Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Everything you need to know

Why This Phone is Worth Checking Out

Let’s be real: there are a lot of phones out there, but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is special. I’ve tested so many phones, and this one feels like Google’s best shot at beating big names like Samsung and Apple. At TechAdvisors, we’ve used this phone every day for weeks, and we’re here to tell you if its design, build, and screen are as good as they say. Spoiler: It’s got some cool surprises!

Design: Simple, Sleek, and Totally a Pixel

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a masterpiece of simple and elegant design. The combination of metal that is flat with sides and glass that is matte at the back gives it a chic and suave appearance. Moreover, it seems that the Pixel has been designed to keep it clean from fingerprints (at least in the majority of cases), which is usually a problem with more glossy phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

One of the most striking features of the design is the camera bar at the back. It is both flat and flush with the phone’s body, a feature that allows it to be steady when placed on a table; thus, there is no wobbling like the thick camera bump on the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the different lenses, you know, like on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. As for the colors, the phone can be chosen in four: Stormy Black, Porcelain White, Rose Quartz, and Hazel.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has sharp edges that can hurt your hand after a while. If you like phones that are easy to use with one hand, the Pixel wins.

Build Quality: Strong, Light, and Comfortability

Google didn’t cheat here. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL contains a robust aluminum construction alongside tough glass panes at both front and rear. At TechAdvisors, we even dropped it (oops!) a few times from waist height onto concrete. It got a few tiny scratches on the metal edges, but the screen and back stayed perfect. It’s also waterproof and dustproof. We tested it in rain and even dunked it in a pool during a camping trip!

What shocked us? How comfy it feels. The flat edges are slightly curved, so they don’t dig into your hand like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The buttons are easy to press and placed right where your thumb rests. At 198 grams, it’s way lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (221 grams) and even the Galaxy S25 Ultra (205 grams). If your hand ever gets tired from scrolling, you’ll love how light this phone is.

Display Quality

The screen is the first thing where the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out without any doubt. Its amazing 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and crisp resolution is really impressive for every user interaction. The colors are a great combination of truth and vibrancy, and there are two modes available on the device: “Natural” for accurate colors and “Adaptive” for a more vibrant, eye-catching look.

The factor that makes this display different from the others is its record-breaking brightness. The brightness can go up to 3,000 nits, and even in very bright conditions, the user can still read the content on the screen without any problem. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 2,000 nits and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 2,600 nits, this is a considerable step forward. The display, which is also very powerful, allows the perfect playback of HDR videos, thus making the user enjoy perfect white and black levels on apps such as Netflix and YouTube.

Super Gaming.

One of the best features of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is its 120 Hz refresh rate, which basically allows you to have a smooth and nice experience with everything that you do on your phone, from gaming to a simple scrolling of the web or social media.

Everything just moves so quickly and smoothly. For instance, games like Call of Duty: Mobile become super sleek and fast—every swipe and tap just happening instantly.

Moreover, the long display of the phone is also very advantageous, as it gives you more vertical area to watch videos and read a book than an iPhone with a more square-like display. And despite the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra having pretty-style curved edges, the flat screen of the Pixel is still what we like. It is really convenient to hold and also makes you stay away from annoying accidental touches.

How It Compares to Other Phones

Let’s see how the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stacks up against its rivals:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:

• The curved display appearance seems elegant, yet manipulating it with one hand becomes challenging.
• Comes with an S Pen (great for drawing or notes), but not everyone needs it.
• Pixel’s software is cleaner (no annoying pre-installed apps!) and lighter.

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

• You will find the Pixel lighter in weight and smaller in bulk than this device.
• Apple fans will love how it works with other Apple gadgets, but the Pixel’s screen is brighter and cheaper (1,099 vs. 1,099 vs. 1,199).
• Both take great photos, but Google’s AI tricks (like erasing photobombers) are super handy.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

• Cheaper, lighter, and brighter screen than rivals.
• Perfect for Android lovers who hate bloatware (useless apps).
• Not the best if you’re stuck in Apple or Samsung’s ecosystem, but that’s rare.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy This Phone?

After weeks of testing, here’s the truth: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s best phone ever. It’s for people who want a top-tier phone without the fancy price tag. At 

1,099), it’s cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (1,299) and iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199), but just as good—or better!

Get this phone if:

• You love Android without annoying extra apps.
• You hate heavy phones that hurt your hand.
• During video streaming or gaming sessions or work assignments, you desire a display with high brightness and smoothness.

Skip this phone if:

• You’re all-in on Apple (iMessage, FaceTime, etc.).
• You need the Samsung S Pen for notes or art.

TechAdvisors’ Final Say:

Anyone who embraces Android, plus those seeking luxury phone features at a reasonable cost, should consider the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Each day becomes more delightful with the combination of screen technology and useful design and software components.

It won’t steal Apple or Samsung superfans, but for everyone else? It’s almost perfect. If you’re upgrading your phone this year, give this one a shot—you’ll love it.

Questions about the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Ask us below! Stay tuned to TechAdvisors for more honest tech reviews!