Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs HONOR Magic 8 Pro
Our Verdict: The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is the newer of the two, a 2026 release against the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 2024. The Magic 8 Pro has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 50MP, plus a 50MP selfie camera against 42MP, and there's more battery in the Magic 8 Pro, 6270mAh to 5060mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The Pixel 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the Magic 8 Pro tops out at 512GB, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the lighter phone at 199g against 219g. Unusually, the cheaper Magic 8 Pro takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
Over a full contract, the Magic 8 Pro works out around £918 all-in, about £516 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
13 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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HONOR Magic 8 Pro
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.71" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1206 x 2808 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 455 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 42 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,060 mAh | 6,270 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 512GB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 219 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
£29.99/mo
£169.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £338.00 | £739.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro is cheaper on contract at £918.36 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £169.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has a LTPO OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has a 200 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 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £338.00.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro comes in 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and HONOR Magic 8 Pro use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: it's 20g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and HONOR Magic 8 Pro run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.