After a full year of using the Pixel 9 Pro XL as my daily driver, I wanted to share how this phone has truly held up over time. From its premium design to cameras that still rival the best on the market, this phone has been a constant companion through all kinds of environments. But has the Tensor G4 chip caused any issues? Is the phone still in great shape after a year of real-world use? As we approach the launch of the Pixel 10, here’s my honest 12-month review of Google’s outgoing flagship.
Design & Durability: Still Looking Box Fresh
Having handled a wide variety of phones—from ones with massive one-inch camera sensors to foldables that become tablets—the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one device that has stuck with me no matter where I go. After 12 months, including periods of careful handling and times when it was just tossed into backpacks, this phone looks almost as fresh as the day I unboxed it.
I’m not someone who lives with screen protectors and bulky cases, so I was curious how the display and body would hold up. To my surprise, the display has barely any scratches that bother me. There are some micro scratches visible under close inspection, but nothing significant. Even the glossy side rails, which I expected to show more wear, only have a minor scuff on one side.
The one design blemish I can’t explain is a mysterious black stain on the back of the phone. It’s there permanently now, and though it’s minor, it’s disappointing not knowing how it got there.
My biggest gripe with the design is the weight. Compared to something like the Samsung S25 Ultra, the Pixel 9 Pro XL feels noticeably heavier. I really hope Google trims a few grams off the Pixel 10 Pro XL, because the current weight is the only aspect stopping this phone from being perfect in my eyes.
Performance & Tensor G4: More Than Enough Power
There’s often criticism aimed at Google’s Tensor G4 chip, especially regarding raw power compared to Snapdragon competitors. But after a year with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, I can honestly say it hasn’t been a big issue.
Sure, the phone does run hot when pushed hard—like during gaming sessions, intensive tasks, or when using wireless Android Auto, which apparently cranks up the heat. I sometimes wish I could test the phone’s on-board thermometer more often to see exactly how hot it gets.
But day-to-day, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles everything smoothly. I can’t really tell a difference between the Tensor G4 and, say, a Snapdragon 8 Elite in typical tasks. The phone even feels snappier, which might partly be because I reduce animation speeds in developer options to 0.5x. Optimization matters more than raw power, especially if you’re not regularly maxing out the hardware.
Long-Term Issues: Notifications and Battery
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though. My biggest annoyance has been delayed notifications, something many Pixel users have reported. It drove me crazy at times, disrupting the seamless experience I expect.
Battery life is another pain point. The XL version of the Pixel 9 struggles when I’m using the camera heavily or watching content during travel. The battery heats up and drains faster than I’d like, meaning I often need to recharge after a few hours of use—especially frustrating on long flights when I want my phone to last.
Charging speeds also leave much to be desired. Compared to ultra-fast charging from brands like OnePlus, Oppo, or Huawei, the Pixel’s charging feels slow and confusing. Google needs to seriously speed this up on the Pixel 10 Pro XL—hitting 70% or full charge within an hour would be ideal.
Still the Best Cameras on Android
Where the Pixel 9 Pro XL absolutely shines is its camera system. Even after a year, I firmly believe Pixel cameras remain the best you can get on any Android phone. In fact, I think they outperform the Samsung S25 Ultra’s cameras in many scenarios, which is a big reason why I always carry this phone with me.
Photos are subjective, but for me, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles virtually every lighting condition beautifully—from very low light to bright daylight. It captures moments as I saw them, which is the essence of great photography: accurate memories preserved.
I especially love the 5x telephoto lens. It captures more detail than many other 5x lenses on the market, and I rarely feel disappointed with the shots it produces. Sure, sometimes photos could be a little better—especially in very dark situations where images can look a bit “meh”—but overall, it’s my go-to phone for great photos.
Video Quality: A Major Step Up
Video recording on the Pixel 9 Pro XL also saw significant improvements this year. I’d go so far as to say it might deliver the best video quality on any Android phone right now.
Apologies for many video samples being in portrait mode—I take a lot of videos for Instagram, and this phone is my favorite for that. Stabilization is fantastic, dynamic range is excellent, and the new Video Boost feature lets you upscale 4K videos to 8K. It’s a great addition, though it has its quirks.
The annoyance with Video Boost is that you have to turn it on manually every time you record. Forgetting means you can’t boost that video later without re-recording. Plus, the boosting process takes a bit too long. Despite these issues, when used correctly, Video Boost works like magic.
Even without Video Boost, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s video capabilities are impressive and have saved me numerous times when I didn’t have my dedicated camera for product shots. Low-light video still struggles, but that’s common across smartphones, and I’m okay with the occasional imperfect shot.
The Pixel Experience: Why I Keep Coming Back
The Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t just about hardware; the software experience is a huge part of why I stick with it. The UI is clean and intuitive, though I sometimes wish for more customization options like Samsung’s One UI offers.
Features like Now Playing, Call Screen, and Gemini really enhance daily use. Since getting my dog, I’ve relied heavily on Gemini Live to answer all kinds of questions—it’s been a lifesaver. While Gemini is available on many Android phones, I use it more on my Pixel than anywhere else.
My favorite app on the Pixel is the Recorder app. It’s hands down the best voice recorder I’ve ever used, especially for work. I attend many product briefings and can’t type fast enough to keep up, so live transcription has saved me countless times. It’s about 95% accurate, separates different speakers, supports multiple languages, and even translates. It’s incredibly powerful.
Pairing the Pixel 9 Pro XL with Pixel Buds and the Pixel Watch 3 creates a seamless ecosystem. Plus, class 3 face unlock works flawlessly for banking apps and phone security, adding to the convenience.
What I Want to See in the Pixel 10 Pro XL
Looking ahead, here’s what I hope Google improves on with the Pixel 10 Pro XL:
- Video Boost on all lenses: It should be available by default without needing to toggle it every time.
- Lighter design: Keep the premium feel but shave off some weight.
- Anti-reflective display coating: Samsung’s S25 Ultra has this, and it dramatically improves screen visibility. Google should adopt it.
- Built-in MagSafe-style magnets: Rumors suggest the Pixel 10 series might include Qi2 magnets, which would be a standout feature in the Android space.
- Faster charging: Speeding up charging to hit 70% or full within an hour is essential.
Final Thoughts: One of the Best Android Phones in Years
The Pixel 9 Pro XL remains one of the most well-rounded Android phones released in recent years. It looks great, performs reliably, and continues to deliver some of the best photos and videos you can get on a smartphone.
For these reasons, I’ll always have a Pixel with me. If you’ve used any of the Pro Pixels over the past twelve months, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what you love, what frustrates you, and what you want to see in the next generation.
