Gabrielle’s emotional TikTok video, showcasing her unboxing of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at nearly 30, went viral, amassing over 4.5 million views. Transitioning from using hand-me-downs to a brand-new smartphone, she shared her journey and the challenges of purchasing a reliable device. Despite some negativity, the overwhelming support from viewers highlighted her genuine emotions. Excited to explore the phone’s features, she plans to document her experiences as she adapts to the new device.
From a modest 5000 views to a staggering 4.5 million: Gabrielle’s emotional TikTok video has captured the hearts of many. In this viral clip, she shares her extraordinary experience of unboxing her very first brand-new smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, at nearly 30 years old.
“I contemplated deleting my account multiple times”
In just a few days, Gabrielle’s video garnered over 4.5 million views, thanks to the TikTok algorithm propelling her content into the spotlight. Her follower count skyrocketed from approximately 12,000 to over 50,000, a whirlwind of fame that came with its challenges.
Despite facing some negativity, the majority of comments were overwhelmingly supportive. Gabrielle reflected, “I think the simplicity of my setting, my natural look, and especially my genuine emotions resonated with viewers.”
For Gabrielle, this moment was significant: “I wanted to document this rare occasion in my life, as I usually buy second-hand devices, so unboxing something brand new doesn’t happen often.”
“My parents ushered in the Samsung era”
While the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is not Gabrielle’s inaugural smartphone, it marks a departure from her norm of using hand-me-downs from her tech-savvy parents and partners. Her journey began with a basic Sony Ericsson, followed by a Nokia and an early touchscreen phone from LG, before finally transitioning to Samsung devices.
Unfortunately, the fragility of smartphones took its toll; her Galaxy S7 met its demise during a trip, and the Galaxy S9 was irreparably damaged when it was dropped from a stroller. “It was its first fall and it never worked again,” she lamented.
With a young child and financial constraints, Gabrielle found it difficult to justify purchasing a new phone. However, she needed a reliable device to stay connected with her husband. They eventually found a second-hand Galaxy S21+ at a great price, which fulfilled their needs.
Why Choose a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Galaxy S21 was released in 2021, and Gabrielle acquired it shortly after its launch. Fast forward three years, the device began to show signs of wear. Recognizing the need for a reliable smartphone for her video content creation, her husband insisted on investing in a new device after witnessing the frustration she faced with her current phone. “I felt so annoyed when my phone shut down for the fifth time in two hours,” she mentioned.
They set a budget of 450 euros, aiming for a large screen, Android compatibility, and top-notch photo and video capabilities. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL fit the bill perfectly, albeit at a steep price of 1199 euros unlocked. To manage the cost, they opted for a contract to spread the payments over 12 to 24 months.
A Transformative Experience
After a few days with her new smartphone, Gabrielle was thrilled. “This phone is a real gem; it’s so enjoyable to hold, and the photo and video quality is stunning,” she exclaimed. Capturing moments of her life and children has become much easier, especially since she relies on photos and videos to aid her memory.
However, not everything is perfect. Gabrielle noted the Pixel’s slippery design, recalling how it nearly fell off a nightstand due to vibrations. Additionally, she was not a fan of the camera’s bulkiness when placed on its back. “I’m not convinced by this design choice,” she said.
While the photo and video quality impressed her, the sound capture left something to be desired. “Unless you’re really close to the phone, the sound is quite average and the volume is insufficient; I might need to find a small microphone to enhance it,” she shared.
The Start of a New Journey
Looking ahead, Gabrielle is excited to explore the new features of her Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, especially the integration of AI. “I’m really looking forward to chatting with ChatGPT and discovering Gemini. I can’t wait to see what it can do,” she said eagerly.
She also faces the challenge of adapting to the differences between Samsung’s OneUI and Google’s Pixel Experience. “I still don’t know how to silence it, and organizing my apps into folders is a mystery,” she admitted.
This journey into the Android ecosystem is sure to provide rich content for her future videos. “I plan to wait 10 days before doing a review to gain some perspective on this phone,” she concluded.