'Google Pixel 9 Pro XL' Phone For 2025 -- My Christmas Gift To Me.

 

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I was late, very late, getting into smartphones. I didn't get a smartphone till 2017 -- just 7 years ago. I started with a Google 'Pixel 2'. That was a revelation. I did NOT get a Pixel 3 the next year, i.e., 2018. Then in 2019 I got a 'Pixel 4'. WOW. That changed EVERYTHING.

I had been BIG into cameras (the second time around in my life) as of 2015. I owned multiple high-end cameras & upgraded multiple times a year! Yep, I spent a lot of money & time on cameras. And then the camera on the Pixel 4. I liked it. It was easy to use. No hassle. Within months I was using the Pixel 4, exclusively, rather than my cameras.

I was hooked on the Pixel camera -- for GOOD reason.

As of 2019, I have been getting the latest Pixel each year -- at Christmas (as my gift to myself) & start using it on/around January 1.

So, I other than the Pixel 1 & 3, I have had them all, the Pro( XL) version, if available. So, I have had the Pixel 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & now 9. When I get a new one, I keep the older one as a backup. I will typically give the oldest one away to a deserving person.

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This year (i.e., 2024) I got the Pixel 9 Pro XL. I had a Pixel 8 Pro. So, the same size. They look and feel very similar -- though the 9 feels a tad heavier which might be the 'Spigen' case. Yes, I have also standardized on Spigen cases. They have served me well for the last 4 years or so & I see no need to change them. After struggling for years with screen protectors I, last year, gave up on them. Instead bought Google's extended coverage. That has worked -- though I haven't put the insurance to the test.

Today, I moved from the 8 to the 9. Google does a fairly decent job -- BUT it was NOT perfect.

This was probably because I had bought a fully unlocked Pixel 9 -- rather than a 'Google Fi' specific one. I have been with 'Fi' since the Pixel 2, i.e., 2017. I like to stick with all things Google.

The last few years I must have bought 'Fi' specific Pixels -- because the Fi APP would be transferred & I would get the option to transfer the number. NOT SO, this year. I had to poke around looking for the eSim settings. Hhhmmm. Wasn't happy about that.

I also hadn't realized that I didn't have SMART STORAGE activated on my Pixel 8. Yikes. I had 28,000 photos on it -- which got transferred. Yikes. Took care of that.

So, now as 2025 approaches, I have a new Pixel for the New Year. Wish me luck.

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