Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Is it actually an upgrade?

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

Honestly, there isn’t much of a difference between both phones. Google retained similar dimensions over the last two years, and the result is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is nearly the same size and weight as the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

This is easily noticeable while holding the phones next to each other. If anything, I like the in-hand feel of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google sent me the all-matte Obsidian model of the 11 Pro XL, and it is dull. I like the matte texture, but the phone itself doesn’t look exciting, and I would’ve preferred the vibrant Canyon model instead.

The one key difference is that the camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn’t jut out as much, so it looks a little more elegant. Both phones have the same IP68 dust and water resistance, so they’re equally good at weathering anything to do with daily use.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and software

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Google’s latest 3nm Tensor G6, and it is using new cores and is noticeably better in everyday use than the Tensor G4-powered 9 Pro XL. It has better efficiency as well, and even though both phones have similarly-sized batteries, my Pixel 11 Pro XL is lasting a few hours longer on average.

Where I see the biggest advantage is Qi 2.2 integration in the Pixel 11 Pro XL; having these magnets built into the phone means I can use any Qi 2.2 charger or power bank and get 25W charging, and it genuinely makes a big difference. Look, I didn’t care about this at all in the past as wireless charging was limited to 12W — as is the case on the Pixel 9 Pro XL — but with 25W, it’s close enough to the standard 45W USB PD charging standard that I use it all the time now.

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Category	Google Pixel 11 Pro XL	Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Operating System	Android 17, seven years of software updates	Android 17, seven years of software updates (five left)
Display	6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 3600 nits max	6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 3000 nits max
Chipset	Google Tensor G6, 3nm TSMC	Google Tensor G4, 4nm Samsung
RAM	12GB/16GB	16GB
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 3.1
Rear cameras	Main: New 50MP f/1.7, OIS Tele: 48MP f/2.8, OIS, 5x zoom Wide: 48MP f/1.7 wide-angle	Main: 50MP f/1.7, OIS Tele: 48MP f/2.8, OIS, 5x zoom Wide: 48MP f/1.7 wide-angle
Front camera	42MP, f/2.2	42MP, f/2.2
Battery	5115mAh	5060mAh
Charging	45W wired, PPS 25W Qi 2.2 Pixelsnap wireless	35W wired, PPS 12W Qi wireless
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6 (global), LTE	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6 (global), LTE
Ingress protection	IP68 dust and water resistance	IP68 dust and water resistance
Dimensions	162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5mm	162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm
Weight	226g	221g
Colors	Canyon, Fog, Olive, Obsidian	Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz, Obsidian

Other than that, there honestly isn’t much to differentiate both phones. While the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a little more power, it still isn’t a gaming phone by any measure, so if that’s what you’re after, you should look at Pixel 11 Pro XL alternatives. It’s a similar story with the software; both phones get seven years of software updates, and outside of a few extras that are exclusive on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the software is identical.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Both phones have a similar set of cameras: a 50MP main camera, 48MP telephoto lens with OIS and 5x optical zoom, and 48MP wide-angle lens. While the auxiliary lenses are unchanged between both, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a new 50MP camera with better light intake, and it does a better job in taking photos and videos in challenging scenarios.

However, the best part about using Pixels is the camera software; Google introduced Camera Looks this year, and it gives you much greater control in tailoring the look of the photos.

There’s also Magic Capture, which automagically gives you the best shot each and every time. If you have little children that constantly move about, this mode is definitely handy.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is $100 costlier this year, and while it has some new features, the fundamentals are pretty much unchanged from the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Honestly, with the 256GB model coming with 12GB of RAM instead of the 16GB that was standard for the last two years, I’d argue that you’re getting less for your money. If you’re using the 9 Pro XL and are mulling an upgrade, I’d wait — I don’t see enough of a change to make the move.

If you’re on an older phone and are considering an upgrade, however, the Pixel 11 Pro XL could be a good choice — unless you can get a good deal on the 9 Pro XL. While Google launched the 9 Pro XL two years ago, the phone is built to last, and it will get regular updates and new features for at least another five years.