Google Pixel 9 Pro XL could receive a key hardware upgrade to help with AI features
More RAM and more power? Just what we wanted
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Expect the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL to offer impressive AI capabilities when it arrives later this year. That's because a recently discovered Geekbench CPU benchmark result (via MySmartPrice and AndroidCentral) shows what changes Google could be making to boost the whole Pixel 9 series.
Looking at the main results at the top of the listing, we see that the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats what the Pixel 8 Pro got during our own testing. The CPU information also reveals that the Pixel 9 Pro XL's chip (assumed to be named Tensor G4) has one fewer CPU core than the Pixel 8 Pro's Tensor G3, but a faster base clock speed to make up for it.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Geekbench 6 single-core score | Geekbench multi-core score | RAM | CPU base clock speed |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (alleged) | 1950 | 4655 | 16GB | 1.95GHz |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | 1758 | 4447 | 12GB | 1.7GHz |
More interestingly is that we can see this device is running with 16GB RAM, up from the 12GB offered in the Pixel 8 Pro and previous Pro Pixels.
That's quite a lot of RAM for Google to use, since the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 12GB RAM, and the iPhone 15 Pro a mere 8GB. This would put the new Pixel in the company of OnePlus 12's highest-spec model and several gaming-focused phones like the ROG Phone 8 Pro, which offer 16GB or even 24GB of RAM.
While this is likely good news for gaming on the Pixel 9 Pro, the extra RAM is likely there to help with AI features, something which became the Pixel family's focus as of the Pixel 8 series. With Samsung's Galaxy AI and Apple Intelligence now also around to provide competition, Google's likely looking for ways to get an edge, be that with new features or with improved hardware.
The Pixel 9 series is also believed to be expanding to three models this year, rather than two as in the past three years. The Pixel 9 Pro XL will be the same 6.7-inch size as the Pixel 8 Pro, with the Google Pixel 9 Pro transforming into a new 6.1-inch handset size. The basic Google Pixel 9 should be 6.0 inches, a little smaller than prior basic Pixel models.
As Google normally launches flagship Pixel phones every October, the new phones are still a few months away from their expected debut, so final performance could different from what we see here. However, it is also possible to fool the Geekbench browser into mis-identifying a device, so keep in mind that these results may not be genuine, despite how well they fit with other rumors.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
More from Tom's Guide
- Samsung Galaxy S25's best feature could force a major price hike
- Sorry, Apple — iOS 18 locked apps feature is great, but Android’s is still better
- Android 15 beta 3 rolling out now — here’s what’s new

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.










