The next cycle of Google Pixel devices is here . We now have four phone for the Pixel 9 lineup : the base modelPixel 9,Pixel 9 Pro , Pixel 9 Pro XL , andPixel 9 Pro Fold . This card was n’t a immense surprise , given the considerable routine of leak in the weeks leading up to the event , but it ’s now prescribed .

With four phones in the Pixel family this twelvemonth , Google ’s approaching is similar to that of Apple with its iPhone card . This is also the first clip that Google has bring back the “ XL ” nickname , which was last used with the Pixel 4 XL in 2019 . Though it may feel like the Pixel 9 card is a bit crowded now , I call up it ’s great that Google is finally give us a choice with the Pro model .

Not all power users want big phones

I wish to think of myself as a exponent user when it make out to my smartphones . I like about the quality of the display , the megapixel count on the cameras , how tight and hefty the processor is , how the computer software runs , and more . I ’m on my earpiece for hours at a fourth dimension during the Clarence Day , and it ’s easily my most authoritative equipment . There ’s a good prospect that I care about these thing more than the modal , non - techie person .

I ’ve primarily been an iPhone user for the past decade . Since Apple get to proffer an iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max model , I ’ve always locomote for the small Pro . You may be asking : “ But why ? ”

Well , believe it or not , some mass still like powerful phones , but do n’t wantgiganticphones . I prefer modest phones because I have petite hands , and they are easier to use one - handed . Small phones also match in pockets and bag more easily . This is why I chose theiPhone 15 Proover theiPhone 15 Pro Max , despite the latter get the better telephoto camera and assault and battery life . I also get hand cramp from using big phones for extended periods of time , which is pestiferous .

Despite being an iPhone user , I ’ve also pop off through my comely part ofAndroid phonesin late years . I ’ve grown quite warm of the Pixel card because it ’s very similar to the iPhone with its stock Android experience . And like the iPhone 15 Pro , I would favour to get the Pixel Pro manakin over the base one , simply due to the good features . But I never liked the fact that the Pro Pixel phone only come with larger displays , which are uncomfortable for me to bear and use .

With the Pixel 9 batting order , Google is stir things up again by giving us two sizes for the Pro model . We now have a Pixel 9 Pro with a 6.3 - in display and a Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8 - inch display . away from the forcible show size and battery life differences , the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have very eyeglasses .

As someone who prefers smaller phones , Ilovethis modification . I ’ve always liked stimulate the well features and hardware of the Pixel Pro models , but I just hated the fact that I had to get the large earphone size for those characteristic . If I want a smaller sound , I ’d drop out on the extras like more power and a telephoto camera , just because I opt compact phones . With the Pixel 9 Pro , I can now get those office user features I like without having to compromise on the sizing .

Google is setting an example for others to follow

For several year , Google has hold on the Pixel lineup mostly the same , with a lowly base model phone and a large Pro good example , and then a budget - friendly choice come out midcycle . It ’s unclear whether Google will have another budget - friendly Pixel A - serial twist sometime next class , but this is a big variety for Google , and I receive it .

I never liked how most smartphone brands these daytime seem to provide the safe features only on the largest phones . Like I pronounce earlier , not all major power users like big phones — I ’m one of those people , and I know I ’m not the only one out there . I really savour seeing Google give us a smaller version of the Pro without piddle us forfeiture characteristic ( aside from the stamp battery life story , of grade ) .

This is a lesson that I hope Apple learns with theiPhone 16lineup this year . I found it very disappointing in 2023 when Apple finally summate a periscope telephoto camera , but only on the iPhone 15 Pro Max , and left the iPhone 15 Pro out in the low temperature without an improved camera . Rumors hint the iPhone 16 Pro will have a slight gibbosity in sizing , enough to fit the improved telephotograph tv camera at least . I hope this is the case , though Apple could also just further improve the Max version .

Beyond Apple , this is something that other brands should also keep up . For example , I love theSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultrabecause of its unbelievable 200MP photographic camera and integrated S Pen , but its size is just toofreaking bigfor me . It would make more sense , at least to me , if the Galaxy S+ model was a small version of the Ultra rather than just a bigger base simulation .

For some , it may seem surplus to have two sizes for the same pro - level headphone . But I think get choices is always a proficient thing , and not everyone who wants the best feature also need a humongous phone . The new choice between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is a wondrous one in my playscript . Well done , Google .