Google Pixel smartphones have been one of the best Android smartphones on the market for a while now. However, Google has received several backlashes from consumers over its smartphone design language despite its top-notch software and camera capabilities. Google stepped up its design game from the inception of the Pixel 6 lineup where the search engine giant made significant hardware improvements to match its software strength.
Last year, Google introduced the Pixel 8 series which seemed to be a true continuation of the new Pixel design language with the iconic horizontal camera island design. Aside from design, the Pixel 8 Pro was a true competitor in the flagship smartphone space even though the Tensor G3 chip feels a bit behind other flagship chips. Nevertheless, the Pixel 8 Pro remains one of the best smartphones to buy now. Even better, buyers could enjoy great discounts since Google has just announced the Pixel 9 series.
Before rushing to get your hands on the discounted Pixel 8 Pro, it’s advisable to take a peep at Google’s latest high-end model, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This will help you make a well-informed decision on whether to sacrifice the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s new premium features for a discounted Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL
In this article, we will highlight the features of both the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL to help readers decide if it’s worth the upgrade or sticking to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro remains the best decision. We will discuss features such as design, camera improvements, display, battery as well as software improvements.
Google 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL Design and Display
In terms of design, both smartphones look like siblings but extremely different from each other. For the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google went in for a more trendy flat sides design, unlike the curved back glass for the Pixel 8 Pro. The latest edition also features a more stylish camera bump to complement the flat sides of the smartphone. The Pixel 8 Pro came with an end-to-end camera island but Google allowed some margins for the camera island of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Both phones also feature the same dimensions as far as length and height are concerned. However, Google has managed to reduce the thickness of the Pixel 9 Pro XL by 0.3mm despite having a slightly larger battery than its predecessor. In terms of weight, the latest model weighs 221g while its predecessor comes in a bit lighter with a weight of 213g. Having a larger battery, it makes a lot of sense for the Pixel 9 Pro XL to be a bit heavier than the Pixel 8 Pro.
Display
Another great advantage of the Pixel 9 Pro XL over the Pixel 8 Pro is seen in the display. Even though both phones have similar dimensions, Google was able to increase the overall display size of the 9 Pro XL by 0.1-inch. This was achieved as a result of a decrease in the bezels of the 9 Pro XL. In doing this, Google has increased the screen-to-body ratio of the Pixel 9 Pro XL from 87.4% to 88%. Another display upgrade has to do with the brightness levels. The Pixel 8 Pro came with a brightness of 1600nits and a peak brightness of 2400nits. With a brightness of 2000nits, which peaks at 3000nits, the Pixel 9 Pro XL prides itself on being one of the brightest displays in the smartphone world now.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL Camera Comparison
In the camera department, Google has decided to maintain the same configuration for both devices. Both devices feature a triple-camera setup with 50MP main sensors, 48MP Telephoto lenses with 5x zoom capabilities and 48MP ultrawide lenses. There are slight differences in terms of camera performance here. For example, the Pixel 8 has a wider field of view with an ultrawide lens of 126 degrees compared to the 123 degrees on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Regarding video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also boasts an 8k video recording at 30 fps while the Pixel 8 Pro can only record in 4k.
Another camera upgrade worth noting has to do with the front camera. Google has substantially increased the megapixel count of the selfie camera this time around. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 42MP selfie camera. This is a huge upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro’s 10.5MP selfie camera.
Chipsets and Storage Configurations
As always, Google introduces a new chip each year for its latest devices. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset. According to Google, the new chip is about 20% faster and more efficient than the previous generation which is featured in the Pixel 8 Pro.
Even though the storage configurations are still the same, there have been some changes in the memory configurations as well. The Pixel 8 Pro features 12GB RAM while the Pixel 9 Pro XL features 16GB RAM.
Battery and Charging Speed
Regarding this category, Google has slightly changed this year’s model. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 5060mAh battery as compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5050mAh battery pack. The charging speed has also undergone minor changes increasing from 30W in the 8 Pro to 37W in the 9 Pro XL. These changes might seem less but when talking about battery and charging speed, every minor change is very essential.
Other Notable Changes
Even though both devices come in four different colour options, they have only two colours in common. In both devices, you can get Porcelain and Obsidian colour options. For the previous model, you can get optional colours like Bay and Mind where as the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in Hazel and Rose Quartz colour options in addition to the other two colours.
In pricing, this year’s model adds an extra $100 to the starting price of the Pixel 8 Pro, starting at $1099 instead of the $999 starting price of the Pixel 8 Pro.
The latest Google device boasts a refined Android experience, powered by the latest Tensor G4 chip. Key software features include enhanced AI capabilities for photography, such as improved Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. Expect faster app launches and smoother multitasking thanks to the increased RAM. Google Assistant promises to be more helpful with advanced natural language processing. Additionally, the phone introduces new privacy and security features, building on Google’s commitment to user data protection.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade hinges on individual priorities. If a larger display, improved brightness, and a refined design are paramount, the 9 Pro XL is a compelling choice. While the predecessor remains a capable flagship with excellent camera performance, the successor offers incremental advancements in key areas. However, considering the potential cost difference and the fact that the Pixel 8 Pro is likely to receive price cuts, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the additional expense. Careful consideration of personal needs and budget will determine whether the new Google smartphone justifies the upgrade.
