Google Pixel 9 Review: The Pixel to get is this!
The Google Pixel 9 continues to build upon the success of its predecessors, offering a balanced mix of design, performance, and AI-driven features. In this review, we’ll explore its key features, including design, display, camera capabilities, battery performance, and its new AI innovations, to see how it stands against other flagship phones.
1. Design and Display
Google has slightly tweaked the design of the Pixel 9, moving away from the curved sides of earlier models to a more flat-edged design that gives the phone a modern, sleek look. Available in colors like Obsidian, Porcelain which I have, and Winter, the Pixel 9 feels premium in hand. The build quality is impressive, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability even in tougher environments.
The display is a standout feature. With a 6.3-inch OLED panel and a 120Hz refresh rate, it provides sharp and smooth visuals, making content consumption and gaming a pleasure. The brightness peaks at 1,970 nits, meaning it performs well outdoors even under bright sunlight. However, at night, the lowest brightness level is slightly higher than some competitors like the Galaxy S24, which may bother some users who prefer extremely dim displays in dark environments
2. Camera Performance
The Pixel 9 is equipped with a dual-camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor and a new 48MP ultra-wide camera borrowed from the Pixel 9 Pro. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, a feature that remains exclusive to the Pro model, but the ultra-wide camera offers great versatility. The image quality is superb, with vibrant colors, excellent dynamic range, and detailed shots even in low-light situations. Google’s AI software enhances images with features like “Magic Editor,” allowing users to adjust elements in photos, and the “Add Me” feature, which can add the photographer into group shots after they are taken.
On the video front, the Pixel 9 supports 4K recording at 60fps, providing smooth and detailed video footage. However, for those seeking advanced videography tools such as Video Boost or Zoom Enhance, these are limited to the Pro model. The front camera, a 10.5MP wide-angle lens, does an excellent job of capturing selfies with natural bokeh effects.
3. Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, which provides a solid boost in performance compared to its predecessor. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and intensive applications smoothly. Google’s emphasis on AI is evident in features like real-time translation, voice typing, and the Gemini AI, which powers the phone’s various smart functionalities.
One notable advantage of the Pixel 9 is Google’s commitment to software support. The phone will receive seven years of OS updates, a significant benefit for those looking for long-term software longevity. This makes it one of the best-supported Android phones in the market, ensuring security updates and new features for years to come.
4. Battery Life
Battery performance on the Pixel 9 is solid, with a 4,700mAh battery that easily lasts a full day on moderate use. The phone supports 27W wired charging and 20W wireless charging, meaning it can recharge fairly quickly, though it falls short of some faster-charging Android phones. In testing, users report around seven to eight hours of screen time on a full charge. The addition of reverse wireless charging is a handy feature for those with wireless accessories like earbuds.
Google claims a 24-hour battery life under normal conditions and even longer with the Extreme Battery Saver mode, though actual usage will vary depending on individual habits. For most users, the Pixel 9’s battery performance will be more than sufficient for daily needs.
5. AI Features and Innovations
The Pixel 9 brings several exciting AI-driven features, thanks to the Tensor G4 chip and the latest advancements in Google’s AI technology. The most notable among these is the Pixel Studio app, a text-to-image generator powered by Google’s Imagen 3 model. It allows users to generate high-quality images, adding a creative edge to photo editing. Another standout feature is “Magic Editor,” which offers advanced photo manipulation tools, making it easy to adjust and enhance images post-capture.
Moreover, the Pixel 9 introduces new multimodal AI capabilities that make interacting with the phone more intuitive. Voice commands, real-time language translation, and other AI features work seamlessly across apps, elevating the overall user experience.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 is a well-rounded flagship phone that strikes an excellent balance between performance, camera capabilities, and AI innovations. While it lacks some of the high-end features found in the Pro model, such as the telephoto lens and advanced video features, it remains a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. With a robust build, exceptional camera performance, and a future-proof software support promise, the Pixel 9 offers great value for users who prioritize photography and AI-driven features in their smartphones.
At a starting price of around $799, the Pixel 9 is slightly pricier than its predecessors, but it justifies the increase with its advanced capabilities, making it a solid choice for Android enthusiasts looking for a premium experience without breaking the bank.
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