Don’t blow your budget — this phone is the smartest choice for Pixel fans

I’m enjoying my time with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google did a magnificent job with the hardware, and I’m loving the new software experience.

It’s an easy recommendation for people coming from an older Pixel device or switching to Android for the first time. Google is listening to customers, and the products are better as a result.

However, not everyone wants to spend over $1,000 on a smartphone, and you might not have a trade-in to help ease the financial burden.

Thankfully, there’s an ideal Pixel for people who want much of the fit, finish, and performance of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is currently an outstanding value, and if you’re a Pixel fan on a budget, it’s the phone I’d buy right now.

Material 3 Expressive is a masterpiece

Android 16 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is excellent

It’s worth noting that the Pixel 9 Pro XL won’t receive a full set of new Google Gemini features, even after updating to Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive.

Google may introduce new features like Magic Cue and Camera Coach to older hardware in the future, but I don’t want you to spend money on a phone in the hopes that Google will bring updates later on.

Thankfully, what you get right now with Material 3 Expressive is excellent. Google’s Android 16 overhaul is its best in years, and Material 3 Expressive is currently the best software you can use on Android.

It’s smooth and intuitive, perfect for first-time users. I love how responsive it is, and it feels noticeably better than Android 15 did on my Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google unified the entire user experience, and small changes led to big improvements. I love the new media controls and menus — it’s an easy-to-use phone.

If you’re not concerned about the new Gemini AI features, consider saving money on a Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Flagship hardware at a midrange price

Premium is premium, even a year later

When you hold the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it doesn’t feel like a phone that should cost several hundred dollars less than the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It’s nearly identical in form, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back and a polished aluminum frame.

I enjoy the Rose Quartz colorway, and it’s a good-looking phone.

It’s also capable under the hood. The Tensor G4 still gets the job done, and its performance is hard to argue with, especially when you’re paying much less than the initial MSRP.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 16GB of RAM gives me hope that Google will trickle down new Gemini features to other devices. I don’t approve of companies artificially limiting older phones to protect the sales of newer hardware, and I expect Google to do the right thing.

The phone’s 5,060mAh battery easily gets me through a full day of mixed use, and I’m glad that the days of Pixels getting poor battery life appear to be behind us.

You still get a fantastic triple camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP 5x optical zoom lens.

I don’t typically care about optical zoom, but I tend to use it more whenever it’s on a Pixel device because I love the results.

I always love saving money

Amazon Renewed is the best deal

The Pixel 9 Pro XL becomes even more attractive when you consider the price. If you’re comfortable with a renewed device, you can score a Pixel 9 Pro XL for less than $600, a fantastic value.

Not everyone will be comfortable with a used phone, but Amazon includes several protections for buyers. If you don’t like the phone you get, return it.

I’ve always had good luck with Amazon Renewed devices, especially after only a year or two. The closer you are to the phone’s launch, the better your chances are of getting a pristine unit.

With seven years of promised software support, recommending flagships from previous years has become easier. I’m encouraged by what Google has done, bringing new software to older hardware, which adds value to the software support.

Material 3 Expressive transformed my Pixel 6, and I’m looking forward to continued excellent support as my Pixel 9 Pro XL ages.

Pixel fans have options

If you had told me two years ago that I’d be as high on Pixels as I am now, I would’ve checked you for a fever.

The company’s transformation is encouraging, and Google’s done a better job than most in listening to (and addressing) user complaints about its hardware and software.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a fantastic deal for less than $600, making you think twice before buying a more expensive phone.