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Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL teases the AI-magination

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The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a sleek and modern design, sporting a premium glass back and aluminium frame with the subtle Google logo. (Edwin Kee pic)

The Google Pixel series has arrived on Malaysian shores! With it, consumers have the chance to enjoy the power of the tech titan’s famed computational photography prowess on a flagship smartphone.

A quick look at the Pixel 9 Pro XL reveals a sleek and modern design, sporting a premium glass back and aluminium frame. You would do well to purchase a protective case from the get-go, which will provide necessary protection while keeping the sophisticated matte finish hidden.

Should you prefer to carry it around as is, you would not need to worry about fingerprints all over the matte finish. That said, being a wee bit larger than its predecessor, those with smaller hands will find it unwieldy for one-handed use.

Your eyes will appreciate the 6.7-inch (17cm) LTPO Oled display that makes content jump out with vibrant colours and deep blacks, catering to photo viewing and video streaming without missing a beat. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides added protection.

One of the standout features is the adaptive refresh rate, dynamically adjusting from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on the content shown. This helps maximise battery life while providing a smoother scrolling experience: everything reacts in a buttery smooth manner without any stuttering.

The power and volume buttons are located on the right, while a USB-C port is at the bottom. Flipping the devide to the back, the horizontal camera bar protrudes in a manner that helps you differentiate it from other generic smartphone designs at a glance.

The IP68 rating continues to be part of the latest model’s strengths.

Interface, software and performance

At last, Malaysians can take advantage of speedy software updates by this being a Pixel handset. It comes with Android 14 out of the box, although the Android 15 update is already available alongside the latest security update.

The user interface is as close to stock Android as it gets, though Google’s clean interface might be too minimalist for some. There is zero bloatware and plenty of customisation options, letting you tailor the user experience to your preferences.

Material You continues to pave the way forward for dynamic theming, allowing colours to adapt to the wallpaper for a personal and cohesive look.

Google has pushed the AI-genda forward with this flagship device, which is hit or miss. Still, it remains a novelty with Gemini Advanced on board, while generative AI and image editing benefit from the tech boom.

Powered by Google’s custom Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers exceptional performance. There is no slowdown whatsoever even when multitasking between apps. However, those who lean more towards gaming might find the Tensor G4 chip short of breath when the graphics settings are maximised.

Overall, performance is spiffy even with a multitude of apps running simultaneously. This is thanks to Google’s internal optimisation, which enhances the gamut of user experience, including AI-assisted tasks and computational photography.

Camera

Given that the Pixel range excels in computational photography, Pixel 9 Pro XL does not disappoint. The triple camera configuration is spearheaded by a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto lens, giving you great flexibility in capturing creative shots in different situations.

The Add Me tool, exclusive to Pixel phones, is a handy tool that ensures the photographer isn’t left out of group photos. First, you capture a group shot before handing the handset over to someone else. Mosey on over to an empty space and let the other person capture a second photo.

A few seconds later, AI blends both images together so that you, too, are part of the group! Magic!

The rest of the device’s photo-taking prowess remains in top position among Android smartphones, including in challenging low-light conditions. Anyone can jump right in and capture great-looking images.

Battery life and charging

With a robust 5,000 mAh battery, users can comfortably navigate through a full day of heavy use without worrying about recharging. The adaptive battery feature learns usage patterns, optimising power consumption to extend battery life.

Charging is convenient with support for both wired and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging for powering accessories (and other compatible smartphones if you are in a pinch).

The fast-charging capability allows for quick top-ups, making it easy to keep the device powered throughout a busy day. Do note that no charger is provided.

Connectivity

The Pixel 9 Pro XL does not shy away from the latest connectivity options, offering support for 5G networks, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. Other features like Call Screen and Hold for Me enhance the user experience to make everyday tasks more efficient.

For those who love a hands-free experience, Google Assistant remains a standout feature with seamless integration as voice commands are processed quickly.

The bottom line

It will be interesting to see how Google’s commitment to timely software and operating system updates pan out in this part of the world. With a promise of seven years apiece, will the hardware be able to hold out that long?

Still, it is nice to know that when 2031 rolls around, your Pixel 9 Pro XL will still run on the latest Android 21 version with up-to-date security patches!

The entry-level 128GB model might be inadequate considering the amount of data stored on a smartphone these days. It is highly recommended you pick the RM5,099 256GB model, considering the lack of a microSD card slot and the potentially large number of photos and videos you’ll capture.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is worth a gambit if you are searching for a clean Android user experience with a heavy emphasis on photos and videos, while enjoying the benefit of being the first to receive the latest Android updates and security patches.

Read more articles by Edwin here.

Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics.

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