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Pixel 9 Pro XL unboxing and durability test: a solid build with new packaging design
Top 3 Key Points:
- New Packaging: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features redesigned packaging, including a unique sleeve and wrap.
- Durability: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is even more durable than its predecessor, surviving harsh scratch and bend tests.
- Design Updates: Notable design changes include a thicker camera bar and improved earpiece and antenna placement.
In anticipation of its upcoming launch, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has already gone through an unboxing and durability test by JerryRigEverything, revealing some key insights about Google’s latest flagship phone.
The unboxing experience of the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts with a fresh new packaging design. Instead of the traditional four-color “G” logo, the box now simply features “Google.” To access the phone, you first peel off two pill-shaped stickers on the back of the packaging, allowing you to slide off the outer sleeve. The box inside has the product name on the side and opens to reveal the phone, which is now covered by a sleeve that wraps around both the front and back. This is a step up from the Pixel 8, where the wrap only protected the display. The USB-C cable comes in slightly flatter packaging, adding to the sleek presentation.
When comparing the size of the new Pixel’s camera bar, it measures about 3.5 mm tall, thicker than a typical house key or about the height of two quarters stacked together. The front of the phone is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which showed “scratches at a level six with deeper grooves at a level seven” during testing. Above the 42MP front-facing camera, there’s an extremely thin earpiece slit, with a centered plastic antenna line placed just above it.
The durability test put the Pixel 9 Pro XL through its paces, including a razor blade being used to pop off the power button and volume rocker. While they could be reinserted, the aluminum rails did show scratches, demonstrating an extreme example of potential damage. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor was also tested and managed to function even after enduring “copious amounts of level seven deeper grooves.”
A common mistake made by users is inserting the SIM ejection tool into the microphone hole next to the USB-C port, rather than the correct slot further away from the connector. This is something to watch out for when handling the device.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the test was the bend test. The Pixel 9 Pro XL proved to be even more robust than its predecessor, showing no creaky sounds or noticeable flexing, either from the front or back. This is a significant improvement over the Pixel 7 Pro, which developed a gap in the frame after bending. Google has claimed that the Pixel 9 series is “twice as durable as the Pixel 8,” and the test results seem to support this claim.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL not only introduces a fresh packaging design but also demonstrates significant durability improvements, making it one of the most solidly built devices Google has released to date.
Key Points:
- WhatsApp is getting customizable themes for chat bubbles and wallpapers.
- Google Meet is bringing AI-powered meeting note-taking to smartphones.
- These new features aim to improve user experience and productivity.
WhatsApp Themes: A Personal Touch
Ever wanted to give your WhatsApp chats a unique look? Well, you might be in luck soon! WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets you choose your preferred colors and wallpapers for your chat bubbles. This means you can customize your app to match your style or mood.
Google Meet Gets Smarter with AI
Google Meet is also getting a major upgrade. The app is introducing an AI-powered feature that automatically summarizes your meetings and creates detailed notes. This will save you time and help you remember important points from your discussions. While this feature is currently available on desktops, it’s expected to make its way to smartphones soon.
The Future of Messaging and Collaboration
These new features are just a glimpse into the future of messaging and collaboration. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative ways to communicate and work together.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
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