Pixel 9 Pro XL: The unrivaled king of Android returns
Google's latest Pixel 9 Pro XL feels like the flagship Android phone we've been waiting for, with a stunning design, powerful camera, and improved performance.
At this year's Made by Google event, Google didn't just unveil the familiar Pixel 9 duo; it surprised us with a new contender: the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The tech giant, known for its Android operating system, has drawn heavy inspiration from Apple, delivering a device that finally feels like the flagship we've been waiting for. With a flat screen, sharp polished edges, and sleek design, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL ready to dethrone the Galaxy S24 as the top Android phone? We got our hands on one from GoMobile, and here's our verdict.
Design and BuildGoogle has given the Pixel a serious facelift. Gone are the rounded edges and thin bezels; now the Pixel looks like it rolled right off Apple's production line—and that’s a compliment. The shiny metal frame and matte glass back give it a premium, attractive look that’s hard to ignore. However, the phone is a fingerprint magnet, so if cleanliness is your thing, get ready to wipe it down constantly—or just get a protective case.
The camera bump, now a pill-shaped feature, no longer blends into the phone’s sides. It still looks a bit odd, but you immediately recognize it as a Pixel. A bonus: the phone sits flat on a table when you tap the screen, avoiding the wobbling issue common with other phones without a case.
On the bottom of the device, you'll find the usual USB-C port, a SIM tray, and a speaker grill. On the right side, the power button is positioned above the volume buttons, a design choice Google stubbornly sticks to year after year. While this might seem trivial, those accustomed to the reverse layout might find it frustrating at first—I caught myself pressing the volume button multiple times, wondering why the phone wouldn’t unlock.
While the colors on the Pixel 9 Pro XL aren’t as vibrant as those on Samsung’s latest flagships, they are incredibly accurate. This means photos and videos appear exactly as they should—without oversaturation or distortion.
Sonia Jovanputra, a senior member of the Pixel team, recently told journalists that Google doesn't design its processors to top benchmark charts, but to offer the best user experience. So, while the Tensor G4 might not blow you away in lab tests, it's perfectly tailored to how you use your phone.
In day-to-day use—whether browsing, watching videos, gaming, or switching between apps—the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs smoothly. It’s fast, responsive, and capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Even during intense gaming sessions, the phone stayed cool without overheating.
Note: The default setting captures photos in 12 megapixels, so you’ll need to manually switch to 50 megapixels in the camera settings.
The camera system also supports 5x optical zoom, and the photos taken at this level are sharp and detailed. The hybrid zoom, which combines optical and digital zoom, works well for up to 10x, but for the best results, it’s best to stick to the 5x optical zoom. Yes, the phone offers a crazy 30x digital zoom, but let’s be real—no one expects a masterpiece when zooming in that far.
It may not be the fastest on the market (at least on paper), but it handles every task you throw at it, and it does so in style. If you're looking for a flagship that offers all the best Android has to offer—in a world dominated by Galaxy and iPhone devices—without compromising on quality, design, or, of course, top-tier photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the perfect choice. It proves that Google has finally found its niche, offering an exciting alternative to the two giants ruling the market.
Device reviewed courtesy of GoMobil
