Google has refreshed its telephone lineup with the Pixel 9, however that additionally meant a worth enhance of $100. There are sister fashions that aren’t that rather more costly. Can the fundamental mannequin impress and justify the value enhance? nextpit takes a more in-depth take a look at Gemini, the brand new ultra-wide angle digital camera, and the brand new Tensor G4 SoC on this evaluation!
Good
- Seven years of Android updates
- Gemini integration is surprisingly helpful
- Higher and greater show
- Nice construct high quality
Unhealthy
- Digital camera produced many shocking imaging errors
- Tensor G4 efficiency lags behind the competitors
- Picture high quality isn’t top-notch any extra
- Quick charging is comparatively gradual
Google Pixel 9: All offers
The Pixel 9 in a nutshell
Google is altering its product technique within the ninth Pixel era. The Pixel 9 will likely be precisely $100 costlier and nearer in all facets to the small Professional mannequin. The worth leap means the Pixel 9 falls behind the competitors by way of efficiency, quick charging, and digital camera configuration. In different phrases, the Pixel 9 is now not a less expensive different however traits comparable to Pixel-level images, 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 strains and curving them across the chassis as a substitute. The acquainted digital camera visor behind is now gone, trying 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 develop 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 digital camera bump.
Cons:
- Google diluted the Pixel 9’s look a bit of.
- Moderately noticeable punch-hole digital camera within the show.
- No LTPO expertise.
I at all times take product images myself for my evaluations right here at nextpit. I can say based mostly on my close-up view via my beloved macro lens: There are hardly ever smartphones that exude such a excessive degree of construct high quality because the Pixel 9. You will not discover any gaps, the combination of the digital camera bump behind seemed prefer it was personally solid by the wizard Merlin and the Woman of Avalon, whereas the bezels will not be 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 subsequent few years with none main points even when it’s dealt with. Armed with among the finest vibration motors I do know of, the result’s an actual magnificence when held within the hand.
Whenever you take a look at it from the entrance, Google followers may discover the show measurement 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 charge stands at 120 Hz and could be dropped to 60 Hz to avoid wasting energy if required. Sadly, a extra economical LTPO panel is simply accessible within the Professional model. It additionally presents even greater brightness and the next decision. I need to admit, having 1,080 x 2,424 pixels on the fundamental mannequin doesn’t permit particular person pixels to be acknowledged.
I might additionally wish to reward the improved fingerprint sensor. As with its predecessor, it’s situated underneath the show. Nevertheless, Google now depends on ultrasound as a substitute 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 evaluation of the Pixel 9 Professional XL is the fairly massive cut-out space for the selfie digital camera 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 extremely 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 methods. 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.
- Properly-integrated AI with the working system.
- Pixel-exclusive capabilities that can enhance and enhance over time with characteristic drops.
Cons:
- Launched with Android 14.
- Occasional hiccups in the course of the evaluation length.
One of many main strengths of all Pixel smartphones is how Google, the producer, owns the Android working system. The Pixel 9 is due to this fact the popular system on the subject of rolling out new options and updates. Common characteristic drops are at all times a motive 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. Every little thing appears to be like natural, tailor-made to the {hardware} and there are small, pleasing particulars which are so delicate, you will not discover them at first.
As an example, when utilizing the again gesture, a small arrow sticks organically to the sting of the display till it disappears accompanied by a vibration. How about having the vibration motor’s depth change in line with the show’s change in brightness inside the settings? Hardly ever has such a technical expertise felt extra pure!
Sadly, the ninth Pixel era nonetheless comes with Android 14, which is Google’s working system from final yr. Because of this, we can’t be capable to take pleasure in the brand new Android 15 options at launch, however since Google guarantees an replace assure over the subsequent 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 also 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 present nonetheless a “Google Assistant on steroids”. Gemini responds way more naturally to requests and might now analyze content material from the display 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 capabilities. Asking for a solution to an e-mail is due to this fact not attainable for the time being. If you wish to discover out extra about Gemini, you’ll be able to learn all about it intimately in Antoine’s hands-on.
What I might additionally wish 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 growth 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:
Google Pixel 9 (Tensor G4) |
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL (Tensor G4) |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) |
Xiaomi 14 Extremely (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) |
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max (A17 Professional) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3D Mark Wild Life Excessive | 2,330 | 2,588 | 5,094 | 4,680 | 3,998 |
3D Mark Wild Life Excessive Stress Check |
Finest loop: 2,524 Worst loop: 1,358 Stability: 53.8% |
Finest loop: 2,603 |
Finest loop: 5,160 Worst loop: 3,013 Stability: 58.4 |
Finest loop: 4,708 Worst loop: 3,606 Stability: 69.4 |
Finest loop: 3,817 Worst loop: 2,842 Stability: 74.4% |
AnTuTu | 826,999 | 1,094,183 | 1,851,716 | 1,939,484 | 1,569,312 |
Geekbench 6 | Single: 1,666 Multi: 3,761 |
Single: 1,950 Multi: 4,050 |
Single: 2,252 Multi: 7,107 |
Single: 1,828 Multi: 6,317 |
Single: 2,936 Multi: 7,003 |
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 just about 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.
By way of person expertise, nevertheless, the Pixel nonetheless managed to impress. The great, on a regular basis efficiency degree was additionally confirmed once we challenged the Tensor processor with cellular video games or Adobe Lightroom. There have been hardly any loading instances on the Pixel 9 and cellular video games ran easily at 60 fps. Though the fundamental 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 fairly restricted storage capability. You’ll be able to choose up the utmost 256 GB smartphone mannequin, and it nonetheless does not include any reminiscence growth choices. I suppose 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. Should you’re typically 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 images comparable to “Add me” took a bit of time to finish. Nevertheless, Gemini was significantly annoying with a ready time of round 5 seconds. Even easy questions comparable to “What will tomorrow’s weather be like?” required me to wait roughly 5 seconds.
Digital camera
Pixel smartphones are significantly well-liked due to their cameras. Whereas the Professional fashions have three cameras, we needed to make do with two lenses behind the fundamental mannequin regardless of the excessive entry worth. Not less than the ultra-wide angle digital camera has been improved. The entrance digital camera with 10.5 megapixels additionally options autofocus now.
Execs:
- Partly excellent picture high quality in the course of the day.
- Thrilling software program capabilities comparable to “Add me”.
- Macro mode.
Cons:
- Many noticeable artifacts and picture errors.
- “Professional mode” is too restricted.
- Night time images are bang common.
Google optimized the ultra-wide angle digital camera and added autofocus to the entrance digital camera. In accordance with the producer, this turns the “advanced dual rear camera system” right into a “modern dual rear camera system”. Upon nearer inspection, the decision of the ultra-wide angle digital camera will increase from 12 to 48 megapixels, the sphere of view now covers 130 levels and, with a f/1.7 aperture, the lens permits extra mild than earlier than. There’s additionally a macro mode that routinely launches into motion when required.
The primary digital camera remained the identical with a 50-megapixel sensor that shoots via a 25 mm lens with an aperture of f/1.7. The entrance digital camera has a decision of 10.5 megapixels and might now concentrate on the topic higher. Because the entrance digital camera with f/2.2 is brighter, this is smart. Simply how good are the Pixel’s images? Within the final nextpit digital camera 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 digital camera high quality.
This was additionally confirmed by the Pixel 9’s images, though there have been nonetheless some photographs that seemed very nice because of the Pixel’s computational pictures. Sadly, artifacts are current, incorrect blurring seems in Portrait mode, and overexposed images had been all a part of the pattern images taken. Subjectively, I discovered many images taken by my previous Pixel 3 XL extra pure and delightful.
The place Google does not skimp is on progressive digital camera options. The Pixel 9 can swap faces in group images to make sure every particular person is smiling. Nevertheless, the one precise new characteristic is “Add Me”, which permits customers to “Photoshop” themselves into group images. You could find out extra about this characteristic in our “Add me” information.
The Pixel 9 information movies in a most of 4K decision at 60 fps. Due to the superb video stabilization, the Pixel may properly be an appropriate vlogging or secondary video digital camera. Sadly, with a most cupboard space of 256 GB on board, such use makes it fairly restricted. Criticism from the efficiency part is repeated right here.
Final however not least, night time images had been surprisingly disappointing. Google used to have the ability to rating factors on this division, however the images now look unnatural and never significantly sharp. It’s now not essentially the case that Google’s smartphones are among the many greatest digital camera smartphones.
Battery: Stable 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. An entire charging cycle ought to take an hour. Wi-fi and reverse wi-fi charging can be found as a substitute for wired charging by way of USB-C.
Execs:
- Stable battery lifetime of 1.5 days.
- Wi-fi charging supported.
- Bigger battery than the Pixel 8.
Cons:
- Nonetheless lags behind the competitors on the subject of 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 fairly delicate utilization sample of just some hours and normally do not play any cellular video games with the system. With intensive use, I believe the battery ought to be capable to a full day.
The benchmark take a look at “PCMark Work” simulates steady cellular phone use over an extended time frame. Right here, the Pixel 9 lasted nearly 12.5 hours earlier than dropping from a full battery to twenty%. Thoughts you, I saved the refresh charge mounted at 120 Hz-this has a really detrimental impact on the battery life.
For higher independence from the facility socket, Google built-in Quick Charging into the Pixel 9. Though that is appropriate with numerous chargers by way of USB-C PD, the charging energy continues to be fairly restricted at 27 W. You’ll be able to cost half the battery in round half-hour. The precise charging instances are proven within the following desk.
Google Pixel 9 (4700 mAh | Google 30 W charger) |
|
---|---|
Begin | |
8,5 min | |
15 min | |
28 min | |
48 min | |
Full cost |
Wi-fi charging can also be attainable, with the in-house Pixel Stand delivering 15 W and reverse wi-fi charging.
Google Pixel 9 technical specs
Technical specs | |
---|---|
System | |
Picture | |
Show |
|
SoC | |
Reminiscence |
|
OS |
|
Digital camera module |
|
Selfie digital camera | |
Battery capability |
|
Connectivity |
|
IP certification | |
Dimensions and weight |
|
Conclusion
Within the earlier Pixel era, the value distinction between the fundamental and Professional fashions was $300. With an analogous efficiency degree and nearly the identical options, the Pixel 8 was a substitute for Google’s prime fashions. Sadly, Google was unable to keep up the value degree in 2024.
With an MSRP of $799, the Pixel 9 is already within the premium phase. If we had been to choose up the 256 GB mannequin (the Professional mannequin comes with this a lot cupboard space at launch), the value rises to $899. This makes the fundamental Pixel is simply $100 cheaper than the Professional. As a expertise journalist, this makes me marvel who I ought to advocate the Pixel 9 to.
It is because Pixel followers get extra of what characterizes the system sequence within the Professional mannequin. Those that do not care in regards to the producer will take pleasure in extra highly effective and extra purposeful gadgets for much less cash. That is a disgrace, but it surely doesn’t suggest that the Pixel 9 is not a good smartphone.
The Android expertise stays wonderful regardless of the older OS model and is even smarter now because of Gemini. Construct high quality is first-class and the efficiency is ample for on a regular basis use. Pictures and movies might have a closely edited look, however they at all times put a smile in your face. Seven years of software program updates and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 guarantee first-class sturdiness.
Google misses the goal right here by way of the excessive worth…even when in comparison with its Professional fashions. Whereas the Pixel 8 acquired 4.5 stars final yr, the Pixel 9 solely managed 3.5 stars. What a disgrace!
Google Pixel 9
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