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Debbie Bouffler

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Smartphone Review

Updated: Sep 27

SMARTPHONE TIER: FLAGSHIP/PRO TIER

Battery Capacity mAh: 5060



Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Smartphone Review:


Pixel Perfect: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL A Good All-Rounder


 

SMARTPHONE BATTERY PERFORMANCE


Based on Price: Flagship/Pro (€700+) 

Entry Ranking #3


Graphic of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Smartphone

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Quick Summary


The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with its sleek, premium design, continuing Google's tradition of minimalist aesthetics and excellent build quality. It features a 6.80" LTPO OLED, promising vibrant colours and a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for a top-tier viewing experience. Additionally, its durable build, complete with IP68 water and dust resistance, ensures that it's both stylish and practical for everyday use. Despite its size, the phone should feel comfortable in hand, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer larger smartphones.


Performance-wise, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the latest version of Google's Tensor G4, ensuring fast, efficient multitasking and AI-driven enhancements. This chipset will provide high-speed processing for daily tasks and enable advanced features like real-time language translation, on-device voice commands, and computational photography. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 5G support, the phone will be future-proofed for years of fast and reliable performance.


Being known for its camera capabilities, this smartphone has three cameras on the back: a 50MP OIS primary (1x-2x), a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto. Multi-zone LDAF assists all three cameras. The primary camera can capture 8K video, a feature not available on the Pixel 9. The selfie camera has also been upgraded to a 42MP camera with autofocus capabilities. Google's AI enhancements like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom will push mobile photography to new heights. Coupled with solid battery life, fast charging, and seamless integration with the latest Android version, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL will appeal to users looking for a premium, AI-driven smartphone experience.

Pros

Cons

  • Great battery life of 2 days of use with fast charging

  • Storage only starts from 128GB

  • Launched with Android 14

  • Adequate camera performance still could be improved

  • Upgraded Selfie Camera


  • Seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates



 ViserMark Labels for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL


Please take a look at the following information about the battery performance of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

ViserMark Labels for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone

Battery Life: The phone's total usage time is 49 hours, which equals two days and 1 hour. The phone has a good battery life, especially for users who use their phone moderately or heavily throughout the day.


Battery Charging: The Pixel 9 Pro XL charges in 1 hour and 44 minutes, which means it offers a fast charging experience and allows users to recharge the phone quickly.


Battery Performance & Efficiency: The phone scored 44/100 for battery performance and achieved a high battery efficiency rating. This indicates that the phone manages power well, optimising energy use to extend battery life. Additionally, the 3.3 kWh/annum energy consumption is energy-efficient for day-to-day operations.



 

Specification Overview - Released Date: August 2024


  • Body: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, weight 221g. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 cover

  • Display: 6.8 inches, LTPO OLED, 120Hz with HDR10+ and 1344 x 2992 resolution. IP68 Dust and Water-resistant with fingerprint-resistant coating.

  • Operating System: Android 14.

  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm), Octa-core processor

  • Memory: 128GB 16GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM

  • Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, eSIM, Bluetooth: Yes. NFC: Yes. Stereo Speakers: Yes.

  • Camera: Set-up - Main: 50MP (wide), Telephoto: 48 MP, Ultra wide angle: 48 MP with dual pixel PDAF, Multi-zone LDAF, OIS. Video 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps

  • Front Camera: 42 MP and Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.

  • Battery: 5060mAh, 45W wired. Also, with 23W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (w/Qi-compatible charger), as well as reverse wireless.

  • Colour: Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian



 

Discover all the Battery Performance Test Results

Learn more about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL


 

Performance - HOW WE TEST


ViserMark offers a comprehensive range of battery performance test results based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed using the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.



VWS Analytics Studio is a complementary product to the viSer Test Automation solution. It enhances the viSer user experience and is the fastest way to analyse and view smartphone test results.


We have used the interactive dashboard to show you the recent test results and translated them into ViserMark Labels.


 

Discover all the Battery Performance Test Results

Learn more about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL


 

Join our readers to receive the latest update to our smartphone battery performance scores and performance reviews as soon as we finish testing!

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Smartphone Battery Performance - FULL TEST RESULTS AND REVIEW


ViserMark has put the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL through our testing protocol, based on real smartphone usage from 100% battery level down to power off. This includes daily activities, such as calls, web, video and music streaming, gaming, social networks, picture and video capture, and standby. All activities are executed in a defined order and timeline.

 

These test results, show how the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performed and the scores achieved.


1. Battery Performance


The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a battery performance score of 44/100 in ViserMark testing, indicating decent but not exceptional battery life compared to other flagship smartphones. This score reflects real-world battery efficiency, where the smartphone balances power consumption with performance throughout various tasks.


A ViserMark Label for Battery Performance displaying 44/100 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone

Compared to similar Flagship smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL outperforms its predecessor, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which scored 41/100, demonstrating improved battery management and longevity. However, it still falls behind the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which achieved a higher 49/100 score. This suggests that while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is competitive with enhanced battery features, rival phones like Samsung's flagships may offer slightly better battery optimisation, especially for heavy smartphone users.

A bar chart representing the battery score for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with other Flagship Tier Smartphones

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid option for users seeking good performance and battery efficiency but may not offer quite the battery life compared to other high-end smartphones.


 

2. Battery Life


In the ViserMark's battery life testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performed exceptionally well providing continuous use for 2 days or 49 hours. This places it as a top performer in the flagship smartphone tier, ensuring users can depend on the phone for extended periods without frequent recharging.


A ViserMark Label displaying 2 days of use and 49 hours of use for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone

When compared to other flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL matches the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, both delivering two days of use. This represents a significant improvement over the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which only offers 1.5 days of battery life. The average battery life in the Flagship/Pro Tier category is approximately 1.58 days, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL stand out.

A bar chart representing the battery life in Days of Use for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with other Flagship Tier Smartphones

Regarding battery life translated to hours, the Pixel 9 Pro XL exceeds 49 hours, closely matched by the Galaxy S24 Ultra at 52 hours. The Pixel 9 Pro XL significantly surpasses the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which provides only 38 hours of usage.

A bar chart representing the battery life in Hours of Use for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with other Flagship Tier Smartphones

Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers excellent endurance, making it one of the best choices for users who prioritise long-lasting battery life in a premium smartphone.


 

3. Battery Consumption


The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 8 Pro were compared in terms of battery performance, examining their power usage during various daily activities. The analysis, conducted using SmartViser's viSer and VWS Analytics Studio, highlighted power consumption during social media usage, calls, gaming, camera, and web browsing tasks.


Social Media & Communication:

The power efficiency for social media use is significantly improved in the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. This indicates better optimisation for apps that involve continuous background activity, scrolling, and media consumption, making the newer device more suitable for users who spend extended periods on social media. Additionally, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL consumes less battery for outgoing calls and multimedia messaging (MMS), showing its enhanced power management for communication-based tasks.


Media & Entertainment:

One area of significant improvement is in media playback, especially for YouTube and general media player usage. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL consumes notably less power than the Pixel 8 Pro, providing better battery performance for users who often stream videos or listen to music. This enhancement is important for users who want entertainment, as the newer smartphone allows for longer playback times without needing a recharge.


Productivity:

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performs more efficiently during web browsing and email tasks than its predecessor. This improvement in power management means that users relying heavily on their smartphones for work-related tasks, such as checking emails or conducting research online, will experience longer battery life between charges. Additionally, it offers marginally better battery efficiency for tasks like file transfers, reducing the power drain when moving large amounts of data.


Camera & Messaging:

When using the camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's power consumption is notably lower than the Pixel 8 Pro, demonstrating significant improvements in photography-related power management. This is a key advantage for users who frequently use their smartphones for photography. In SMS messaging, both devices show similar power consumption, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's slight efficiency gain means longer battery life for everyday tasks.

A Bar Chart representing the battery consumption of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with the Google Pixel 8 Pro

In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has significantly improved battery management for various daily tasks compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. Users will especially appreciate the improved efficiency in social media usage, media playback, and productivity tasks, resulting in longer battery life and fewer interruptions for charging. These enhancements in the newer smartphone showcase Google's commitment to providing better power management for both leisure and work-related activities, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL a more dependable choice for all-day use.

 

The detailed battery performance comparison between the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra highlights how leading brands' flagship devices manage power during a range of everyday tasks.

A Bar Chart representing the battery consumption of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Social Media & Communication:

Both smartphones show comparable performance in terms of battery consumption for social media, with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra consuming similar amounts of power. For outgoing calls, however, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consumes less energy than the S24 Ultra, making it a slightly more efficient choice for voice communication.


Multimedia & Entertainment:

The  Google Pixel 9 Pro XL shows superior efficiency in media playback, including watching YouTube videos and listening to music on the media player. It consumes less battery for gaming, suggesting better efficiency and optimisation for resource-intensive activities. Gamers will benefit from the Pixel 9 Pro XL's ability to conserve power during long gaming sessions.


Productivity Tasks:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra performs better in email and consumes less power than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which may make it a more efficient choice for productivity-focused users. It also exhibits slightly lower energy consumption for web browsing, offering better battery performance for users who spend more time browsing the internet on their phones.


Camera & Messaging:

In camera usage, the  Google Pixel 9 Pro XL consumes significantly more power than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is more efficient in photography and video capture. For tasks like SMS, both devices perform similarly, with minor differences in power consumption.


For users, the choice between these two smartphones ultimately comes down to personal usage patterns. The key takeaway is that both brands offer competitive phones, and understanding these battery performance differences can significantly impact a user’s daily experience with their smartphone.


 

The detailed battery performance comparison between the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the average battery consumption for flagship smartphones (indicated by various colours) reveals how each device manages power during daily tasks.

A Bar Chart representing the battery consumption of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Comparisons

Here's an overview of the findings:


Social Media & Communication:

When it comes to social media usage, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (blue) is the most efficient in terms of battery consumption compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro (light blue), the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (orange), and the average flagship consumption (green). This makes the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL the best option for users who spend significant time on social media. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues to outperform the other phones for outgoing calls, showcasing Google's improvement in optimising battery life for communication tasks.


Gaming & Multimedia:

Regarding gaming, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out for its efficiency, using less power compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro. This indicates that it is well-optimised for intense gaming, making it a solid choice for gamers. Also, for multimedia consumption, especially for tasks like watching YouTube and using media players, the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses significantly less power, making it the top choice for users who frequently stream videos or consume media on their devices. The Pixel 8 Pro is less efficient in these tasks, using more battery power than the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra.


Productivity & Web Usage:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its superior efficiency in email usage, stands out against the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is still competitive but uses slightly more power. However, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra perform similarly in web browsing, a crucial aspect for users heavily reliant on internet usage. This similarity in performance reassures users about the capabilities of both devices. The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are competitive leaders in battery efficiency for productivity-related tasks, with the average flagship performance falling between the two.


Camera Usage & Messaging:

In terms of camera usage, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best battery efficiency. It uses less power than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 8 Pro, making it the ideal choice for users who frequently use their smartphones for photography or videography. As for SMS messaging, all smartphones are relatively similar, with minor differences in power consumption. This means that basic messaging tasks are efficiently handled across all flagship devices.


The average flagship consumption (green) serves as a key benchmark to evaluate the overall efficiency of these leading smartphones. Both the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra perform above the average in many tasks, showcasing their competitiveness in the flagship category.


Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro shows room for improvement compared to its successor but remains competitive in key areas. Users should choose based on their daily usage needs, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL excelling in entertainment and browsing, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra performing best in gaming and productivity.



 

4. Battery Efficiency


ViserMark tested the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and awarded it a 1-leaf rating for battery efficiency, indicating relatively low efficiency compared to a potential maximum of 5 leaves. This rating reflects the device's energy conservation during regular use.

A ViserMark Label for battery efficiency displaying 1 leaf out of 5 leaves for the  Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

In the efficiency comparison chart, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performed similarly to the Flagship/Pro Tier category average, providing 1 hour of efficient usage.


However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra topped the comparison with higher efficiency, lasting 1.5 hours, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro lagged, managing only 0.5 hours of efficient use. These results suggest that while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers decent battery efficiency for most tasks, it could improve its energy conservation, especially compared to competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

A bar chart displaying the battery efficiency for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with other Flagship smartphones

For users, this means that although the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers good battery life, it may consume energy faster during heavy or continuous usage, affecting overall efficiency.


 

5. Annual Energy Consumption


The ViserMark label indicates that the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses 3.3 kWh of energy annually. This number represents the amount of energy the device uses over a year. A lower value means better energy efficiency, potentially resulting in lower electricity costs for the user.

A ViserMark Label for annual energy consumption for the  Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Compared to other flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consumes more energy than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has an annual consumption of 3.1 kWh, making it more energy-efficient. However, it outperforms the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which has an annual consumption of 4.3 kWh, indicating that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a more energy-efficient upgrade. The average for the general Flagship/Pro Tier category is around 3.8 kWh, showing that this smartphone is more efficient than most of its competitors in the Flagship smartphone range.

A bar chart displaying the annual energy consumption for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with other Flagship smartphones

For users interested in saving on energy costs or concerned about their environmental impact, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency.

 

ViserMark VERDICT


The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - what's it like to use?


The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a well-rounded experience that excels in daily efficiency, particularly in social media, playback, and web browsing. For users who spend hours scrolling through apps, streaming videos, or browsing the internet, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with impressive battery optimization. Thanks to its balanced power consumption, it easily lasts a full day of mixed usage, allowing users to seamlessly transition from entertainment to productivity without worrying about constant recharging.


When compared to its competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out for its superior media performance while also being competitive in other important areas. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra is more efficient for tasks like photography and professional use such as email, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in handling social apps, video playback, and gaming performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize these features. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is not just a smartphone; it is a reliable, everyday companion that provides a seamless, long-lasting experience, making it an appealing option for users seeking a phone that balances productivity and entertainment.


Pros

Cons

  • Extended battery life without frequent charging.

  • Gaming Efficiency: compared to competitors, it is less efficient for extended gaming sessions.

  • Outstanding Media Performance: Excels in media playback, offering superior battery efficiency for activities like streaming videos and listening to music.

  • Productivity Tasks: Tasks like file transfers and professional use (e.g., email) consume more power.

  • Features a 6.8-inch bright display with 120Hz refresh rate, with fast charging

  • Not the Best for Heavy Professional Use: Although competitive, it falls slightly behind.

  • Efficient Social Media Usage: For users who spend a lot of time scrolling through apps


  • Balanced Power Consumption: Offers a seamless experience for both entertainment and productivity,



Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?


Introducing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, perfect for various user profiles:


Media Enthusiasts & Social Media Users: This phone is great for people who enjoy streaming videos, listening to music, and using social media platforms. Its impressive battery optimisation ensures long-lasting performance for content consumption and social interaction.


Researching & Web Browsing Fans: Ideal for users who spend a lot of time browsing the web. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers efficient battery management for internet surfing, ensuring longer use without frequent recharging.


Balanced Everyday Users: Best suited for those looking for a well-rounded smartphone experience. The Pixel 9 Pro XL balances entertainment, social media, and casual productivity, making it a reliable, all-purpose smartphone.



CONCLUSION


While the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL may not be the most efficient choice for heavy gaming or professional productivity tasks, it is a great everyday companion for users who prioritise entertainment, social interaction, and casual work.


 

VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)


The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators, which is our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in the VCX Forum.


No VCX reviews are available for this smartphone.

 

 

Background


Google is a multinational American technology company specialising in Internet-related services and products. It was founded in September 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were PhD students at Stanford University in California.




 

Written by

Head and shoulders photo of Debbie Bouffler

Debbie Bouffler is the Marketing and Communications Manager at SmartViser. She is crucial in developing the company's communication and marketing strategies. Debbie has gained extensive experience in strategic business development and marketing in various industries, which has helped her excel in her current position.


Debbie is a leader with imagination, an unmatched drive, and an infectious passion for growth and excellence, especially in the telecommunications industry.


 

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08 Νοε

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone provides detailed insights into its features and performance perfect for tech enthusiasts! As a student managing both tech interests and academic work, I often look for math homework help to keep my studies on track. Balancing school with hobbies can be a challenge, so having the right tools and support makes a big difference. This smartphone seems like a great choice for staying organized and productive.

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