“The Google Pixel 9 is one of the best Pixel phones Google has ever made, and it has nothing to do with AI.”
- Excellent design and construct high quality
- Super digital camera
- Tactile haptics
- Fast and dependable safety
- Improved effectivity and battery life
- Long software program replace dedication
- Screen is not at all times brilliant sufficient
- Slow charging
- More costly than final 12 months
Google made a mistake with the Pixel 9 throughout its launch occasion. It mentioned barely something in any respect concerning the {hardware}, but whenever you lastly pay money for the telephone, you immediately discover it borders on the beautiful. So, by solely speaking about AI for an hour, Google did us all a disservice.
But was all of the AI speak justified, and does it elevate the Pixel 9 above and past fashions which have come earlier than it or that problem it at the moment? I’ve discovered by utilizing the Pixel 9 on a regular basis.
Google Pixel 9: design
Not solely is the Google Pixel 9 essentially the most enticing and well-presented customary Pixel telephone but, however it’s additionally one of many best-looking smartphones you should buy at the moment. It’s superb in a manner Pixel telephones haven’t at all times been earlier than, because it will get each the aesthetics and ergonomics proper, which oddly appears to be fairly a problem for different producers. I don’t suppose photographs do it justice both, as they’ll’t convey how glorious the telephone feels in your hand or how polished and high-quality the {hardware} itself is.
The satin-finish metallic chassis has exactly the correct amount of curve to mix in with the flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel, making it a pleasure to carry. The measurement, for me, is spot-on as I can use it with one hand with out feeling like I’m going to fumble it, and it might slip principally unnoticed into my pocket. It’s as sturdy as you’d hope, with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 over the display screen. The Pixel 9 isn’t slippery, although, and it has loads of grip from the metallic body.
The match and end is unbelievable, which, though it ought to be a given, isn’t at all times the case with Pixel telephones. The Pixel 9 is superbly made with none trace of misalignment, undesirable ridges, or lower than good match. Its trendy, easy design will get its character from the digital camera module, which has morphed from a visor into a considerable flat-top island mountain on the again of the 9. The stadium shapes used assist reduce its visible impression, however there’s no denying its appreciable peak.
At 198 grams, the Pixel 9 is suitably weighty, however by no means heavy, so I haven’t discovered it fatiguing to carry for any size of time. There are a number of colours obtainable: Porcelain (which I’ve been utilizing), Obsidian, Peony, and Wintergreen. If I’m pressured to choose one factor I don’t like concerning the Pixel 9’s design, it’s to not do with the telephone, however with the official case. It’s very fairly, and I like the mushy inside layer, however the exterior collects all of the mud and lint out of your pocket or bag. I’d select one other Pixel 9 case or simply benefit from the Pixel 9’s unbelievable ergonomics with out one.
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Google Pixel 9: display screen
The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch Actua display screen with a 1080 x 2424 pixel decision and a most 120Hz refresh fee. Google does set the refresh fee at 60Hz by default, although, so be sure you change this within the settings. Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, which function larger resolutions and a dynamic 1Hz to 120Hz refresh fee, the bottom Pixel 9 has the lesser display screen.
The Pro telephones are additionally brighter, and this is without doubt one of the small points I’ve had with the Pixel 9. The official figures declare 1,800 nits most brightness and a couple of,700 nits peak brightness, however I’ve discovered it doesn’t get fairly as brilliant as I’d like underneath regular exterior use. Whether it’s the ambient mild sensor that wants tweaking or a poor common brightness for on a regular basis conditions, I’ve discovered myself maxing the brightness setting out very often, but it’s nonetheless not as vibrant and visual as required for the circumstances.
Screen brightness is without doubt one of the small points I’ve had with the Pixel 9.
This is admittedly the one detrimental, although. There’s a really quick and correct new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor set sensibly excessive up on the display screen, and that’s joined by an on the spot face unlock function. It’s the best, quickest, and most dependable Pixel telephone safety system I’ve used, and I’ve discovered it much more nice to make use of than these on different telephones, together with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the HMD Skyline. Google has additionally engineered an outstanding haptic suggestions system that’s used all through the software program. It’s delightfully mushy and tactile, but noticeable and helpful too.
Apart from cranking the brightness up on the Pixel 9’s display screen, I’ve loved watching video on the telephone, however greater than that, I just like the informative and customizable always-on display screen and the sheer pace of response. It sounds fundamental, however till you employ a telephone just like the Pixel 9, it’s straightforward to simply accept slower, extra ponderous variations of Android because the norm.
Audio comes from stereo audio system, and so they sound good at something as much as about three-quarters of the quantity, after which they distort fairly badly. If you personal a set of Pixel Buds Pro or Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds, you’ll be able to take heed to spatial audio by means of some on-line video streaming companies. The audio and visible expertise on the Pixel 9 is great and consultant of the telephone’s worth.
Google Pixel 9: software program and efficiency
I’ve been reviewing the Pixel 9 with Android 14 put in, and it has obtained just a few software program updates since I began utilizing it. Google will preserve it up to date with main OS variations, safety updates, and Feature Drops over the subsequent seven years, beginning August 22, 2024. This implies that Google will use considered one of these main updates to obtain Android 15 later this 12 months, which can frustrate some. However, earlier than you get upset, ask your self when you count on to nonetheless use the Pixel 9 in 2030.
The Pixel 9 has the Google Tensor G4 chip at its coronary heart with 12GB of RAM and both 128GB or 256GB of cupboard space. The Tensor chips have had their fair proportion of issues over the previous few years, however none appear to be evident on this newest model. It has not generated any surprising warmth, it has run all my apps with none reliability points, and Android 14 performs with out stutters or flaws. It’s essentially the most fluid, smoothest, and most pleasant Pixel expertise but.
There are a few new preinstalled apps: Pixel Studio and Screenshots. Screenshots works like a elaborate model of the screenshots folder in Google Photos. It’s searchable utilizing AI, and your screenshots could be organized into collections. You can even take photographs within the app itself, permitting you so as to add important data to them. It has some usefulness, and its easy interface will encourage you to make use of it. But why it’s an app and never an enhancement to Google Photos, the place it might be used on completely different gadgets, I don’t know.
I additionally don’t know why anybody would need to use Pixel Studio. It makes use of AI to generate pictures primarily based in your descriptions, and it’s vaguely enjoyable for just a few tries. There does appear to be a technique to add your individual photographs for the AI therapy. Still, all my photographs have been flagged as inappropriate (I wouldn’t thoughts, however not one of the photographs have been inappropriate), so I couldn’t attempt it. Other checks have produced some very questionable images. It’s an app that’s good for displaying AI’s “imagination,” and I’m positive it’ll be enjoyable for social media posts. However, except for that use case, it’s forgettable fluff. I’d quite use the Rabbit R1’s generative AI camera function.
Google Pixel 9: AI and Gemini
All this discuss Screenshots and Pixel Studio brings us neatly to the Pixel 9’s AI, which is what Google spent most of the launch event talking about. I’ve been utilizing fundamental Gemini AI, however not Gemini Advanced, because the Pixel 9 does not come with a free year of its use, in contrast to the Pixel 9 Pro vary. It has taken over from Assistant, however does defer to Assistant for issues it might’t do, like set alarms. You can speak far more conversationally with it, and Gemini understands and replies similarly. In reality, Gemini loves the sound of its personal voice, so be sure you inform it to summarize in just a few sentences, as in any other case, it should chat away for ages.
For all of the discuss its means, Gemini could be frustratingly sparse in its performance when you don’t pay for Gemini Live and the Gemini Advanced bundle. It can’t translate webpages or movies, it might’t reply system-based questions like “How do you change your voice,” and whenever you feed it a hyperlink, it doesn’t appear to know what to do with it. It is nice at answering questions primarily based on summarization and knowledge gathering. I requested it to elucidate the Porsche 911 vary between 1997 and 2004, which it did, and it really helpful the mannequin I can buy and gave me some common tips about buying, too. I didn’t really feel it had saved me that a lot effort or time, however it was a good jumping-off level for extra analysis.
I requested it to assist create driving routes to numerous places whereas at all times avoiding slender roads, however Gemini’s Google Maps question by no means labored for me. Without utilizing Google Maps, it returned textual content recommendations, however I’d should search for the route in Maps anyway. It didn’t perceive my query about altering its voice, and I can’t discover a technique to alter its male voice both. It’s all quite disappointing. I do know some folks discover AI’s group and summarization instruments useful. Still, Gemini has repeatedly did not make me suppose it has given me superior outcomes cqmpared to spending a couple of minutes looking out or saved me plenty of time by utilizing its companies.
I’m not an AI skeptic, however I do suppose we’re being offered a little bit of a underbaked product right here, a minimum of at this early stage. It’s not simply Google, as Samsung is simply as responsible of pushing middling AI onto our telephones. But a minimum of Galaxy AI is introduced in a manner that I can see the way it might assist me out in sure circumstances. For instance, quite than directing me to the Translate app, Gemini tried translating a dialog for me, which was a long-winded catastrophe. Galaxy AI clearly defines what instrument it is best to use, and it doesn’t attempt to push you into utilizing Bixby (shudder). The AI-enhanced climate app is one other nice instance of “who cares.” Yes, it’s fairly to take a look at, however it tells me the climate identical to dozens of different apps.
No matter how a lot Google needs to suppose it’s, Gemini will not be a cause to purchase or use the Pixel 9. Don’t neglect it’s not distinctive to the Pixel 9 both, as Gemini works on many different of the best Android phones, so that you’re not “missing out” if you would like Gemini, however not a Pixel. But then it’s whether or not you’re lacking out in any respect. While it’s apparent there may be potential, and it might do far more than Assistant, Gemini will not be life-changing but — and definitely not in its customary subscription-free type. It could be very unfair to name Gemini and its tips gimmicks, however a lot of its options have but to transcend novelty standing, and people which are extra polished might not get used all that always.
Google Pixel 9: digital camera
The Pixel 9 has two cameras on the again: a 50-megapixel fundamental digital camera and a 48MP wide-angle digital camera that additionally permits a macro mode. The digital camera is supported by laser autofocus, a spectral sensor for coloration accuracy, and optical and digital picture stabilization. There’s no optical zoom or telephoto digital camera, however the digital camera app has a 2x shortcut, and there’s Google’s 8x Super Res Zoom mode, too. The 10.5MP selfie digital camera additionally has autofocus.
I’ve taken greater than 160 photographs with the Pixel 9 and haven’t been dissatisfied with considered one of them, by which I imply there aren’t any conditions the place the picture has come out poorly due to one thing the digital camera has achieved. The fundamental and wide-angle cameras shoot sharp, colourful pictures that may have a barely processed look, however for me, this implies they’re by no means uninteresting or underwhelming. It all ensures I’ve confidence within the digital camera and might search for extra inventive alternatives to make use of it.
Even the 2x zoom is respectable, and you must crop the picture all the way down to see proof of its digital manipulation. Although I didn’t count on the 8x Super Res Zoom to be superb, it’s not terrible. Considering the worth improve, I believe Google ought to have put a telephoto digital camera into the brand new digital camera module.
I’ve had some enjoyable with the Action Pan mode, which provides movement blur to shifting objects, and with the brand new Reimagine function in Magic Editor, which lets you change scenes primarily based in your creativeness. I haven’t found a time or situation to use Add Me, Google’s AI-assisted group picture mode, and that just about sums it up properly.
I’ve taken greater than 160 photographs with the Pixel 9 and haven’t been dissatisfied with considered one of them.
If you’ve gotten a Google Pixel 8, don’t count on to see a lot distinction between the principle cameras, however the wide-angle digital camera is new, so how does it carry out? There’s much less noise, barely extra correct colours, and extra pure white stability, making it a real improve. On this topic, the Pixel 9 Pro is one other $200 extra, and except for the telephoto digital camera, it’s in any other case similar to the Pixel 9. Before making a call between the 2, ask your self whether or not you actually need it, because the cheaper Pixel 9 is an excellent digital camera telephone.
Google Pixel 9: battery life and charging
What a contented shock the Pixel 9’s battery life is. Previous fashions have all suffered from average-at-best battery life, however the Pixel 9 goes past this. While it’s not stellar, it’s greater than acceptable for common use. The 4,700mAh capability cell might sound small, however on days once I don’t play video games however do use GPS, the digital camera, media, and apps for a complete of 4 hours of display screen time, it’s ending the day with round 30% remaining.
No, I don’t suppose it’ll final for 2 full days except you’re utilizing it very calmly, however there’s greater than sufficient battery life for a full day of use, together with gaming. Behind that is an apparent effectivity enchancment. A forty five-minute YouTube video at 1440p decision barely makes use of 5% of the battery, and a 30-minute session of Asphalt Legends Unite makes use of about the identical. That’s glorious efficiency, and even throughout its early getting-to-know-me part, the Pixel 9’s battery has by no means fallen to only a single day.
The Pixel 9 doesn’t include a wall charger within the field. It helps 45-watt chargers however maxes out at 27W, plus there’s Qi wi-fi charging. Google has not adopted Qi2 wireless charging for the Pixel 9 collection. Google quotes 55% battery cost as being reached in half-hour utilizing a appropriate charger. In my checks utilizing an Anker Prime wall charger and its USB C cable, the battery reached 53% in half-hour and was totally charged in 92 minutes.
Google Pixel 9: worth and availability
The Google Pixel 9 was launched on August 22 and prices $799 for the 128GB model or $899 for the 256GB model, though some presents might alter this worth relying on whenever you order. This is $100 costlier than the Pixel 8, however for as soon as, you’ll be able to see the place Google has improved the telephone, because it’s evident in all places — from the design and supplies to the efficiency and battery life.
The improve in worth brings the Pixel 9 into line with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the OnePlus 12, two of its fundamental Android rivals, and with the iPhone 15, too. For this worth, the OnePlus 12 has extra RAM and storage and quicker charging, whereas the Galaxy S24 has a telephoto digital camera. For rather less cash, it is best to take a look at the OnePlus 12R, the Nothing Phone 2, or the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE — all of which are nice buys.
Then there’s the query of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, plus the cheaper Pixel 8a, which stays present within the vary. While the processor and software program don’t change on the Pixel 9, the cameras, screens, and battery capability all do, so consider carefully about what you need out of your Pixel telephone over the approaching years. The Pixel 9’s new worth has pushed it into new territory, and it has lots extra tempting rivals due to it, however it’s nonetheless going to be the choose of the Pixel bunch for anybody not besotted with the digital camera.
Google Pixel 9: verdict
Much to Google’s chagrin, I’m positive the Pixel 9’s enchantment is identical because it at all times has been. The software program is one of the best interpretation of Android, the digital camera is great, and for the primary time ever, the {hardware} meets and even exceeds the competitors. Gemini AI will not be a cause to purchase or improve any telephone but, as its performance usually solely caters to fairly particular conditions or is frivolous in nature — and subsequently gained’t be used on a regular basis both. Gemini isn’t listed as a professional or a con in our evaluation, and that sums up the way in which I really feel about it typically. It’s not nice, and it’s not horrible. It’s simply there.
The Pixel 9’s enchantment as a telephone is larger than ever then, however sadly, so is its worth. Alongside the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24, it struggles to compete on charging and digital camera performance, and when you selected a kind of over the Pixel 9, I don’t suppose it might be a poor determination.
I’ve loved the Pixel 9 an ideal deal.
Equally, it wouldn’t be a poor determination to purchase the Pixel 9, because it actually is best than ever. I’ve loved the telephone an ideal deal, and it’s refreshing to see that Google has addressed a few of the negatives that the Pixel collection has endured for some time. If I didn’t should swap my SIM out of the Pixel 9, I’d be completely proud of it, and I believe that’s a really excessive advice.