I’ve spent the past couple of weeks using Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL Android smartphones and am generally impressed. The two new high-end models are nearly identical, except that the XL stands for “extra-large.” It has a 6.8-inch display compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch screen and is, of course, a bit heavier. The other significant difference is that the XL has a larger battery, which means a bit more battery life, but both models are designed to work all day in most situations.
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There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back. The new devices have a nice metal frame and a well-crafted matte finish though many people put cases on their phones, so you may not actually see or feel these enhancements. The display is brighter and a bit more pleasant, though I had no complaints about the displays on last year’s model. Google added a faster and more energy efficient processor and upped the RAM to 16 megabytes. That increased RAM helps with multitasking and performance as well as helping to facilitate the AI functions built into the new phones.
Small phone is as good as larger one
Until this year, if you wanted the most advanced Google Pixel phone you had to get their larger model. The smaller ones were not only smaller in size but had less memory, less available storage, a slightly less capable camera, a smaller battery and, of course, a smaller screen compared to their larger “Pro” model. But this year there are three versions of the Pixel. The standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL The 9 and the 9 Pro each have a 6.3-inch screen, measure 6 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches and weigh 7 ounces. But if you want a larger model, the 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch screen, measures 6.4 by 3 by 0.3 inches and weighs 7.8 ounces.
As I mentioned the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have nearly identical features and specs except for the larger and somewhat longer lasting battery, minor differences in charging time and very minor differences in screen resolution. Apple has a similar strategy when it comes to the iPhone 16 Pro and its larger nearly identical sibling the 16 Pro Max.
I’m used to larger phones and …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment