The Google Pixel was all the time destined to be the iPhone for Android customers. This yr, that perception feels stronger than ever, with the brand new Pixel 9 sequence coming in normal, Professional, and Professional XL flavors and costs beginning at $799, $999, and $1,099, respectively.
Additionally: I went hands-on with Google’s $1,799 Pixel 9 Professional Fold, and I am prepared to modify from Samsung
If the pricing mannequin and configurations do not trace at an Apple-esque playbook, wait till you see and really feel the telephones in individual. I spent an intimate morning with the newest gadgets forward of this week’s Made by Google occasion, and the brand new design language — which favors flattened edges, pastel colours, and ultra-thin bezels — usually jogged my memory of the iPhone 15 Professional that was tucked in my pocket.
To be clear, that is factor, and I am not alone in pondering that Google ought to construct a telephone that is extra comfy to carry, exudes premium, and appears much less like Cyclops from X-Males. After testing the three Pixel 9 fashions, here is my fast tackle every as you take into account whether or not they’re definitely worth the improve.
Google Pixel 9 can be a sleeper hit
The vanilla Pixel 9 just isn’t as flashy as its Professional siblings, however at $799 ($100 greater than final yr’s Pixel 8), Google did give it vital upgrades throughout the board. Happening the checklist, the modifications embrace a bigger, brighter show that ramps as much as 2,700 nits, a bigger 4,700mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, an improved 48MP ultrawide sensor, and Google’s new Tensor G4 chip.
Additionally: The $799 Pixel 9 could also be Google’s sleeper hit this yr. Here is why
These are all flagship-grade options, ones you’d sometimes discover on a telephone that prices tons of of {dollars} extra, however I would guess that many purchasers will take into account the Pixel 9 for one different motive: coloration choices. I commend Google for being a bit extra formidable with its industrial design this yr, coating the flattened type issue with pastel hues that may be finest described as refreshing. This can be the primary time I ever thought-about selecting up a pink-colored telephone to make use of every day — that is how good “Peony” seems to be in individual.
The Pixel 9 can also be the identical dimension because the Pixel 9 Professional, with a 6.3-inch show that makes it comfy to carry and navigate one-handedly. It would not have the identical LTPO panel because the Professional, which means the refresh price will not drop under 60Hz to scale back animation load and, due to this fact, cut back battery consumption, however the 4,700mAh capability ought to maintain the Pixel 9 working for a full day.
Additionally: I am a diehard Pixel person, however I am contemplating a change for 2 causes (and I am not alone)
Lastly, the 48MP ultrawide digicam with autofocus appears like an improve that customers will not admire till they use it. A sharper and bigger sensor means you can now pull in additional coloration and element when capturing scenic views, and there is additionally the advantage of higher macro images.
Google Pixel 9 Professional will get an XL dimension (and extra complicated)
Because the very first Pixel, Google has all the time launched its smartphones in pairs: one in a daily, market-appropriate dimension and one other that is just a few point-inches bigger. In truth, the unique Pixel had an “XL” mannequin, which the corporate later changed with the “Professional” branding. That additionally meant that the smaller, non-Professional telephone usually missed out on flagship digicam options, show upgrades, and different software program advantages.
Additionally: All the things introduced at Made by Google 2024
This yr, Google is combining the very best of each worlds, providing a Pixel 9 Professional XL mannequin that meets the wants of big-screen buffs whereas additionally conserving a smaller Professional variant that fields the identical digicam configuration and have set. The latter is a serious win for customers who need flagship options with out the customarily uncomfortable dimension. This additionally means there are actually 5 Pixel telephone fashions to select from, together with the budget-oriented Pixel 8a and bleeding-edge Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
Moreover dimension choices, paying up for the Pixel 9 Professional additionally will get you 16GB of RAM (as an alternative of 12GB on the Pixel 9), as much as 1TB of storage, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a extra sensible 42MP front-facing digicam. From my demo, what impressed me essentially the most with the front-facing digicam wasn’t the decision and element however how a lot of my environment it may body. With a 103-degree field-of-view, the Pixel 9 Professional could be the simplest telephone to take group selfies and scenic portraits with.
Additionally: Google’s new Pixel Screenshots would be the characteristic that lastly converts me to make use of AI
Different digicam upgrades embrace the flexibility to course of Tremendous Res Zoom in video, which implies higher element when capturing distant topics, and Video Increase, which upscales content material to 8K — nice for videographers or professionals who need to clip out high-res photos.
Google is bundling a yr’s price of Google One AI Premium Plan with the Pixel 9 Professional fashions, which incorporates entry to the newest Google AI options like Gemini Stay and 2TB of cloud storage. In fact, how helpful that is depends upon how a lot you depend on Gemini to summarize, create, and interpret info. After demoing most, if not all, of the brand new software program options coming to the Pixel, which embrace Add Me, Pixel Screenshots, Name Abstract, and Gemini Stay, there are actually sufficient instruments that make the Pixel 9 Professional worthy of your consideration for the AI alone.
