Google Pixel 9 GA05902-US Hazel 128GB

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a killer camera phone at $699, with a stunning 6.8-inch OLED display, impressive battery life, and Google's clever AI features. It runs a clean version of Android with seven years of updates, though charging speed and occasional heat buildup are minor drawbacks. For photography lovers, it's the best value flagship around.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of those phones that just makes sense, especially when you see the $699 price tag. That's for an unlocked model that works on every major US carrier, from Verizon to T-Mobile. You're getting a huge 6.8-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and eye-searing 3000 nits of peak brightness. Then there's the camera system: a 50MP main shooter backed by a 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. That hardware, combined with Google's AI processing, makes for some seriously good photos and video.

If you've been hunting for the best camera phone under $800, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is basically the answer. Photography scored an 88.2 in our testing, putting it in the 97th percentile. That's flagship territory, right up there with phones that cost twice as much. And the built-in Gemini AI and seven years of promised updates mean this phone will stay smart and secure for a long time.

But it's not all sunshine. The glossy sides are fingerprint magnets, and the Tensor G4 chip can get toasty when you're pushing it. Still, for the price, it's hard to argue with what you're getting.

Under the hood, the Tensor G4 chip paired with 16GB of RAM keeps things moving. In our database, overall performance lands in the 92nd percentile, so it's extremely fast. Apps open instantly, and the 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations feel buttery. Gaming is smooth too; we gave it an 86.3 for gaming, which means it handles most titles without breaking a sweat. But we did notice the phone warming up during longer sessions, a common theme among owners.

Battery life is a strong point, with a 5060mAh cell that scored 85.7 in our tests, placing it in the top tier. You'll easily get through a full day, even with heavy use, though some AI features can drain it faster than you'd expect. Charging at 45W wired and wireless is convenient, but it's not the fastest out there, so if you're coming from a OnePlus with 80W charging, you'll feel the difference.

At $699 unlocked, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a steal. You're getting a phone with a camera that can go toe-to-toe with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17, which start several hundred dollars higher. The trade-off is that you're stuck with 128GB of storage and no way to expand it, so if you shoot a lot of 8K video, you might fill it up fast. But for most people, this is flagship performance at a mid-range price.

Stacked against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Pixel trades Samsung's more versatile zoom range and anti-reflective display for a cleaner software experience and that sweet $699 price. The iPhone 17 offers Apple's seamless ecosystem and superior video, but again costs way more and locks you into iOS. Then you've got the OnePlus 15, which brings faster charging and a snappier processor, but its camera processing simply can't match Google's AI magic.

If photography is your priority, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best bang for your buck. It's not the fastest on paper, but in real-world use, the camera output often looks better than what the specs suggest. For the average user who just wants a big, beautiful screen and doesn't want to think about charging past 45W, this phone nails the essentials.

If you're a mobile gamer who needs sustained peak performance, check out the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro instead. If you can't stand a shiny fingerprint-magnet design, the glossy sides will irritate you. And if you want the absolute fastest charging speeds, the OnePlus 15 with 80W charging is a better fit. Also, if you shoot lots of 8K video, the 128GB storage without expandability might be a dealbreaker.

So, should you buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL? If you want a top-tier camera, a bright and smooth display, and Google's AI smarts without draining your wallet, absolutely. At $699, it's one of the best unlocked phones you can buy right now. The battery lasts ages, the software is clean, and updates are guaranteed until 2031.

But if you're a hardcore gamer who pushes phones to the limit, or you need the absolute fastest charging, look elsewhere. The heating issue is real, and the glossy design can be annoying. Still, for everyone else, this is a no-brainer.