Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, so expect small changes rather than big ones. The 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4575mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 9 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.2" and sharper at 460 PPI. The 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the 8 5G tops out at 256GB, and the 8 5G is the lighter phone at 0g against 199g. Get the 9 Pro XL if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 8 5G is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
The 8 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £596 over a typical contract, £295 less than the 9 Pro XL.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 8
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.8" |
| Display | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10.5 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,575 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | - | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 0 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£46.50/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £174.95 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 8 is cheaper on contract at £595.50 over the life of the deal from £46.50 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 8's 6.2", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 424, and the Google Pixel 8 uses a AMOLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £174.95.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Google Pixel 8 is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8 is the more portable of the two: it's 199g lighter at 0 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Google Pixel 8 runs Android and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.