We put Google’s mind-blowing new Pixel 9 camera to the test – you will never have to take selfies again
WHO is going to take the photo and miss out on appearing in a group shot?
It’s a problem we’ve all faced on family holidays and nights out.
- UK: Google Pixel Pro XL, £1099 from John Lewis – buy here
- US: Google Pixel Pro XL, $1099 from Best Buy – buy here
And the only real solution is to awkwardly ask a stranger to take the photo for you (which can be very hit and miss) or opt for a wobbly selfie with poor views.
Google‘s latest smartphone, the Pixel 9, has a very special trick to get around it called Add Me.
It’s one of the many new features the tech giant has worked on.
Find out how The Sun found them all in our review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL below.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Look and feel
The latest model has had a bit of a revamp from past Pixels.
First and foremost, the camera panel on the back is no longer a bar.
Lens, sensors and lights are tidily packed into a fat pill shape and bulges quite a bit – though this does mean it sits perfectly flat on surfaces unlike the iPhone.
There’s now a curved metal frame too which gives a premium vibe.
The Pixel 9 is available in four colours including:
- Porcelain
- Rose Quartz
- Hazel
- Obsidian
We’re testing the Porcelain version.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs 221g, the same as an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
As for the display, on the Pro XL, it measures in at 6.8-inch (the Pro is 6.3-inches).
Google has noticeably boosted the brightness here.
It also acts as a finger print sensor for those who can’t stand facial ID.
- UK: Google Pixel Pro XL, £1099 from John Lewis – buy here
- US: Google Pixel Pro XL, $1099 from Best Buy – buy here
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Performance and features
Google uses its own Tensor chip in Pixel smartphones and it’s been upgraded this time around.
Technically, it’s not quite as powerful as the likes of Qualcomm’s top Snapdragon chips which you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra among other premium handsets.
But for the most part, whether you’re switching between apps or gaming, you won’t notice much difference.
The Google Pixel 9 series runs on the current Android 14 for now, which is a bit of a surprise seeing as it usually launches with the new version.
As the Pixel 9 is out a bit earlier it seems that Android 15 isn’t quite ready yet.
But give that Google owns Android, Pixel 9 is sure to be first on the list to receive the upgrade when it’s available.
The thing I always love about Pixels is the pureness of the operating system – no unnecessary bloatware apps, just the Google apps and services I actually use and want.
Google continues to offer seven years of operating system and security updates, meaning the Pixel 9 has great longevity.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
Since the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 9, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.
In terms of features – non-photography related – the headline change is Gemini AI.
Top of the list is Gemini Live which takes over the Google Assistant with more fluid, human-like conversations, rather than robotic pre-programmed responses.
I asked it about park runs around my area ideal for beginners and got some useful responses with flatter courses.
I also asked what’s the best way to get from London to my home town during a train strike – unsurprisingly there aren’t many options so it said the fastest way is by car.
Google once again offers the cleanest version of Android around cutting out the clutter.
But Gemini Live is available on other Android devices too, as part of a paid subscription.
Pixel 9 Pro owners get it free for a year.
The new Screenshots app is also super useful in a way I didn’t expect.
As a bit of a serial screenshotter, capturing things like silly social media posts, house renovation ideas and holiday plans, being able to keep them in a place where they’re organised and searchable is genius.
- UK: Google Pixel Pro XL, £1099 from John Lewis – buy here
- US: Google Pixel Pro XL, $1099 from Best Buy – buy here
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Battery
Aside from screen size, the other big benefit of the XL model is battery.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a whooping 5,060 mAh battery which gave me two days of power for moderate use – in this time I did things like, surf the web, message on WhatsApp and watch Netflix and YouTube throughout the day.
Google says the Pixel 9 Pro XL can charge at a zippy 45W charger but they don’t provide a charger that supports this.
You can also reverse charge, providing wireless power to friends in need.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Camera
Google’s photos have always excelled and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no different.
It’s a triple set-up, with a 50-megapixel wide snapper, a 48-megapixel ultrawide and a 48-megapixel 5x telephoto lens.
The results are pretty crisp, bright and punchy snaps, even in low light.
There’s a lot to love about the Pixel 9 Pro XL especially if you are into taking the very best pictures and improving them with ease
But some of the AI photography features are the real winner for me.
And the number one is Add Me.
Add Me allows the person taking the photo to be artificially added into a group shot.
So, they take a photo of a group of friends, then one person swaps with them and takes a second snap.
These are then merged to create one group shot – it’s like Photoshop after three espresso coffees without you needing to lift a finger.
And the results are pretty impressive, as you can see below from our own test.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Pros and cons
Pros:
- Amazing camera with genuinely useful photography AI features
- Long-lasting battery
- Big, beautiful display
Cons:
- Bulky camera pill on the back
- Some advanced AI features require payment after a year
- No charger for fast charging included
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Conclusion
There’s a lot to love about the Pixel 9 Pro XL especially if you are into taking the very best pictures and improving them with ease.
Google once again offers the cleanest version of Android around cutting out the clutter.
But the Pro XL breaches that dreaded £1,000 / $1,000 mark.
For a reduced screen size and slightly smaller battery you can get the 9 Pro for just under, at £999 / $999 which is more appealing.
Rating: 4.5/5
- UK: Google Pixel Pro XL, £1099 from John Lewis – buy here
- US: Google Pixel Pro XL, $1099 from Best Buy – buy here
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.