Google Pixel smartphones have been some of the best Android smartphones on the market for quite some time now. However, Google has received a lot of backlash from consumers for its smartphone design language despite its top-notch software and camera capabilities. Google has taken its design game to the next level since the launch of the Pixel 6 series, where the search engine giant made significant hardware improvements to match its software prowess.
Last year, Google introduced the Pixel 8 series, which looked like a true continuation of the new Pixel design language with its iconic horizontal camera island design. Aside from the design, the Pixel 8 Pro was a real contender in the flagship smartphone space, even if its Tensor G3 chip fell a bit short of other flagship chips. Still, the Pixel 8 Pro remains one of the best smartphones to buy right now. Better yet, buyers can get huge discounts now that Google has announced the Pixel 9 series.
Before you rush to grab the discounted Pixel 8 Pro, it's recommended that you take a look at Google's latest high-end model, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This will help you make a well-informed decision about whether to sacrifice the new premium features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a discounted Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL Comparison
In this article, we'll highlight the features of both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL to help readers decide whether it's worth the upgrade or if sticking with last year's Pixel 8 Pro is the best decision. We'll cover features like design, camera improvements, display, battery, and software improvements.
Google 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL Design and Display
In terms of design, both smartphones look like siblings but are quite different from each other. For the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google has gone for a trendier flat-edged design as opposed to the curved rear glass of the Pixel 8 Pro. The latest version also features a sleeker camera bump that complements the flat edges of the smartphone. The Pixel 8 Pro came with an edge-to-edge camera island, but Google left some space for the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera island.
Both phones have the same dimensions in terms of length and height. 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 predecessor comes in a bit lighter at 213g while the last model weighed 221g. It makes sense that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bit heavier than the Pixel 8 Pro due to its larger battery.
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Another major advantage the Pixel 9 Pro XL has over the Pixel 8 Pro is its display. While both phones have similar dimensions, Google has managed to increase the overall display size of the 9 Pro XL by 0.1 inches. This is achieved by reducing the bezels on the 9 Pro XL. In doing so, Google has increased the screen-to-body ratio of the Pixel 9 Pro XL from 87.4% to 88%. Another display upgrade is in terms of brightness levels. The Pixel 8 Pro came with 1600 nits of brightness and 2400 nits of peak brightness. With 2000 nits of brightness peaking at 3000 nits, the Pixel 9 Pro XL now boasts of being one of the brightest displays in the smartphone world.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL Camera Comparison
In the camera department, Google has decided to keep the same configuration for both the devices. Both the devices feature a triple camera setup with 50MP primary sensors, 48MP Telephoto lenses with 5x zoom capability, 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 a 126-degree ultrawide lens compared to 123-degree on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. In terms of video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also offers 8k video recording at 30fps, while the Pixel 8 Pro can only record in 4k.
Another camera upgrade worth noting is the front-facing camera. This time around, Google has significantly increased the megapixel count of the selfie camera. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 42MP selfie camera. This is a big upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro’s 10.5MP selfie camera.
Chipsets and Storage Configurations
As usual, Google introduces a new chip every 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 found in the Pixel 8 Pro.
While the storage configurations are still the same, there have been some changes to the memory configurations as well. The Pixel 8 Pro has 12GB of RAM while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has 16GB of RAM.
Battery and Charging Speed
In this category, Google has changed its model a bit this year. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5060mAh battery compared to the 5050mAh battery pack of the Pixel 8 Pro. The charging speed has also undergone minor changes, from 30W on the 8 Pro to 37W on the 9 Pro XL. These changes may seem minor, but when talking about battery and charging speed, every little bit counts.
Other Important Changes
While both devices come in four different color options, they only have two in common. You can get Porcelain and Obsidian color options on both devices. For the previous model, you can get optional colors like Bay and Mind, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in Hazel and Rose Quartz color options in addition to the other two colors.
As for pricing, this year's model adds $100 to the Pixel 8 Pro's starting price, starting at $1099 instead of the Pixel 8 Pro's $999 starting price.
Google's latest device offers an enhanced Android experience powered by the latest Tensor G4 chip. Key features of the software include enhanced AI capabilities for photography, such as an improved Magic Eraser and Photo Deblur. Expect apps to launch faster and multitask more smoothly thanks to the increased RAM. Google Assistant promises to be more helpful with improved natural language processing, and the phone also introduces new privacy and security features that build on Google’s commitment to user data protection.
Solution
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade comes down to individual priorities. If a larger screen, improved brightness, and a refined design are your top priorities, the 9 Pro XL is an intriguing choice. While its predecessor remains a capable flagship with excellent camera performance, its successor offers incremental improvements in key areas. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the added expense, considering the potential cost difference and the fact that the Pixel 8 Pro is likely to receive price cuts. A careful assessment of your personal needs and budget will determine whether the new Google smartphone justifies the upgrade.