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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Nothing Phone (2)
Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.7" and Battery: 5060 mAh vs 4700 mAh. In real-world use, the Pixel’s 5x optical zoom camera lets you take stunning close-ups that the Nothing Phone (2) simply can't match. But if you're drawn to unique designs, the Nothing Phone's Glyph Interface will catch your eye, albeit with some compromises on performance and camera capabilities.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.7"🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 4700 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.80 oz vs 7.09 oz
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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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Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6
(397)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
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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
Nothing Phone (2)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
6.7"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Nothing Phone (2)
1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Nothing Phone (2)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nothing Phone (2)
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Nothing Phone (2)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
4,700mAh
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Nothing Phone (2)
15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Nothing Phone (2)
7.09 oz (201.2 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Nothing Phone (2)
6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 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
Nothing Phone (2)
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, 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 Nothing Phone (2)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6(397)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.6(397)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.7" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 4,700mAh |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 7.09 oz (201.2 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 | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers |
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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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Nothing Phone (2)
Rating:★4.6(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.7"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness)
Resolution:2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen)
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera:50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps
Front Camera:32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps
Battery:4,700mAh
Wired Charging:45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- • Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- • Power-efficient LTPO OLED display (1-120Hz)
- • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS)
- • Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
✗ Cons:
- • IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
- • Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
- • Digital zoom performance (max 10x) is weak compared to class leaders
- • Ultrawide sensor (Samsung JN1) struggles in low light compared to main sensor
- • No charger included in the box
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Which one is better?
Grab the Nothing Phone (2) if you love its unique design and want to save money.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you need a longer-lasting battery for all-day use, you take a lot of photos and want optical zoom, or you want the best software support with 7-year updates.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you appreciate a standout design with the Glyph Interface, you prefer a lighter phone at 7.09oz, or you want a clean, bloatware-free software experience.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. Nothing Phone (2) is better if you prioritize iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. 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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