Google was content to stay in charge of the OS for the first half of Android's life while other companies created an enormous device ecosystem. 2016 saw changes as the initial Pixel—a phone that combined the hardware and software designs of the company—was introduced. Still, even that mix wasn't sufficient to instantly propel Google's flagship front of the pack. But with the ongoing development of its products and erstwhile big rivals like LG and HTC leaving the market, Google has emerged as the third-largest Android phone manufacturer in the US, slightly behind Motorola.
Now enter the Pixel 9, with its sleek fresh look, brighter screen, improved cameras, even more advanced software trickery. This device is come to assert its status as the default Android handset and in many respects feels like it best reflects Google's vision for what a smartphone should be.
Pixel 9: Google
Though Samsung's Galaxy S line may be more popular, the Pixel 9 is the actual Android phone to beat because to a stylish new design, better software, updated cameras and a vivid display.
Design And Exhibition
Usually I detest this kind of comparison, but it's difficult to overlook that the Pixel 9 resembles an iPhone really greatly. Like modern Apple devices, the base ninth-generation Pixel has smooth matte surface and flat sides with rounded edges. Made using Gorilla Glass Victus 2, its front and rear panels provide a gadget Google claims to be two times more durable than previous when paired with the recyclable aluminium frame of the phone.
The back camera module of the Pixel 9 marks the main distinction, though. Gone is the edge-to----edge bar we know from the past three generations; in its place is a basic visor fashioned like a pill. Google's design is the epitome of simplicity when compared to Apple's, which still to me appears like the top of a stove. With some additional components like a small microphone and a single-zone laser-detect focusing system dispersed over, there are two lenses on the left and a flash on the right. Indeed, the phone is somewhat tall and heavy, but since it mostly spans the device's width, it doesn't wobble when you put it on its back. Points Google for a more sophisticated answer.
Off front, the Pixel 9 has Google's newest 6.3-inch OLED Actua display, with an even better peak brightness of 2,700 nits (vs 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8). Though that's a few hundred fewer than the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, even side-by-side viewing would make it difficult to find any difference. Google has changed tiny features like smoothing out the phone's bezels so that they are the same size all the way around, while the Pixel 9 has a variable refresh rate that swings between 60Hz and 120Hz to assist save on battery. All things considered, it's a great exhibition featuring rich tones and realistic hues. I have to credit Google as Pixel screens have evolved significantly over the previous several years to the point where they can today hold their own against Apple and Samsung.
Hidden behind the Pixel 9's screens, a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is one last little but very appreciated improvement. In my tests, it unlocked the phone almost immediately every single time and is even more dependable than the optical sensor used before.
Performance
Often attacked for emphasizing more on efficiency and artificial intelligence processing than on general performance, Google's Tensor chips However, I believe a lot of that noise results from folks more concerned in standards than in the real-world phone performance. From my perspective, the Tensor G4 and the Pixel 9 gave all I wanted with plenty of speed. While browsing feels really smooth, switching between programs happens in a flash. With just the rare glitch, even really difficult games like Zenless Zone Zero played perfectly. The Pixel 9 can manage the load unless you are truly pushing it by running many very resource-hungry apps at once.
Fresh AI Tools And Software
When Google unveiled its large suite of AI-powered capabilities on the Pixel 8 last year, it seemed as though the firm was attempting to live up to its own self-fulfilling prophecy on the explosion of machine learning. But owing in great part to the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio apps, Google's approach is becoming increasingly evident as even more AI-based capabilities accompany the Pixel 9.
The Pixel Screenshots app's ability to improve users' already-existing phone use is what most appeals to me. What do you do when you doomscroll and come into something fascinating or entertaining? Usually simply grabbing a screencap, you either store it for later or share it right away. That's where the Screenshots tool finds application. Using artificial intelligence to examine the contents of a picture will enable simple retrieval later with a short search.
My preferred application is for recipes. Usually, I would discover an intriguing meal and keep it open in a browser tab—always seemed as a clumsy workaround. Now, though, I can just grab a snapshot and be sure I will locate it going forward. It also feels less obtrusive since Google's Screenshots program just looks at the material you capture manually instead of automatically recording everything you do, unlike Microsoft's Recall function in Windows 11.
Pixel Studio allows you utilize AI to make images by putting in a small number of prompts for individuals who wish to produce their own material. Basically a free version of Midjourney created especially for Google's phones, I believe I have only started to investigate its possibilities. People's faces can be transformed into adorable small stickers you can copy into images or get ideas on room décor. There are countless opportunities.
Then there are a few more minor but still really handy applications like the Pixel Weather app, which uses artificial intelligence-generated reports to guide daily planning. You can rapidly scan a few lines to find when the UX index will peak or whether a surprise rainstorm is coming your way without of looking at every statistic and figure and verifying the hourly prediction.
Other tools, like Gemini Live, enable you more naturally ask questions and bounce ideas off of Google's most potent artificial intelligence helper (you know, if that kind of thing interests you). Thanks to advances in Clear Calling, which reduces background noise, phone calls also sound better. The new Call Notes tool lets you record everything before giving things a closer look later if you're distracted or not feeling like paying attention. For the first two years, there is also a complimentary Satellite eSOS option that enables you phone for aid when you lack coverage. Fortunately, I haven't personally needed to test it, but Google has a sample experience scheduled to be live on August 22 for everyone who is intrigued.
Images
Long one of the Pixel family's strongest suit, superb image quality is becoming even better on the Pixel 9 with two additional cameras. Whereas the ultrawide lens is driven by an upgraded 48MP cell, the latter of which may be utilized for close-up macros, the main wide-angle lens has a new 50MP sensor.
Under favorable lighting, the Pixel 9 outscored the more costly Galaxy S24 Ultra. Generally speaking, colors were brighter and Google's processing usually maintained more details. One of the most amazing images was a backlit photograph of a Transformer where the Pixel 9 caught a picture with considerably richer hues and better focus while the S24U battled and produced a shot with muddy colors and a shockingly high level of noise.
Google Pixel 9 Picture Comparison
The S24U struggled to replicate the image quality we obtained with the Pixel 9 even in strong light.
Google's excellent Night Sight function enhanced the Pixel's advantage in image quality at night by shooting brighter, more well-exposed pictures. The only time Samsung's phone came out on top was in a single low-light image of a flower; even if the S24U's picture was somewhat oversharpened, it was still better than the very soft one I obtained with the P9.
Naturally, you cannot have a new Pixel with some fresh photography capabilities to accompany it. This time, we have seen a number of developments like Auto frame, which ingeniously recompose photographs and fill in the missing sections where necessary using artificial intelligence. Reimagine allows you to produce more fanciful images by substituting whatever you can think of for elements (foregrounds and backgrounds work best). Even on my first try in a less-than-ideal position, I captured a neat-looking picture of the NYC skyline. Panorama mode can now be used at night now and while it takes some effort to achieve the best results.
Then there's Add Me, which enables you get a single composite image with everyone in the frame by taking many group shots with different persons holding the camera. Nobody needs to be left out just because they are the assigned photographer that day now. For introverts like myself who don't want to ask a stranger for help, it's shockingly simple to operate and perfect. But you have to remain motionless; else, everything would grow erratic. The most interesting thing about this function is that, in the same picture, you may clone yourself several times—a quite interesting, if accidental, use case.
Read Also: Review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+
Battery Lifetime And Charging
Google claims the Pixel 9 boasts 20 percent longer battery life than the previous generation thanks to a bigger 4,700mAh cell (up from 4,575mAh) and better power efficiency. On our video rundown test, though, I discovered it performed even better—27 hours and 32 minutes. Not only is this the greatest we have seen from any Pixel to date, but it also beats the 26:40 time of the OnePlus 12 for the best lifespan of any phone we have tested.
Sadly, even though Google just unveiled a new 45W power adapter (available separately), the cable charging speed of the Pixel 9 stays at 27 watts. When you wish to aid a buddy with a gadget running low on charge, you also have Qi wireless compatibility (but not Qi2) at up to 15 watts and reverse wireless power sharing.
Close-up
For so many years, non-Pro Pixels have coexisted alongside Samsung's base Galaxy S phones mostly for those who value Google's software brilliance and frequent feature launches. But Google has improved physical design with the Pixel 9 while once more focusing on what it specializes in. Along with more AI-powered features than anybody else, it has a stunning screen, class-leading cameras, and a more sophisticated look. Not too bad ones at that. Along with excellent software support spanning seven years of OS and security upgrades.
