In a surprising turn of events, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has shown impressive performance in a recent “heavy workload” test, outshining both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The test, conducted by the YouTube channel In Depth Tech Reviews, put these flagship devices through their paces in a grueling 30-minute endurance challenge. The results of this test are quite the opposite of what earlier synthetic benchmark tests revealed, making it good reason why you should take those scores with a grain of salt.
The test involved running four demanding tasks simultaneously: a Microsoft Teams meeting with screen sharing, YouTube video playback in picture-in-picture mode, Google Maps navigation, and the graphics-intensive game Asphalt 9. All devices started at 80% battery (with a slight adjustment for the S24 Ultra) and were set to their maximum resolutions with 120Hz refresh rates enabled.
From the get-go, the Pixel 9 Pro XL impressed with its graphics performance, matching the quality of its competitors – a notable improvement over last year’s Pixel 8 Pro. The Tensor G4 chip, Google’s latest custom processor, seems to have made significant strides in raw power and efficiency.
As the test progressed, the Pixel maintained the brightest display for the longest time, while also delivering smoother gameplay in Asphalt 9. This is particularly noteworthy given the Pixel’s higher screen resolution compared to the iPhone.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, surprisingly, was the first to falter. At around the 14-minute mark, it triggered a thermal warning and closed the picture-in-picture window, effectively disqualifying itself from the competition. This is a step back from the S23 Ultra’s performance in previous tests, raising questions about Samsung’s thermal management in their latest flagship.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, while completing the full 30-minute test, showed some performance dips along the way. It experienced more frequent frame rate drops in Asphalt 9, especially towards the latter part of the test. However, it did maintain excellent screen-sharing quality throughout.
In the final tally, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max completed the full test successfully. The iPhone ran cooler at 44.5°C compared to the Pixel’s 48.6°C, and was slightly more efficient with battery use (12% vs. 15% drain). However, the Pixel maintained better brightness and smoother gameplay for most of the test duration.
The reviewer ultimately called it a draw between the Pixel and iPhone, with both devices showcasing their strengths in different areas. The Pixel’s performance is estimated to be 20-30% better than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro.
It’s worth noting that Google may have a secret weapon in the Pixel 9 Pro XL – a newly added vapor chamber for improved heat dissipation. While not explicitly mentioned in the test, this could explain the device’s ability to maintain performance under sustained load.
This result marks a significant milestone for Google’s Pixel line. Historically, Pixels have been praised for their software and camera capabilities but have lagged behind in raw performance. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s ability to go toe-to-toe with industry leaders like Apple and Samsung in intensive tasks suggests that Google’s investment in custom silicon is paying off. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL could finally be good recommendations for power-users too. You can watch the full video below:
Dwayne Cubbins
1211 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.