Google Pixel 9 Series: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Android Flagship

The Pixel 9 Is a Surprisingly Big Upgrade in a Small Package

Key Takeaways The Google Pixel 9 is a fresh start for the series. It feels different, with bold design choices and top-notch performance. The design is comfortable and attractive. The camera bar provides a nice ledge for your fingers, and the phone is a good size. The AI features are improving. While imperfect, the "Pixel Screenshots" and "Call Notes" features show promise. I didn't realize how stale the Pixel series had become until I picked up the Google Pixel 9. The previous two Pixel phones were solid, but they were sequels -- iterations of the same idea. That's what makes the Pixel 9 feel so fresh and different. This is the Pixel series rebooted, and its AI features are more than a shameless cameo. Google Pixel 9 9/ 10 The Google Pixel 9 features a sleek design with a powerful Tensor G4 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a vibrant 6.3-inch Actua display, making it ideal for capturing stunning photos and videos with its advanced 50 MP main lens and 48 MP ultrawide camera. With improved durability and a fast-charging all-day battery, the Pixel 9 is built to handle daily challenges while delivering top-notch performance and AI-driven capabilities. ProsA needed modern refresh of the classic Pixel design.Still the best-in-class camera quality.Great performance and solid battery life. ConsGemini AI features show promise, but not a selling point. See at Google Store$785 at AmazonSee at Best BuySee at VerizonSee at AT&TSee at T-Mobile How We Test and Review Products Price and Availability The Pixel 9 is available from a wide variety of retailers, including the Google Store, Best Buy, Amazon, and all U.S. carriers. It starts at $799 for the 128GB model and $899 for 256GB. The phone can be purchased in four colors: Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, and Obsidian. The model featured in this review is 128GB in Porcelain. Specifications SoC Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 security coprocessor Display 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424 (422 PPI), Actua display, 1,800-nit peak brightness RAM 12GB Storage 128 GB / 256 GB Battery 4700 mAh Ports USB-C Operating System Android 14 (at launch) Front camera 10.5 MP Dual PD, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 95° field of view Rear camera 50MP wide-angle (octa PD binning), ƒ/1.68 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/1.31" image sensor | 48MP ultra-wide (quad PD binning), ƒ/1.7 aperture, 123° field of view, 1/2.55" image sensor Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Google Cast, ultra-wideband (UWB), dual band GPS, 5G mmWave + Sub 6GHz Dimensions 6 x 2.8 x 0.3in Colors Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian Charge speed 45W fast charging, wireless charging IP Rating IP68 Expand Bold Design Choices and Top-Notch Performance I was skeptical of the Pixel 9's design when I saw the first photos. The Google Pixel 8 -- with its round corners and the camera bar smoothly transitioning into the sides of the phone -- felt like the perfect culmination of Pixel design. The much sharper camera bar and more squared-off edges seemed like a step back. Thankfully, my doubts about the design immediately melted away when I picked up the phone. To harken back to the early days of smartphone reviews, the Pixel 9 "feels great in the hand." It's a very comfortable phone to hold, and the camera bar still provides a nice ledge for your fingers to rest. The size of the Pixel 9 is also quite nice. Despite having the same size display, it's a tiny bit bigger than the Pixel 8 but smaller than the Google Pixel 7. Now, that may or may not be a good thing for you. I typically prefer the smaller Pixel phones, but this is the first time I've considered opting for the XL model. The Pixel 9 features a beautiful 6.3-inch OLED display that boasts vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. It has the same 120Hz refresh rate as the Pixel 9 Pro, but a slightly lower resolution of 2400 x 1080. The screen's brightness is ample for both indoor and outdoor use, and the adaptive brightness feature intelligently adjusts the backlight based on ambient lighting conditions. The in-display fingerprint sensor is relatively fast and accurate. I will say it's better than previous Pixel phones, but I remain unimpressed with the technology. With any phone that has an in-display fingerprint sensor, I'm annoyed more times than I'm amazed. Thankfully, Face Unlock works better and has the same security class as fingerprints -- i.e., it can be used for mobile payments, etc. While not adorned with the "Pro" name, the Pixel 9 is powered by the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. However, it does have a bit less RAM -- 12GB vs 16GB. Coming from my daily driver, the Pixel 7, the G4 SoC is a significant upgrade from the G2. The Pixel 9 feels more like a high-end flagship phone. I didn't notice any throttling or the phone getting warm while trying to do heavy multitasking. Another "Pro" feature you get with the Pixel 9 is the same 4,700mAh battery. I never ended a day with less than 20% battery remaining. The only real bummer in the battery department is the lack of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. This is something I've been waiting for Android phones to adopt. I use a MagSafe-compatible case on my Pixel 7, and it works great with my MagSafe charging stand and magnetic wallet. Once you use MagSafe, it's really annoying not to have it. What the Pixel 9 does have is the typical fast wireless charging and 45W fast charging -- though Google does not include the 45W USB-C power adapter in the box. With it, you can juice up to 55% in about 30 minutes. The First AI Feature I Actually Want to Use Strangely, the Pixel 9 series did not launch with Android 15 -- that's coming very soon. The software experience is pretty standard for a Pixel phone. You get Android version updates, Pixel Drops, and security patches until August 2031. As you would expect in 2024, many of the new software features revolve around those two letters we've heard ad nauseam: AI. My colleagueJustin Duino did an excellent job of explaining the AI features in his Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review, so I won't rehash it here. However, I wanted to highlight a couple of my experiences. First and foremost, the "Pixel Screenshots" feature is, quite frankly, awesome. There's a new bell icon on the screenshot preview pop-up that allows you to create a reminder with the screenshot. Google automatically pulls information from the screenshot to make it more useful. As someone who heavily relies on reminders to remember stuff, this is a game changer. One such example was an Instagram Reel about questions you can ask when you pick your kid up from school instead of "How was school today?" I liked the suggestions and wanted to remember them the next time I picked up my son. Not only was I able to create a reminder, but it was automatically named "Questions to Ask Instead of 'How Was School Today?" and the full text shown on the screen was pulled out and neatly formatted. Every screenshot you take on the Pixel 9 gets put into the new "Screenshots" app, whether you create a reminder with it or not. This makes it easy to find your screenshot reminders and search for text that appears in them. It does come with the privacy concern of Google essentially scanning every screenshot you take, though. Fortunately, that process runs locally on the phone instead of in the cloud. The other feature that I thought had a lot of potential was "Call Notes." Basically, imagine someone listening to your phone conversation and taking notes for you. It's a really cool idea in theory -- especially for those long calls that meander through a wide range of topics. Unfortunately, it didn't work that well in reality. The notes were often inaccurate, which defeats the entire purpose. Still, I appreciate that this is attempting something that could be genuinely useful, not just some AI gimmick. Speaking of genuinely useful, there's still not enough of that with Gemini. For example, I was reading about an event on a zoo's website and wanted to add it to my calendar. So, I summoned Gemini, let it read the screen, and said, "Add to my calendar." Gemini recited the time and date of the event back to me but said, "I cannot add events to your calendar yet." Womp womp. There's no reason why that shouldn't work. Gemini was smart enough to gather the event details from the page. It's also smart enough to create a calendar event when I give it the details. There's a disconnect there that leads to frustration. AI is supposed to make my life easier, and while there are glimpses of that, it's not quite there yet. Yes, Google Still Makes the Best Smartphone Cameras Cameras still bring many people to the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 continues Google's excellent track record in this department. It is, however, where the lack of a "Pro" label comes into play the most. The Pixel 9 features two rear cameras, while the Pro and Pro XL have three. Those two cameras are a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera -- no telephoto lens. I don't like when a phone that has two cameras opts for ultrawide as the secondary. Out in the real world, a telephoto camera is infinitely more useful. Thankfully, the Pixel 9's 2X crop is pretty good, but it's certainly not the Pro's 5X optical zoom. Close The main camera is exceptional, as I've come to expect from a Pixel. The ultrawide camera is very good, too, matching the coloring of the main camera better than previous Pixel phones. It does, however, have a decent amount of fisheye effect, which you may or may not like. The Pixel 9 also features an interesting "Macro Focus" feature that utilizes the ultrawide camera. When the camera detects something that is very close to the lens, it automatically switches to the ultrawide camera and zooms in. This works surprisingly well, but I noticed the phone doesn't always switch back to the main camera right away when macro focus isn't needed. The last camera to talk about is the selfie camera, and that's the last area where the "Pro" models differentiate themselves. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have vastly improved 42MP front cameras, while the Pixel 9 has the same 10.5MP front camera as the previous two generations. Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL I've been peppering in some details about what the Pixel 9 lacks compared to the Pro models, but let's take a closer look at that. The main thing is the cameras. With the Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL, you're getting an extra 48MP telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom and a much better 42MP selfie camera. The next difference is display quality. The Pixel 9 has a pretty standard OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, 2,700 nits peak brightness, and 2400 x 1080 resolution. Meanwhile, the Pro models have LTPO OLED panels, 3,000 nit peak brightness, and 2856 x 1280/2992 x 1344 resolution. The last significant difference is RAM. With the Pixel 9 you're getting a respectable 12GB, while the Pro models offer 16GB. However, all three feature the Google Tensor G4 chip and 128GB or 256GB of storage, but the Pro models are also available in 512GB or 1TB. Should you opt for the Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL? For starters, if you want a bigger phone, the decision is very easy -- get the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. Screen size aside, it's really a matter of camera preference and price. The Pixel 9 Pro is $200 more than the Pixel 9 for a telephoto camera and better selfies. Should You Buy the Google Pixel 9? I didn't go into this review with the same excitement as usual for a new Pixel phone. The design changes didn't impress me in the photos I had seen, and I was preparing myself to be slapped in the face with AI! AI! AI! Thankfully, I'm ending my time with the Google Pixel 9 with more excitement than usual. The Pixel 9 is the modern, premium refinement that I didn't realize the Pixel series needed so badly. I've been happy with Pixel phones in the past, but the Pixel 9 feels different. It has excellent, high-end design and build, the best cameras you can get, simple, clean software with many years of support, and even some AI features that don't feel like gimmicks. This is the Android phone for the masses. Google Pixel 9 9/ 10 The Google Pixel 9 features a sleek design with a powerful Tensor G4 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a vibrant 6.3-inch Actua display, making it ideal for capturing stunning photos and videos with its advanced 50 MP main lens and 48 MP ultrawide camera. With improved durability and a fast-charging all-day battery, the Pixel 9 is built to handle daily challenges while delivering top-notch performance and AI-driven capabilities. See at Google Store$785 at AmazonSee at Best BuySee at VerizonSee at AT&TSee at T-Mobile

Google Pixel 9 review: are we really ready for AI in our pockets?

We tested the Google Pixel 9 Pro to see if adding their 'Gemini' AI to everything makes it the phone of the future This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Price: £1,099 for 256GB model (discounted to £999 for launch), also available in 128GB Our rating: 9/10 We like: Astounding AI camera functions'Human-like' AI assistantMature, classy hardware We don't like: Occasional hiccups with AIHigh priceNo high-storage modelsWhat is the Pixel 9 Pro? Released in August 2024, Google's Pixel 9 Pro is one of the best smartphones we've tried this year and quite different from the others, being built from the ground up for AI. Its unique features include Gemini, an AI assistant which talks just like a human. You can ask it to operate everything from the camera to the calendar, interrupt it and correct it while it is talking. AI also powers a suite of remarkable new picture-editing features. The Pixel 9 Pro is not actually the best-specced Pixel phone, because this year Google added a Pixel 9 Pro XL model to the top of the range. It costs £100 more and has a 6.8-inch screen compared to the Pro's 6.3 inches. The XL is intended to compete with Samsung and Apple's range-topping phones. There is also a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with an 8-inch folding screen. It costs £1,749. How we test phones We always rate the quality of a phone's design and hardware, especially the screen and CPU, followed by the quality of the cameras, the quality of the picture editing software, the unique software and the battery life. For the Pixel 9 Pro review, we compared it to last year's Pixel 8 Pro (pictured below), and put the device through its paces with photography, gaming, and everyday office apps, as well as gauging its battery life over multiple days of use. With this year's Pixel device focusing squarely on AI, we also tested multiple AI functions in many apps to work out whether new voice assistant Gemini is as groundbreaking as they claim. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews. Design: 8 out of 10 Google has been making Pixel phones for almost a decade now and the hardware feels mature and looks classy. The camera visor, which has become an iconic Pixel 'look', has been streamlined,but still looks distinctively Pixel-y, with a jutting rounded structure at the back. The 9 Pro is smaller than last year's Pixel 8 Pro. The design has also been tweaked, as you can see above (the 9 is on the right). Crucially, there's a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner which is faster and more responsive than last year's optical one. The 120Hz OLED screen is brighter than previous Pixel generations and looks gorgeous with video. Camera: 7/10 On the main camera, this is a 'filler' update, rather than a revolution. Google has boosted the Panorama mode, with 'helping hands' that help you to structure the perfect shot. I tried it out in my local park, above. It now works in low light for capturing sunsets. Otherwise, the hardware remains much the same as it was last year: there's a triple rear camera including a 50 megapixel wide angle lens, 48 megapixel ultrawide and a 48 megapixel telephoto, with the Pro models offering extras such as more manual controls. The big news is a serious upgrade to the selfie camera, with a jump up from 10.5 to 42 megapixels. Overall, Pixel 9 Pro remains a very capable camera phone indeed. Pixel phones have leaned heavily into AI for many years, long before the arrival of the fancy Gemini assistant. Like previous Pixels, the front and back cameras here deliver pepped-up shots which use machine learning to smooth out lighting issues. This means that even relatively inexperienced photographers can achieve great results. Picture editing: 10/10 The big 'wow' feature this year is 'Add Me', a new function which has been added to Google's Pixel camera app - which is already liberally salted with AI-enhanced features. Once you've upgraded to the latest versions of the camera app and Google's augmented reality app, Add Me appears in the bottom left: you then take one shot with one photographer and another with a second, leaving space for the photographer to insert themselves virtually. It works incredibly well, guiding both photographers through the process and delivering convincing results. Another AI-powered feature, Reimagine in Magic Editor, is similarly mind-boggling, allowing you to add unreal and fantastic backgrounds and objects directly into pictures. I was able to take a picture of my children in front of a forest and turn the trees into gigantic toadstools, which were convincingly and instantly inserted into the background (the AI refused, however, to create a background of a raging fire). It's an insanely powerful tool and something that would have been unimaginable even 18 months ago. Other extras include upscaling to 8K resolutions for video and an 'Auto Frame' mode, which reframes your shots for artistic effect, using generative AI to fill in the blanks: it works reasonably well, but it's less thrilling than the other AI tricks on offer here. Software: 8/10 Google has gone absolutely all-out with the AI functionality on this phone, in an effort to make AI assistants as indispensable and everyday a technology as the smartphone itself. Does it work? Sometimes it's electrifyingly good - sometimes, it's a bit weird (although saying that, it's inevitable that Google will work out the kinks in its Gemini AI over the course of the year). The big sell here, and something that's utterly unique, is Gemini Live, an AI chatbot that can chat with you like a human. You can interrupt it and it remembers what you are talking about, and generally 'chats' in a human-like fashion. Normally you need to pay a £19 a month subscription to access it, but the Pixel 9 comes with a year of free Gemini Advanced, the Google One subscription which comes with Gemini Live. It's great fun. when Gemini Live gets it right, it's a very fun experience, with a whiff of the future about it. It's really the first chatbot that feels like talking to the ship's computer in Star Trek or other sci-fi robots. But Gemini Live does occasionally get things wrong, and badly so. In our first conversation with it, Gemini started talking confidently about a non-existent character class in a game, and continued to do so even after being chastised for being wrong. Possibly more useful is Gemini's ability to integrate with other apps in the phone, making it practically useful in a way previous chatbots simply haven't been. It can (for example) respond to commands like, 'What appointments do I have next week?', reading out a list, and even, 'What's the most important email I've had today?' Google's new Pixel Watch 3 smartwatch and Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones are designed to work seamlessly with Gemini, letting you hold conversations with the AI via their built-in microphones without getting your phone out of your pocket. Performance and battery life: 8/10 The Pixel 9 Pro's battery life is solid enough for the phone to last all day, even with fairly heavy use. However, in our tests we found it less long-lasting than last year's 8 Pro. The new Tensor G4 chipset copes well with everything from standard office and productivity apps to games like Diablo Immortal. The Google-designed chip is also built to cope with the demands of on-device AI. Specifications Verdict Previous phones which have led with AI have failed to deliver enough 'wow' factor, but this certainly raises the bar. Functions such as Add Me and Gemini Live are both impressive and fun to play with. The Pixel 9 Pro no longer directly competes with the 'superphones' at the very top of the market, but it's certainly a contender against the likes of the Samsung S24 and iPhone 15, with AI-enhanced camera performance, speedy silicon and a lot of personality. Google's Pixel phones have a loyal cult following and the clever ideas here show exactly why. £999Buy nowPrice atJohn Lewis FAQ What are the key features of the Google Pixel 9? The Pixel 9 has Gemini AI built in, enabling a new suite of photo-editing features such as Add Me, which enables the picture-taker to add themselves to a shot. Its AI assistant understands normal conversation and can carry out complex operations. It has the brightest screen and best camera yet seen on a Google phone. What is the difference between Pixel 9 and 9 Pro? The Pixel 9 Pro has the same dimensions as the Pixel 9 but a better screen, more RAM and a telephoto camera. This enables features such as zoom enhance, night sight video, macro focus video and video boost - which upscales content to 8K. There is also a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with all the same features as the Pro apart from a larger, 6.8-inch screen and a longer battery life. How big is the Google Pixel 9? The Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch screen and weighs 199g, with 8.5mm thickness. The Pixel 9 Pro is the same size. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch screen. Is the Google Pixel 9 camera better than previous Pixel models? The main 50MP camera is the same but the Pixel 9 comes with a 48MP ultra-wide camera, compared to the Pixel 8's 12MP. The biggest difference, however, is in the new AI photo features such as Add Me. What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9? The Pixel 9 comes in 128GB and 256GB models. The Pixel 9 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB models, as does the Pixel 9 Pro XL . What is the lifespan of a Google Pixel? Google promises that durability improvements have made this year's generation of Pixels twice as durable as before. Its Ingress Protection rating is IP68, meaning it can survive being underwater for 30 minutes. Google promise seven years of software support, so it won't become obsolete until at least 3031. When is the release date? The Pixel 9 was released on August 22, 2024.

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is better? | Digital Trends

Google has introduced the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the first XL Pixel model since 2019. How different is it from the also recently introduced Pixel 9 Pro? Perhaps not nearly as much as you might expect. In fact, there are only two main differences between the two smartphones -- but they are important differences, and will likely be deciding factors in which of the two you eventually buy. Let's take a closer look with this comparison between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL to better understand the nuances and differences between these two new offerings from Google. Recommended Videos Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: specs Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Dimensions 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm (6.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches) 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches) Weight 199 grams (7.01 ounces) 221 grams (7.8 ounces) Display 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO 1280 x 2856 pixels 1-120Hz Dynamic refresh rate HDR10+ 3,000 nits peak brightness 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO 1344 x 2992 pixels 1-120Hz Dynamic refresh rate HDR10+ 3,000 nits peak brightness Durability IP68 IP68 Colors Obsidian black, Porcelain white, Hazel green, Rose Quartz pink Obsidian black, Porcelain white, Hazel green, Rose Quartz pink Processor Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor G4 RAM 16GB 16GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Software Android 14 Android 14 Updates Seven years of promised upgrades Seven years of promised upgrades Rear cameras 50-megapixel primary, f/1.68 aperture, 1/1.31-inch sensor size, OIS 48MP ultrawide, f/1.7, 123° field of view 48MP telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom, 1/2.55-inch sensor 50MP primary, f/1.68 aperture, 1/1.31-inch sensor size, OIS 48MP ultrawide, f/1.7, 123° field of view 48MP telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom, 1/2.55-inch sensor Front camera Selfie camera: 42MP selfie camera, autofocus, 123-degree field of view Selfie camera: 42MP selfie camera, autofocus, 123-degree field of view Battery 4,700mAh 5,060mAh Charging 27W wired charging 21W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging 37W wired charging 23W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging Price Starting at $999 Starting at $1,099 Review 4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5 out of 5 stars Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: design and display Google has made significant design changes to the entire Pixel 9 lineup, which also includes the regular Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The changes include rounder bodies, flatter mid-frames, and consistent colors on the metal and glass sections. When comparing the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL side by side, the only design difference you'll notice is the display size. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO display. Due to this crucial difference, the dimensions and weight vary between the two models, as does the display resolution. But beyond this, the similarities are striking. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer the same color choices: Obsidian black, Porcelain white, Hazel green, and Rose Quartz pink. Both phones' displays have an impressive dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz, support HDR10+, and boast a lovely peak brightness of 3,000 nits. These displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the latest and most durable type of Gorilla Glass available, providing improved scratch and drop resistance compared to previous generations. One final similarity in terms of the body between the phones is the IP68 rating. This means the devices are dust-tight and allow for immersion in up to five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: cameras Google Pixel phones have always had impressive cameras, and the same can be said for the cameras found on both of these Pro phones, which have identical systems. And yet, most of the sensors are similar to what was found on the Pixel 8 Pro, which is only something to keep in mind if you're considering upgrading from that model. Like last year, you'll get a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. On the front, instead of the 10.5MP sensor found on last year's model, the selfie camera on the Pixel 9 Pro model is 42MP. We were impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL's cameras, although we were disappointed there were no changes made on the rear side. However, the selfie camera was the best we had used all year. Even though the Pixel 9 Pro series has only a few hardware changes from last year's Pro models, it offers a fair share of AI tools. Some of these are exclusive to the series at launch. With "Add Me," for example, if you're taking a picture of your friends, but there's no one to hold your phone so you can be in the picture, you can use the Pixel 9 to create a composite of two images to insert yourself in the picture. Other AI features that will use Pixel cameras will likely be introduced in the coming year that will further divide this year's Pixels from last year's. But for these two particular models, there are no differences. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: performance This is the fourth year that Google has used an in-house Tensor G chipset inside its Pixel lineup of phones. While earlier versions largely missed the mark, the Tensor G3 in last year's model was seen as a noticeable step up. Not surprisingly, more improvements have arrived with the Tensor G4 used in this year's model. The chip is considered reliable, with smooth navigation and no overheating, regardless of what you're doing on the phone. The increased RAM also aids in even better performance. Instead of the 12GB found in the Pixel 8 Pro, this year's Pro models have 16GB of RAM. During our tests, we found that the Tensor G4, coupled with the 16GB of RAM, allowed apps to open smoothly and graphically intensive games to run without a hitch. So it's a big win for Google -- but once again, there's no difference between these two. You'll get strong performance either way. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: battery and charging The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL differ in battery and charging capabilities. Both models have addressed previous criticisms of poor battery life in Pixel phones and perform well. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh capacity battery, which Google claims can last up to 24 hours with regular use. Lighter usage may extend this to about a day and a half. Enabling Extreme Battery Saver mode can stretch this to 100 hours between charges. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a USB-C cable, but no power adapter. It supports fast charging at a speed of 27 watts, providing approximately 55% charge in 30 minutes or a full charge in 90 minutes. For wireless charging, the Pixel 9 Pro can achieve speeds of up to 21W with the second-generation Google Pixel Stand or 12W with standard Qi-certified wireless chargers. There's also reverse wireless charging. However, Google decided not to include Qi2 support this year. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 5,060mAh battery, similar to the 5,050mAh battery in the Pixel 8 Pro. The improved power efficiency of the new phone allows for better battery life compared to its predecessor. During tests, it was possible to usually squeeze one-and-a-half days between charges, likely aided by the Tensor G4 chip. Despite this improvement, it still falls short compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and OnePlus 12. The Pixel 9 Pro XL recharges at up to 37W, slightly better than the 30W on the Pixel 8 Pro, but it still needs to be faster for a phone at this price point. It took about 90 minutes to go from 0 to 100% compared to the 30 minutes for a full charge on the OnePlus 12R. Wireless charging for the Pixel 9 Pro XL maxes out at 12W with regular Qi chargers and up to 23W with the Pixel Stand 2. Like the Pixel 9 Pro, there's reverse wireless charging, but Qi2 support remains unavailable on these devices. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: software and updates New Pixel phones typically come with the latest version of Android. However, due to Android 15 not being available yet, buyers will receive Android 14. Google promises Pixel 9 owners seven years of software updates, which means they'll receive every Android version through at least Android 21 or 2031. In addition to the software updates, new Pixel users will also receive some new software-related features. These include a new Pixel Weather app that uses AI to provide up-to-date reports; Pixel Screenshots, which reduces clutter in your camera roll; and Gemini, which replaces the legacy Google Assistant. Users of Pixel 9 Pro devices (including the XL and Fold) will receive a year of Gemini Advanced for free. In contrast, regular Pixel 9 users can get a one-month trial of Gemini Advanced and Pixel Studio, an AI image-generation app. Users will also receive a one-year free subscription to Gemini Advanced, granting access to Gemini Live. This feature offers a conversational experience with Gemini, allowing users to have a flowing conversation with Gemini as if it were an actual person. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you choose? The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are priced only $100 apart from each other. For the extra cost, you'll get a larger display and a bigger battery. Other than that, the phones are identical, with similar camera features, processors, RAM, storage options, and software experience. If you prefer a larger display, choose the Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you have no preference and are OK with spending an extra $100, the choice is also the Pixel 9 Pro XL. For those with a 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro, the choice is also the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. For a smaller option, go with the Pixel 9 Pro. Regardless, neither option is a wrong choice, as they're both excellent smartphones.

Apple iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: The Ultimate iOS vs. Android Showdown

The Pixel 9 runs on Google's latest Tensor G4 processor and has a super-bright display, a new set of cameras, and Gemini AI to assist you throughout the day. Apple's iPhone 16 family is the latest flagship phone lineup on the block, but Google just released the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL last month, which makes them ripe for comparison. We've already tested the latest Pixels, all of which have scored four stars or higher, with the Pixel 9 nabbing our Editors' Choice award. We've yet to put the iPhone 16s through their paces, but for now, we can draw some preliminary conclusions based on the spec sheets. Price: Which Phone Offers More For Less? Both the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 lineups offer multiple phones at a variety of prices. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for 128GB of storage, the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 for 128GB of storage, the iPhone 16 Pro begins at $999 for 128GB of storage, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, though it comes with 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 9 starts at $799 for 128GB, the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB of storage, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL begins at $1,099 with 256GB of storage. When looking at base model pricing, the two lineups are equally matched, though the Pixel 9 Pro XL is $100 cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple offers more storage configurations across its lineup than Google does for the Pixels -- but it also charges more to upgrade. Smartphones generally have the same rectangular design, and the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 families share plenty of design elements. They both feature metal frames with glass panels on the front and back, rounded corners, multiple color options, and a significant camera bump on the back. The camera module of the Pixel lineup is a metallic island positioned horizontally across the back of the phone. The iPhone 16 cameras are placed vertically and tucked into the back left corner. The three-camera bump of the iPhone 16 Pro forms a small triangle on the phone's back left side. The 6.1-inch iPhone 16 measures 5.81 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.00 ounces, while the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus measures 6.33 by 3.06 by 0.31 inches and weighs 7.03 ounces. The 6.3-inch 16 Pro sits between these two in terms of size, measuring 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.32 inches and weighing 7.03 ounces. Finally, the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest phone of the bunch in both size and weight, measuring 6.42 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches and weighing 7.99 ounces. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro both have 6.3-inch displays and measure and weigh the same: 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.30 inches and 7.0 ounces. The 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is the largest phone at 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches, though it is ever so slightly lighter than the 16 Pro Max at 7.8 ounces. Apple and Google's phones are all rated IP68, which means they can withstand dust and water immersion. The iPhone lineup uses a ceramic glass shield to protect the front of the phone, while the Pixel 9 phones use Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature titanium frames, while the entire Pixel lineup uses aluminum frames. These phones are generally similar in design, and your choice will ultimately come down to which colors and camera modules you find more appealing. The iPhone 16 lineup comes in four different screen sizes: 6.1, 6.3, 6.7, and 6.9 inches. By comparison, the Google Pixel 9 lineup has only two screen sizes: 6.3 inches and 6.8 inches. If you want a smaller phone, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 is your best bet. The 6.1-inch iPhone 16 sports a Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2,556 by 1,179 pixels and a density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The slightly larger 6.3-inch Google Pixel 9 has a lower resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels at a density of 422ppi. The 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus, which doesn't have a Pixel 9 equivalent, has a resolution of 2,796 by 1,290 pixels at 460ppi. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 Pro have 6.3-inch OLED displays. The Pixel 9 Pro has a resolution of 2,856 by 1,280 pixels at 495ppi, while the iPhone 16 Pro's resolution is lower, at 2,622 by 1,206 pixels at 460ppi. Similarly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a higher resolution (2,992 by 1,344 pixels, 486ppi) than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (2,868 by 1,320 pixels, 460ppi). The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL reach 3,000 nits at their brightest, while all the phones in the iPhone 16 lineup reach a maximum of only 2,000 nits. All of Google's phones have a maximum 120Hz refresh rate, and the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. However, to get a screen with a 120Hz refresh rate on an iPhone, you'll have to upgrade to the 16 Pro or Pro Max. We haven't tested Apple's latest A18 and A18 Pro chips yet, but history tells us that they will most likely be fast. Apple's silicon has long reigned supreme in phones, tablets, and computers, and there's no indication that this will change with its latest offerings. Meanwhile, Google's Tensor G4 and Titan M2 processors don't fare well on benchmarking software. Google tunes them for machine learning tasks and claims that the G4 launches apps 17% faster and browses the web up to 20% quicker than last year's G3. The chip got trounced roundly in our benchmark testing by the Samsung Galaxy S24 and its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. We expect Apple's chips to do just as well, if not better, than Qualcomm's offerings. Apple's iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a 48MP fusion camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same 48MP fusion camera, plus a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP telephoto camera. The cameras on the regular iPhone 16 have 2x optical zoom, while the iPhone 16 Pro cameras boast 5x optical zoom. All cameras in the lineup have a 12MP TrueDepth front camera for selfies and Face ID. The iPhone 16 can capture 4K video at 60fps, while the Pro models can take 4K video at 120fps for a slow-motion effect. All iPhone 16 models can shoot full HD spatial video at 30fps. This year, Apple added a lot of advanced videography tools and carried over high-quality formats like ProRES. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL share the same 50MP main and 48MP ultra-wide cameras. The Pro series gets a large 48MP telephoto camera, which has a 5x optical zoom like the iPhone 16 Pro. Google's front cameras feature a 10.5MP sensor on the Pixel 9, while the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL come with a much higher-resolution 42MP selfie camera. Google's Pixel 9 can shoot video up to 4K60, while the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL can effectively get 8K video at 30fps using the cloud-based Video Boost feature. Google has a host of AI-enhanced editing features that do not have an iOS equivalent, including Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur, which are also available to other Android phones. Pixel-exclusive features include Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Add Me, the latter of which combines two images so that you can add someone to a group shot. If AI editing is important to you, the Pixel lineup is the way to go. If video prowess is more your thing, the iPhone might have the edge. Apple doesn't specify the size of its batteries, though the company did state during its event that iPhone batteries have received a size boost across the lineup. We will reserve our final judgment until we've had a chance to fully test the new models. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro both come with a 4,700mAh battery, while the 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery. We found that the Pixel 9 lasted 11 hours and 45 minutes when running an HD video on Wi-Fi at full brightness. Last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted longer than 20 hours. We'd be surprised if the iPhones don't beat the Pixels this year, too. None of these phones comes with a charger, so you'll have to buy your own or use one you have around the house. Depending on the type of charger used, all the phones support approximately the same charging speeds (25 to 30W). Winner: Tie (for now) Software Support: How Many Years Will You Get Updates? Apple doesn't say exactly how long it will offer software support for its phones, but generally, you'll be able to get updates for seven to eight years after the device has been released. Google explicitly states that it will offer seven years of iOS upgrades and security updates for the Google Pixel lineup. Consistent updates are a win for everyone, and both companies have shown their commitment to providing longevity to their devices. No one has really tested Apple Intelligence yet, the company's AI competitor to Gemini. Gemini AI is still a work in progress, and, we expect the same of Apple Intelligence -- particularly given the piecemeal way Apple intends to roll out the features over the next few months. You can't go wrong with any of these phones. Both the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 lineups offer great specs and software at similar prices, though ultimately, the choice will come down to your preference of operating system. If you're an Android user, the Google Pixel 9 will look tempting compared with other Android devices, but iOS fans simply have to choose which iPhone they want. We look forward to fully testing the latest iPhones soon. Until then, be sure to check out PCMag's coverage of Apple Glowtime.