Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by gregor
As a luxury travel blogger, having the right tools is essential for creating high-quality content for my blog, Instagram, YouTube, and beyond. Recently, I received the brand-new Google Pixel 9 Pro XL here at the Google Launch Event in Vienna. I couldn’t wait to see how it would enhance my workflow. In this post, I’ll share the unboxing experience, my first impressions, and how the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s powerful AI features and integration with Google services are already elevating my content creation. Plus, I’ll talk about how the Google Pixel Buds 2 have become an essential part of my mobile setup!
1. Unboxing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The unboxing experience of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL was nothing short of luxurious. The box design itself felt minimalistic and eco-friendly, a touch I appreciate in today’s tech world. Inside, I found:
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL device
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Power adapter with fast charging support
- SIM ejector tool and a quick-start guide
As soon as I held the phone, I noticed its sleek and premium feel. The large 6.9-inch OLED display is not only eye-catching but incredibly functional for creators like myself who need a bigger screen for editing, composing, and viewing content.
2. First Impressions – My Favorite Features
Having used the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for a few days, a few features have really stood out as game-changers for me as a luxury travel blogger:
Bigger, Brighter Screen
The first thing I noticed was the 6.9-inch OLED display. This is by far one of my favorite features! The bigger screen makes editing photos and videos on mobile apps like Adobe Lightroom and CapCut so much easier. The colors are vibrant and accurate, which is perfect when I’m fine-tuning images for my blog or Instagram.
Incredible AI-Powered Camera (Gemini)
As a content creator, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s AI-driven camera system powered by Google’s Gemini AI takes the stress out of capturing stunning content. Whether I’m shooting for my blog, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok, the 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultra-wide lens work in tandem with the AI to deliver near-perfect shots every time.
3. AI Features – A Major Advantage for Travel Content Creators
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with the latest Gemini AI features that are perfect for content creators like me. These AI features offer several advantages that simplify and enhance my creative process:
Magic Eraser
This is one of the Pixel’s standout AI features, and it’s a lifesaver when editing photos. With Magic Eraser, I can quickly remove unwanted elements from my photos – perfect for when I’m capturing a beautiful landscape but there’s a distracting object in the background. This means less time spent editing in Adobe Lightroom and more time spent exploring new destinations.
Photo Unblur
The Photo Unblur feature has been incredibly useful for perfecting action shots or low-light photography. Whether I’m taking photos in a bustling city or on a twilight adventure, this tool ensures that I always end up with sharp, clear images – without needing to redo the shot.
AI-Powered Video Stabilization
When I’m creating YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or TikTok videos, stabilization is key. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses AI to stabilize my videos, ensuring smooth footage even when I’m on the go. This feature has been essential for travel vlogs where tripods aren’t always an option.
Portrait Mode with AI Enhancements
Portrait Mode has long been a favorite of content creators, but with Gemini AI, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL takes it to another level. The AI perfectly enhances the depth of field, ensuring professional-quality bokeh (background blur) in my photos. It’s perfect for portrait shots in luxury hotels or outdoor scenes where I want the focus on myself or an object while maintaining a beautifully blurred background.
4. Google Services – A Seamless Workflow for Creators
One of the most valuable aspects of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is how seamlessly it integrates with Google services. As a blogger and content creator, I rely heavily on cloud-based tools, and Google’s suite of services is ideal for staying organized and productive on the go.
Google Drive & Docs
The Pixel 9 Pro XL makes it incredibly easy to access and edit all my important files through Google Drive and Google Docs. Whether I’m drafting a new blog post or organizing notes from a recent trip, everything syncs effortlessly between my phone and laptop. This means I can work on content wherever I am, even while traveling between destinations.
Google Photos
All my travel photos and videos are automatically backed up to Google Photos, where I can quickly organize, search, and access them whenever needed. The AI-powered features in Google Photos make it easy to find specific images, which is a massive time-saver when managing thousands of travel pictures. Plus, I can share albums with collaborators or friends instantly.
Google Assistant for Hands-Free Help
When I’m multitasking, Google Assistant is a lifesaver. Whether it’s setting reminders for upcoming blog deadlines, answering questions, or controlling my smart home devices, the Pixel 9 Pro XL integrates beautifully with Google Assistant, allowing me to stay productive without even touching my phone.
5. How I Use the Pixel 9 Pro XL for My Blog and Social Media
Here’s how I’ve been using the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL across different platforms for my luxury travel blog and social media channels:
For My Blog (www.theviennablog.com):
- Photography and Editing: The larger screen and advanced camera make capturing and editing photos for blog posts seamless. With apps like Adobe Lightroom, I can edit images on the go, adjusting the exposure, contrast, and colors with precision thanks to the Pixel’s high-resolution display.
- On-the-Go Content Creation: The Pixel’s excellent battery life and fast performance allow me to draft blog posts, upload photos, and manage WordPress directly from the device. It’s truly a mobile office!
For Instagram:
- Reels and Stories: The 4K video recording and AI stabilization make it a breeze to shoot professional-quality Reels and Stories. I love using the AI-driven Portrait Mode for Instagram selfies and scenic shots.
- Magic Eraser for Quick Fixes: I’ve been using the Magic Eraser to clean up my images before posting to Instagram. It’s saved me so much time that I’d normally spend in post-processing!
For YouTube (YouTube Shorts and Full Videos):
- Video Editing with CapCut: The Pixel’s smooth performance allows me to edit videos in CapCut without any lag, even when working with high-resolution 4K clips. The AI-powered video stabilization ensures I get clear and smooth footage, which is especially helpful for YouTube Shorts.
- Livestreaming: Thanks to the 5G connectivity, livestreaming while I’m traveling has been smooth and clear, even when I’m in crowded places.
For Pinterest and YouTube Thumbnails:
- Designing in Canva Pro: I use Canva Pro for designing thumbnails and pins for Pinterest and YouTube. The large screen size, combined with its precise color rendering, helps me create visually stunning graphics that are optimized for social media.
6. Google Pixel Buds 2 – An Essential Travel Accessory
Another part of my content creation setup is the Google Pixel Buds 2. These wireless earbuds have become essential for when I’m editing videos or watching content on the go. Here’s why I love using them:
- Crystal Clear Sound Quality: The audio quality is amazing, making it easy to edit video soundtracks or enjoy music while traveling.
- Seamless Integration: They pair instantly with my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the built-in Google Assistant integration means I can control my phone with voice commands, even when I’m in the middle of editing or managing tasks.
- Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation has been particularly useful during flights or when working in busy cafes. I can focus on my editing without distraction.
- Compact and Travel-Friendly: The small case easily fits into my bag or pocket, making the Pixel Buds 2 the perfect travel companion when I need to pack light.
7. Final Thoughts – A Must-Have for Travel Content Creators
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has exceeded my expectations as a content creation tool. Its AI-driven features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Mode help simplify my editing process, while the bigger screen and Gemini AI camera enhance the quality of my visuals. Combined with the Google services I use daily and the fantastic Google Pixel Buds 2, my workflow as a travel blogger has never been more efficient.
For anyone looking to up their content game on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a must-have. It’s not just a smartphone – it’s a powerful creative tool
This table provides an overview of the key advantages of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for content creators
| Pros for Content Creators | Description |
|---|---|
| AI-Powered Camera | Features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Mode make it easy to capture professional-quality images. |
| 4K Video Recording at 60fps | Perfect for creating high-resolution videos for YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. |
| AI Video Stabilization | Ensures smooth, steady footage even when shooting handheld videos or on the go. |
| Large 6.9-inch OLED Display | The bright, color-accurate screen makes editing photos and videos a breeze, especially on apps like Lightroom. |
| Gemini AI Features | Enhances photo and video quality with minimal effort, automating difficult tasks like noise reduction and sharpening. |
| Fast Performance with Google Tensor G3 Chip | Handles multitasking across apps like Adobe Lightroom, CapCut, and Canva Pro without lag. |
| Magic Eraser | Easily removes unwanted objects from photos, saving time on post-processing. |
| Portrait Mode with AI | Creates stunning portrait shots with professional-quality bokeh, perfect for Instagram and blog photos. |
| Google Photos Integration | Automatically backs up photos and allows for easy access and organization, ideal for managing large content libraries. |
| 5G Connectivity | Ensures fast uploads, real-time content sharing, and seamless live streaming for platforms like YouTube and Instagram. |
| Long Battery Life | Keeps up with extended content creation sessions, from vlogging to editing photos while traveling. |
| Google Drive & Docs Integration | Allows for easy content management, file sharing, and collaboration on the go. |
| Excellent Audio Quality with Google Pixel Buds 2 | High-quality sound for video editing and content review, with active noise cancellation for distraction-free work. |
| Seamless Google Assistant Integration | Enables hands-free operation, task scheduling, and multitasking while shooting or editing content. |
Disclosure: I am a #TeamPixelAT Content Creator Team member and received a test sample of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, all opinions expressed in this blog post are entirely my own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL good for travel photography?
Absolutely. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with an advanced AI-powered camera system that makes capturing high-quality photos easy. Its scene optimization and AI-assisted editing tools help you take professional-grade pictures without the need for a DSLR camera.
2. How does the Pixel 9 Pro XL perform for video content creation?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is excellent for video content creation. With 4K recording and enhanced stabilization, it ensures smooth and clear footage, making it ideal for platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The AI-driven noise reduction and focus tracking also help improve the quality of your videos.
3. Can I use the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for vlogging?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great choice for vlogging. Its high-quality video recording capabilities, enhanced stabilization, and AI features make it easy to create professional-looking vlogs without additional equipment.
4. How does the battery life of the Pixel 9 Pro XL hold up for travel bloggers?
The battery life of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to last all day, even with extensive use. This is crucial for travel bloggers who must shoot, edit, and upload content throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.
5. What makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL different from other smartphones for content creators?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out due to its advanced AI features, seamless integration with Google services, and productivity tools. It simplifies the content creation process, from capturing stunning images to editing and backing up your media, making it an ideal choice for content creators.
6. Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL worth it for someone with a DSLR?
While a DSLR is great for professional photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers the convenience of a powerful camera in your pocket. Its AI features and editing tools make it a versatile option for travel bloggers who want to capture and share content on the go without carrying bulky equipment.