The big news with the Pixel 9 Pro is that it comes in two display sizes: 6.3 inches, like the standard Pixel 9, or 6.8 inches, which is closer to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro. This means you no longer need to accept a bigger screen to get Google’s flagship handset. Google is calling the larger variant the Pixel 9 Pro XL, though the two are more or less the same.
Compared to the base model, these phones come with 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, plus higher peak brightness (3,000 nits instead of 2,700 nits) and a wider variable refresh rate range (1-120Hz versus 60-120Hz) on the display. They each have a matte glass finish, whereas the standard Pixel 9’s back is more glossy. Both include a third, 48MP telephoto camera with a 5x zoom around the back and a much sharper 42MP front cam with a wider field of view. They still feature an more extensive set of camera controls as well, while resolution geeks can now “Video Boost” their recordings to 8K. The effective battery life rating is the same as the standard Pixel 9, though the XL model supports faster 37W wired charging speeds.
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are now up for preorder at the Google Store, Amazon and Best Buy for $999 and $1,099, respectively. The former will begin shipping on September 4, while the latter will start going out on August 22. (The 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro cost $999, so this is another $100 increase over last year.) You can get $200 in Google Store credit with these if you order through August 28, or a $200 gift card if you shop at Amazon or Best Buy instead.
Note that the prices above are for 128GB models. If you need more space, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB variants are also available. For the Pixel 9 Pro, those cost $1,099, $1,219 and $1,449. For the Pixel 9 Pro XL, add another $100.
The phones themselves are available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel or Rose Quartz. However, only the Obsidian model includes a 1TB option, while the Rose Quartz version only comes with 256GB of space. To entice you to use its Gemini chatbot, the company is also throwing in a year of its Google One AI Premium Plan subscription.
