Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL & Pixel 6 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL rather than the Pixel 6 Pro. 

Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a Tensor G4 chip for faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more efficient power management, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s original Tensor processor.
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch flat OLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness that improves outdoor visibility and provides more vibrant HDR content, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 6.7-inch curved display with 1500 nits.
  • It includes 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM for seamless background app retention and more responsive performance in demanding scenarios, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 12GB LPDDR5 RAM.
  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports a 50MP ultra-wide camera with macro focus that captures sharper wide-angle and close-up shots with more detail and clarity, while the Pixel 6 Pro has 12MP ultra-wide camera.
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL has an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that improves unlocking speed and accuracy in various lighting and moisture conditions, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s optical in-display sensor.
  • It comes with Gemini Nano AI that enables on-device smart features like Video Boost, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take to enhance creative control and real-time editing, which are not supported on the Pixel 6 Pro.
  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL features 35W wired charging that reduces charging time significantly for quick top-ups, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 23W wired charging.
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL includes 7 years of Android and security updates that ensure long-term support, access to new features, and extended device lifespan, compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 3 years of Android and 5 years of security updates.

Maybe the Pixel 6 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XLPixel 6 Pro
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor
RAM16 GB LPDDR5X12 GB LPDDR5
Storage Options256GB / 512GB / 1TB128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Display Size6.8-inch OLED (flat)6.7-inch OLED (curved)
Peak BrightnessUp to 3000 nitsUp to 1500 nits
Refresh Rate Range1Hz–120Hz LTPO10Hz–120Hz LTPO
HDR SupportHDR10+, Ultra HDRHDR10+
Rear Camera – Wide50MP Octa PD with enhanced sensor50MP Octa PD
Rear Camera – Ultra-Wide50MP ultra-wide with macro focus12MP ultra-wide
Rear Camera – Telephoto50MP 5x optical zoom48MP 4x optical zoom
Front Camera13MP ultrawide11.1MP fixed-focus
Camera FeaturesVideo Boost, Magic Editor, Best TakeMagic Eraser, Motion Mode
AI FeaturesGemini Nano, Audio Magic EraserNone
Battery Capacity~5300 mAh5003 mAh
Wired Charging35W23W
Fingerprint SensorUltrasonic under-displayOptical under-display
Face UnlockSecure hardware-basedBasic software-based
Operating System at LaunchAndroid 15Android 12
Software Updates7 years major + security3 years major + 5 years security
Frame MaterialPolished aluminumPolished aluminum
Back MaterialMatte glassGlossy glass
WeightApprox. 224gApprox. 210g
ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, BayStormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWBWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, UWB
Cooling SystemAdvanced vapor chamberStandard thermal cooling
PriceCheck Pixel 9 Pro XL PriceCheck Pixel 6 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 50MP Main Camera with Octa PD and OIS: Both phones feature a high-quality 50MP wide main sensor with Octa Phase Detection Autofocus and Optical Image Stabilization, enabling sharp images and smooth video recording in various lighting conditions.
  • Titan M2 Security Chip: Google equipped both devices with the Titan M2 chip, ensuring hardware-level protection for data, secure transactions, and system integrity.
  • IP68 Rating: The Pixel 9 Pro XL and 6 Pro are both IP68-certified, meaning they are water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and dust-tight, making them durable in real-world environments.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both models deliver immersive audio via stereo speakers, providing louder and richer sound for media, gaming, and calls.
  • SIM + eSIM Support with Full 5G: Each supports both nano-SIM and eSIM configurations, and both are compatible with Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, enabling broad carrier and speed support globally.
  • Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging: Both phones support Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing them to recharge compatible accessories or phones.
  • Google Smart Features: Features like Live Translate, the Recorder app with real-time transcription, and Google Assistant integration are present in both models, leveraging Google’s AI ecosystem.
  • In-display Fingerprint Sensor: Each device includes a fingerprint sensor embedded under the screen for biometric authentication, although the 9 Pro XL uses ultrasonic and the 6 Pro uses optical (implementation differs, but the method is similar).
  • Always-On Display & Android Experience: Both have Always-On Display functionality and run the Pixel-optimized version of Android, ensuring smooth updates, clean UI, and first-access to new features from Google.

Common Features

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XLPixel 6 Pro
BrandGoogleGoogle
Device TypeFlagship SmartphoneFlagship Smartphone
Rear Camera – Main50MP wide, Octa PD50MP wide, Octa PD
Rear Camera FeaturesLaser AF, OIS, dual-LED flashLaser AF, OIS, dual-LED flash
Video Recording4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at multiple fps4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at multiple fps
Security ChipTitan M2Titan M2
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68IP68
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
SIM SupportNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
5G SupportSub-6GHz + mmWaveSub-6GHz + mmWave
Wireless ChargingYes, Qi-compatibleYes, Qi-compatible
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
Fast Pair & Nearby ShareYesYes
Always-On DisplayYesYes
In-display FingerprintYesYes
Aluminum FrameYesYes
USB Type-CUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.1
Google ServicesYesYes
Core Android FeaturesGoogle Assistant, Live Translate, RecorderGoogle Assistant, Live Translate, Recorder
No Expandable StorageYesYes
Price Check Pixel 9 Pro XL Price Check Pixel 6 Pro Price

FAQ

Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL support Face Unlock, and is it secure?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports secure Face Unlock using advanced hardware and AI-based facial recognition, making it suitable for authenticating payments and unlocking the phone.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL significantly faster than the Pixel 6 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features the newer Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, delivering noticeably faster performance and improved efficiency over the original Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 Pro.

What are the display differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 6 Pro?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch flat LTPO OLED display with up to 3000 nits brightness, while the Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.7-inch curved LTPO OLED display with up to 1500 nits peak brightness.

Do both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 6 Pro support Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for powering other accessories.

Is the camera system upgraded in the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide with macro focus, and 50MP telephoto lens, while the Pixel 6 Pro includes a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto lens.

Do they both have IP68 water and dust resistance?
Yes, both phones are IP68 certified, meaning they are water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and protected from dust ingress.

What AI features are exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL includes Gemini Nano, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Video Boost, which are not available on the Pixel 6 Pro.

Is there a difference in charging speeds between the two phones?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 35W wired charging, while the Pixel 6 Pro supports up to 23W, resulting in faster recharging times for the newer model.

How many years of software updates does each phone receive?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is promised 7 years of Android and security updates, while the Pixel 6 Pro is limited to 3 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches.

Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL have a better fingerprint sensor than the Pixel 6 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, which is faster and more reliable than the optical sensor used in the Pixel 6 Pro.

Can both phones record 4K video?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 6 Pro can record 4K video at 30 and 60 frames per second using the rear camera.

Do both phones come with a telephoto lens?
Yes, both phones include a telephoto lens, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50MP sensor with 5x optical zoom, while the Pixel 6 Pro has a 48MP sensor with 4x optical zoom.

Are both phones made with premium materials?
Yes, both models have an aluminum frame and glass back, though the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a matte finish while the Pixel 6 Pro uses glossy glass.

What operating system do they ship with?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with Android 15, while the Pixel 6 Pro launched with Android 12.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL heavier than the Pixel 6 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs approximately 224 grams, while the Pixel 6 Pro weighs about 210 grams.

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