Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Reviewed on YouTube Weeks Before Release

Why Trust Techopedia
Key Takeaways

  • A new video showing a hands-on review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has emerged.
  • The YouTube release appears to display a non-functioning, late pre-production unit.
  • Specific design specs have been confirmed before the full reveal on August 13.

Google phones are frequently leaked before the official release. The same happened to the much anticipated Google Pixel 9 range. 

With two weeks to go until the Made by Google product showcase, a detailed, hands-on review video has emerged following extensive leaked product information on the flagship series.

A Ukrainian YouTuber has uploaded a 20-minute breakdown of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which appears to be a pre-production device not designed for use. The video does not contain any powered-on shots, but it does provide a rounded close-up look at the smartphone, showing the design specs in full.

The YouTuber outlined the polished flat edges on the new Pixel, which are reminiscent of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, the sleek, shiny finish could be vulnerable to scratches from normal, repeated use.

The video also confirms that the position of the volume and power buttons remains unchanged from that of the Pixel 8 Pro. Still, the SIM tray is relocated to the bottom left of the USB-C port.

The appearance of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, with Google’s new device weighing almost the same as the Apple equivalent. A contrast is found with the S24 thanks to the rounded curves of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, setting it apart from the straighter edges of the former.

What to Expect at Made by Google on August 13

At Made by Google on August 13, the new Pixel range will be platformed, in addition to Android 15 and a key focus on AI.

The Pixel 9 series will come in four versions:

  • The standard Google Pixel 9,
  • Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL,
  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of colorways, from dark grey to off-white and pink.

The tagline for the new range reflects the bold update in the overall redesign for Pixel 9:

“Fresh colors, polished edges, a soft matte feel. It’s Pixel, reimagined.”

Increased Gemini offerings, including a potential rebrand of some features, will be showcased, as will the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Google Pixel Watch 3.

There will be plenty to unpack overall, but we know almost everything about the Google Pixel 9 range. Or do we? Will there be any further revelations at the Mountain View campus to entice the engaged audience, in person and online?

That would be a refreshing tonic to bring some exclusivity and freshness to a release that such extensive leaks have upstaged. With two weeks remaining until the event, any further reveals cannot be ruled out, but Google should be able to have the final say on the rollout of the Pixel 9 series.