I had my doubts about the rumors, but Google did indeed reveal no fewer than four Pixel 9 series smartphones this week. However, the 9 Pro XL isn’t quite what you’d think, and I couldn’t be happier.
This isn’t the first time Google has used the XL branding – the first four generations of Pixel phones all had an XL model – but it feels like a new addition for the Pixel 9 series, given that we’ve already had a 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro.
So, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL an even bigger device? A modern phablet? Well, yes to the first question, but it’s not that simple. So, let’s break it all down.
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger 6.8-inch display, so it’s not really the new addition to the lineup.
The Pixel 9 Pro is an exception with its more compact 6.3-inch screen, making it the same size as the regular Pixel 9.
This is great news and one that we here at Tech Advisor are particularly excited about, including myself. Of course, Pro, Ultra and similar smartphone models have been given all the best hardware over the years, with the assumption that people want them to come with a bigger screen.
Nearly everyone who’s worked at Tech Advisor over the past decade has been frustrated by this trend, yearning for pro-grade cell phones in a more compact size.
There have been some great compact phones over the years, like the Samsung Galaxy S24, but none have offered a truly comprehensive set of premium features for their generation. When you look at the specs, you see that areas like memory and the type of glass used have been compromised.
This always put me off buying a Pro or Ultra model, but Google has finally made a compact phone without compromise, so that’s a big round of applause from me.
Google has finally created a compact phone without compromise, so that’s a big round of applause from me.
Google said at its Made by Google event: “We heard from Pixel users that just because they want a business phone doesn’t necessarily mean they want a big phone.” Too true!
“So for the first time, you can choose between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, without compromise.” Finally.
Not only does that mean you’re not missing out on things like a telephoto lens, better display specs and more memory, but it also doesn’t cost as much as the XL model – £100/$100 cheaper.
This is a big, or small, victory for those of us who have been waiting for a truly compact Pro smartphone. Now let’s hope it performs as well in real-world tests as it looks on paper and in photos.
Find out where to pre-order the Google Pixel 9 series in the UK and US.
