While other manufacturers created a vast ecosystem of devices, Google was content to maintain control of the operating system for the first half of Android's existence. When the initial Pixel, a phone that combined the company's software and hardware concepts, was released in 2016, everything changed. However, that combination was insufficient to propel Google's flagship to the forefront right away. But because to its products' ongoing development and the exit of erstwhile industry titans like LG and HTC, Google is now the third-largest Android phone manufacturer in the US, trailing only Motorola.
Presenting the Pixel 9, which boasts an even more advanced software trick, a brighter screen, improved cameras, and a sleek new design. This device, which is here to assert its position as the default Android phone, seems to best embody Google's idea of what a smartphone ought to be in many respects.
Design And Presentation
It's difficult to deny that the Pixel 9 and iPhone look a lot alike, even if I normally detest drawing such comparisons. The base ninth-generation Pixel has a smooth matte finish and flat sides with rounded edges, just like the latest Apple phones. When paired with the phone's recycled aluminum frame, the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and rear panels create a gadget that Google claims is twice as durable as its predecessor.
However, the Pixel 9's rear camera module is the main distinction. The edge-to-edge bar that we have grown accustomed to over the past three generations has been replaced by a straightforward pill-shaped visor. Google's design is the epitome of simplicity in contrast to Apple's setup, which still seems like the top of a stove to me. A single-zone laser-detect focusing mechanism and a tiny microphone are strewn throughout, along with two lenses on the left and a flash on the right. Although it is a little tall and heavy, the phone doesn't wobble when you put it on its back because it covers a substantial portion of the device's width. Google deserves praise for a more sophisticated answer.
The Pixel 9's front panel features Google's most recent 6.3-inch OLED Actua display, which has a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, which is even greater than the Pixel 8's 2,000 nits. Although that is a few hundred nits lower than the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, it is difficult to see a difference even when comparing the two devices side by side. The Pixel 9 still features a variable refresh rate that alternates between 60 and 120 Hz to help save battery life, and Google has made minor adjustments like making the phone's bezels uniform in size. All things considered, the display is superb, with rich tones and precise colors. Since Pixel screens have advanced significantly over the last few years to the point where they can now compete with both Apple and Samsung, I have to give Google credit.
A new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner that is concealed beneath the Pixel 9's screens is the last little but much-needed update. In my tests, it has unlocked the phone almost instantly each and every time, making it even more dependable than the previous optical sensor.
Performance
Google's Tensor chips are frequently criticized for prioritizing AI processing and efficiency over overall performance. However, I believe that a large portion of that noise originates from those who are more concerned with benchmarks than with the real-world speed of a phone. In my experience, the Tensor G4 and Pixel 9 quickly and efficiently fulfilled all of my needs. Scrolling is really smooth, and switching between programs happens quickly. With only the odd glitch, even quite taxing games like Zenless Zone Zero operated smoothly. The Pixel 9 can withstand the strain, unless you are really taxing it by running many extremely resource-intensive apps simultaneously.
Read Also: Galaxy Z Fold 6 Samsung Review
AI Features And New Software
It seemed as though Google was attempting to fulfill its own self-fulfilling prophecy on the widespread use of machine learning when it unveiled its extensive suite of AI-powered capabilities on the Pixel 8 last year. However, Google's approach is becoming much more apparent with the release of even more AI-based capabilities along with the Pixel 9, largely because of the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio apps.
The Pixel Screenshots app's ability to improve users' existing phone usage is what I find most appealing about it. What do you do when you see something entertaining or intriguing when doomscrolling? You can store it for later, usually by taking a screen capture, or share it right now. The Screenshots app can help with that. AI can assess a picture's contents so that you can quickly look for it later.
Recipes are my favorite use case. It always seemed like a cumbersome workaround when I would see a dish that caught my attention and leave it open in a browser tab. However, I can now take a screenshot of it and be sure that I will eventually discover it. Additionally, Google's Screenshots tool feels less invasive than Microsoft's Recall feature in Windows 11 because it only examines the content you manually take rather than automatically recording everything you do.
Pixel Studio allows you to use AI to make images by entering a few prompts if you want to produce your own content. It's essentially a free version of Midjourney designed specifically for Google phones, and I feel like I've only just started to discover all it has to offer. You can use it to get ideas for interior décor or to transform people's faces into adorable stickers that you can use to create images. There are countless options.
Then there are a few smaller but no less helpful applications, such as the Pixel Weather app, which helps you organize your day with AI-generated summaries. To determine when the UX index will peak or whether a surprise thunderstorm is approaching, you can rapidly read a few phrases rather than consulting the hourly forecast and examining every statistic and chart.
Other capabilities, such as Gemini Live, allow you to more naturally ask questions and bounce ideas off of Google's most potent AI assistant (you know, if you're into that kind of thing). Enhancements to Clear Calling, which reduces background noise, also improve the sound quality of phone conversations. You can utilize the new Call Notes function to transcribe everything if you're not paying attention or are distracted, and then review it more closely later. You can even call for assistance when you don't have service with the Satellite eSOS feature, which is free for the first two years. Fortunately, I haven't had to test it out myself, but Google is planning to launch a sample session on August 22 for those who are interested.
Cameras
One of the Pixel family's hallmarks has always been its excellent image quality, and the Pixel 9's two additional cameras will further improve it. The ultrawide lens is powered by an upgraded 48MP cell, which can be utilized to capture close-up macros, while the primary wide-angle lens has a new 50MP sensor.
The Pixel 9 performed better than the more costly Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in well-lit environments. In general, Google's processing kept more details and the colors were brighter. The Pixel 9 produced a picture with far richer hues and better focus than the S24U, which struggled to produce a picture with muddy colors and a surprising amount of noise. One of the most striking examples was a backlit snap of a Transformer.
Charging And Battery Life
The larger 4,700mAh cell (up from 4,575mAh) and enhanced power efficiency allow the Pixel 9 to have a 20 percent longer battery life than the previous model, according to Google. On our video rundown test, however, I discovered that it performed even better, lasting 27 hours and 32 minutes. In addition to being the finest Pixel to date, it also beats the OnePlus 12's 26:40 time for the longest battery life of any phone we've tested.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 9's wired charging speed stays at 27 watts even though Google recently announced a new 45W power adapter (separately sold). When you want to assist a friend with a device that is running low on power, you can also use reverse wireless power sharing and Qi wireless support (but not Qi2) at up to 15 watts.
Conclusion
Non-Pro Pixels have long been an afterthought to Samsung's entry-level Galaxy S phones, mainly for those who value Google's software prowess and frequent feature releases. With the Pixel 9, however, Google has improved the hardware design while once again focusing on its core competencies. It boasts more AI-powered tools than any other device, a stunning screen, cameras that are among the best in its class, and a more elegant look. They're quite nice ones, too. Additionally, you receive excellent software support, which includes OS and security upgrades for seven years.
