The new Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have arrived, sporting fresh designs, cutting-edge specs, and of course, some new challenges and price tags. So, what’s the deal with these new releases? After MKBHD has used these devices for two weeks straight, We can finally offer a deep dive into what Google’s latest phones bring.
Hardware: A True Flagship Feel
For years, we’ve been waiting for a flagship-quality device from Google that could truly compete with top players. Now, it feels like we’re finally there — at least in terms of hardware. The Google Pixel 9 series look and feels premium, with impressive build quality and some key updates:
- Brighter Screens: The Google Pixel 9 has a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro can hit 3,000 nits. That’s serious brightness if you ask me.
- Uniform Bezels: Gone are the uneven bezels; now, we have perfectly symmetrical edges all around, which required extra care in wrapping OLED panels under those corners.
- Ultrasonic Fingerprint Reader: Google finally upgraded from the old, disappointing optical fingerprint reader to a much faster and more reliable ultrasonic version.
However, there’s a small gripe — the fingerprint reader on the Google Pixel 9 series only works when the always-on display is active or when you press the power button, unlike some competitors that let you unlock at any time.
Internals: Google Pixel 9 series is Powered by AI
While the Tensor G4 chip isn’t a giant leap over last year’s chip in terms of raw performance, the real upgrade lies in the AI capabilities. A large portion of the Google Pixel’s RAM is now dedicated to AI tasks, and the new neural processing unit (NPU) ensures faster, more efficient AI-driven features.
But Google didn’t just stop with AI. Here are some other notable updates:
- AI Features: The Google Pixel 9 series is packed with AI-driven tools like Call Notes, Add Me, and Video Boost that enhance the everyday smartphone experience.
- Battery Life: The battery sizes are nearly the same as last year, but performance has improved slightly. Expect around five-plus hours of screen-on time for the XL, but the charging speeds are still not up to par with the competition, maxing out at 37 watts.
The Google Pixel 9 Camera: Still King, With Some Tweaks
Google’s Pixel phones have been known for their photography prowess, and the Pixel 9 series continues this tradition, though with some caveats:
- 48MP Ultra-Wide Camera: This is a step up from last year’s 12MP sensor, though the photos still bin down to 12MP.
- Punchy Processing: Google’s signature photo processing remains aggressive, offering lots of HDR, contrast, and sharpening. Some users may find this look too processed, but for sharing on social media, it is close to perfect.
- Pro-Level Selfies: The selfie camera on the Google Pixel 9 Pro is noticeably better in detail and dynamic range compared to the regular Google Pixel 9.
AI Features: Game Changer or Gimmick?
Google introduced several new AI features in this year’s Google Pixel 9 lineup, and we’ve divided them into three categories: useful, meh, and gimmicks.
Useful Google Pixel 9 series AI Features
- Gemini Assistant: Google’s next-gen assistant is here, and it’s more conversational and capable than ever.
- Call Notes: Automatically transcribe and summarize phone calls. It’s a lifesaver for important meetings.
- Video Boost: It genuinely improves video quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Add Me: This clever feature lets you take a group photo, even when you’re the one behind the camera, by seamlessly stitching yourself into the shot.
Meh AI Features
- Weather Summaries: While useful, this AI-generated feature doesn’t feel groundbreaking.
- Magic Editor (Reimagine): A powerful tool that lets you manipulate photos with AI, but it feels more like a novelty than something you’ll use daily.
Gimmicks
- Zoom Enhance: This feature claims to reconstruct details when you zoom into a photo, but in reality, it just sharpens and adds artificial texture.
- Pixel Studio: A fun app for generating images directly on the device, but unless you want to create a “meatball sub with legs,” it doesn’t have much practical use.
Conclusion: A Smart Android Smartphone Choice for 2024
At the end of the day, the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are all about AI and software. They may not have the raw power of some competitors, but they make up for it with smart, useful features and a smooth, cohesive user experience.
If you’re looking for the smartest phone in the room, paired with top-notch hardware, the Pixel 9 series is a solid choice. Whether you embrace the AI bells and whistles or prefer to stick with the basics, these phones deliver Google’s finest Pixel experience yet.
