ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Pixel 9 is Google’s latest baseline flagship cellphone, beginning at $799.
- It comes with the brand new Tensor G4 processor, an up to date design, a much bigger battery, and a barely larger asking worth.
- The {hardware} enhancements over final yr’s mannequin are comparatively small,.
I had an opportunity to attend the Made by Google occasion earlier this month, 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 system, and one I like to recommend for a handful of causes.
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I am spoiling this evaluation proper on the prime, nevertheless it’s true. Google’s new entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, begins at $799 ($100 greater than final yr’s model) and regardless that its {hardware} is a minor enchancment over the Pixel 8, it is a powerful cellphone general. It affords a brand new design, barely upgraded efficiency, barely higher cameras, a barely greater battery, and a bunch of latest AI options.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 because the default Android various to the iPhone 15 (quickly to be the iPhone 16), partly as a result of it seems like one. Google gave the complete 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 appear and feel nice.
Additionally: The whole lot introduced at Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9 Professional, Fold, Gemini, Watch 3, and extra
In reality, they’re my favorite-looking Pixel telephones but. The Pixel 9 feels particularly distinctive whereas nonetheless providing a premium really feel that is blissfully chilly to the contact if 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 dirt resistance, and it is simply the best dimension to be used with one hand.
One other attribute of the Pixel is its good show, and the Pixel 9 undoubtedly has one. It contains a 6.3-inch Actua show a tenth of an inch greater than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 decision, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh price 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 manner as much as 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of many brightest Android telephones you should buy.
Additionally: I changed my Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely with the Pixel 9 Professional XL for every week – and did not remorse it
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 probably the most 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 stored the identical 50MP major digital camera as final yr however swapped the previous 12MP ultra-wide for a brand new 48MP 123-degree digital camera. Photographs are merely beautiful on this cellphone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do a fantastic job of retaining particulars and distinction. Video high quality can be excellent, particularly with the corporate’s Video Increase know-how. This cellphone can simply rival any system that prices $200+ extra.
If there is a draw back to the {hardware}, it is the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie digital camera, whereas the Professional telephones get a brand new 42MP digital camera. There’s additionally an additional telephoto digital camera 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 due to the Tensor G4 processor, it additionally comes with Gemini Reside, so you may have real-life conversations with it.
Additionally: Android 15’s Gemini overlay function can reply questions on something in your display
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, however you may get one without spending a dime in case you purchase a Pixel 9. I’ve requested it quite a few questions that have been much like internet queries (“What’s the very best place to stay close to New York Metropolis that is comparatively reasonably priced,” “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 know-how that might change how we use our telephones.
You additionally get options like Add Me, which lets you take an image of your mates, then have them take an image of you in the identical place, and merge the 2 so nobody’s overlooked. I’ve performed round with it throughout my testing, which labored surprisingly effectively. There are additionally some good updates to Magic Editor for framing your images.
Google additionally included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 collection: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the previous, you may arrange your screenshots and search by way of them with AI prompts, permitting you to simply reference info like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
In the meantime, the latter helps you to generate pictures 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 have to play with them over the long term to see whether or not they’re value it.
Additionally: The Pixel cellphone digital camera was already the very best, however these new options make it even higher
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 suggests you will not want to fret about this cellphone’s battery after an extended day. Google consists of 45W charging assist on the Pixel 9 collection, which is superior, however you may want to purchase a separate wall adapter to make the most of it. As well as, there’s 15W wi-fi charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wi-fi charging known as “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
In case your price range is $800, it is exhausting to not suggest Google’s Pixel 9. Certain, 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 wonderful software program, show high quality, and cameras.
The Pixel 9’s Professional and Professional XL variations is perhaps flashier, however the baseline model of Google’s flagship cellphone shouldn’t be missed.
