beach. Well, we will not take that risk.

We mentioned the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the same size as the Pixel 8 Pro, it's just gained 8 grams in weight up to 221 g. The new model features a slightly larger 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen with 1344p resolution and 120hz refresh rate. This means the bezels are now even thinner than before.

The earpiece/front speaker outlet is incredibly thin, and it is quite impossible to see it with the naked eye.

Google has opted for an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner this year for the whole ninth series and it works great. The sensor is placed underneath the screen, in the bottom half, but not too low - a perfect spot, some might say. It's super-fast and flawless in its operation.

There is also a new selfie camera inside the punch-hole - it is marketed as 42MP, and it even supports autofocus.

The back of the Pixel 9 Pro XL reveals an all-matte glass panel, which is smudge-resistant, but quite slippery.

The new oval camera housing is not that huge, but it is super thick! It contains the laser emitter and receiver, and the three cameras - a 50MP primary, a 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP 5x telephoto. They are followed by a metal surface that houses the LED flash and the thermometer sensor.

The old seamless camera housing was probably better, but we have to admit this new bar is a standout design element and its thickness wasn't that much of a problem for us.

The original €40 Pixel cases might help to ease off the subjective camera bar protrusion if it gets in your way.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a SIM tray at the bottom, next to the USB port and the second speaker. It can take just a single nanoSIM card. For Dual SIM functionality, there is eSIM support.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a large phone, as large as the most notable Maxes and Ultras on the market. It is ruggedly handsome in our opinion, though incredibly slippery with little to no grip. And that is our only dislike about its design.