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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its incredible 7-year software support. In real-world use, this means your phone will stay updated longer, making it a worthy investment for 2026 and beyond. If gaming is your top priority, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro shines with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a jaw-dropping 165Hz refresh rate. While the Pixel's display peaks at 3,000 nits, the ROG's 2,500 nits is still plenty bright and perfect for outdoor gaming sessions.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.78"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 5500 mAh
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7
(63)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5X
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)Winner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7(63)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Rating:★4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports
✓ Pros:
- • First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- • Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
- • Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
- • Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers
✗ Cons:
- • Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- • Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
- • Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
- • Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
- • No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better buy for most people - its 7-year software support crushes the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro's 2 years. That said, grab the ROG if you need serious gaming performance and a 165Hz display - it's a powerhouse for gamers.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you want the longest software support, you value camera versatility with 5x optical zoom, or you prefer a brighter display with 3,000 nits.
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game heavily and need a 165Hz refresh rate, you want faster charging at 65W, or you need a more rugged device with IP68 rating.
Conclusion
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is better if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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