Google Pixel 9 Pro XL ZDNET's key takeaways The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is on sale, starting at $699.
For the price, you're getting a larger, brighter-than-ever 6.8-inch display, exclusive Google AI features, and the most forgiving camera system on the market.
I just wish the base storage (128GB) was at least double and the AI features were more reliable. View now at Amazon
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Holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro series for the first time reminded me of when I held the iPhone 12 Pro for the first time. The shift from the previous year's curved design to flatter edges made all the difference in its feel and perception of value. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL exude premium, and Google knows it.
Also: I found the 15+ best Black Friday phone deals (and which carrier offers are actually worth it)
That's why the company is charging you more for its new Pixel phones this year, with the standard model regularly priced at $799, the Pro at $999, and the Pro XL at $1,099. In this economy, it's a bold move. But in the big picture, Google has only matched what competitors like Samsung and Apple have been pricing their flagship handsets.
Right now, however, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly marked down for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, starting at $699 for the Hazel colorway, and $749 for Obsidian and Porcelain.
Fortunately, you have plenty to gain by paying Google more. From my month of testing the Pro XL model -- with short stints using the smaller Pro -- I've greatly benefitted from upgrades such as the brighter (up to 3,000 nits) display, AI features like Call Notes and Pixel Screenshots, the faster 45W charging, and Tensor G4 chip that has kept the phone running smoothly. The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is also crazy fast.
Adam Breeden/ZDNET
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