The Pixel 9 Pro XL has made a significant impact in the smartphone market, posing a threat to the dominance of Samsung and Apple. With features like the Super Res Zoom and exceptional battery life, it has been hailed as the best Android phone by many reviewers. The introduction of the “Adaptive Touch” feature in the Pixel 9 series, which automatically adjusts touch sensitivity based on different conditions, has also garnered attention.
Testing the Adaptive Touch feature, some outlets found that the Pixel 9 handles wet fingers better than its predecessor, offering a smooth experience even with water on the screen. To further investigate this, a test was conducted with the Pixel 9 Pro XL in a shower setting. While tapping on apps and using biometric authentication worked well, swiping gestures and scrolling experienced some glitches and delays.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL proved to be responsive in most tasks, such as tapping on apps and navigating through the interface. Despite some issues with swiping and scrolling, the device performed satisfactorily in a wet environment.
Touchscreen Experience
While the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a smooth experience for most tasks, scrolling through long-form content can sometimes result in frustrating “screen jumping.” This issue, along with difficulties in swiping up to exit apps, highlights the need for further optimization in touchscreen responsiveness.
Ultrasonic In-Display Sensor
The Pixel 9 series introduces a new ultrasonic in-display sensor, enhancing the fingerprint unlock experience, especially with wet fingers. This technology, an upgrade from the previous optical sensor, allows for reliable fingerprint detection even in damp conditions, improving overall usability.
Water Resistance and Future Considerations
While the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs adequately for basic tasks in wet conditions, such as in the shower or light rain, it falls short in fully supporting wet fingers. With competitors like OnePlus implementing features like “Rain Water Touch,” it may be time for Google, Samsung, and Apple to prioritize enhanced wet-finger support in future devices.



