ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Pixel 9 is Google’s newest baseline flagship cellphone, beginning at $649 forward of Black Friday.
- It comes with the brand new Tensor G4 processor, an up to date design, an even bigger battery, and a barely larger asking value.
- The {hardware} enhancements over final yr’s mannequin are comparatively small.
extra shopping for selections
I had an opportunity to attend the Made by Google occasion again in August, and after the keynote wrapped up, I used to be extra excited to go hands-on with the baseline model of the Pixel 9 than the Professional or the Professional XL. Why? As a result of the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it a captivating machine, and one I like to recommend for a handful of causes.
Additionally: I bought the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and its most impressive feature was not the software
I am spoiling this evaluation proper on the prime, nevertheless it’s true. Google’s newest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, begins at $799 (although its at the moment on sale for $649) and despite the fact that its {hardware} is a minor enchancment over the Pixel 8, it is a formidable cellphone total. It provides a brand new design, barely upgraded efficiency, barely higher cameras, a barely larger battery, and a number of latest AI options.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 because the default Android different to the iPhone 16, partly as a result of it seems like one. Google gave your entire Pixel 9 household flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it appear to be one thing from a design lab in Cupertino. The excellent news is that it makes these telephones feel and appear nice.
In truth, they’re my favorite-looking Pixel phones but. The Pixel 9 feels particularly distinctive whereas nonetheless providing a premium really feel that is blissfully chilly to the contact while you choose it up. The perimeters are aluminum, whereas the back and front function Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The entire thing is IP68-rated for water and mud resistance, and it is simply the best measurement to be used with one hand.
One other attribute of the Pixel is its good show, and the Pixel 9 undoubtedly has one. It encompasses a 6.3-inch Actua show a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 decision, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh charge give the Pixel 9 distinctive visuals whether or not you are simply studying e-mail or watching your favourite film. This yr, the display can attain approach as much as 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of many brightest Android telephones you should buy.
Additionally: This Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro camera shootout has a clear winner – and one big surprise
Additionally, its efficiency feels higher. Powered by the brand new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a screamer. It is one of the crucial responsive Android telephones I’ve used all yr, and that is simply with the usual model of this cellphone.
The cameras are additionally spectacular. Google saved the identical 50MP essential digicam as final yr however swapped the previous 12MP ultra-wide for a brand new 48MP 123-degree digicam. Pictures are merely beautiful on this cellphone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do an important job of retaining particulars and distinction. Video high quality can be superb, particularly with the corporate’s Video Increase expertise. This cellphone can simply rival any machine that prices $200+ extra.
If there is a draw back to the {hardware}, it is the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie digicam, whereas the Professional telephones get a brand new 42MP digicam. There’s additionally an additional telephoto digicam on the Professionals, so you will not get the identical zoom high quality on the common Pixel 9.
Concerning this cellphone’s AI options, Google has jammed fairly a bit into the Pixel 9. Not solely does it ship with the corporate’s Gemini chatbot out of the field, however because of the Tensor G4 processor, it additionally comes with Gemini Reside, so you possibly can have real-life conversations with it.
Additionally: Your Pixel phone is quietly getting a new feature to help your battery last longer
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, however you will get one without spending a dime should you purchase a Pixel 9. I’ve requested it quite a few questions that had been just like net queries (“What’s one of the best place to stay close to New York Metropolis that is comparatively inexpensive,” “What number of stars are within the sky–wait, within the galaxy?”) and it answered all of them with ease — even with speech interruptions. It is within the early levels, nevertheless it’s thrilling expertise that would change how we use our telephones.
You additionally get options like Add Me, which lets you take an image of your pals, then have them take an image of you in the identical place, and merge the 2 so nobody’s unnoticed. I’ve performed round with it throughout my testing, which labored surprisingly nicely. There are additionally some good updates to Magic Editor for framing your pictures.
Google additionally included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 collection: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the previous, you possibly can set up your screenshots and search by means of them with AI prompts, permitting you to simply reference info like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
In the meantime, the latter enables you to generate photos on the fly and customise them with textual content, stickers, and different results. I’ve loved utilizing each apps in my restricted testing time, however I am going to must play with them over the long term to see whether or not they’re price it.
Additionally: The Pixel phone camera was already the best, but these new features make it even better
I discovered battery life to be fairly good. There is a 4,700mAh cell inside that may final all day on a cost after which some, which implies you will not want to fret about this cellphone’s battery after a protracted day. Google contains 45W charging help on the Pixel 9 collection, which is superior, however you will want to purchase a separate wall adapter to reap the benefits of it. As well as, there’s 15W wi-fi charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wi-fi charging referred to as “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
In case your finances is $800, it is onerous to not advocate Google’s Pixel 9, particularly whereas it is on sale at $150 off. Positive, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tricky competitor, however I truly assume that is the higher purchase. It offers you entry to some helpful new AI options, and also you get all of the perks of the Pixel expertise, like glorious software program, show high quality, and cameras.
The Pixel 9’s Professional and Professional XL variations is likely to be flashier, however the baseline model of Google’s flagship cellphone shouldn’t be ignored.
