Pixel 9 Pro XL's Impressive Features Prompt Unexpected Upgrade Decision

Key Takeaways from ZDNET

While I'm still exploring all the new Pixel 9 AI features, here's how I rate the ones I use most frequently:

• Pixel Screenshots (4/5): It's an AI feature I didn't know I needed. Unlike Microsoft Recall, it's curated by images you manually capture, making it secure and easy to use.
• Gemini Live (4/5): Similar to ChatGPT's voice feature, you can chat with Gemini Live in the background. Since its launch, it's become more natural, with fewer hiccups and improved haptic feedback. Multimodality and integration with Pixel Buds Pro 2 should enhance the experience further.
• Call Notes (2/5): The reliability of this feature depends heavily on call quality, speaking pace, and the presence of unique words. In many cases, Gemini struggles to accurately transcribe dates, places, and other crucial details.

ZDNET's Buying Advice

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a strong contender for the best Android phone of the year, even if you don't plan to use its AI features. Despite being Google's priciest non-foldable phone to date, the price increase is justified by improvements in charging speed, performance, and build quality. The reintroduction of the XL model caters to users who prefer a larger screen without sacrificing specs or camera quality. If the Pro models are out of your budget but you're interested in the core features, consider the more affordable Pixel 9.

How We Test Phones

At ZDNET, our review team dedicates over a year to testing every major phone release, assessing day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life, and special features. Here's a breakdown of the factors we consider:

• Design and Ergonomics: We pay close attention to how a phone looks and feels, as these aspects significantly influence the buying decision.
• Performance: We test phones with a fully charged battery, closed background tasks, and a stable mobile connection to gauge performance.
• Camera Quality: We capture hundreds of photos and videos in various conditions and compare them to previous models.
• Battery Life and Charging: We evaluate battery endurance under different usage scenarios and assess charging speed and methods.
• Special Features: These set devices apart and add value, so we test them thoroughly.
• Pricing and Availability: We consider budget and whether the phone is available in the US or internationally.

For a more detailed look, visit our comprehensive phone testing methodology page.

When Will This Deal Expire?

It's unclear how long this deal will last since no expiration date was provided. But don't wait too long—these discounts won't stick around forever. Act quickly to take advantage of the savings.

Deals can sell out or expire at any time, but ZDNET is committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you. Our team regularly checks to ensure the deals are still active. We're sorry if you missed out, but keep an eye on ZDNET.com for new savings opportunities.

This review was originally published on September 12, 2024, and was updated on April 5, 2025.