Google Pixel 9 Overview: Matured Design, However Nonetheless Will get Sizzling

Google’s newest Pixel 9 lineup now consists of 4 telephones as an alternative of two, and there is a dimension and form for everybody. Would you like a compact telephone? You may have the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional. Do you want large screens and might’t lie? There’s the Pixel 9 Professional XL. And at last, there’s the Pixel 9 Professional Fold for all of the productiveness freaks. You additionally get up to date designs with the brand new Pixel telephones. When you can nonetheless inform they’re Pixel telephones from the again, the smaller Pixel 9 appears to be like so much just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 from the entrance.

And since it is a Google telephone, you additionally get loads of new AI options. I have been utilizing the bottom Pixel 9 for nearly per week now, and whereas it appears like a mature piece of {hardware}, it is nonetheless not fairly there but. If you wish to perceive what I imply, it is best to learn the complete evaluate.

The Pixel 9 is accessible in India in a single 12GB RAM and 256GB storage choice at Rs. 79,999.

Google Pixel 9 Design: Flagship degree

• Dimensions – 152.8 top x 72.0 width x 8.5 depth
• Weight – 198g
• Colors – Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony

When it comes to design, every thing is now flat, and every thing is iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24-like. The telephone has an aluminium flat body with rounded corners and a matte end that jogs my memory very a lot of the iPhone. The smallest Pixel can be not as compact because it as soon as was. The Pixel 9 is taller and wider than each the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S24. Additionally gone is the digicam visor, which is changed by a digicam bar that runs horizontally throughout just like the visor, however it’s now pill-shaped, resembling the Google search bar. Nonetheless, you may nonetheless inform it is a Pixel telephone.

The design is similar to the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S24

The rear panel is a slab of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with a elegant end and a Google emblem positioned on the centre. The appropriate body homes the ability and the amount buttons, and there is a microphone up prime, a USB Sort-C port, a speaker grille, a SIM card tray, and one other mic on the backside. The left facet is left empty. The brand new flat design makes it really feel extra flagship and premium now, however I favor the curved again design and the digicam visor look of the Pixel 8.

Pixel 9 is now additionally taller than its predecessor, however that is primarily because of the barely larger show. It additionally retains the IP68 ranking, and that digicam bar can nonetheless be used as a finger relaxation.

Google Pixel 9 Show: Brighter and higher

• Panel – 6.3-inch OLED, full HD+ decision
• Refresh charge – 60 to 120Hz
• Safety – Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

The show on the Pixel 9 is now larger and brighter than the Pixel 8, however it additionally has uniform and slim bezels throughout. It appears to be like like Google lastly determined to wrap the show inwards on the backside to eliminate the thicker chin on earlier non-pro Pixel telephones. The brand new 6.3-inch OLED show, which Google has branded ‘Actua’, provides 2,700 nits of peak brightness, 24-bit depth for colors, and an adaptive refresh charge between 60 and 120Hz. It is nonetheless not an LTPO panel, however it’s undoubtedly higher than the older mannequin.

The telephone has an LTPS panel and solely provides a 60 or 120Hz refresh charge

You get wonderful color output and loads of distinction, and it additionally does justice to HDR movies. The panel helps each HDR10 and HDR10+, and you’ll get Widevine L1 certifications. The software program provides Pure and Adaptive color modes. Whereas I had no drawback utilizing the Pixel 8 open air, the Pixel 9 is even higher, and every thing’s simpler to learn.

Pixel 9’s show homes a hole-punch cutout on the prime and now provides an ultra-sonic in-display fingerprint sensor. This can be a good improve from the optical one on the Pixel 8, which was slower and fewer correct than different flagship telephones. The brand new fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 9 lastly will get it on par with different flagships, and it really works nice. It is quick and works even with moist fingers.

Google Pixel 9 Software program: Extra AI

• OS – Android 14
• Software program assist – 7 Years
• Newest safety patch – September 5

Pixel telephones have been identified for his or her cameras, however now they’re additionally identified for his or her AI software program options. And there is a lot on the brand new Pixel 9 lineup. The Pixel 9 runs Android 14 out of the field, and I acquired the September safety patch in the course of the evaluate interval. This can be a bit unusual for a brand new Pixel telephone, because the Pixels of the previous have nearly at all times run the most recent Android model out of the field. Nonetheless, the Pixel telephones got here early this yr, and Android 15 simply hit AOSP.

You’re going to get 7 years of OS updates on the Pixel 9

Fortunately, Google continues to vow 7 years of OS and safety updates on its flagships, so the telephones needs to be good for some time, a minimum of software-wise. There is a new Climate app on the telephone, and also you get loads of customisation choices throughout the system.

Now, let’s discuss in regards to the telephone’s AI options. Now you can use Gemini Reside with the Google One 2TB plan that will get you a free month of Gemini Superior. It enables you to use the Gemini 1.5 Professional mannequin with a 1 million token context window, which mainly allows you to throw complicated issues on the AI assistant with out worrying about any restrict. You additionally get entry to Gemini Reside, which I discovered to be tremendous helpful and really spectacular. It labored flawlessly and had a really pure tone. I did discover it hallucinate generally, however the capacity to have a free-flow dialog with an AI is kind of cool. It is just like the ChatGPT Voice choice on the ChatGPT app.

Gemini Reside on Pixel 9 works nice, and it feels such as you’re speaking to a human

You additionally get entry to a number of in-built AI options corresponding to ‘Assist me create an inventory’ within the Google Preserve notes app and a brand new AI climate report within the Climate app. The previous will be fairly useful, however I am undecided if the AI abstract is definitely helpful.

The Pixel Studio app enables you to shortly generate AI photos, however there are limitations

There’s additionally the brand new Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots app this yr. The latter helps you keep in mind one thing you took a screenshot of and organises your screenshots. I did not actually discover the Pixel Screenshots very helpful as I’ve a foul reminiscence and might’t actually keep in mind what screenshots I took within the first place.

In the meantime, the Pixel Studio app was enjoyable because it enables you to create photos utilizing AI. In fact, there are limitations to what you may create, and it will not allow you to create any human topics, however you may get some cool photos for inventive functions. Merely open the app, faucet on Create, and sort in your immediate. You can even attempt totally different kinds for the output, add stickers and textual content to the created photos, and it’s also possible to use the app to create stickers from pictures in your telephone.

The Pixel Studio app will not allow you to create photos with people

Aside from the Gemini and AI options sprinkled throughout the UI, you additionally get a few new Digital camera AI options. New this yr is Add Me, which helps you to add your self in group photos the place you are the one behind the digicam. It is enjoyable and can be utilized for different inventive methods as properly.

You should utilize the Add Me characteristic to create enjoyable photos [Tap to expand]

Google has additionally added a brand new Auto body and Reimagine device in Magic Editor. The previous makes use of AI to reframe previous pictures for higher storytelling and also can increase the picture. This largely labored properly, however a number of the crops have been bizarre. In the meantime, the Reimagine device can be utilized to alter how your pictures look, and it really works very well more often than not. I used to be capable of finding an elephant on a highway close by and make my buddies consider that I had just lately travelled to Paris. The AI-generated photos will be tremendous reasonable, which is each spectacular and scary.

This can be a Reimagined picture. Guess what’s not actual? [Tap to expand]

Requested the Reimagine device so as to add an elephant, and it did [Tap to expand]

Lastly, the Google Pixel 9 additionally improves the Audio Magic Eraser characteristic, which helps you to take away noise from a video. This works properly and is barely higher than what we acquired on the Pixel 8.

Sadly, the non-Professional Pixel nonetheless would not get entry to options corresponding to Video Enhance, Night time Sight Video, Zoom Improve, and some others. Nonetheless, there are loads of AI instruments on the telephone that’ll assist in loads of methods and make life simpler and enjoyable. Possibly you may even use the Reimagine device to reimagine your life.

Google Pixel 9 Efficiency: Nonetheless runs sizzling

• Chipset – Tensor G4
• RAM – 12GB
• Storage – As much as 256GB

I actually suppose Google ought to minimize ties with Samsung for the Pixel processors and simply return to Qualcomm. The Tensor G4 chipset is new this yr, however it’s nonetheless not a performer and continues to run sizzling even when doing basic items. Whereas you’ll not see any lag or random app freezes, the telephone will get heat after half-hour on Instagram. Nonetheless, this occurs with some apps, and I did not face any warmth points when watching YouTube movies. Run a sport, the telephone will warmth, open the digicam and it simply takes lower than a few minutes for the rear panel and body to get heat. Google ought to’ve actually added a vapour-cooling chamber on the telephone. The Professional fashions have it, even telephones that value half the worth run cooler and supply vapour cooling.

The telephone would not have a vapour-cooling chamber

As for gaming, you may play all types of video games on it, however you will not take pleasure in it after 15-20 minutes. With BGMI, as an example, I acquired wonderful body charges, and every thing ran easily, however the telephone turned too sizzling to make use of after about 35 minutes. For normal use, efficiency is sufficient. App launches are quick, they usually even keep in reminiscence fairly lengthy. General, it would not really feel sluggish until you give it some heavy stuff to run. I ran some artificial benchmarks on the telephone simply to check the numbers to equally priced telephones, and this is what occurred.

It’s value noting that I wasn’t in a position to set up many of the benchmarking apps as Google did not permit them. I needed to sideload them and that might be why a number of the scores are decrease than I anticipated them to be. Both means, in the event you’re shopping for a telephone for efficiency, this isn’t it.

Transferring on to speaker, earpiece, and mobile efficiency. The Pixel 9 will get a hybrid twin speaker setup with a main loudspeaker on the backside and an earpiece that acts because the second speaker. Audio separation is nice, and the audio system do get lots loud with none crackling, even at full quantity. The audio system do lack bass, although. Name high quality is nice, and connectivity can be improved in comparison with the Pixel 8, because of the usage of a more moderen modem.

Google Pixel 9 Cameras: Going wider

• Essential rear digicam – 50-megapixel, f/1.68, OIS, Octa PD
• Ultrawide digicam – 48-megapixel, f/1.7, Quad PD, 123 diploma FoV
• Selfie digicam – 10.5-megapixel, f/2.2, autofocus, 95 diploma FoV, Twin PD

The principle rear digicam on the Pixel 9 makes use of the identical sensor from final yr, however you get a brand new 48-megapixel ultrawide digicam that is additionally used on the Professional fashions. Google additionally added autofocus on the entrance digicam, however the sensor stays the identical as final yr. One other characteristic that is still the identical is the absence of a Professional mode within the digicam app, which is disappointing.

There is a new ultrawide digicam on the Pixel 9

Alright, let’s discuss digicam high quality. The principle rear digicam continues to take wonderful daylight pictures with no noise, nice dynamic vary, fairly correct white stability, on-point publicity, and loads of element. The photographs have a contrasty Pixel look with barely darker shadows and a really pure look. Saturation is not boosted like on the Galaxy S24, and photos aren’t on the hotter facet just like the iPhone 15. Pores and skin tones are additionally very properly finished on the Pixel 9.

You additionally get 2x digital zoom on the telephone, and it is just about the identical as final yr relating to high quality. The 2x photos retain loads of element and are sharp, particularly when there’s loads of gentle. The photographs are higher compared to the iPhone 15. The portrait pictures on the Pixel 9 are good however not nice. I discovered most photographs to have an excessive amount of blur, which does not look good on individuals’s photographs. Edge detection is usually good, however issues like hair could make issues troublesome for the software program. As soon as once more, pores and skin color may be very precisely depicted in Portrait photographs.

The ultrawide digicam is new, however you may’t instantly inform it is higher than the Pixel 8. There’s extra element within the corners of a photograph when in comparison with the 8, however the centre space appears to be like just about an identical. What I like essentially the most is the consistency within the colors between the principle and the ultrawide digicam. The sensor additionally permits for Macro images, and you may get fairly near the topic – 15mm to be actual. You may get some actually detailed photographs in macro mode.

Daylight pictures from Essential digicam, Ultrawide, and 2x Digital zoom [Tap to expand]

Portrait photographs: 1.5x, 2x [Tap to expand]

In low gentle situations, the principle digicam does a reasonably good job, and with Night time Sight, you get higher outcomes. What’s additionally good is the truth that you not have to carry the telephone nonetheless for six seconds such as you needed to on the older Pixel 8. Just like the competitors, you may get usable low-light pictures in simply 3 seconds. The Pixel nonetheless delivers darker shadows in low gentle, which may make the picture look softer. Nonetheless, you do get the astrophotography mode on the Pixel, which remains to be higher than the competitors. Sure, it takes for much longer to supply an important evening picture, however it’s definitely worth the wait.

Lowlight pictures: Essential digicam, Ultrawide, 2x Digital Zoom [Tap to Expand]

Turning round, the selfie digicam produces higher outcomes than earlier than, because of the addition of autofocus, which helps you to take nearer selfies. Loads of element, correct pores and skin tones, and good color replica exist.

When it comes to movies, the Pixel 9 can shoot 4k60fps on all three cameras, with the rear sensors providing further assist for 4k 24fps and 4k 30fps. You additionally get a 10-bit HDR recording. Video efficiency is fairly good, and I just like the stabilisation on the Pixel, and it additionally provides three modes – Normal, Energetic, and Locked. Movies have barely hotter tones and darker shadows with distinction on the upper facet, however the colors are well-saturated. The main focus is nice, however the software program does attempt to brighten up faces. It does a commendable job in low gentle situations, however I want Google additionally supplied Video Enhance and Night time Sight video on the smaller Pixel. You do, nevertheless, get a Cinematic blur characteristic within the video, which is okayish. General, you would be stunned at how properly the video recording on the Pixels has in comparison with the iPhone.

Google Pixel 9 Battery: Can run longer now

• Capability – 4,700mAh
• Quick cost – As much as 45W
• Wi-fi charging – As much as 15W

The battery efficiency on latest Pixel telephones hasn’t precisely been nice, and that is largely the identical with the Pixel 9. Most days, I acquired a day’s value of utilization, however I needed to plug the telephone in at evening as I might be left with lower than 20 p.c cost. My days largely included utilizing the telephone for calls, texting, checking emails, doom scrolling on Instagram and Twitter, taking part in a sport or two, watching YouTube movies, utilizing the digicam, and shopping the online.

You will want to purchase a charger individually

In our HD video loop take a look at, the Google Pixel 9 lasted about 25 hours, which is fairly good for a Pixel. It is also an enchancment over the Pixel 8, and that is because of the marginally bigger battery. Charging can be sooner, with the brand new telephone now supporting as much as 45W quick charging with the precise adapter. I used Google’s 30W adapter and acquired about 51 p.c of cost with half-hour of charging, and a full cost from 1 p.c took about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Google Pixel 9 Verdict

The Google Pixel 9 is a really mature telephone, and that is factor. It lastly feels as premium as its competitors and packs in some good upgrades. There is a barely higher and greater show, a nicer ultrawide digicam, autofocus on the selfie digicam, many new AI options, higher battery life, and an total nicer bundle. Nonetheless, it is also a little bit dearer than final yr.

Do you have to purchase it over the Pixel 8? I do not suppose it is best to. I might await Google to repair the heating points first as a result of I consider that is the one factor holding me again from recommending this telephone to my buddies or anybody who asks me what telephone to get.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 (Overview) is an effective various. It is extra compact, provides on-par digicam efficiency, and has an important show and battery life. Nonetheless, you will not get the identical AI options, and the telephone runs an Exynos chip in India, which does run sizzling. There’s additionally the OnePlus 12 (Overview) or the Xiaomi 14 (Overview), each of that are good alternate options and cheaper. The previous has a bigger show, a really succesful digicam setup, and longer battery life, whereas the latter is healthier total as a telephone. Then there’s the iPhone 15 (Overview) from the Apple camp, which is quicker, is extra compact than the Pixel 9, provides higher video efficiency, and comparable battery life. You can even take into account the newly launched iPhone 16, however clearly, we’ll must evaluate it first to see if it is value it.