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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Google Pixel 9 vs TCL 50 XL 5G

If you're debating between the Google Pixel 9 and the TCL 50 XL 5G, the Pixel 9 is the premium option here, boasting features like a stunning 2,700 nits peak brightness display. The TCL 50 XL 5G, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly contender with a massive 6.78-inch display that makes it appealing for casual users. Key specs: Display: 6.3" vs 6.78" and Battery: 4700 mAh vs 5010 mAh.

📱 Display: 6.3" vs 6.78"🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 5010 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.98 oz vs 6.88 oz

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Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

4.5
(1,044)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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TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

4.1
(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage
Google Pixel 9
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
TCL 50 XL 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Google Pixel 9 vs TCL 50 XL 5G

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

4.5(1,044)Amazon
TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

4.1(19)Amazon
Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

Rating:4.5(1,044)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:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 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:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR
Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection

✓ Pros:

  • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
  • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
  • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
  • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration

✗ Cons:

  • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
  • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
  • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
  • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
  • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)

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TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

Rating:4.1(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology
Resolution:2460 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:5,010mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included

✓ Pros:

  • Huge 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz display is rare for this price
  • Includes 18W charger, cable, and sometimes a case in the box
  • 6GB real RAM + 128GB storage is generous for the budget tier
  • Features NFC for contactless payments (often cut in budget phones)
  • Retains user-favorite 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion

✗ Cons:

  • Ultrawide camera is low resolution (5MP) and muddy
  • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance
  • Software support is minimal (only 1 OS update guaranteed)
  • Display brightness struggles in direct sunlight (~500 nits)
  • Video recording capped at 1080p (No 4K support)

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Which one is better?

The Google Pixel 9 is the better buy for most people - its 12GB RAM crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G's 6GB, ensuring smoother multitasking.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need a top-notch camera for photography, multitask frequently with apps, or want the latest software updates for years. (6.3" display, 4700 mAh battery)
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you prefer a large display for media consumption, want a budget-friendly device, or need expandable storage with a microSD card. (6.78" display, 5010 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 excels if you value compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. TCL 50 XL 5G is better if you prioritize huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. 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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