Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review - 6 Months Later

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL worth it after 6 Months? How improved is the camera system compared to previous generations? Did they finally fix video quality, and is Gemini actually useful? We’ll answer all of those questions and more.

Plus, we’ll take you through specific software features like the AI-powered Reimagine, Ad Me, Pixel Studio Image generator, Call Notes, Call Assist, the new Screenshots app, how much of a difference Video Boost makes and more.

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🕰️Timestamps:
0:00 - Form Factor and Fingerprint sensor
1:22 - Notable software features
2:04 - Phone Call quality and mic test
2:37 - Pixel Call Assist features
3:39 - Notable software features that feel very Pixel
4:18 - Battery Life
5:02 - Camera System
8:13 - Gemini AI Assistant
10:19 - Magic Editor, Zoom Enhance, and Pixel Studio
10:49 - Reimagine and Add Me features
11:29 - Emergency SOS via Satellite and Screenshots app
12:03 - Downsides and Recommendations

6 Months Later purchased all the products seen in this video. This video has no sponsor.

Any Amazon links we provide in our descriptions are in conjunction with our Amazon partnership. The channel receives a small percentage of revenue from any sales generated by viewers clicking the links.

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[MonthsLater]

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[JackTheBlack]

I like Siri better; Siri trains me to not be lazy. Every time I asked Siri a question, Siri asked me to look for it on the internet myself.

[VirajRao]

After long term iPhone user I switched to the Pixel 9 Pro XL in Feb, and my experience has been great so far. Not missing my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

[ricoyou]

Great complete video. Got my Pixel 9 PRO XL 512gb Hazel color August 22nd after trading a Samsung S24 Ultra....best decision ever. This phone just does everything well and smoothly. Not one issue and with constant updates and feature drops from Google. Homerun Google!

[AN-pvnz]

I have never heen happier with a phone than I am now with my pixel 9 pro...perfect size en the user friendliness is amazing

[XeZrunner]

2:19 I would have thought this was a professional microphone. Sounds very clear!

[jazzyknght]

flip to shhh is always my fav feature on pixels. it is very intuitive that you dont even have to learn to use it

[lsaideOK]

I am processing some raws from my Google pixel Pro I took in Puerto Rico last week and having great results. I don't often shoot raw with my phone but did not bring a dedicated camera on this vacation and instead decided to max out the quality of my phone pics. I do find the out of camera jpegs look more natural than Samsung pics but there is a certain type of sharpening Google uses that looks okay when viewed on the phone but looks pretty unnatural at greater magnification. I find it impossible to actually sharpen an image in the way Google does. Which is a good thing when trying to represent the scene naturally! And the images wind up having plenty of detail anyway.

[JackWest]

Great review! Pixel 9 Pro XL user here. The fingerprint scanner is better than previous pixels, but still not as good as Samsungs and the delayed notifications issue needs to be resolved, it's absolutely ridiculous

[EBraz]

I went from the S22 ultra to the pixel 9 pro XL. So far no.regrets.

[reezalbasri]

The camera notch reminds me of Bender from Futurama

[__Flowz]

100 percent right on the screen Hard in the eyes! Camera top notch!

[albibushi]

I switched from iphone 14 to PXL 9 pro xl. The back swipe gesture, the fingerprint unlock, 30x zoom camera, and the AI tools to modify photos and create wallpapers myself have made me very happy i made the decision. I also bought the phone at 850 euros which is pretty much the same price of an entry level iphone 16 which does not even have the same specs. There are downsides of course, but overall very pleased with the phone.

[BeamedAgain]

Just got my Pixel 9 Pro XL on contract today as I've been in need of a phone upgrade for a long while (My iPhone 11 Pro was really showing it's age). This phone is brilliant so far. I've experience 120hz before as my monitor is 120hz, but wow does it make a difference on a phone! The slower 60hz screen on iPhones never bothered me much but now switching between them the difference is night and day.

The user experience feels great, I much prefer the UI and functionality of Android more. Switching over was the only hiccup, for some reason my iPhone refused to connect to the pixel, so I had to manually transfer everything. I'm sure that was an iPhone issue though, since the Pixel so far has been a massive upgrade in every single way so far.

The only genuine complaint I have is that out of the box, the phone is quite hard to hold and gets quite warm. I'm sure when I buy a screen protector and case these issue will go away, but for now it's a minor annoyance.

[AlvaroPadilla]

Came back to the 9 pro XL after using the s25 ultra and man, i do not miss the galaxy one bit.

[adamdavis]

Love my Pixel 9 Pro. Having all the flagship hardware in the smaller sized phone is why I bought it. My only issue is the signal strength. Came from the OnePlus 12 and they have amazing reception. The several small software features is why I will stay with Pixel, but if OnePlus comes out with a smaller flagship, I may try it.

[jellyphase]

The crazy thing is that pixels used to have auto white balance adjustment. They just removed the feature for no reason.

[Dhammond]

I’ve got an iPhone 14 Pro currently and looking at the Google Pixel 9 Pro, has anyone made a similar switch and if so, what are your thoughts?

[stephanmccord]

My son has the pixel 6 pro and he still loves his phone. We are pixel lovers for life. And my girlfriend loves her pixel 8 pro

[Bill-pv]

This is the best looking and performing Pixel yet. In my opinion, the only thing they need to fix is to add a little bit more software tweaks like an edge panel, better split screen, multitasking, and better desktop mode. Hardware wise definitely titanium build!