Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL

For the past few years, Google has launched two Pixel flagships every summer. Normally, you get the base Pixel and then a Pro version of whatever model number it happens to be. No one was complaining about that, but Google went and shook things up for 2024 in a way that gives customers more options than before.

This year, there are two versions of the Pixel 9 Pro: the regular Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The differences are self-evident in the name; it mostly comes down to 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.

Allow us to help.

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL price

Pixel 9 Pro in a nice pink color.
Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999. The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099. One of those numbers is smaller than the other, so it wins.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL display

Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is real nice.
Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

As you might imagine, the primary difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to physical size. Specifically, the display on one is substantially bigger than the other.

To be more specific, the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, which is exactly the same as the base Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is 6.8 inches, which is actually about the same as last year’s non-XL Pixel 8 Pro. Google’s naming conventions here are a little misleading, then, because you’d be inclined to believe the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an entirely new form factor.

However, it’s the non-XL Pixel 9 Pro that’s actually new, given that it’s a premium Pixel at a base Pixel size. It’s mostly a semantic difference, but still interesting nonetheless. Anyway, the two phones have the same aspect ratio, refresh rate, and peak brightness. The only difference besides size is resolution, with the Pixel 9 Pro at 1280 x 2856 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 1344 x 2992.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Xl

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL specs

Pixel 9 Pro is no slouch, specs-wise.
Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Get ready to see the following sentiment a lot: This one’s a tie.

Seriously, aside from the display, these two phones are more or less identical. Here are the basic internal specs for both:

• Tensor G4 chip

• 16GB RAM

• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options

These two phones, from a performance perspective, should be exactly the same. Maybe some differences will rear their heads during extensive product testing post-launch, but for now, this is a draw.

Winner: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL features

Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same set of features as Pixel 9 Pro.
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Everything I wrote in the above category applies here, too.

Both phones will have all of the same software features, so people who don’t feel like spending the extra $100 won’t miss anything in terms of everyday utility. If you’re enamored with the suite of Gemini-powered AI features on the new Pixels, for example, 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: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL camera

Pixel 9 Pro has the same camera as its XL counterpart.
Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

Surprise! These two phones have the exact same camera specs:

This is the greatest set of cameras you will get on a Pixel 9 phone, at least in terms of specs. The 42MP selfie cam is new this year, and while we haven’t tested it yet, it should produce nice-looking shots for your IG page.

Winner: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life

Pixel 9 Pro XL should have a better battery.
Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Heck yeah, here’s a category that isn’t a tie.

The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery. You will theoretically get more juice out of a full charge with Pixel 9 Pro XL. We don’t know exactly how much yet, but it should be at least something.

Interestingly, another difference comes in the form of fast charging. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro can get up to 55 percent battery in 30 minutes using a 45W charger (sold separately, of course). The Pixel 9 Pro XL, meanwhile, can get up to 70 percent in the same amount of time under the same conditions.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is better for you?

Small hands? Pixel 9 Pro is the one for you.
Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

There’s really no loser here. Both phones have (on paper) impressive specs, a robust suite of software features, and beefy camera lenses — at least in terms of megapixel counts. The only differences come in the form of display and battery size. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL is technically a better phone due to its bigger battery alone, the choice should really come down to personal preference for a smaller or bigger phone.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL (unless you have small hands)