Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: A Phone That’s All About AI, But Can It Deliver?
Google’s Pixel phones have consistently been known for their exceptional camera capabilities. However, with the Pixel 9 Pro series, the company is taking a bold leap forward, placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of its strategy. This isn’t just about enhanced photography, but about AI-powered features that extend to every aspect of your smartphone experience, from composing messages to managing emails. To achieve this ambitious goal, Google has introduced a new and improved Tensor G4 chip designed specifically for AI processing, along with a larger 6.8-inch display housed within the same footprint as its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, thanks to a new Pixel 9 Pro XL model. The question arises: Can Google successfully integrate AI into every facet of the smartphone experience, and will it be enough to justify the high price tag?
A Focus on AI: More Than Just Camera Tricks
The Pixel 9 Pro series isn’t just about impressive camera features; it’s about ubiquitous AI integration. Think of your phone like a personalized assistant, anticipating your needs and providing solutions before you even ask. Google’s Gemini AI model, which powers these features, takes center stage, offering a suite of new capabilities that promise to revolutionize how we interact with our phones:
H2: Gemini AI: A Game Changer?
- Add Me: Imagine taking a photo with a group and wanting to include yourself. The Add Me feature uses AI to seamlessly integrate your image into the existing picture, creating a natural-looking composite.
- Zoom Enhance: Remember struggling to zoom in on a photo and losing detail? Zoom Enhance uses AI to intelligently enhance the image, restoring clarity and detail that would otherwise be lost.
- Magic Editor: The Magic Editor takes AI-powered image manipulation to a new level. You can change the entire setting of your photo, move objects, or even remove unwanted elements.
- Gemini Live Voice Assistant: Google’s Gemini Live is a step beyond the traditional voice assistant. It engages in real-time conversations, offering advice, scheduling appointments, and suggesting solutions to your queries.
- Pixel Screenshots: This new app takes the hassle out of organizing screenshots by automatically recognizing the content and creating a categorized library.
- Pixel Studio: A standalone app dedicated to AI image generation, allowing you to create unique and imaginative images from scratch.
While these features sound promising, Google’s Gemini Advanced AI plan, which unlocks the full potential of these features, comes with a hefty monthly subscription fee. This could be a major obstacle for many users, particularly after the free one-year trial expires.
New Hardware: Enhanced Performance and Bigger Display
To power all these AI-driven features, Google has unveiled the new Tensor G4 chip, which boasts significantly improved AI processing capabilities. This chip, coupled with 16GB of RAM and a generous amount of storage (either 256GB or 512GB in India), should ensure smooth and efficient performance. However, it’s worth noting that the focus on AI enhancements may have come at the expense of raw processing power compared to other high-end processors.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with its larger 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display. Google’s engineers have managed to squeeze in a significantly larger screen without sacrificing the overall footprint, making it a real powerhouse in terms of display size and immersion.
A Familiar Camera Setup, But With Enhancements
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro XL closely resembles that of its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro. It features a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48-megapixel periscope camera with 5x optical zoom, and a slightly upgraded 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. However, the biggest improvement comes from the new 42-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus, offering significant clarity and detail in your self-portraits.
A Few Notable Enhancements
- Battery: The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a slightly larger 5,060mAh battery, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5,050mAh. While this difference may not be monumental, it will be worth seeing whether Google can achieve longer battery life than its predecessor.
- Charging: A significant upgrade comes in the form of 37W wired charging, promising faster charging speeds. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard, although it is important to note that it does not feature the magnetic alignment typical of Qi2 chargers. This means that users will have to ensure perfect alignment for optimal charging.
- Design: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a new design language that embraces flat sides and bevelled edges. It resembles the design philosophy of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but with a unique mirror finish on the frame. While the camera module is also flat this time around, it protrudes noticeably.
The Price Point: A Challenge
The Pixel 9 Pro series doesn’t come cheap. The standard Pixel 9 Pro starts at Rs. 1,09,999, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is currently the subject of review, starts at Rs. 1,24,999. This places the Pixel lineup in direct competition with Samsung’s flagship offerings, like the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra, which offer superior hardware specifications in some aspects.
Conclusion: A Bold Bet on AI
In conclusion, Google is making a bold bet on AI with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The phone is packed with AI-powered features that promise to transform the smartphone experience. However, it remains to be seen whether these features will be compelling enough for users to justify the high price tag. Ultimately, the success of the Pixel 9 Pro series will depend on Google’s ability to seamlessly integrate AI into everyday use and deliver a truly compelling smartphone experience. In the coming weeks, our detailed review will explore the camera performance, heating, battery life, and overall user experience of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, providing a comprehensive overview of what this AI-powered smartphone has to offer.
