Why do many people prefer the Pixel 9 Pro XL over the Pixel 9 Pro?

Let's take a look at these advantages below!

1. Bigger screen

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The most obvious difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and the XL variant is the screen size. While the former model has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED panel, the latter has a 6.8-inch display. Both are Super Actua branded panels that can reach a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.

Because the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger screen, more information can be displayed on the screen. This means less scrolling when viewing long articles or emails. The larger screen is also ideal for watching videos and playing games.

2. Better thermal performance

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Smartphones are getting more powerful every year, which means they radiate more heat than before. Google uses a vapor chamber cooling system on the Pixel 9 Pro series to better dissipate heat and maintain performance under load. But it is very difficult to break the laws of physics.

A large phone has more internal space and can therefore accommodate a larger vapor chamber. So a larger phone will always dissipate heat better than a smaller phone. Since Google's Tensor chip is notorious for getting hot when running, choosing the Pixel 9 Pro XL seems like the right move.

3. Longer battery life

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A larger chassis means more space inside for a large battery. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery compared to the Pixel 9 Pro's 4,700mAh battery. Even though it's only a 300mAh difference, it's still enough to ensure the Pro XL lasts longer than its regular Pro sibling.

A smartphone is only as good as its battery life. When you know your phone can easily last a day, you won't have to worry about finding a spare charger in the middle of the day. Plus, longer battery life can help charge other wireless accessories in a flash.

Pixel phones are notorious for their inconsistent battery life. To deal with any oddities, you'll want a phone with the biggest battery possible. Longer battery life is one of the key features of the Pixel 9 Pro, and the XL will be even more impressive on this front.

4. Charge faster

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Slow charging speeds have always been a problem for Google's Pixel line. While some Android phones can charge from 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes, the Pixel 8 took closer to 90 minutes.

With the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google has finally increased wired charging speeds to 37W. Unfortunately, this speed increase doesn't apply to the Pixel 9 Pro - its wired charging speed is still limited to 27W. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro XL can charge to 70% in 30 minutes, while the 9 Pro only reaches 55% in the same time.

Faster charging is a key feature to look for when buying a smartphone in 2024, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers. However, since the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also equipped with a larger 300mAh battery, its 0 to 100% charge time is unlikely to be significantly shorter than the 9 Pro.

At $1,099, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is $100 more expensive than its Pro sibling. However, the larger screen, longer battery life, and better thermal performance help justify the price difference easily.

Samuel Daniel

Update 19 August 2024