I doubted the rumours however Google did certainly unveil no fewer than 4 Pixel 9 sequence smartphones this week. Nonetheless, the 9 Professional XL isn’t fairly what you would possibly suppose it’s, and I couldn’t be happier.
It’s not the primary time Google has used XL branding – the primary 4 generations of Pixel telephones all had an XL mannequin – however it seems like a brand new addition for the Pixel 9 sequence, seeing as we’ve already had a 6 Professional, 7 Professional, and eight Professional.
So, is the Pixel 9 Professional XL a good larger handset? A contemporary phablet? Effectively, sure to the primary query, however it’s not that straightforward. So, let’s break it down.
The Pixel 8 Professional has a 6.7-inch show, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional XL has a barely larger 6.8-inch show, so it’s not likely the brand new addition to the vary.
The Pixel 9 Professional is the outlier with its extra compact 6.3-inch display, making it the identical measurement because the common Pixel 9.
It’s nice information which we’re significantly enthusiastic about right here at Tech Advisor towers, together with myself. After all, the Professional, Extremely or related fashions of smartphones through the years have been given all the very best bits of {hardware}, with the belief that individuals need it to be accompanied by a bigger display.
Nearly everybody who has labored at Tech Advisor within the final decade has been pissed off by this development, eager for pro-level handsets in a extra compact measurement.
There have been some nice compact telephones through the years, just like the Samsung Galaxy S24, however none with a really full set of premium options for his or her technology. If you dig into the specs, areas similar to reminiscence and the kind of glass used have been compromised.
It’s at all times put me off getting a Professional or Extremely mannequin however Google’s lastly made a zero-compromise compact cellphone, so it’s a giant spherical of applause from me.
Google’s lastly made a zero-compromise compact cellphone, so it’s a giant spherical of applause from me
Google mentioned in its Made by Google occasion “We’ve heard from Pixel customers that simply because they need a professional cellphone, doesn’t essentially imply they need a giant cellphone,” Too proper!
“So, for the primary time, you possibly can select between Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL, with out compromises.” Lastly.
Not solely does it imply you don’t miss out on issues like a telephoto lens, higher show specs and extra reminiscence, it additionally doesn’t value as a lot because the XL mannequin – £100/$100 cheaper.
It’s a giant, or small, win for these of us who’ve been ready for a correctly compact Professional smartphone. Now, let’s hope it’s nearly as good in real-world testing because it appears to be like on paper and in photographs.
Discover out the place to pre-order the Google Pixel 9 sequence within the UK and US.