The Pixel 9 in a nutshell

Google is altering its product technique within the ninth Pixel technology. The Pixel 9 can be precisely $100 costlier and nearer in all features to the small Professional mannequin. The worth leap means the Pixel 9 falls behind the competitors by way of efficiency, quick charging, and digicam configuration. In different phrases, the Pixel 9 is not a less expensive various however traits similar to Pixel-level photographs, seven years of updates, and inventory Android stay.

Design: Even rounder, particularly the again

Google’s design deviates from the previous type issue by ditching the straight traces and curving them across the chassis as an alternative. The acquainted digicam visor behind is now gone, wanting extra like a ‘stadium’. With dimensions measuring 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 whereas tipping the scales at 198 grams, the Pixel 9 has additionally change into narrower and heavier. Nonetheless, the show has grown to six.3″ with IP68 certification remaining in place.

Execs:

• Bigger and brighter show.
• Excessive-quality workmanship.
• Fairly attention-grabbing digicam bump.

Cons:

• Google diluted the Pixel 9’s look slightly.
• Slightly noticeable punch-hole digicam within the show.
• No LTPO expertise.

I at all times take product photographs myself for my critiques right here at nextpit. I can say based mostly on my close-up view by way of my beloved macro lens: There are not often smartphones that exude such a excessive stage of construct high quality because the Pixel 9. You will not discover any gaps, the combination of the digicam bump behind seemed prefer it was personally solid by the wizard Merlin and the Woman of Avalon, whereas the bezels are usually not solely completely symmetrical but additionally pleasantly skinny.

IP68 certification, an aluminum case, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in entrance and on the again make the smartphone sturdy sufficient to final for the following few years with none main points even when it’s dealt with. Armed with top-of-the-line vibration motors I do know of, the result’s an actual magnificence when held within the hand.

While you have a look at it from the entrance, Google followers may discover the show dimension has elevated to six.3″. As well as, the software program big now makes use of a brighter OLED show that achieves 2,700 nits at peak brightness and 1,800 nits at common brightness. The utmost refresh price stands at 120 Hz and will be dropped to 60 Hz to avoid wasting energy if required. Sadly, a extra economical LTPO panel is just obtainable within the Professional model. It additionally affords even larger brightness and the next decision. I need to admit, having 1,080 x 2,424 pixels on the essential mannequin doesn’t permit particular person pixels to be acknowledged.

I might additionally prefer to reward the improved fingerprint sensor. As with its predecessor, it’s situated below the show. Nevertheless, Google now depends on ultrasound as an alternative of an optical variant which makes it extra dependable. Unlocking it’s normally so quick that you hardly discover it in on a regular basis use.

One level of criticism as identified in Antoine’s overview of the Pixel 9 Professional XL is the slightly giant cut-out space for the selfie digicam on the prime of the show. Though this does not actually get in the way in which of on a regular basis use, different producers have discovered a extra elegant answer. A minor gripe in a very fairly and high-quality smartphone!

Software program: Inventory Android, AI, and seven years of updates

The Pixel 9 seems in the course of the AI (r)evolution of working techniques. Built-in into Android 14, we discover the primary integrations of Gemini, Google’s in-house language mannequin. The software program replace coverage is great at seven years, however the Pixel 9 appeared too early to be delivered with Android 15.

Execs:

• Insane variety of Android model upgrades.
• Effectively-integrated AI with the working system.
• Pixel-exclusive features that can enhance and enhance over time with function drops.

Cons:

• Launched with Android 14.
• Occasional hiccups throughout the overview length.

One of many main strengths of all Pixel smartphones is how Google, the producer, owns the Android working system. The Pixel 9 is subsequently the popular system in relation to rolling out new options and updates. Common function drops are at all times a purpose why Pixel customers are proud of their buy. The identical applies to the person expertise provided by the inventory working system.

Inventory Android appears to be like nice on the colourful Pixel shows with Materials Design. Along with the highly effective vibration motor and the attractive really feel of the system, it creates a particular smartphone feeling. All the things appears to be like natural, tailor-made to the {hardware} and there are small, pleasing particulars which can be so delicate, you will not discover them at first.

For example, when utilizing the again gesture, a small arrow sticks organically to the sting of the display screen till it disappears accompanied by a vibration. How about having the vibration motor’s depth change based on the show’s change in brightness inside the settings? Not often has such a technical expertise felt extra pure!

Sadly, the ninth Pixel technology nonetheless comes with Android 14, which is Google’s working system from final yr. Because of this, we can’t be capable of benefit from the new Android 15 options at launch, however since Google guarantees an replace assure over the following seven years, we can’t be upset for too lengthy. The Pixel 9 additionally did properly by way of sturdiness.

As already talked about, Gemini can be getting used on a Pixel handset for the primary time. Antoine has written an in depth hands-on article about Gemini. In my expertise, Gemini is at the moment nonetheless a “Google Assistant on steroids”. Gemini responds way more naturally to requests and may now analyze content material from the display screen utilizing a easy spotlight.

As Google nonetheless has to make clear some authorized points in Germany, the place nextpit is situated, Gemini was unable to carry out any system features. Asking for a solution to an e-mail is subsequently not attainable in the mean time. If you wish to discover out extra about Gemini, you may learn all about it intimately in Antoine’s hands-on.

What I might additionally prefer to reward at this level: Google has built-in a free VPN into the working system. If you wish to discover out extra about utilizing VPNs, learn my information!

Efficiency: Tensor 4 behind the competitors

Google’s personal Tensor processor is now in its fourth iteration. The producer has mated it to 12 GB of RAM out of the field. Storage choices start from 128 GB and max out at 256 GB. Connectivity choices embody USB Sort C 3.2, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G.

Execs:

• Tremendous easy Android expertise.
• Fashionable wi-fi requirements (WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3).
• Satellite tv for pc telephony functionality.

Cons:

• Poorer efficiency in comparison with the competitors.
• Most 256 GB of reminiscence with out reminiscence enlargement choices.
• Poor thermal administration.

Google has been relying by itself SoCs for 4 Pixel generations now. Though the in-house Tensor SoCs had been spectacular in on a regular basis use, they fall behind Apple, Samsung, and Qualcomm in benchmarks. This nonetheless stays the case in 2024:

The efficiency of the Pixel 9 is clearly behind the competitors. Its warmth administration is considerably worse than the Professional XL mannequin. A efficiency drop of virtually 50 p.c within the 3DMark stress take a look at confirmed how the Pixel 9’s chassis can not dissipate warmth from the SoC quick sufficient. General, the efficiency lies extra towards a mid-range handset.

When it comes to person expertise, nonetheless, the Pixel nonetheless managed to impress. The nice, on a regular basis efficiency stage was additionally confirmed after we challenged the Tensor processor with cell video games or Adobe Lightroom. There have been hardly any loading instances on the Pixel 9 and cell video games ran easily at 60 fps. Though the essential Pixel isn’t a gaming smartphone just like the Redmagic 9S Professional, it was nonetheless enjoyable to play with.

What bothered me extra in on a regular basis use is the Pixel’s slightly restricted storage capability. You may decide up the utmost 256 GB smartphone mannequin, and it nonetheless would not include any reminiscence enlargement choices. I assume Google needs to funnel photographers and videographers into its subscription mannequin and embrace cloud storage.

The Pixel 9 scored higher by way of technical specs. We get Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, a 5G modem, and even the choice to make use of satellite tv for pc telephony in emergencies. In the event you’re usually out within the wilderness, the Pixel 9 may very well be a lifesaver.

General, the efficiency of the Pixel 9 was common. Nevertheless, the truth that Google has improved the AI efficiency of the Tensor chip isn’t noticeable sufficient in on a regular basis use. AI functions for photographs similar to “Add me” took slightly time to finish. Nevertheless, Gemini was notably annoying with a ready time of round 5 seconds. Even easy questions similar to “What is going to tomorrow’s climate be like?” required me to wait roughly 5 seconds.

Digicam

Pixel smartphones are notably standard due to their cameras. Whereas the Professional fashions have three cameras, we needed to make do with two lenses behind the essential mannequin regardless of the excessive entry worth. Not less than the ultra-wide angle digicam has been improved. The entrance digicam with 10.5 megapixels additionally options autofocus now.

Execs:

• Partly superb picture high quality throughout the day.
• Thrilling software program features similar to “Add me”.
• Macro mode.

Cons:

• Many noticeable artifacts and picture errors.
• “Skilled mode” is too restricted.
• Night time photographs are bang common.

Google optimized the ultra-wide angle digicam and added autofocus to the entrance digicam. In keeping with the producer, this turns the “superior twin rear digicam system” right into a “trendy twin rear digicam system”. Upon nearer inspection, the decision of the ultra-wide angle digicam will increase from 12 to 48 megapixels, the sphere of view now covers 130 levels and, with a f/1.7 aperture, the lens allows extra mild than earlier than. There’s additionally a macro mode that routinely launches into motion when required.

The primary digicam remained the identical with a 50-megapixel sensor that shoots by way of a 25 mm lens with an aperture of f/1.7. The entrance digicam has a decision of 10.5 megapixels and may now concentrate on the topic higher. Because the entrance digicam with f/2.2 is brighter, this is sensible. Simply how good are the Pixel’s photographs? Within the final nextpit digicam blind take a look at, the Pixel 8 Professional solely made it to 3rd place. In the meantime, competitors from Xiaomi and Honor appears to be leaving their US counterparts behind by way of digicam high quality.

This was additionally confirmed by the Pixel 9’s photographs, though there have been nonetheless some pictures that seemed very nice because of the Pixel’s computational images. Sadly, artifacts are current, incorrect blurring seems in Portrait mode, and overexposed photographs had been all a part of the pattern photographs taken. Subjectively, I discovered many photographs taken by my previous Pixel 3 XL extra pure and delightful.

The place Google would not skimp is on revolutionary digicam options. The Pixel 9 can swap faces in group photographs to make sure every individual is smiling. Nevertheless, the one precise new function is “Add Me”, which permits customers to “Photoshop” themselves into group photographs. You’ll find out extra about this function in our “Add me” information.

The Pixel 9 data movies in a most of 4K decision at 60 fps. Due to the wonderful video stabilization, the Pixel might properly be an acceptable vlogging or secondary video digicam. Sadly, with a most cupboard space of 256 GB on board, such use makes it slightly restricted. Criticism from the efficiency part is repeated right here.

Final however not least, evening photographs had been surprisingly disappointing. Google used to have the ability to rating factors on this division, however the photographs now look unnatural and never notably sharp. It’s not essentially the case that Google’s smartphones are amongst the very best digicam smartphones.

Battery: Strong runtime, sluggish quick charging

The Pixel 9 has a 4,700 mAh battery that may be charged with a 27 W charger. This could cost the battery by half inside half-hour. A whole charging cycle ought to take an hour. Wi-fi and reverse wi-fi charging can be found as an alternative choice to wired charging through USB-C.

Execs:

• Strong battery lifetime of 1.5 days.
• Wi-fi charging supported.
• Bigger battery than the Pixel 8.

Cons:

• Nonetheless lags behind the competitors in relation to quick charging.

In comparison with the Pixel 8, Google elevated the capability of the built-in battery from 4,575 mAh to 4,700 mAh. This resulted in a battery lifetime of round one and a half days, which makes it appropriate for on a regular basis use. Nevertheless, I’ve a slightly gentle utilization sample of only a few hours and normally do not play any cell video games with the system. With intensive use, I feel the battery ought to be capable of a full day.

The benchmark take a look at “PCMark Work” simulates steady cellular phone use over a protracted time period. Right here, the Pixel 9 lasted virtually 12.5 hours earlier than dropping from a full battery to twenty%. Thoughts you, I stored the refresh price mounted at 120 Hz-this has a really destructive impact on the battery life.

For higher independence from the ability socket, Google built-in Quick Charging into the Pixel 9. Though that is suitable with numerous chargers through USB-C PD, the charging energy remains to be slightly restricted at 27 W. You may cost half the battery in round half-hour. The precise charging instances are proven within the following desk.

Wi-fi charging can be attainable, with the in-house Pixel Stand delivering 15 W and reverse wi-fi charging.

Google Pixel 9 technical specs

	Technical specs
Machine
Picture
Show	6.3 inch OLED 1,080 x 2,424 px Brightness: 1,800 nits (HBM) / 2,700 nits (peak) Refresh price 60 or 120 Hz
SoC
Reminiscence	12 GB RAM 128 / 256 No reminiscence enlargement
OS	Android 14 7 Android updates 7 years of safety updates
Digicam module	Predominant digicam: 50 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.31″ sensor, OIS Extremely-wide angle: 48 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55 sensor
Selfie digicam
Battery capability	4,700 mAh 27 W wired charging 12 W Qi wi-fi charging 15 W Pixel stand wi-fi charging Reverse wi-fi charging
Connectivity	5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
IP certification
Dimensions and weight	152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 198 g

Conclusion