For the past few years, Google has released two Pixel flagship models every summer: a base model Pixel and a Pro version of that model number. No one ever complained about that, but for 2024, Google is shaking things up in a big way to give customers more choice than ever before.
This year’s Pixel 9 Pro comes in two versions: the regular Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The difference is pretty self-explanatory, mainly the display size. But with the regular Pixel 9 Pro launching at $999 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1,099, you need to know if that extra $100 is worth it.
Let us help you.
Pricing for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro comes in a lovely pink color.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable
The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999. The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099. Since it’s the lower number, this one wins.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL displays
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is truly amazing.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable
As you’d expect, the main difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is their physical size – specifically, one has a significantly larger display than the other.
More specifically, the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, which is exactly the same as the base-model Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display, which is actually almost the same as last year’s non-XL Pixel 8 Pro. That means that Google’s naming convention here is a bit misleading, and it’s easy to believe that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an entirely new form factor.
But what’s really new is the non-XL Pixel 9 Pro, a premium Pixel in the base Pixel size. The differences are mostly semantic, but interesting nonetheless. Either way, the two phones have the same aspect ratio, refresh rate, and peak brightness. The only difference aside from size is the resolution, which is 1280 x 2856 for the Pixel 9 Pro and 1344 x 2992 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Xl
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Pixel 9 Pro is not inferior in terms of specs.
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You’ll often see comments like this: “It’s a tie.”
In fact, apart from the displays, the two phones are almost identical. Here are the basic internal specs of both:
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Tensor G4 chip
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16GB RAM
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Storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
From a performance standpoint, these two phones are Should They’re exactly the same. Extensive product testing after launch may reveal some differences, but for now it’s a draw.
Winner: Draw
Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL feature comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with the same feature set as the Pixel 9 Pro.
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Everything I wrote in the above categories applies here too.
Both phones have the same software features, so even if you don’t want to shell out the extra $100, you’re not missing out on anything in terms of everyday usefulness. For example, if you’re hooked on the suite of Gemini-powered AI features on the new Pixel, literally any of the four new Pixel 9 models will give you what you want, using a combination of on-device AI and cloud-based solutions.
Winner: Draw
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL cameras
The Pixel 9 Pro has the same camera as the XL.
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Surprisingly, the camera specifications of these two phones are identical.
This is the best camera set you’ll see on a Pixel 9 smartphone, at least in terms of specs. The 42MP selfie camera is new this year and we haven’t tested it yet, but Should Create great looking shots for your IG page.
Winner: Draw
Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro XL should have better battery performance.
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Yes, this is a category where there are no ties.
The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery. In theory, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will have a larger battery capacity when fully charged. We don’t know the exact capacity yet, but at least something.
Interestingly, another difference comes in the form of fast charging: Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro can charge up to 55% battery in 30 minutes using a 45W charger (sold separately, of course), while the Pixel 9 Pro XL can charge up to 70% in the same time in the same conditions.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is better for you?
Got small hands? The Pixel 9 Pro is perfect for you.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable
It’s hard to say which one is better. Both phones have good specs (on paper), strong software features, and powerful camera lenses – at least in terms of megapixel count. The only difference is the display and battery size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is technically a better phone simply because it has a bigger battery, but the choice between the two comes down to personal preference between a smaller phone and a bigger phone.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL (unless you have small hands)