Why Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the ultimate travel companion

In this age of Instagram-worthy escapes, a smartphone camera is an indispensable travel accessory for any savvy globetrotter. Whether you’re chasing the golden hour in Santorini or framing the perfect shot of a steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi, the right photo can turn a vacation photo into a lasting memory – not to mention a drool-worthy social post.

But, gone are the days where you would have to lug around a DSLR or a separate camera to shoot that perfect photo or video. Modern smartphone cameras can effortlessly shoot all manner of professional and creative photos with a simple touch.

While planning a recent trip to the picturesque Japan, I was spoilt for choice when deciding on the best camera. Post jotting down all the pros and cons, I zeroed in on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and boy did it turn out to be the perfect travel companion.

The Pro cameras onboard

When it comes to pure hardware, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a triple camera setup onboard with each lens playing an important role. Whether clicking photos of myself or my group of friends, the primary 50MP lens was my go-to option.

It’s quick to shoot great quality photos that feature plenty of details and colours. Even when the lights go down, the Night Sight mode ensures that the captured photos look great.

Images shot using Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Accompanying this is a 48MP ultrawide lens with macro focus. This lens was really useful when trying to fit towering structures like the Osaka Castle or the Tokyo Tower in one frame. Another advantage of this lens is how you can fit a large group of friends into a frame without the one’s on the extreme sides missing any limbs.

Image shot using Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Popular spots in Japan tend to get quite crowded, and managing the perfect shot can get a bit tricky. The 48MP telephoto lens helped with the perfect framing – sans the crowd. One instance that comes to mind is when I was shooting Mt Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko. Instead of capturing the peak and the pristine waters through scores of tourists, a simple zoom did the trick – all without losing out on any details.

The cameras are equally apt at shooting great quality videos at all times of the day. This was put to test when shooting a pan shot of the extensive ramen spread on our dinner table, a slow-mo video of a modified Subaru crossing the busy neon-lit Shibuya crossing, and a timelapse of the evening cityscape from the top of the Tokyo tower.

The AI prowess

One would argue that the above can also be achieved with any other smartphone boasting an equally competitive set of cameras. While true, there’s an additional layer to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s capabilities that is tailor-made for your travels. It is all the magic that is weaved using artificial intelligence.

AI features like ‘Add Me’ or ‘Magic Eraser’ were extensively used and solves so many pain points. As the designated photographer in my group, I’m always the one shooting photos of individuals and couples. But when it comes to group photos, we would either switch to selfies or request a good Samaritan to click our photo.

Image shot using Add Me on Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and edited with Magic Eraser

The former is not always flattering, and in the case of the latter, you’ve no control over the framing or the overall quality. But the Add Me feature let me frame and shoot a photo of the group, then calmly walk into the frame and get added to the group photo. When you see the results, it almost seems magical.

Best Take is another feature which made sure that we always looked good in our photos. No more closed eyes, awkward expressions or looking distracted.

Image shot using Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and edited with Magic Eraser

The most-used feature was however the Magic Eraser, which is a boon at the crowded tourist spots around Japan. It almost became second nature for us to shoot a photo in front of a popular spot, then quickly use the Magic Eraser to remove people from the frame. Some of our photos at Osaka Castle or the Fushimi Inari Gates will make you question whether we were on a private tour.

A friendly hand

The cameras also did more than just click photos. Ever wondered what is the most complex thing built by humans? One would imagine things like the Large Hadron Collider or the International Space Station. But the answer is the Shinjuku Station in the heart of Tokyo City.

Navigating through this complex labyrinth will put even the best human minds to test. And that’s where Pixel 9 Pro XL came to our rescue with its offline Google Maps support, which meant maps worked well underground, and Live Translate feature to understand the many signages.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review

Finally, making sure I didn’t have to worry about rationing by phone use was the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery. Despite the heavy use, I would be left with 10-15 per cent charge by the time we returned to our hotel room.

As photographer and author Chase Jarvis puts it, “The best camera is the one that’s with you.” Without having to worry about how many battery packs, memory cards or lens to carry, the simplicity with which I could capture this unforgettable trip to Japan, is why I believe the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the ultimate travel companion.