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
| Feature | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 12 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Display Size | 6.8-inch OLED (flat) | 6.7-inch OLED (curved) |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to 1500 nits |
| Refresh Rate Range | 1Hz–120Hz LTPO | 10Hz–120Hz LTPO |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Ultra HDR | HDR10+ |
| Rear Camera – Wide | 50MP Octa PD with enhanced sensor | 50MP Octa PD |
| Rear Camera – Ultra-Wide | 50MP ultra-wide with macro focus | 12MP ultra-wide |
| Rear Camera – Telephoto | 50MP 5x optical zoom | 48MP 4x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 13MP ultrawide | 11.1MP fixed-focus |
| Camera Features | Video Boost, Magic Editor, Best Take | Magic Eraser, Motion Mode |
| AI Features | Gemini Nano, Audio Magic Eraser | None |
| Battery Capacity | ~5300 mAh | 5003 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 35W | 23W |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Ultrasonic under-display | Optical under-display |
| Face Unlock | Secure hardware-based | Basic software-based |
| Operating System at Launch | Android 15 | Android 12 |
| Software Updates | 7 years major + security | 3 years major + 5 years security |
| Frame Material | Polished aluminum | Polished aluminum |
| Back Material | Matte glass | Glossy glass |
| Weight | Approx. 224g | Approx. 210g |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay | Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, UWB |
| Cooling System | Advanced vapor chamber | Standard thermal cooling |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Pro XL Price | Check 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
| Feature | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Brand | ||
| Device Type | Flagship Smartphone | Flagship Smartphone |
| Rear Camera – Main | 50MP wide, Octa PD | 50MP wide, Octa PD |
| Rear Camera Features | Laser AF, OIS, dual-LED flash | Laser AF, OIS, dual-LED flash |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at multiple fps | 4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at multiple fps |
| Security Chip | Titan M2 | Titan M2 |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| SIM Support | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| 5G Support | Sub-6GHz + mmWave | Sub-6GHz + mmWave |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, Qi-compatible | Yes, Qi-compatible |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Pair & Nearby Share | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| In-display Fingerprint | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum Frame | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type-C | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Google Services | Yes | Yes |
| Core Android Features | Google Assistant, Live Translate, Recorder | Google Assistant, Live Translate, Recorder |
| No Expandable Storage | Yes | Yes |
| 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? Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL significantly faster than the Pixel 6 Pro? What are the display differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 6 Pro? Do both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging? Is the camera system upgraded in the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Do they both have IP68 water and dust resistance? What AI features are exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Is there a difference in charging speeds between the two phones? How many years of software updates does each phone receive? Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL have a better fingerprint sensor than the Pixel 6 Pro? Can both phones record 4K video? Do both phones come with a telephoto lens? Are both phones made with premium materials? What operating system do they ship with? Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL heavier than the Pixel 6 Pro? |