After months of anticipation and countless leaks, Google has finally unveiled the latest addition to its flagship smartphone lineup: the Pixel 9 series. This year, the lineup includes four models: the standard Pixel 9, the new foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and two Pro variants: the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. With more options than ever before, choosing the right Pixel can be a bit overwhelming. If you’ve got your eye on one of the Pro models, here are some reasons why the Pixel 9 Pro is a better choice than its bigger sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Price Difference: A More Affordable Option
Google has been steadily increasing the prices of its Pixel devices in recent years. What started out as a series of affordable flagship phones has become increasingly expensive. For example, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 launched at a reasonable $599, but prices have increased with each new release. The Pixel 8 series saw a jump, and now the Pixel 9 series is continuing that trend. The standard Pixel 9 starts at $699, the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099. This is definitely a significant increase over the previous models, as each model has increased in price by $100.
For those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. While $999 is still a significant investment, it’s $100 less than the larger model, making it a more appealing option for those who want high-end features without the heftier price tag. When you put both devices side by side, you realize that you can clearly shell out an extra $100 without losing much in terms of features. Plus, the money saved can be used to purchase accessories like a protective case or additional storage, improving your overall experience with the device.
Compact and Easy-to-Use Design
Not everyone prefers a large smartphone, and for those with smaller hands or who enjoy the convenience of a more compact device, the Pixel 9 Pro is a great option. Larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max can be a challenge for some users to use, especially when trying to use the device one-handed.
Google has noticed this, and for the first time, it’s offering a smaller Pro model with all the high-end features previously reserved for larger phones. The Pixel 9 Pro is about 12% smaller than the Pixel 9 Pro XL in terms of overall dimensions, making it more portable and easier to use on the go. Despite its smaller size, the Pixel 9 Pro still has a 6.3-inch display, providing enough screen real estate for streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks. If you value portability and ease of use, the Pixel 9 Pro is an ideal choice.
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Pixel 9 Pro VS XL: A Slight Display Advantage
When it comes to displays, there’s a common saying that “bigger is better,” right? Well, that’s not always the case, especially when you think about it from a technical perspective. Technically, when you have two displays with the same technology, the smaller display tends to have a slight edge over the larger display when it comes to sharpness. This technology is called “Pixels Per Inch (PPI).” A typical example of this type of comparison is the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
When it comes to the display, the Pixel 9 Pro actually has a slight edge over the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the difference may be subtle. The Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller 6.3-inch display compared to the XL's 6.8-inch display. Both models offer the same 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, and 24-bit depth for 16 million colors.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro has a higher pixel density of 495 PPI (pixels per inch) due to its 1280 x 2856 resolution compared to the XL's 486 PPI. While this difference is small and may not be noticeable to the average user, those with an eye for detail may appreciate the slightly sharper display on the Pixel 9 Pro.
Pixel 9 Pro VS XL: Same Great Camera System
In previous Pixel generations, opting for the larger model usually meant getting a better camera setup. This year, Google has leveled the playing field by equipping both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL with the same impressive camera system. Both models feature a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. The selfie camera is also the same on both models, with a 42MP sensor.
This means that you’ll get the same high-end photography experience regardless of whether you opt for the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The choice between the two models comes down to factors like screen size and battery life rather than camera quality, making the Pixel 9 Pro an attractive option for photography enthusiasts who prefer a more compact device.
Pixel 9 Pro VS XL: Almost Same Specs
Other than the minor differences in size and battery capacity, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share almost the same specs. Both models feature the same build quality, IP68 dust and water resistance, seven years of software updates, 16GB of RAM, the latest Tensor G4 processor, new Gemini AI features, and Satellite SOS. The main difference lies in the battery size, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL packing a larger 5,060mAh battery compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 4,700mAh. However, this difference is understandable given the larger display on the XL model.
Verdict: Better Value with Pixel 9 Pro
If you’re considering upgrading to a new smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a compelling package. It’s more affordable than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, easier to use, and still has all the flagship features you’d expect from a top-tier Google device. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also a great option, especially for those who prefer larger screens, the Pixel 9 Pro offers better value for money, making it the smarter choice for most users.
If you prefer the larger display of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it's currently available for pre-order and will arrive in stores before the Pixel 9 Pro on August 22, 2024. But for those who want a powerful, feature-packed smartphone without the added bulk or cost, the Pixel 9 Pro is the right choice.