The Google Pixel 9, released in 2024, continues the tradition of the Pixel lineup in blending superior software with capable hardware, while placing a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI) features. The Pixel 9 aims to solidify Google’s place among top-tier smartphones, offering users an experience that leverages its custom AI-focused chip, the Tensor G4. This review will break down various aspects of the Google Pixel 9, including design, display, performance, camera quality, battery life, and software features.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 follows the familiar design philosophy that Google has been refining over the years—simple, minimal, and elegant. The phone features a clean, unibody design with smooth edges, offering a premium feel. It retains the characteristic Pixel rear camera bar, which not only gives it a distinct identity but also balances the weight of the phone in hand. The choice of materials includes glass and metal, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
In terms of size, the Pixel 9 sits comfortably at 6.3 inches, making it compact enough for easy one-handed use while still offering a large enough screen for multimedia consumption. The phone’s IP68 rating for water and dust resistance adds to its durability, ensuring that the device can handle minor spills and dust exposure with ease.
Display: A Step Forward
Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch OLED display featuring its new Actua panel, which peaks at a brightness of 2,700 nits. This allows the screen to remain easily readable even under direct sunlight, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The display offers a Full HD resolution (1080p), which is sharp enough for most tasks, although some might argue that for a flagship device priced around $799, a 1440p display would have been a better fit.
The Actua display is also notable for its color accuracy and contrast, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors that make watching videos or browsing photos a delight. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 9 offers smooth scrolling and animations, contributing to a more fluid user experience, especially during gaming or intensive tasks.
However, one of the criticisms of the display is the bezels, which are slightly thicker compared to other flagship models. While not a dealbreaker, some users may feel that the thicker bezels detract from the sleek, modern design that has become standard in 2024’s smartphone landscape. Nonetheless, the overall display quality holds up well in everyday usage scenarios.
Performance: Tensor G4 at the Helm
At the heart of the Pixel 9 is Google’s custom-built Tensor G4 processor, which is optimized for AI-driven tasks. While it may not lead the benchmark charts in raw processing power compared to Snapdragon or Apple’s A-series chips, the Tensor G4 excels in handling the unique demands of Google’s software suite, particularly in AI and machine learning tasks.
The processor is paired with 12GB of RAM, which is a notable upgrade from previous Pixel devices. This ensures that the Pixel 9 can handle multitasking, high-performance applications, and even AI-based image generation and video editing without stuttering. The AI integration is more deeply embedded than ever before, powering features like real-time transcription, live translation, and image enhancement in the camera.
One of the standout AI features is Gemini Live, an advanced assistant that offers natural language interaction. With Gemini Live, users can have conversations with their phone as if they were talking to a person, thanks to the integration of AI-powered voice recognition and response systems. The AI even learns your speech patterns over time, making interactions smoother and more intuitive. Although the feature is still in its early stages, it holds tremendous potential for hands-free device control and accessibility.
Another noteworthy performance feature is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Replacing the optical sensor found in older models, the new ultrasonic sensor offers faster, more reliable fingerprint recognition. In tests, it was found to be extremely accurate and consistent, providing a noticeable improvement in everyday use.
Software Experience: Android 14 with AI Enhancements
The Pixel 9 runs Android 14, providing a clean, stock Android experience without bloatware. Google has always excelled in delivering software that feels polished and responsive, and the Pixel 9 is no exception. One of the benefits of choosing a Pixel device is the guarantee of seven years of software updates, which includes both OS and security patches. This long-term software support makes the Pixel 9 an excellent investment for those who want a device that will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come.
The software has been further enhanced with AI-powered tools like Pixel Studio, which allows users to create images on-device using AI technology. This feature is similar to OpenAI’s DALL-E, allowing users to generate images based on text prompts. The speed and efficiency of Pixel Studio highlight the power of the Tensor G4 chip, as image generation occurs rapidly without the need for cloud processing.
Another useful addition is the revamped Screenshots app, which organizes screenshots and uses AI to recognize text within them. This makes it easier to find specific images later, a small but thoughtful feature that shows how Google is paying attention to the finer details of user experience.
Camera: Google’s Photography Mastery Continues
One of the most talked-about features of the Pixel series is its camera, and the Pixel 9 does not disappoint. Google has once again delivered an exceptional camera experience, focusing not on hardware alone, but also on the power of software-driven post-processing. The 50MP main sensor produces stunning photos with rich detail, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range, even in challenging lighting conditions. While some competing smartphones offer larger sensors or more lenses, Google’s secret weapon lies in its sophisticated image processing algorithms.
The AI-powered photo features are among the most impressive in the industry. The camera is capable of Magic Eraser, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from photos effortlessly. This tool has been refined for the Pixel 9, delivering cleaner and more accurate results than before. Additionally, the Night Sight feature continues to impress, capturing bright, detailed images in near-dark conditions without requiring a flash.
For videographers, the Pixel 9 supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage. The camera also includes slow-motion capabilities, making it versatile for both casual users and content creators.
One minor downside is the absence of advanced zoom capabilities that are found on other flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 has a decent telephoto lens, but it doesn’t offer the extreme zoom ranges that some users may prefer for specific use cases like wildlife photography.
Battery Life: A Substantial Improvement
Battery life has traditionally been a weak point for Google’s Pixel phones, but the Pixel 9 takes a step in the right direction. The phone is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery, which Google claims lasts about 20% longer than the previous model. In real-world usage, this translates to around a full day of heavy use without needing a recharge. For light users, the Pixel 9 could potentially last well into the next day before needing to be plugged in.
The device also supports 27W fast charging, allowing users to get to 50% battery in approximately 30 minutes when using Google’s proprietary charger. However, it is worth noting that some competing flagship devices from OnePlus or Xiaomi offer faster charging speeds, making the Pixel 9’s charging capabilities feel a bit dated by comparison.
For users who need to stretch battery life even further, Google has included an Extreme Battery Saver mode, which can extend battery life to up to 100 hours. This mode turns off non-essential apps and services, transforming the Pixel 9 into a more basic device for critical use cases, such as emergencies or extended trips away from a charger.
Price and Competition
One of the most notable changes with the Pixel 9 is its price. Starting at $799, the Pixel 9 is more expensive than its predecessors, marking a shift in Google’s strategy. The days of the Pixel being a budget-friendly flagship killer seem to be over, as the Pixel 9 is now positioned to compete directly with high-end smartphones like the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24.
While the Pixel 9 offers excellent value in terms of features and performance, the price increase may give some potential buyers pause, especially when there are more affordable alternatives on the market that offer similar or even superior hardware specifications. For example, the Galaxy S24 boasts a more versatile camera system with superior zoom capabilities, while the iPhone 15 offers deeper ecosystem integration and build quality that some users may find more appealing.
However, the Pixel 9’s software experience and AI capabilities set it apart from the competition. For users who prioritize long-term software support, clean Android, and advanced AI features, the Pixel 9 remains an attractive option.
