The Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t what you think it is

I doubted the rumours but Google did indeed unveil no fewer than four Pixel 9 series smartphones this week. However, the 9 Pro XL isn’t quite what you might think it is, and I couldn’t be happier. 

It’s not the first time Google has used XL branding – the first four generations of Pixel phones all had an XL model – but it feels like a new addition for the Pixel 9 series, seeing as we’ve already had a 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro. 

So, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL an even bigger handset? A modern phablet? Well, yes to the first question, but it’s not that simple. So, let’s break it down. 

The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly bigger 6.8-inch display, so it’s not really the new addition to the range. 

The Pixel 9 Pro is the outlier with its more compact 6.3-inch screen, making it the same size as the regular Pixel 9. 

It’s great news which we’re particularly excited about here at Tech Advisor towers, including myself. Of course, the Pro, Ultra or similar models of smartphones over the years have been given all the best bits of hardware, with the assumption that people want it to be accompanied by a larger screen. 

Almost everyone who has worked at Tech Advisor in the last decade has been frustrated by this trend, longing for pro-level handsets in a more compact size. 

There have been some great compact phones over the years, like the Samsung Galaxy S24, but none with a truly full set of premium features for their generation. When you dig into the specs, areas such as memory and the type of glass used have been compromised.

It’s always put me off getting a Pro or Ultra model but Google’s finally made a zero-compromise compact phone, so it’s a big round of applause from me. 

Google’s finally made a zero-compromise compact phone, so it’s a big round of applause from me

Google said in its Made by Google event “We’ve heard from Pixel users that just because they want a pro phone, doesn’t necessarily mean they want a big phone,” Too right! 

“So, for the first time, you can choose between Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, without compromises.” Finally.

Not only does it mean you don’t miss out on things like a telephoto lens, better display specs and more memory, it also doesn’t cost as much as the XL model – £100/$100 cheaper.

It’s a big, or small, win for those of us who have been waiting for a properly compact Pro smartphone. Now, let’s hope it’s as good in real-world testing as it looks on paper and in photos.

Find out where to pre-order the Google Pixel 9 series in the UK and US.