Mid 2024, Google shook up the Pixel lineup with a dynamic duo: the Google Pixel 9 Pro and its larger sibling, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. These two Android models bring some of the latest Google AI innovation right to your pocket, packed with performance, boasting stunning displays, and advanced AI features, all powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor. Let’s dive into what these standout models bring to the table and how they’re setting a new standard for smartphones.

If you love an impressive display, you’re in for a treat. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch display, while the 9 Pro XL is a stunning 6.8 inches. Both models feature the Super Actua display, hitting an incredible 3,000 nits of brightness, making them Pixel’s brightest screens yet. So, whether you’re in the sunniest spot on a summer day or scrolling late at night, your screen stays clear and crisp. Add a 120 Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth video playback and gaming, plus adaptive tech that scales it down to 1 Hz to save battery when you’re browsing static content.³ And for those epic gaming marathons, an advanced  new vapour chamber cooling system keeps things chill so you can keep playing without overheating.

At the heart of both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL is the mighty Google Tensor G4 processor, delivering a 20% boost than the Pixel 8 Pro in browsing speed and 17% faster app launches. So whether you’re hopping between apps or going deep into gameplay, these Pixels are ready for anything.

With a memory capacity of up to 16 GB, the largest in the series, both models are built to handle everything from immersive gameplay to high-quality video playback with ease.

With power efficiency optimised by the Google Tensor G4 processor, battery life has been significantly enhanced. Activating Super Battery Saver mode can extend battery life up to 100 hours.⁵

The Google Pixel 9 Pro’s 4,700 mAh battery supports 27W fast charging, reaching up to 55% charge in about 30 minutes.⁶ Wireless charging is also available at up to 21W, and with Battery Share, you can charge Qi-compatible devices, such as the Google Pixel Buds Pro, simply by placing them on the back of the phone.⁷

Powered by the Google Tensor G4, the AI on these models is stronger than ever, adding exciting new features like Auto Frame in Magic Editor. With Auto Frame, AI can automatically adjust the composition of your photos by suggesting crops, generating background scenery, or even enlarging the image so everyone fits perfectly.⁸

Google Pixel’s new feature Add Me will be your new best friend. Perfect for group photos where the photographer often gets left out. To use it, first take a photo of the group without the photographer. Then, swap places with the photographer and take a second photo at the same angle. The AI will combine both shots into one natural-looking group photo, making it look as if everyone was together from the start.⁹

Then get a helping hand with Gemini AI, Google’s generative AI, you can simply press and hold the power button to activate the assistant. Need a weekend travel itinerary? Just ask, “Plan my first trip to Sunshine Coast for three days and two nights”, and Gemini will suggest a plan. Or if you need a quick summary of recent emails, just say, “summarise my recent important emails,”and Gemini will gather the highlights from Gmail. Whether for personal life or business, Gemini makes staying organised easier than ever.¹⁰

A camera even the pros will love. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are equipped with a powerful triple-camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera. Exclusive to the Pro series, the telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom, while Google’s AI-driven Super Resolution Zoom provides up to 20x zoom for video and an impressive 30x for photos.¹¹

The front camera on both models has also received a significant upgrade, now boasting 42 megapixels for ultra-sharp selfies and high-definition video calls. With a wider 103° field of view, it’s perfect for group shots.¹²For low-light conditions, Panorama mode now captures wide-angle night scenes with enhanced detail, ideal for shots like illuminations. The photography screen features a new guide to help correct misalignment or tilting, making it easier to capture aligned shots.

Video quality is enhanced as well, with support for ultra-high-definition 8K at 30 fps and the AI-powered Video Boost feature, which reduces noise, corrects brightness, and keeps videos steady. Night Sight mode now operates at twice the speed, providing smoother low-light video capture.

For those who want more manual control, Pro settings allow adjustments to the focus point, increased shutter speed for fast-moving subjects, and Macro Focus for clear close-up shots.¹³ Dual Exposure Compensation lets you adjust the brightness of light and dark areas separately for a balanced overall image.

Additionally, the camera bar on the back of both models includes a temperature sensor that can measure surface temperatures without contact, a particularly handy feature for tasks like checking the temperature of hot water while cooking.

The design of both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL feature a rounded camera bar inspired by Google's search bar, blending matte and glossy finishes for a sleek, modern look. The device is IP68-rated for top-level water and dust resistance, making it safe to use even in the kitchen.¹⁴

The display includes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that’s resistant to water, dust, and oil. The sensor also supports facial recognition, enabling users to authenticate payments with just a glance at the screen.

There are four colour options: Porcelain White, Obsidian Black, Hazel Grey, and Rose Quartz.

For media lovers, the Pro XL also brings a massive 512 GB storage option, perfect for those high-res RAW photos and 4K/8K videos.¹⁵

The Google Pixel 9 series is guaranteed to receive security updates, Android OS updates, and Pixel updates that introduce new features for at least seven years after launch, ensuring it stays up-to-date and secure for an extended period.¹⁶

In short, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro and Google Pixel Pro XL are here to make waves with standout features and with their stunning designs that keep them future-proof and ready for anything life throws your way.