Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 512GB

The Pixel 9 Pro XL's rear camera setup remains unchanged from last year, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP telephoto camera, and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. While the telephoto camera offers 5x optical zoom, the smartphone also leverages the primary camera for portrait shots with 3x zoom. Anything beyond that, the periscope-style lens of the telephoto camera solely takes over. However, the front camera has been upgraded to a 42MP selfie shooter, still supporting 4K video recording at 60fps.Similar to older Pixel smartphones, images captured by the new Pixel 9 Pro XL typically include high contrast and punchy colours. Google successfully reduces noise in the image and improves the dynamic range through software tweaks. As a result, its images can look naturally more appealing and social media-ready, though details aren't always the best. Google's Real Tone technology also gets utilised in photos with human subjects. It allows the smartphone to capture accurate skin tones in most cases, whether in bright or dim conditions.Speaking of dim conditions, the primary camera is capable of taking great photos even in dim conditions. In my experience, the phone automatically tweaked the brightness and reduced noise, though at the cost of sharper details. Notably, the telephoto camera struggles with stability in low-light conditions, which needs improvements.Daylight and lowlightI compared the Pixel 9 Pro XL's images against the iPhone 15 Pro Max (review) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to test the camera capabilities. In most cases, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra images looked similar, but the latter captured sharper details.On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offered a brighter output without boosting the colours.I noticed a similar treatment in images with a human subject. Google and Samsung's outputs look almost indistinguishable. The iPhone's image boasts a balanced white balance with a controlled exposure.This was also noticeable with the highest zoom enabled (image below).And even in a low-light condition (image below).Ultra-wide and portraitYou can expect a similar colour science to that of the primary camera with the ultra-wide. Google again does a good job of balancing the dynamic range through software tweaks. But its details and sharpness can often be inconsistent. Additionally, the ultra-wide camera doubles as a macro shooter, which takes mind-blowing close-ups.As I mentioned, Google's Real Tone image does a brilliant job of detecting accurate skin tones in different lighting conditions. However, its portrait mode does not match the standard set by the Pixel 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra.Close-ups taken with the primary camera generally include a pleasing shallow depth of field. However, the bokeh with the portrait mode, can look unnatural at times. Even the edge detection around the subject can be average at best.SelfiesSelfies have improved significantly on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, thanks to the new 42MP camera. Its details are much sharper and the skin tone detection with Real Tone remains on-point.Without portrait mode, the results are balanced and vibrant. However, the edge detection is inconsistent with portrait mode enabled, perhaps more noticeable when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra.VideosWhile I am mostly pleased with the photos, the Pixel 9 Pro XL surely impresses with its video performance. Google has added 4K60fps recording support for both front and rear cameras.Google has also expanded AI to its videos with video boost. It essentially enhances stability and adds popping colours. The best part is that the feature works without an internet connection, unlike other AI-backed editing tools. The primary camera supports up to 8K recording. However, you will achieve the best stability in 4K resolution. The audio enhancer tool to improve the anchor's speech also works efficiently, and should be highly useful for creators who enjoy shooting outdoors.AI camera featuresGoogle's efforts to improve the overall camera experience with AI features continue with the Pixel 9 Pro XL - almost successfully setting it apart from most.The biggest addition to the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the "Add Me" feature, added directly to the Camera app. It essentially lets users add themselves to a group photo if they do not want to give the smartphone to a stranger. The "Add Me" feature also lets you clone yourself, which can be a fun party trick for social media.However, my experience with it was mixed, primarily due to its inconsistent ability to produce convincing results. The feature tends to work best in bright conditions, but even then, the added element - whether it's you or someone else - doesn't always look natural. The subject can even lack shadow, giving the final image an unnatural appearance.The Magic Editor has been also updated with a new "reimagine" feature. As the name suggests, you can reimagine an area with simple text prompts and the results can look stunning. However, it can raise alarms about authenticity and may irk privacy advocates. Otherwise, the original Magic Editor to move around subjects continues to be available. Other available AI editing features include Best Take, Magic Eraser, and AI Enhance.Lastly, Google has rolled out a dedicated Pixel Studio app, similar to the OPPO's AI Studio on the Reno 12 Pro (review). The app does not let you create human avatars like the OPPO AI Studio yet, but it can generate different types of images with simple text prompts. Google notes that Pixel Studio will add support to generate human images later. It may not be your everyday app, but the exclusive addition may attract some customers.

We continue to see the addition of a new ARM-based proprietary chipset with the latest Pixel devices.This year, there's Tensor G4 with a lot of focus on improved AI performance. Apart from that, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gets 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, while users can enjoy even 1-year worth of free Gemini Advanced subscription and 2TB cloud storage. There's also the dedicated Titan M2 security chip for user privacy.Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL performed smoothly during my review, and I did not notice any visible stutters even while gaming. The stock Android experience continues to elevate the user experience with its simple interface. Google again promises seven years of OS and security updates, which has already set a benchmark in the industry. Even Apple has yet to match this claim. I would've appreciated if the phone shipped with Android 15 out-of-the-box. It currently ships with Android 14.As mentioned, there's a strong emphasis on AI, with Google offering some interesting productivity-focused tools. For instance, Gemini Live (included with the Advanced subscription) allows for more natural interaction with AI in both Hindi and English. I found this tool particularly helpful for understanding complex finance topics without the need for extensive typing or reading.The redesigned weather app now offers an AI-generated snippet, providing a quick overview of the day's forecast. Additional productivity features include "Circle to Search," a function we've seen on the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold6. The dedicated Screenshot app leverages AI to help you find the right web link of the Pinterest screenshot you might have taken. There's also a "Call Notes" feature, though it's not yet available in India.While these tools are surely useful for daily use cases, Google could have natively added AI summaries for news articles and an AI editor to Gboard, similar to what's already offered on the Galaxy S24 series and the much more affordable OPPO Reno 12 series. Some AI tweaks to improve cellular connectivity could greatly help users in India.Gaming and benchmarksBased on our synthetic benchmarks, the Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved decent scores. It's still not as power efficient as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but for regular users, the phone offers enough juice to ensure lag-free performance. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL faces heating issues similar to the older Pixel models. It does not affect the performance but may irk new users.For hardcore gamers, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro (review) remains the top choice based on numbers and overall experience. For casual gamers, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a decent choice, considering its wide screen and flat edges. However, the overheating becomes more noticeable after prolonged gaming.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL's tall size allows for a bigger 5,060mAh battery, which performed well during my review even with the highest settings enabled - providing nearly a full day's use. You can extend this further by disabling Always-On Display (AOD) and lowering the screen resolution.However, the charging speed desperately needs improvements. The phone only supports 37W charging and Google continues to skip the adapter in the box. I used a Motorola PD charger, and the phone took over 70 minutes to go from 20 to 100 percent.