Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at
£248.00
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8 Pro starts at £248, £152 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
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RAM
Battery
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- Chipset: Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- Battery: 5050 mAh on the Google Pixel 8 Pro, 5060 mAh on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share many features but differ in ways that suit different users. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a slightly larger screen and more RAM, ideal for those who want extra multitasking capability and a roomier display. Its front camera captures more detail, which benefits video calls and selfies. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports software updates for a longer period. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly lighter weight and a battery capacity very close to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, fitting users who want a flagship experience with plenty of power and a more compact size. Both phones come unlocked with USB-C connectors and 5G support, making them flexible choices.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
In durability, both phones are designed for lasting use with high-capacity batteries and 5G connectivity. Differences in battery size and software support may affect how long each device stays current and powered through daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 5050 mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL carries a slightly larger 5060 mAh battery. This small difference means both devices offer strong battery life for a full day of use, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL providing just a bit more capacity for slightly longer use between charges.
Software Updates
The Pixel 8 Pro will receive software updates until October 2030, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL extends support until August 2031. If you want the longest period of official software updates, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will keep your phone secure and up to date for nearly a year longer.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Performance differences come down to processing power and memory. Both devices offer high-end capabilities, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is geared toward users who want more memory and the latest chipset.
Processor Chipset
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on the Google Tensor G3 chipset, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with the Google Tensor G4 (4 nm). The Pixel 9 Pro XL's chipset offers updated processing technology that may benefit users running demanding apps or wanting the latest performance improvements.
Memory Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Pixel 8 Pro handles multitasking smoothly for everyday use. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with 16 GB of RAM, which is suited for users who keep many apps open or use memory-intensive tasks regularly, offering extra headroom for performance.
Storage Options
Both devices come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also offers a 1TB option, which is ideal for users needing extensive space for media, apps, and files without relying on cloud storage.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Screen quality is similar in resolution and refresh rate, but size differences may affect your viewing experience depending on how you use your phone.
Screen Size
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7 inch screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a slightly larger 6.8 inch display. The extra screen size on the Pixel 9 Pro XL provides more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking, which suits users who prefer a bit more display space.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Both phones use LTPO OLED screens with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means both deliver smooth scrolling and vibrant colours, making for a sharp and responsive display experience suitable for gaming and media consumption.
Screen Resolution
Both devices share the same resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, ensuring clear and detailed visuals. This makes either phone a strong choice for users who want crisp images and text.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Camera differences focus mainly on the front-facing shooter, which affects selfies and video calls. Both phones share the same main camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 10.5 megapixel front camera, suited for clear video calls and selfies. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a much higher 42 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and sharper images for users who prioritise selfie quality or video conferencing.
Main Camera Consistency
Both devices feature a 50 megapixel main camera, providing high-resolution photos and videos. This makes either phone well suited for everyday photography and capturing detailed images.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Other physical and connectivity features vary slightly, affecting the feel and some aspects of usability.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 8 Pro measures 162.6 mm in height, 76.5 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 213 g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly taller at 162.8 mm, a fraction wider at 76.6 mm, and thinner at 8.5 mm, weighing 221 g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's slightly larger size and extra weight suit users comfortable with a bit more heft and screen space.
Connectivity and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. Each uses a USB-C connector and accepts a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexible connectivity options for a wide range of users.
Expandable Storage
Neither phone includes an SD card slot, so storage relies on the internal options. This makes choosing the right storage capacity important based on your needs.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £248, £152 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- you want a lighter build (213 g vs 221 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (42 megapixels vs 10.5 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Aug 2031 vs until Oct 2030)
What our customers say
Customers say the Google Pixel 8 Pro generally looks like new and performs well, with many noting smooth speed and a sharp interface. Several mention minor cosmetic marks in fair condition phones that are not visible when in a case. Users appreciate the battery life and the phone's capability for everyday use and multitasking. A few customers have experienced issues like broken WiFi modules or overheating, but most report satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance.
The camera is frequently praised for being impressive, and the phone runs fast. Some note minor cosmetic issues in fair condition devices that do not affect performance. Overall, users are happy with the Pixel 9 Pro XL's speed, camera quality, and screen size.
Both phones suit users who want flagship Pixel experiences. The Pixel 8 Pro appeals to those looking for solid performance and a slightly lighter device, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL fits users seeking more memory, a larger screen, and a higher-resolution front camera.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £248 compared with £400 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has 5050 mAh and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has 5060 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro gets updates until Oct 2030. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL adds more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB), a higher-resolution front camera (42 megapixels vs 10.5 megapixels) and longer software support (until Aug 2031 vs until Oct 2030). Refurbished, it costs £152 more (from £400 vs £248).
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
