The Google Pixel 9 series is gearing up for its grand unveiling later this year, promising a significant upgrade over the Pixel 8 lineup. This time, however, Google is rumored to break its usual pattern of three models by introducing a fourth, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This new addition has recently surfaced on Geekbench, offering valuable insights into its potential specifications and performance. Let’s dive into the details revealed by the listing and explore the exciting possibilities surrounding Google’s most anticipated phone series yet.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL on Geekbench
The Pixel 9 Pro XL made an appearance on Geekbench on June 17th, marking the first-ever mention of this intriguing moniker. This news follows closely on the heels of the Pixel 9’s own Geekbench listing, fueling speculation that the tech giant is poised to shake things up in the smartphone market. The Geekbench entry reveals the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be equipped with a "komodo" motherboard based on Arm architecture, paired with a "sched_pixel" governor.
The listing further suggests that the device will boast a substantial 16GB of RAM, coupled with Android 14 operating system. Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be powered by an octa-core processor, featuring a 3.10 GHz primary core, three mid-cores operating at 2.60 GHz, and four cores clocked at 1.95 GHz. Numerous leaks point towards this chip being the highly anticipated Google Tensor G4 SoC, a powerful and custom-designed processor that promises to elevate the smartphone’s performance and AI capabilities.
In the Geekbench tests, the Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a respectable 1,950 points in single-core testing and 4,655 points in multi-core testing. These scores represent a slight improvement compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, which obtained 1,751 and 4,384 points, respectively. This performance boost indicates that Google has been working diligently to enhance processor capabilities and deliver a smoother, more powerful user experience.
Expected Specifications
While the Geekbench listing provides a tantalizing glimpse into the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s internal workings, several other speculated features and specifications have emerged from various sources. Based on these whispers, the new phone is anticipated to sport a sizeable 6.73-inch AMOLED display, boasting a vibrant and highly responsive120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also expected to ship with the latest Android 15 operating system, maximizing user experience and security. In addition to the generous RAM, the phone is rumored to include 128GB of built-in storage, ensuring plenty of space for apps, photos, and other data.
One of the most intriguing reports about the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s design involves a potential departure from the visor-shaped camera module seen on previous Pixel Pro models. Instead, the phone might sport a pill-shaped bar for its camera setup. This shift could signify a new focus on aesthetics and a desire to streamline the overall design.
Visual leaks of the Pixel 9 series, surfaced months ago, hint at a matte back with a glossy frame, adding a touch of elegance to the phone. The combination of these design elements suggests a sleek and sophisticated smartphone, possibly in various color options to appeal to a diverse range of preferences.
Potential Release Date and Price
While no official confirmation has been given regarding the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s release date, several reports suggest that the entire Pixel 9 series is anticipated to launch later this year. This timeframe aligns with Google’s historical launch patterns, leaving us to anticipate an announcement in the fall. However, until Google makes an official declaration, all dates should be taken with a grain of salt.
Predicting the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s price remains a challenge. Previous Pixel Pro models have generally been positioned at the high-end of the market, and the inclusion of a "Pro XL" variant suggests a larger screen and potentially even more advanced features, justifying a possible premium. However, Google has occasionally surprised us with competitive pricing, so only time will tell how the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be positioned in terms of cost.
A New Era in Pixel Smartphones
The arrival of Pixel 9 Pro XL signifies a significant milestone for Google’s popular smartphone lineup. While the Pixel 9 series already promises to impress with advanced features and performance, the addition of a larger, possibly even more powerful model, suggests a new chapter in the Pixel story. This move positions Google to compete head-on with other tech giants who are increasingly focusing on larger screen size and sophisticated features.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s foray into the larger smartphone market promises to bring a unique proposition for users seeking a powerful phone with a substantial screen. With its anticipated blend of high-end specs, innovative software, and possibly unique design elements, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the potential to become a strong contender in the competitive world of flagship smartphones.
As we edge closer to the official unveiling, anticipation will only grow. The tech world is eager to see how Google’s most ambitious Pixel series will impact the smartphone landscape and whether the Pixel 9 Pro XL truly delivers on its promise to be a game-changer.
