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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the flagship choice if you prioritize top-notch software support and a stunning display, boasting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the Sony Xperia 1 VI’s unique 85-170mm continuous optical zoom is a game-changer.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.5"🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.80 oz vs 6.77 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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Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3
(41)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades 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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OISWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAh
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 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)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
+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 Sony Xperia 1 VI
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 3 OS upgrades 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 | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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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
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Sony Xperia 1 VI
Rating:★4.3(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models*
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Telephoto Camera:12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro
Optical Zoom:3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution)
Video Recording:4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses)
Front Camera:12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included*
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort)
Durability:IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.77 oz (192 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
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Which one is better?
Grab the Sony Xperia 1 VI if you need a unique camera feature with its continuous optical zoom - it’s a photography powerhouse.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you want a bright display at 3,000 nits, need long software support, or require a versatile camera system.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you prioritize unique zoom capabilities, want expandable storage with microSD, or enjoy a headphone jack. (6.5" display, 5000 mAh battery)
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. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom 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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