Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Is it worth upgrading to the newer model?
Let’s compare the models of top tier Google Pixel phones and find out if it’s worth upgrading to the newer model:
1. Weight and Build
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: 221 g (7.80 oz)
- Pixel 8 Pro: 213 g (7.51 oz)
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly heavier than the Pixel 8 Pro. Both models feature a premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame.
2. Display
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Type: LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
- Size: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 1344 x 2992 pixels (~486 ppi)
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Type: LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
- Size: 6.7 inches
- Resolution: 1344 x 2992 pixels (~489 ppi)
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a brighter display with a larger size compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
3. Performance
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
- GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Chipset: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
- CPU: Nona-core (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4×2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
- GPU: Immortalis-G715s MC10
The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a newer chipset and more powerful GPU for better performance.
4. Memory and Storage
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- RAM: 16GB
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- RAM: 12GB
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more RAM, enhancing multitasking and performance.
5. Camera Systems
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Main Cameras:
- Wide: 50 MP
- Telephoto: 48 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Ultrawide: 48 MP
- Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Main Cameras:
- Wide: 50 MP
- Telephoto: 48 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Ultrawide: 48 MP
- Video: 4K@30/60fps
The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 8K video recording, offering higher resolution compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
6. Selfie Camera
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Camera: 42 MP, f/2.2, ultrawide
- Video: 4K@30/60fps
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, ultrawide
- Video: 4K@24/30/60fps
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a higher resolution selfie camera and improved video recording options.
7. Features
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Sensors: Fingerprint (ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer
- Satellite SOS Service: Yes
- UWB Support: Yes
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Sensors: Fingerprint (optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer
- Satellite SOS Service: No
- UWB Support: No
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers advanced sensor technologies and additional features like Satellite SOS and UWB support.
8. Battery and Charging
- Pixel 9 Pro XL:
- Battery: 5060 mAh
- Wired Charging: 37W
- Wireless Charging: 23W
- Reverse Wireless: Yes
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- Battery: 5050 mAh
- Wired Charging: 30W
- Wireless Charging: 23W
- Reverse Wireless: Yes
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger battery and faster wired charging compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
9. Pricing
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: $1,099.00 / €1,199.00 / £1,099.00
- Pixel 8 Pro: $569.90 / €704.00 / £560.89 / ₹74,500
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly more expensive than the Pixel 8 Pro, reflecting its advanced features and newer technology.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL introduces several key upgrades over the Pixel 8 Pro, including a brighter and larger display, a newer chipset with improved performance, more RAM, enhanced camera capabilities, and additional features like Satellite SOS and UWB support. While the Pixel 8 Pro remains a strong contender with its high-quality display and capable performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a more advanced and feature-rich experience, making it a worthy investment for those seeking the latest in smartphone technology.
