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

The Google Pixel 9 makes me question if I need to go Pro

The Google Pixel 9 series is exciting. It's arguably the most important Pixel lineup since the Pixel 6, and if you're in the market to upgrade your Android phone, there's no better time to jump into the world of pure Google. Which Pixel 9 is for you isn't the clearest decision anymore, though, as the company has now introduced a new Pixel 9 Pro that is the same size as the Pixel 9, and then there's a slightly larger and feature-rich Pixel 9 Pro XL to contend with too. Don't forget the Pixel 8a as the budget alternative, and then there's the Pixel 9 Pro Fold . I've spent a week with the Google Pixel 9, and it's one of the best Android experiences ever. You won't get as much as you do with the Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL, but I'm not sure if that's necessary for everyone, either. Google Pixel 9 9/ 10 The Pixel 9 is Google's most affordable 2024 flagship, making a few compromises compared to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL while retaining the Google smarts the lineup has become known for. An upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera is paired with a 50MP main shooter, and the selfie cam added autofocus. All of this comes with new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display for exceptional value at its price point. ProsRefined design feels premiumCamera improvements are strongThe best Tensor experience yet Cons$100 more than last-genCharging speeds remain poorWhere's Android 15?! $799 at Google Store$799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon Availability and network Expect to pay $100 more than last year Let's kick off with the bad news. Much like the rest of your life, the price is going up. The Pixel 9 costs $100 more than the Pixel 8 . That's the story for most phones this year, with many Android manufacturers increasing prices, citing inflation as the main factor. There are still plenty of deals available for the Pixel 9, and we expect to see this phone on sale for less in the coming year, but it's now $799 on day one. The Pixel 7 , just two years ago, went on sale for $599, so this is a tough one to stomach. In the US, you can pick it up from the usual retailers, Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. You can use the Pixel 9 on all major US carriers, and we'd recommend looking through our guide to the best Pixel 9 deals to find the perfectly priced deal for you. The Pixel 9 is also available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the UK. Specifications SoC Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 security coprocessor Display type Actua (OLED), 120Hz Display dimensions 6.3" Display resolution 1080 x 2424 RAM 12GB Storage 128GB or 256GB Battery 4,700mAh Charge speed 27W wired, 15W wireless Charge options Wired, wireless, reverse wireless Ports USB-C SIM support Nano-SIM and eSIM Operating System Android 14 Front camera 10.5MP f/2.2 Rear camera 50MP f/1.7 OIS main, 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide (123°) Cellular connectivity 5G, LTE Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3 Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm Weight 198g IP Rating IP68 Colors Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony Price $799 Expand Design and display The biggest change to Pixel in years I'd say the Pixel 9 series features Google's best-looking phones ever. The Pixel 9 feels more premium than previous handsets from the company, and it feels like you're getting a top-end phone with a good enough design to fight it out with Samsung and Apple. The design has been tweaked since the Pixel 8 series, and while it's not a huge departure, it will take some getting used to if you're moving from a Pixel 6 or later Google handset. Starting with the back of the phone, you've got a new redesigned camera bar that no longer hits the edges of the phone. It remains big, thick, and the main element that draws your eye to the back of the phone, but now the edges of the bar at the left and right are rounded to give it that Bender from Futurama look. It still won't be to everyone's taste, but I really like how Google has managed to keep its now iconic Pixel look but develop it into something new this year. Side note; Google has managed to continue to make one of the dirtiest elements of a smartphone with the camera bar. Even through just one week of use, and a couple of attempts at cleaning, my phone had a thick layer of dust above and below the camera bar. I don't think my pockets caused this, but you may find yourself regularly cleaning that part of your phone. The dimensions are 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, which means it's a little thinner than the last-gen handset but slightly bigger in the other two directions. The handset feels easy to hold and use in one hand, but it is on the weightier side at 198 grams. If you're looking for a light phone, this may not be it. The rear edges of the phone are no longer rounded like the Pixel 8 series which may not sit as comfortably in the hand. It now feels a lot more like an iPhone, but I don't necessarily think that's a negative. The edges of the phone remain a brushed aluminum frame. The front and rear of the phone are Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which should mean improved durability, but I've yet to have any serious accidents with the phone to truly test them out. Read our review The Pixel 8 remains the Google phone for the masses The Pixel 8 doesn't need every feature the 8 Pro offers I have found the Pixel 9 to be slipperier than previous Pixel models, as it has gone for an adventure off my bedside table a couple of times when it was on charge. That may be down to the camera bump rather than the material used, but it's something worth keeping an eye on and maybe all the more reason to pick up a Pixel 9 case . You've got four color options: Obsidian (the black you can see in this review), Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. The black is boring and a dust magnet, but the other three colors are far more exciting. The front of the phone is largely similar to previous generations, with flat edges on a 6.3-inch display. That's slightly larger than the last generation, and that's down to both slimmed-down bezels and a slightly larger phone. If you're frustrated by the bezels on the Pixel 8, you'll be more satisfied here. Shoutout to Android Police's ex-Google Editor Manuel Vonau, who said in his review last year that it was one of his biggest frustrations. They are a touch slimmer, and that chin on the last-gen phone is gone. I've seen some people online speculating that the bottom bezel remains thicker here, but I honestly can't see that so even if it is, I don't think you'll notice it in everyday use. I love the Pixel 9's screen. It has a resolution of 1080 x 2424 (which is 422 pixels per inch), and that's remarkably clear offering a brilliant picture throughout my testing. The best new upgrade is the increased brightness, which I found was noticeable immediately. It now features a peak of 2700 nits compared to 2000 nits on the Pixel 8. If you opt for either of the top-end Pixel 9 products, you'll get an LTPO display. That may be worth it if you're used to using an incredible phone display, but I didn't have any issues with the OLED Google was using here, and it'll suit most people well. Other hardware and what's in the box Very little else in the box The Pixel 9 speakers are okay,, but I wouldn't say there's anything remarkable here. They're good enough for listening to music as you wander around the house. The phone's haptics remain some of the best on the market, as they're strong and give a bit of a punch when you're looking for feedback from your device. Don't expect much in the box with the Pixel 9. You get the charging cable, but as with most modern smartphones, you don't get the charging brick. Google wants you to use your own from a previous device or to buy one separately. There's a small amount of documentation in the box alongside the charging cable, but there's little else here aside from the phone itself. Software and performance Stuck on Android 14, for now For many, the big disappointment with the Pixel 9 series is that Android 15 just isn't ready yet. Google pulled forward the reveal of the Pixel 9 series earlier in the year than previous generations to try and beat Apple to the punch. Because of that, the company hasn't had its new software ready yet, and it'll be coming to the Pixel 9 at a later date. The latest version of Android is here with a few Pixel 9 exclusive features on top of it, so I'll run you through those here. Notably, the software is smooth and easy to use, but if you're a day one Pixel owner to get your hands on the new software, you can likely wait until later in the year for when Android 15 will be ready. I'll come back to this review when Android 15 lands to give you the rundown of what has improved. As last year, Google is offering seven years of OS updates with the Pixel 9 series. That means you'll be getting through to Android 21 at a minimum. Google has yet to confirm whether the Pixel 9 series will get a further software update, considering the phone launched one generation before what we expected. Related Android 14: The complete guide to Google's software release All the details we have on Android 14 in one central place 2 That longevity, even if you do get one fewer year than expected, is fast becoming the norm in Android phones, and knowing you can use this device for the next seven years without it becoming an online safety hazard is a huge deal. For this reason alone, I'd opt for a Pixel 8 or Pixel 9 over an older device like the Pixel 7. Pixel 9 exclusive features are limited this year. Gemini is everywhere, integrated into more apps than before, and that's a big part of Google's software changes. For the first time, Gemini AI is the default assistant on the Pixel 9. That means you can now hold down the power button and get instant access to Gemini. It's helpful and will likely encourage you to use Gemini daily. A brand new Pixel-exclusive app is the Pixel Screenshots app, which gives you a location where all your tickets, screengrabs, and more can live. The idea here is that it takes some of the power away from Google Photos, keeps all your screenshots in one place, and allows you to better search through them for key details. If you take as many screenshots as me, you'll find this helpful in identifying membership numbers, passwords, or other key details. One of the bigger additions is the new Pixel Studio, Google's new AI image-making app. Give the app a prompt, and it'll make you an image from it unless you're trying to include human beings. Humans are currently exempt from the app, and they'll be coming in a future update. The feature is okay at best, but it's struggling to keep up with the major alternatives on the market. Close The feature is largely useless, and the few times it did get what I was asking for accurately, I wasn't hugely impressed with what it could do from there. If you're excited about artificial intelligence imagery, you'll want to play around with this, but it's yet to get my blood pumping. A new feature called Call Notes is an addition to the company's burgeoning phone call features. It's designed to give you a quick summary of what was discussed on the call, including key information. I've yet to be able to test this feature as it's currently US-specific (and I'm based in the UK), but the early impressions seem to be negative. Then there's the Pixel Weather app, which has been jolted in the arm with AI, that I also found to be largely lacking. It's designed to give you a summary of the weather and advice on what to do. It recommends things like a hat or an umbrella. I don't find this helpful when I know how to read weather forecasts on my phone. Onto performance, and the Tensor G4 chip. This is an improvement over previous Pixel phones, and it has performed better than the Tensor G3. The handset handled everything here remarkably well throughout my time with the phone. I've had a little bit of the typical heat-up that we've always found with Tensor products, but I experienced it less here than with other products. It became mostly an issue when using the phone for photography in direct sunlight. It never became too hot to touch, but it may be something you want to consider compared to a lot of other flagship phones. Snapdragon chipsets remain better for performance, but this is powerful enough, and it seems Google has kept on top of the heating issues we've seen time and time again. You've got one option here for RAM, and that's 12GB. Google has dropped its 8GB options for this series, and that's a major step forward. If you're spending this much on a phone, you should expect 12GB of RAM. Your storage options are more limited than most of the competition at 128GB or 256GB, and I would have preferred to see Google jump up to offering 256GB and 512GB options here. Camera One of the best on the market The main camera on the Pixel 9 is a 50 MP Octa PD wide camera, and it's pretty remarkable. Throughout my time with this phone, I've been amazed at what it can achieve, especially considering my light touch on the setting side. That main camera does most of the heavy lifting here, but there's also a 48MP Quad PD ultrawide camera with a 123-degree field of view. This is the same setup as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, but you don't get some of the added extras here. Close Ultrawide is first in both examples, followed by main camera Google's processing has always allowed this to be a top point-and-shoot camera, which continues to be the case with the Pixel 9. Everything I shot turned out well through the automatic settings. Close There's no telephoto camera here, and instead, the company's Super Res Zoom feature returns. This works well enough for most scenarios, but if you're used to using your telephoto camera, you may find it frustrating. I captured a few images that I was satisfied with, but it isn't a full replacement for a proper telephoto shooter. You'll get optical quality at 2x, but everything else above that is using Super Res Zoom. Close Normal camera, 2x zoom, 5x zoom, and 8x zoom Selfies are using a 10.5MP punch-hole camera with an f/2.2 aperture. I've not tested this as much, but during my testing, I've found it to be clear and light throughout its shooting. Video calls themselves remain good imagery, and this was suitable for all the video I needed from the front camera. Shoutout to Pixel's Portrait mode, which remains the best in the business. I've been shooting my cats with it all week, and it's turned out brilliantly. Close Two examples of Portrait mode on the Pixel 9 Onto the software features; you've got everything from the last few generations of handsets like Best Take. The new big software addition is a feature called Add Me, which is designed to give you the option to take a photo alongside someone else without the need to ask a passerby or bring along a tripod. You take a photo with one person and then switch to another person. An AR version of the original image is overlaid onto the second photo so you can position it perfectly to make it look like a natural shot. It doesn't work perfectly, especially if the lighting changes, but you should play around with it as it's fun to do. Then there's the Reimagine feature. This is an editing tool built into Google Photos that allows you to add AI elements to your own photos using prompts. You select the area you want to change using a brush, and then tell it what to do. Below I changed the landscape to have a night's sky featuring a moon, I asked Gozilla to attack in the second image, and the third image I asked for my cat to be relaxing at a ski lodge. Close Much like Pixel Studio, they're fun to play around with, but I think it'll be rare if you get an example you particularly want to share with friends. The Godzilla example turned out remarkably well, but the other two aren't particularly share-worthy, especially the final example where things just look wrong with the fire and trees in the background. Battery life and charging Better battery, worse charging I've been beating the Pixel 9 into submission over the last week, and it's done remarkably well. I took the phone on two flights, which both managed to be two to five hours delayed, so my airport usage went through the roof with me using work apps, watching Netflix, listening to podcasts, and playing games. On one of those days, I did recharge at around 7 p.m., but it made it to that time with 20% left in the tank, and that was with over six hours of screen on time. There's a 4,700mAh cell doing the hard work here, which is a touch bigger than the last phone's 4,575mAh. That's not a noticeable change, but overall battery life has been strong, with it often giving me enough to get through a whole day. The Pixel 9 charging speeds remain a disappointment compared to the competition. If you have the right brick, it's a 27W wired charging speed that recharges to 55% in 30 minutes. It's not terrible, but it's also not great for a flagship in 2024. Google has seen fit to change this up on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but this remains a limited capacity on the standard phone. You've got wireless charging here, but I found this to be slower than I'd like at 15W with the Pixel Stand or 12W with standard wireless charging. That's lower than the Pixel 8's 18W charging, so we're not sure why Google chose to downgrade these specific elements. Reverse wireless charging makes a return, so you can share some of your phone's battery with accessories like compatible headphones. Competition Which Pixel is for you? There are two main alternatives to the Pixel 9 that you should consider before you upgrade here. The first is the Samsung Galaxy S24 from earlier this year which you're going to be able to find some cheaper deals for than the Pixel 9 series. It costs the same amount at launch but is now cheaper with consistent sales. For most people, the Pixel 9 is likely the best choice, but there are some areas of Samsung that you may prefer. It's lighter for one, and the design may be more to your tastes. Read our review Samsung Galaxy S24 review: Small but super Bright screen, flat sides, can't lose The other big piece of competition is the Pixel 8. Android Police gave the Pixel 8 a nine out of 10 in 2023, and the truth is that it may suit you better if you're money-conscious about your smartphone. You'd lose out on the slightly more powerful chipset, the improved camera hardware, and a few other elements, but that may be worth the price difference. With Google offering at least another five years of software updates on that phone, it's also worth investing in now. Then there's the rest of the Pixel 9 series to consider. The Pixel 9 Pro is the same size as the Pixel 9, and if you're after some slightly improved hardware over the main flagship phone, you may want to consider spending a bit more to get that. If you're okay with going larger, there's always the Pixel 9 Pro XL to look at, too. Both those phones offer improved displays, slightly more accomplished cameras, and a bit more grunt in terms of RAM and storage. Should you buy it? It will depend on your situation, but I'd recommend the Pixel 9 to almost anyone who's after a top-tier Android experience in 2024. If you've got that extra $200 to spend, go for it and get the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL. But if you want to avoid shelling out for the best of the best, this phone is pretty fantastic. Google has always been strong at offering a more affordable alternative to its top-end phone, and that's still the case here. The Pixel 9 feels the most accomplished we've ever seen of one of the company's phones, and I'd seriously consider buying this over the top-end phones out there from all the other Android competition. Google Pixel 9 The Pixel 9 is Google's most affordable 2024 flagship, making a few compromises when compared to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL while retaining the Google smarts the lineup has become known for. An upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera is paired with a 50MP main shooter, and the selfie cam added autofocus. All of this comes with new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display for exceptional value at its price point. $799 at Google Store$799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon Related Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: An excellent phone that costs more

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. Something different happened last fall. For the first time in a long time, I made a Pixel phone as one of my daily drivers -- and it's a decision I don't regret after putting the Pixel 8 Pro through countless photo shoot outs and comparisons against all the best phones around. Now that its successor is finally here, I have high expectations for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. That's because the Pixel 8 Pro stuck around for almost a year, even when newer Android phones like the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24 Ultra tried to tempt me away from it. Google's rearranging its Pixel lineup because instead of just one flagship model, we're getting two 'Pro' models instead. Technically speaking, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the direct successor to the Pixel 8 Pro because of their similar sized screens -- whereas the Pixel 9 Pro has a much smaller display. I break down all the details about them in my Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL comparison. Given the popularity of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google's arming the Pixel 9 Pro XL with bigger upgrades like newer cameras, more helpful AI features, and a stronger, more durable design. In my Pixel 9 Pro XL review, I'll see if it's a worthy update that could convince people to choose it over rival phones. Frankly, I'm annoyed that we're getting back-to-back price hikes because the Pixel 8 Pro launched at $100 more than its predecessor last year with its $999 starting cost. And now with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it's up by yet another $100 to a starting price of $1,099. This effectively ends one of the best parts about getting a Pixel phone: their discounted prices. Pixel 9 Pro XL preorders are available right now, with steep discounts on the flagship phone when you do a trade-in. Although, it'll be available online and select retailers starting on September 4. There's a total of four colors at launch: obsidian, porcelain, hazel, and rose quartz. I do miss the bay option for my Pixel 8 Pro, but I do like the rose quartz color of my Pixel 9 Pro XL review unit because of its lighter tone. I'm really annoyed that the base starting storage is still 128GB. First and foremost, I love the redesigned camera hump on the back of the phone because it's much more pronounced than ever before. The elongated pill shaped protrusion is a departure from the edge-to-edge camera bar in past Pixels, but it's exactly what it needs to set it apart from other phone designs. Apart from the camera arrangement, the design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes it look eerily similar to the iPhone 14 Pro Max due to the polished metal trims that are now flat as opposed to contoured. I know others may like this change, but it doesn't feel as comfortable to hold as the rounded edges of the Pixel 8 Pro -- so it's something I'm just going to need to get used to. Despite this, at least it's still sporting the same matte glass surfaces as before to give them that always clean, smooth look. Google claims that the design is twice as durable as the Pixel 8 Pro with its IP68 construction, especially with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting its screen. During its Made by Google event, the company made an outrageous claim that the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 6.8-inch Super Actua display reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. I didn't think it was ever going to get close to that in our testing, but I was mistaken. Hands down, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the brightest screen we've ever tested -- reaching a blinding peak of 2,469 nits, a substantial improvement over the 1,526 nits of the Pixel 8 Pro. And you know what? It shows outside when I play the same 4K HDR clip, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL being noticeably brighter than the Pixel 8 Pro. But it doesn't end there either because this OLED panel looks marvelous with its rich color tones and wide viewing angles that barely show any distortion when I look at it from an angle. This record breaking mark is hard to believe, more so when rival phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra tops out at 1,326 nits. I'm starting to believe that phone makers are leaning on software more so than the hardware to propel their cameras -- and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is proof of this. That's because its triple camera system consists of a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Technically speaking, the main and telephoto cameras are identical to Pixel 8 Pro. However, the ultrawide benefits from a wider f/1.7 aperture (versus f/1.95 with the Pixel 8 Pro), which makes it more suitable for low light. While the rear cameras are similar for the most part, it's the selfie camera that gets the biggest upgrade -- a pixel crunching 42MP autofocusing front camera with a wider 103-degree field of view. I won't spill the beans on how it performs just yet, but it's undoubtedly a big upgrade if you intend on using it a lot. Meanwhile, the camera interface is just as intuitive and robust as ever before. Since it's a 'Pro' model, shutterbugs like myself appreciate the Pro Controls that let me dial in a few of the camera settings manually. The only new changes include the Add Me feature, which leans on AR-guidance to let the photographer be included in the shot -- along with how panoramic photos are taken. Starting off with the 50MP main camera, I honestly don't see any differences against the Pixel 8 Pro. With the shot I took of the American Radiator Building from Bryant Park, it shows off the excellent dynamic range performance of the Pixel 9 Pro XL -- especially in how it handles the shadowed areas of the nearby trees. Against the Pixel 8 Pro, I'm hard pressed to even realize which is which because they produce the same results. Against the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the snapshots above at a park might look similar in how they both do an excellent job with the contrast of the light and shaded areas -- but it's only when I zoom into the photos that I see the iPhone 15 Pro Max pulling in the slightly sharper image. It's only noticeable with the leaves around the bench in the foreground. Sticking with the same location at Bryant Park, there's definitely a bigger improvement with the Pixel 9 Pro XL's upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera. Even though it has a narrower 123-degree field of view (126-degree FoV with the Pixel 8 Pro), its f/1.7 aperture draws in more light to better expose those same shadowed areas in the shot. Macro mode automatically kicks in whenever I get close to a subject with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Using this pink flower to compare against the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I'm giving it to Apple because it produces a brighter image with more definition in the details. It's hard to see unless you zoom tightly into the petals around the flower. It's a close one -- but the Pixel 9 Pro XL falls a little short. The selfie camera has the biggest upgrade, thanks partly to the new 48MP sensor and wider 103-degree field of a view. As a result, it captures much more detail in my face compared to the softer tones of the Pixel 8 Pro -- like the texture of my shirt and other beauty marks around my face. At 5x zoom, the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't show any meaningful improvements against the Pixel 8 Pro. If you look closely at the tree in the middle of the shot above, they both capture the details of the tree's bark and branches. The only reason why I prefer the Pixel 9 Pro XL's image is how it pulls in better dynamic range performance and how the leaves and branches appear brighter. Interestingly enough, Google's doing something extra to boost the Pixel 9 Pro XL's performance at 30x zoom. Whether it's newer image processing algorithms or something else, it's giving the sign in the shot above more sharpness and clarity. There's a slight shift in how panoramas are taken with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as it adopts a new process that involves me pointing the camera at specific dots on the screen and holding it still there for a little bit. Even though I prefer the fluid panning action of the Pixel 8 Pro, the newer Pixel's implementation delivers better results. Not only is it a brighter image, but the exposure throughout the shot is much more even than the Pixel 8 Pro. Things get much better under low light, as the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Night Sight Panoramic shot really does boost the overall quality. Side by side, there's no comparison as the pitch dark setting of my backyard draws out much more detail -- like the brighter detached garage in the background. And speaking of low light, I was itching to see bigger gains out of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but they're minimal at best. Against the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it does a better job at exposing the shot above. The room's almost pitch dark in them, but yet the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes it look like there's some ambient light hitting the plants on the shelves. I will say that they both capture fine details like the textures of the walls and wooden shelves, but it's just the boost in exposure that pulls the Pixel ahead. Against the Pixel 8 Pro, it also applies more exposure to the shadows in the shot above of a tree in my backyard. Another reason to choose the Pixel 9 Pro XL is because of its ability to shoot at up to 8K 30FPS -- whereas the previous Pixel 8 Pro caps out at 4K 60FPS. On one hand, I like the extra utility of 8K recording because it gives me more playing room to edit videos by cropping them or adding digital pans/zooms in my video editing software, but you'll need a high-performance machine to handle them. If you want the best quality, however, you'll want to set Video Boost mode on because of the improved exposure and contrast it delivers. Even though it takes time for the final video to process, which involves uploading the original clip to Google Photos and then downloading the optimized one, the result makes the clips turn out much better. It might be tough to discern in the clip above on a sunny day down by 33rd street in New York City, but it's much more noticeable with Night Sight Video. In the original clip I shot at my backyard, it was filled with a lot of distracting noise, but Night Sight with Video Boost removes them -- while also applying extra brightness in the process. I just wish that these results could be achieved locally on the phone, rather than waiting with all the processing and uploading. Overall, it's a modest improvement, but I don't think it's enough to convince existing Pixel 8 Pro owners to switch -- especially with the main and zoom cameras. However, the new photo editing AI features could be enough to convince others, which I'll elaborate in the software section. The biggest area of opportunity for the Pixel 9 Pro XL is without a doubt its processing performance, mainly because last year's Tensor G3 underperformed against rivals chips like Apple's A17 Pro and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. With the Tensor G4 calling the shots, it's an improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro -- with GeekBench single and multi-core scores averaging at 1,929 and 4,747 respectively. On paper it beats the Pixel 8 Pro's scores of 1,699 and 3,666, but it trails the performance benchmark results of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Despite this, I'm happy to report that its performance is buttery smooth and responsive with all the normal functions I do on my phone. I'm also pleased by how it manages to keep more apps in memory with its upgraded 16GB of RAM, which means less refreshing if I'm multitasking. Over on the graphics performance side of things, it's a minimal gain running 3D Benchmark's Wild Life Unlimited test to see how its GPU handles. Its 55.63 fps score is well in line to what I expect out of a flagship device, but it's barely an improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro's 52 fps score. And compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't come close to matching their insane frame rates. But don't let GPU performance tests be the single determining factor because I loaded up Age of Origins and Modern Combat without any hitch to either of their performances -- even when there's a lot of action happening. The Tensor G4 might not be the speediest piece of silicone on the market, but it's certainly bringing along improved power efficiency. That's because the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060 mAh battery, which is marginally better than the Pixel 8 Pro's 5,050 mAh one. Given how the Pixel 8 Pro came up short at 10 hours and 3 minutes in Tom's Guide's battery benchmark test, I'm impressed that the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats it in stunning fashion clocking in at 14 hours and 37 minutes at its longest. This is the kind of leap I want to see in any successive device, so I'm delighted that we finally have a Pixel with extraordinary battery life. It has taken years to get here, but it's lasted me easily through a day with little worry. In fact, it hovers around 15% battery life each night right before bed time. Battery life is a key area people look at when buying a phone, so it's long overdue that a Pixel can finally keep up with the competition. On the flip side, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also gets a boost with faster 37W wired charging -- which is slightly up from the Pixel 8 Pro's 30W charging. This results in getting a 63% charged level in 30 minutes of charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro got to 59%. However, wireless charging is still capped at 15W with the use of a 2nd Gen Pixel Stand and a slightly slower 12W speed with Qi wireless charging. Usually Pixel devices launch with the latest version of Android, but Google's choosing to launch the new Pixel 9 lineup with Android 14 as opposed to Android 15. I know there are people who are on the fence about this decision, but I'm not. Yes, there are certainly new features that accompany Android 15, but the new exclusive Pixel features are enough to tide me over. Of course, AI features play a huge part in Google's phones -- and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no exception. While it doesn't gain as many features as what the Pixel 8 Pro introduced, I do like how the majority of them have a practical purpose. Here's all the new AI feature: First of all, Google Gemini is the virtual assistant that handles everything on the phone -- from asking it to create a list of places to visit on your vacation, to controlling your favorite smart home devices. What's even better is that I can access Gemini Live by pressing on the corresponding button in the Gemini app. What I'm impressed most about Gemini Live is the assistant's ability to handle natural conversation, like when I ask a follow up question while it's speaking. It's even better that it sounds like I'm having a conversation with an actual person. Getting assistance with augmented reality, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's new Add Me feature lets me take group photos with the photographer stitched into the photo later. Essentially, you take one photo then the Pixel 9 Pro XL guides you to take the second one -- with prompts to move closer or further so that the two shots are lined up correctly. Once the second photo is snapped, it then merges the two with help from AI to produce the final photo. I'll admit that it works flawlessly in the photos above that I used to magically add me. Technically a new feature within Magic Editor, I love how the new Reimagine feature uses generative AI to tweak my photos. It works best on backgrounds, which I used to change up the shots with the photos above. By writing down my request in a text box, I'm surprised by how it generates the new set of images in less than 4 seconds. While it does accurately produce what I want, it can still occasionally mess up -- but it works nicely for the most part. The first image is the original one in the gallery above and the rest are generated with the Reimagine feature. Pixel Studio uses a text box to generate new images and sketches based on my description. I asked it to make an image with "black cats fighting against teenage mutant ninja turtles on the beach," and I'm astonished by what it produces. Yeah, I get a good chuckle from all of them, but it was super quick at generating the images. No other phone currently offers anything similar to this out of the box, so it's a tool I can see myself using. Call Screen has been one of my favorite AI features with the Pixel 8 Pro, allowing Google Assistant to take phone calls on my behalf, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL gains the added convenience of Call Notes. Essentially, it records your phone calls and then creates a summary about it -- which is swell if your short term memory isn't that great. I find it useful because I'm not forced to jot down notes while trying to comprehend the nature of the call. Not only do I get the transcription, but I also like how it intelligently summarizes the call. And finally, the last feature you should know about is the Pixel exclusive Screenshot app. I'm still on the fence about using it as much as the other features, mainly because it involves taking a lot of screenshots. It basically leans on AI to analyze the contents of your screenshots, so it can recall them later on. For example, I used Pixel Screenshots to look up the price of a hard drive that was emailed to me. It pulled it up quickly and answered my question about the price. But again, for this to work effectively long term, I need to constantly tell myself to take screenshots. All of these features amplify the software in these two phones, even though it's launching with Android 14 instead. Thankfully it won't be long before it comes out. Despite this, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is still get the same outstanding 7 years of major software and security updates that make Google's phones prized in the space. Clearly there are improvements with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apart from its brighter display and longer battery life, everything else about the Pixel 9 Pro XL feels like it's a modest upgrade at best -- which is made tougher due to its $100 price increase. While the new AI features are helpful, I was hoping for bigger improvements around its camera and processing performance. Given that the Pixel 9 Pro has the same exact camera arrangement as this, there isn't much justification on picking the Pixel 9 Pro XL for photography. And compared to its direct rivals, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, they definitely cost more but have better performances overall.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: a nearly perfect Android phone | Digital Trends

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL MSRP $1,099.00 Score Details "The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers stunning hardware, lovely cameras, and much-improved specs -- making it one of 2024's best flagship smartphones." Pros Google's best Pixel hardware yet Excellent display 16GB of RAM! Really fantastic cameras Helpful AI tools Much better battery life Seven years of updates Cons Pixel Studio is a mess Slow charging speeds 128GB of base storage The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has big shoes to fill. It's the first "XL" Pixel we've seen in five years, one of Google's most expensive Pixels ever, and it has to follow up on the excellent Pixel 8 Pro it's replacing. That's a mighty tall order. Contents Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: designGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: screen and performanceGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: cameraGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: software and AI featuresGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: battery lifeGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: price and availabilityGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL: verdictShow 2 more items Here's the good news, though. The Pixel 9 Pro XL does it. Google went all-out for its ninth-generation flagship Pixel phone in ways I wasn't expecting. Not everything is perfect, but the result is a phenomenal smartphone that's well-made, powerful, and a joy to use. If you're in the market for a flagship Android phone in almost every sense of the word, here's why the Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of your best choices. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: design Google regularly ups its design game every year with Pixel phones, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no exception. However, it doesn't feel like a year-to-year improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro. Instead, it feels like a two- or three-year jump. Google made significant design changes this year, with one being the flat frame. Unlike other phones that went flat this year (I'm looking at you, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6), Google did a great job keeping the edges between the frame and the front and back of the phone smooth. It's a top-notch construction job that makes the phone comfortable to hold while still giving it that flat, industrial look. I didn't think Google could pull it off, but it did. Also new is the redesigned camera bar. Instead of extending the entire length of the phone's back, it's now an oval shape that sits like an island. And I like it! The Pixel 9 Pro XL still looks like a Pixel phone, just one with a fresh coat of paint. Combined with the flat frame, the whole package looks and feels like a grown-up version of previous models. That theme also continues throughout the rest of the phone's build. The buttons are first-class, the speakers sound rich and full, the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is fantastic, and the vibration motor is one of the best I've used on an Android phone in recent memory. Throw in an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water, and I'm struggling to think of things to complain about with this hardware. I imagine some people reading this will blast Google for copying the iPhone's design this year, and that's a fair criticism. When placed side-by-side with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 9 Pro XL does look eerily similar. But I'd also argue that it's not a bad thing. Given the choice between the two phones, I prefer how the Pixel 9 looks. It's a gorgeous and tremendously well-crafted piece of hardware, and it may be one of my favorite smartphone designs of the entire year. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: screen and performance As the XL name suggests, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a big phone, so you get a big screen. Taking up the front of the phone is a 6.8-inch Super Actua Display. It's an OLED panel with a 1344 x 2992 resolution, a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, and peak brightness up to 3000 nits. It's all packaged with symmetrical bezels around the entire display -- just as it should be. This is an outstanding display. Google impressed me when it first introduced its Super Actua Display technology on the Pixel 8 series last year, and it's even better on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The screen is bright and vibrant without being too punchy. Whites are stark, blacks are deep and inky, and everything is as sharp as can be. This is an outstanding display. I've been running the phone at the "High resolution" option at a slightly lower 1008 x 2244 resolution (which looks great to my eyes), but you can easily change it to the full 1344 x 2992 resolution if you'd like. The 120Hz refresh rate has been buttery smooth throughout my testing, and the always-on display looks excellent, too. I honestly don't have anything to complain about -- this is a fantastic screen. Speaking of fantastic, let's talk about the Pixel 9 Pro XL's performance. Last year's Tensor G3 chip was surprisingly reliable (much more so than the Tensor G2 from the Pixel 7 series), and the Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 phones continues that trend. I've not had any major performance issues with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apps open quickly, navigation is smooth, and graphically intense games run without a hitch. I played a few back-to-back rounds of Star Wars: Hunters with graphics set to Very High, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL stayed at a consistent 60 frames per second (fps) for all of my matches. It also does this without overheating -- a consistent issue for Tensor-powered Pixel phones. The Pixel 9 Pro XL got warm to the touch after about 20 minutes of Star Wars: Hunters, but around a level I would expect any phone to be. Finally, you get a lot more RAM this year -- 16GB compared to the 12GB on the Pixel 8 Pro -- and it's noticeable. I've been able to leave apps and games running in the background for over two hours and have them open immediately without needing to reload. Call 16GB of RAM overkill if you want, but I love it. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: camera Cameras are always a big deal for Pixel phones, and as you might have guessed, that's no different for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This year, you get a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, a 48MP telephoto camera, and a 42MP selfie camera. The rear camera specs are virtually identical to those of the Pixel 8 Pro, though the selfie camera is a significant boost from the previous 10.5MP sensor. Call Google lazy for not changing much of the camera hardware this year if you'd like, but you won't find me complaining about this camera setup at all. The Pixel 8 Pro was one of my favorite smartphone cameras of 2023, and it's safe to say the Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of my favorites for 2024. Like its predecessor, what I love most about the Pixel 9 Pro XL is how effortless its camera is. I don't have to think too hard about the shot I'm taking; when I press the shutter button, I'm all but guaranteed to take a great photo. Whether outdoors in great lighting, shooting directly into the sunset, or in a dimly lit restaurant, it doesn't matter -- the Pixel 9 Pro XL just continues to deliver excellent photographs. The primary camera is the star of the show, but the secondary cameras are just as impressive. The ultrawide shooter gives you a lovely 123-degree field of view (FoV) while retaining good colors and detail that's comparable to the primary camera. The ultrawide camera can also double as a macro camera, and the results are lovely. The telephoto camera is technically a 5x optical zoom sensor, though Google says it has a 10x "optical equivalent." And, if you want to get crazy, Super Res Zoom lets you go up to 30x. And you know what? All of these zoom lengths -- even up to 30x -- look shockingly good. I'll let the photos of the rabbit above speak for themselves. Rounding out the camera sensors, the selfie camera is arguably the best I've used this year. It captures lots of detail and great colors and has a large FoV of up to 103 degrees (with the option of 1x and 0.7x shooting modes in the camera app). It even has autofocus, as do all of the Pixel 9 phones this year. Also, in typical Google fashion, the Pixel 9 Pro XL camera experience has its fair share of AI features. Add Me is the one Google is marketing the most, and it's impressive. Say you're taking a picture of your two friends, but there's no one to hold your phone so you can be in the picture. With the Pixel 9, you can open the camera, select Add Me, and take a photo of your friends. Then, have them leave the scene, ask one of them to take a picture of you in the same spot, and the Pixel 9 creates a composite of the two images to insert you. It's not something I'll use very often, but I can see it coming in handy in certain situations. Auto Frame is another new feature, and I'm already getting a lot of mileage out of it. If you take a crooked photo, open it in the Magic Editor in Google Photos and tap the Auto Frame button. It uses AI to perfectly line up your shot and fill in any missing gaps. In about a second, you get a perfectly framed photo. As someone who can rarely frame a shot the way I want to, Auto Frame has been a fantastic tool. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: software and AI features In a surprise twist, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't ship with Android 15. Instead, like the Pixel 8 family, it ships with Android 14. It's an odd move, though ultimately, it's not a big deal. It'll be first in line for Android 15 when it's ready, and even without the newest Android version available, there are still some new software goodies to play with. One of my favorites is the new Pixel Weather app. I'm a sucker for well-designed weather apps, and I'm happy to report that this is a great one. One of the highlight features is the AI Weather Report, which gives you a one-sentence summary of the current weather. It updates throughout the day, and you can tap the dropdown arrow for a longer explanation. It sounds gimmicky, but I've actually found it quite useful. Speaking of useful, the new Pixel Screenshots app is fantastic. If you're like me, you probably take screenshots to remember things you see on your phone. The problem is that you take so many that when it comes time to find something important, you can't. Pixel Screenshots solves that problem. As you take screenshots on your Pixel 9 (or import any screenshots backed up to Google Photos), they're saved in a new Screenshots app. Here, you can organize screenshots in collections/groups and search for the contents of your screenshots -- such as a recipe, an upcoming concert, plans you made with friends in a group chat, etc. It all runs entirely on-device (no internet connection required) and works incredibly well. It's not something you'll need to use all the time, but when you do, it should prove to be a pretty invaluable tool. The other new features are Gemini Live and Pixel Studio, though I've been less impressed with them. Gemini Live is a more natural, free-flowing way of talking to Googe Gemini. It feels like talking to another human rather than Alexa or Siri, though it's not much more than a cool tech demo. Gemini Live can't access any personal data like your contacts, shopping lists, or smart home devices, so I'm not quite sure what to actually use it for. Pixel Studio, meanwhile, is Google's new image-generation app. After introducing AI wallpapers with very rigid prompts last year with the Pixel 8, Pixel Studio on the Pixel 9 is much less restrictive. Open the app, type in what you want an image of, and Pixel Studio makes it for you. The app is well-designed and easy to use. However, it's also quite problematic -- generating images of animals and popular fictional characters in inappropriate (and sometimes illegal) situations. I won't get into everything here, but to give you an idea of just how bad it is, Pixel Studio generated an image of SpongeBob dressed as a German soldier from WWII. Yeah. Pixel Studio misses the mark. I don't think the presence of Pixel Studio on the Pixel 9 Pro XL ruins the phone, but it also feels like an unnecessary app that we could all live happily without. I don't want or need an AI image generator preinstalled on my phone -- especially when it generates such tasteless and distressing images. Google is usually smart about adding new apps and Pixel software, but this one misses the mark. The good news is that you can completely ignore it, and that's what I'd recommend you do. Beyond those new additions, this is the same Pixel smartphone experience we've come to know and love over the years. Google's Android interface is clean, organized, and easy to navigate. Other features -- such as Now Playing and Hold For Me -- are still here and as helpful as ever. I've long preferred Google's Pixel software over any other Android interface, and that's not changing this year. As for updates, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is promised seven years of Android upgrades, security patches, and feature drops. It's the best update policy in the smartphone industry and remains one of the best reasons to buy a Pixel phone over anything else. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: battery life Going into my review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, I was anxious about the battery life. The 5,060mAh battery is virtually identical to the Pixel 8 Pro's 5,050mAh battery, and the Pixel 8 Pro was a mediocre one-day smartphone. Presumably, due to better power efficiency with the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL fares significantly better this year. On particularly heavy days, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is still a one-day smartphone. One day, for example, began at 7:20 a.m. and ended at 11:55 p.m. with 16% battery remaining. That included 4 hours and 49 minutes of screen time, over 20 minutes of gaming, and lots of time on a 5G connection away from Wi-Fi. On a more casual day with just 2 hours and 47 minutes of screen time, I started the day at 7:20 a.m. with 100% battery and still had 44% remaining at 10:45 p.m. Depending on how you use the Pixel 9 Pro XL, this can easily be a day-and-a-half smartphone. Google is making great progress here. Is this on the same endurance level we've seen from phones like the Galaxy S24 Plus and OnePlus 12? Not quite, but it is a notable improvement from the Pixel 8 Pro -- and that means my Pixel battery anxiety isn't a thing this year. There's still room to improve, but Google is making great progress here. Unfortunately, that same progress doesn't translate to charging. The Pixel 9 Pro XL recharges at up to 37 watts, which is technically an improvement over the 30W charging on the Pixel 8 Pro last year, but still not as fast as I would have liked. Using my trusty Belkin BoostCharge charger, the Pixel 9 Pro XL went from 3% to 42% after 30 minutes and took about an hour-and-a-half to reach 100%. That's not terrible, but it's also a far cry from phones like the OnePlus 12R that go from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes. Wireless charging is available, going up to 12W with regular Qi chargers and up to 23W if you have the Pixel Stand. Reverse wireless charging also returns. Unfortunately, there's no Qi2 support. That's been the case for almost every Android phone this year, and it's getting annoying. Fingers crossed for next year. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: price and availability Are you interested in the Pixel 9 Pro XL? If so, prepare to spend at least $1,099. That's for the base model with 128GB of storage. Larger storage options are available for $1,199 (256GB), $1,319 (512GB), and $1,549 (1TB). Given the $100 price increase from the Pixel 8 Pro, I would have liked to see 256GB become the new base storage amount, but alas, that didn't happen. Through August 28, Google is offering $200 in Google Store credit when you buy the Pixel 9 Pro XL, in addition to any trade-in discounts you take advantage of. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also comes with a free year of Gemini Advanced (a $240 value). The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available at the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and most major carriers in the U.S. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: verdict On the one hand, I suppose it isn't surprising that the successor to one of 2023's best smartphones is also excellent. But it's the level of improvement in certain areas where Google surprised me this year. I've discussed it enough, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's hardware is unfathomably good. Google's Pixel hardware has always felt just a bit behind the competition, but it's now on par with -- if not better than -- the latest flagships from Samsung and Apple. It's also impressive that overheating and battery life are nonissues this year, as these are two things that have notoriously been a thorn in the side of Pixel phones. Throw that together with the expected excellence in camera quality, (mostly) good AI features, and clean, up-to-date software, and you're looking at a darn good package. If you want a big flagship Android phone, it's tough to do better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. So, if the Pixel 9 Pro XL is so good, why not give it a perfect 10/10? Despite all the upgrades, the new $1,099 price is a sticking point. That's not because of the competition, but because the non-XL Pixel 9 Pro includes all the same features and specs, with a more compact display and a smaller battery for $100 less. It's the one I'll probably stick with, but that's because I prefer smaller phones. If you like bigger phones, the XL is the way to go -- and the fact that we have a choice this year is fantastic. I just wish going for the XL also came with more storage and faster charging. Regardless, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the best phones you can buy in 2024. It's the phone I'd personally choose over the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and it's even giving my iPhone 15 Pro Max a run for its money. If you want a big flagship Android phone, it's tough to do better than this. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is that good.

Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: Which is right for you?

Google Pixel 9 Featuring Google's upgraded Tensor G4 chip, a large 120Hz OLED display, a beefy battery, and a solid camera array, the latest Pixel is an all-around impressive smartphone. Importantly, you can get yours for just $799, making it a fairly affordable buy for a premium smartphone. ProsTensor G4 chip120Hz displayBig battery ConsLimited storage $799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon$800 at T-Mobile$850 at AT&T Apple iPhone 15 Apple's base iPhone 15 sports a truly impressive A16 Bionic chip for some excellent performance, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a great camera, too. If you're looking for a premium iPhone but don't want to spend on a Pro or Pro Max, this is a great option. ProsSlick designDynamic IslandExcellent performance ConsNo 120Hz display $830 at Amazon$830 at Best Buy$799 at Apple iPhone or Android? It's the age-old question when picking out a new smartphone. Although it may ultimately come down to brand preference, there's certainly more to it than meets the eye. Let's take a look at the current offerings that are leading the pack. You may not want to spend extra on the Pixel Pro/XL or the iPhone Pro/Max tiers, so between the base Pixel 9 and iPhone 15 models, which would be better for you? Luckily, we're here to help with the ultimate Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 comparison. Price, availability, and specs Not cheap, but the cheapest in their lines Google's Pixel 9 is available now at your retailer of choice for pre-order, and pricing begins at $799 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB model will cost you $899. You can also choose between four colorways: Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, and Obsidian. Similarly, Apple's iPhone 15 is up for sale just about anywhere you can buy phones. The base iPhone starts at $799 for the 128GB model, and it scales up depending on how much storage you want, capping out at $1099 for 512GB. You also have a variety of similarly lovely colorways to choose from. Google Pixel 9Apple iPhone 15SoCGoogle Tensor G4Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Display6.3-inch Actua display, OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, up to 1800 nits (HDR) and 2700 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 26.1-inch Dynamic OLED Display, FHD+ resolution 2556x1179RAM12GB6GB RAMStorage128GB or 256GBUp to 512GBRear camera50MP f/1.68 main (wide) camera + 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide, 123-degree FOVMain: 48MP, (ƒ/1.6) Ultrawide: 12MP, (ƒ/2.4) Telephoto: 12MP (ƒ/1.6) apertureFront camera10.5MP f/2.2, 95-degree FOV12MP (ƒ/1.9)Battery4,700mAh3,349mAhCharge speed45W wired, 15W Fast wireless charging20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless, 4.5W reverse wirelessPortsUSB-CUSB Type-CConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (mmWave + sub-6GHz)5G (Sub-6GHz and mmWave) Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3Dimensions6x2.8x0.3 inches (152.8x72x8.5mm)5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm)Weight7 ounces (198 grams)6.02 ounces (171 gm)ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, PeonyBlack, blue, green, yellow, pinkOperating SystemAndroid 14iOS 17Price$799Starting at $799 Related Google Pixel 9 series: Everything there is to know about Google's latest flagship phones The Google Pixel family is bigger than ever with this year's iteration. Here's everything you need to know. Related iPhone 15 review: A major yet sneaky upgrade from its predecessor Apple's iPhone 15 might look like last year's iPhone 14, and the iPhone 13 before that. But it's an upgrade that impresses nonetheless. Design and display Two sleek smartphones This is "blue," at least according to Apple. In terms of core design, both the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 15 are sleek, premium phones with rounded edges and mid-sized camera bumps. There are no buttons in sight, and the biggest visual difference comes down to the iPhone's larger front-facing camera cutout as compared to the Pixel. Dimension-wise, the Pixel is slightly taller and comes in at an ounce heavier than the iPhone, but outside of these relatively minor differences, these phones are similar in their overall footprint. Suffice it to say you won't have trouble stuffing either one into a pocket. As for the display, the Pixel has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED panel at a 2424x1080 resolution, and the iPhone has a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED panel at a 2556x1179 resolution. The iPhone does have the higher-resolution screen, but the 120Hz refresh rate on the Pixel is a big deal for smooth browsing and gaming. In general, the 120Hz display on the Pixel makes it our overall winner. The iPhone has a sleek design and a beautiful screen of its own, but its 60Hz refresh rate is tough not to see as a disappointment in 2024 on a premium $799 smartphone. Winner: Google Pixel 9 Hardware and features A16 Bionic vs. Tensor G4 Image credit: Google There are some key differences to keep in mind when it comes to the hardware of these phones. In the world of smartphone chips, Apple is at the top of its game. The A16 Bionic inside the iPhone 15 outcompetes Google's Tensor G4, which is an upgrade over its last generation, but depending on what you plan on doing with your phone, this may or may not be relevant to you. The Pixel has 12GB of RAM while the iPhone only has 6GB, which may seem like a major downgrade. However, iOS tends to require less RAM than Android, so the performance is probably more similar than you may think. With storage, the Pixel caps out at 256GB, while the iPhone goes up to 512GB. AI is a big focus of Google's Pixel 9 line, but Apple isn't sleeping on AI features, either. In fact, Apple's upcoming iOS 18 is set to introduce a bevy of AI tech to iPhones via Apple Intelligence. However, these features are going to require at least a Pro model of the iPhone. So, for AI, you'll likely be better off with a Pixel 9, unless you'd prefer to opt for the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro. When it comes to cameras, in our review of the iPhone 15, we called its camera system "excellent" and said that "in many ways [it] matches the iPhone 14 Pro series." We were especially impressed by its zoom lens. Likewise, we were also impressed by the Pixel 8's camera setup, and the Pixel 9 looks to be bringing some key upgrades to the table, so we're expecting some solid competition with iPhone in this department. Altogether, thanks to a more powerful chip, more storage, and a great camera system, the iPhone edges just slightly ahead of the Pixel. But if you want AI features or don't need the most powerful chip out there, you may be better served by the Pixel. Winner: iPhone 15 Battery life Nothing to complain about We haven't tried out the Pixel 9 for ourselves just yet, but there are some takeaways. In our iPhone 15 review, for example, we didn't have much trouble making it through a day without needing to charge. Our experience was similar with the Pixel 8, and with the more efficient chip inside the Pixel 9, we'd expect similar, if not improved, battery life. You won't be able to go multiple days without charging on either phone, but day-long battery life is within reach for both of them. Winner: Tie Overall winner: Google Pixel 9 Altogether, thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate, AI features, lots of RAM, and what looks to be a solid camera system alongside capable battery life, the Pixel 9 is our top choice. However, that doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to opt for an iPhone 15. Winner Google Pixel 9 Featuring Google's upgraded Tensor G4 chip, a large 120Hz OLED display, a beefy battery, and a solid camera array, the latest Pixel is an all-around impressive smartphone. Importantly, you can get yours for just $799, making it a fairly affordable buy for a premium smartphone. $799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon$800 at T-Mobile$850 at AT&T If you're looking for the most powerful phone, Apple's A16 Bionic can't be beat. Furthermore, if you prefer more storage and don't really care about AI features or a 120Hz display, the iPhone 15 is likely a better overall purchase for you than a Pixel 9. Runner-up Apple iPhone 15 Apple's base iPhone 15 sports a truly impressive A16 Bionic chip for some excellent performance, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a great camera, too. If you're looking for a premium iPhone but don't want to spend on a Pro or Pro Max, this is a great option. $830 at Amazon$830 at Best Buy$799 at Apple

Google Pixel 9 Review: This Might Be 2024's Best AI Smartphone

Key Takeaways The Pixel 9 leverages Google's Gemini AI to offer genuinely useful features that enhance productivity, from smarter email management to on-device generative image creation. With a more flat design and balanced weight distribution, the Pixel 9 feels modern and robust, though the polished glass back might require a case to keep it smudge-free. Despite the impressive battery life, AI capabilities, and efficiency, the Tensor G4 still feels just a beat slower than the competition. Google's Pixel 9 series marks the company's most ambitious lineup yet, featuring the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With much of the attention going to the Pro phones, a question remains: How does the standard Pixel 9 fare against its more premium siblings? With its sleek design, upgraded camera system, and robust AI features, the Pixel 9 is unsurprisingly an excellent contender in the smartphone market that offers a very competitive price-to-value ratio. Disclosure: Google Canada provided our review unit, but all thoughts and opinions are at our discretion. Google did not receive an early preview of this review. 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. ProsExcellent camera performancA decent refresh in designIntegrates Google Assistant and Gemini seamlessly ConsPerformance still lags behind competitionPixel Studio and Google Photos Reimagine are more fun than useful See at Google Store$799 at Amazon Price and Availability The Pixel 9 is available for $799 in the U.S. at most major online retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, and directly through the Google Store. The device comes standard with 128GB of storage and can be bought with up to 256GB of non-expandable storage. It is available in Porcelain, Wintergreen, Obsidian, and Peony. Specifications Brand Google SoC Tensor G4 Display ‬6.3-inch Actua display, 1080 x 2424 OLED with 120Hz and 2,700 nits of peak brightness RAM 12GB Storage 128 or 256GB Battery 4,700mAh Ports USB-C Operating System Android 14 Camera (Rear, Front) ‬ ‭ 50 MP wide, 48 MP‬ ‭ultrawide, 10.5 MP Dual PD sel e‬ ‭ Expand Refreshing Industrial Design Google has made a relatively subtle update to the Pixel 9's design, but I love the direction they chose to pursue. Departing from its predecessor's soft, pebble-like contours, this year's design language has shifted to something more angular, with flat sides, back, and screen. If you think this design reminds you of the iPhone, you won't be alone; the Pixel 9 undeniably takes a page out of Apple's design language, and this green color I have here almost looks like the same minty-green as the iPhone 12. But this isn't to say the Pixel 9 looks bad by any means. The camera bar on the back is still distinctly Pixel, but this time, Google has opted for a disconnected visor design, setting it apart from the more seamless designs of previous models. The previous design looked cleaner, but I think this disconnected camera bump makes the phone look more industrial. The device feels both modern and robust; it's a bit heavier but much better balanced with its weight distribution. I'm also very content with the size of the regular Pixel 9, as the device is in that sweet spot between being too big and too small; I can comfortably use it with one hand, but I don't feel congested by the smaller screen. The only issue I have with the Pixel 9 is the polished glass back. While the higher-end Pixel 9 Pro models get a satin-finish matte glass back, the Pixel 9's polished glass really detracts from the otherwise commendable design. It smudges and picks up fingerprints really easily. I've kept my devices free from skins and cases over the past year; the Pixel 9 would be the first phone I would recommend picking up something like a dbrand skin or a clear case for. While it's clear Google wants to differentiate its entry-level phone from its more premium Pro phones, the matte finish on the glass should be standard at this point, especially since both Apple's iPhone 15 and Samsung's Galaxy S24 and S24+ have matte finishes. Brighter Display Moving onto the display, the Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua display that is relatively sharp, vibrant, and noticeably bright. With a new peak brightness of 2,700 nits, it's one of the brightest screens you'll find on a smartphone and is easily visible in direct sunlight. This 1080p OLED panel has a 20:9 aspect ratio and offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, but my only minor annoyance is that the higher refresh rate isn't on by default, and you'll need to go into display settings to enable it. One thing I noticed right away was the uniform bezels spanning the display. They are ever so slightly thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro, but still relatively thin, which is great to see in an entry-model. Using the phone day-to-day, I have no major complaints with the Pixel 9's display -- it's very consistent and works great for general tasks, content consumption, and gaming. The one thing I will point out is that the phone has a slight yellow off-axis tint, but compared to previous Pixel models, this is not a major issue at all. A Pixel Camera When it comes to the camera, the Google Pixel 9 might not have the triple camera system of its Pro siblings, but it still packs a very capable dual camera system. The 50MP wide lens delivers sharp, vibrant images in almost any lighting condition, and the new 48MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus lets you capture stunning close-ups, now with quality that's comparable to the main sensor. Close Google's computational photography has always been top-notch, and the Pixel 9 is no different. Google does an excellent job balancing skin tones and making photos look sharp without giving them the over-processed look of other phones. Close Something that I really like across the two lenses is the consistency in color science of both sensors. From my experience, aside from the iPhone and the Galaxy S24 Ultra, most phones still struggle to deliver accurate color or even the same color when switching between lenses. Close With the Pixel 9, this issue is much improved, and that means this new ultrawide can be used more often to produce the same quality results as the primary lens, which is great to see. Also, it's worth mentioning that the lenses on the Pixel 9 are identical to those on the Pixel 9 Pro series. So, aside from optical zoom and a higher-resolution front camera, the Pixel 9 is more or less just as capable in most situations as its more premium siblings. AI Everywhere, but Good Pixels are never just about the hardware, and the Pixel 9 is by no means an exception -- Google has jam-packed this phone with many AI-driven features, and while many of them can be gimmicky, some are genuinely very useful. Let's start with Gemini, Google's latest AI assistant, which is somewhat of a hybrid between Gemini and the previous Google Assistant. Unlike the older iterations of Google Assistant, Gemini is more proactive and can do quite a lot more than Google Assistant alone. Close Gemini is woven pretty well into things like Gmail, Docs, and Drive. I can ask it to summarize my emails or extract specific information from my documents and presentations, and it works very well. My only complaint isn't necessarily surrounding the accuracy or limitations of the model but more about the fact that it mishears more often than I'd like. That being said, I am content with how Google has decided to implement Gemini into the Pixel because it doesn't fully disregard Google Assistant, which is also present on this phone. By default, both Gemini and Google Assistant are on, and depending on the query, one can take on the prompt where the other wouldn't. For example, I can ask the phone to "Turn off my flashlight" and use Google Assistant, but if I ask it to "Summarize my emails from today," it'll use Gemini to complete the task. It's surprisingly seamless, and I'm glad to see that the phone can differentiate between prioritizing which assistant to use for a given task. Magic Editor in the Photos app is another area Google heavily focuses on, and this is where the Pixel 9 shows off some interesting, albeit gimmicky, AI tricks. As before, you can circle, select, and move an object or person in your photos, but what's new this year is the ability to completely change the photo. Google calls this feature "Reimagine," and it can enhance the lighting, change the sky from cloudy to sunny, or do whatever you wish to change or add to the photo. I used it with a couple of the photos I took on the phone, and the results can vary from decent to looking like an amateur Photoshop job. Close I wish Google hadn't focused so heavily on changing the core image content through such a high degree of manipulation. It's fun to mess around with at first, but after a while, it feels gimmicky and doesn't have any real utility. For a phone that is capable of taking photos with as much versatility as the Pixel, I think Google would've been better off using generative AI to enhance the processing further or giving us more fine-tuned control over how the processing occurs after the photo is taken. Close The other generative image-generation feature on the Pixel 9 is Pixel Studios, and in contrast to what the Photos app does, I think Google did an excellent job here. Think of it as Midjourney or DALL-E built right into your phone. Google designed this for those who want to dabble in generative images. The Pixel Studio app offers a suite of tools that let you create customizable AI artwork through prompts, and it allows you to be specific in choosing the style of artwork you're looking for. The best aspect of this app is the fact that the image generation model Google is using is built to be run on-device, so not only is it surprisingly fast, it's usable offline, which is great to see. Close In terms of utility, this app is a nice way to create customized invites or something fun to share with friends and family, but it's still very much in its early stages. While you can open images to edit, you can't open images that have people in them. It'll be interesting to see where Google goes with this and whether they're able to incorporate even more advanced models on-device. Finally, there's the Pixel Screenshots app, which might seem minor at first glance but is quite handy. However, I wouldn't want it as a separate app as it's given here. The premise of the Pixel Screenshots app is that we all take screenshots to remember things -- whether it's an event, a location, or a piece of information we want to revisit later. Close This app takes this a step further by organizing your screenshots automatically and allowing you to search through them using natural language. It works quite well -- I screenshot a bunch of clothes from various websites, and I can parse them simply by searching for things like "yellow sweater from Zara," which brings them up. The app is quite seamless, but I don't think it should be a separate entity. It would be much better served as a Google Photos feature that parses through all your photos with the right privacy guard rails and can do what it does in the native Photos app. Overall, I'm quite impressed with Google's suite of AI features on the Pixel 9, and I'm happy to see that at least some of them, like Gemini and Pixel Screenshots, are features I'll find myself using regularly. Run-of-the-Mill Performance and Battery The Pixel 9 is commendable when it comes to performance and battery life. This year's Pixel series is equipped with the Tensor G4 chip and has 12GB of RAM on the base Pixel 9. In my experience, using the Pixel felt relatively snappy, but it was always just a smidge behind the competition, and the Pixel 9 feels no different. In day-to-day use, I had no issues navigating the UI, opening apps, editing photos, or watching content -- it was just a beat slower than the Galaxy Z Flip 6 I used last week or my iPhone 15 Pro. I think that has a lot to do with Google's smooth animations, but they tend to be inconsistent. For example, scrolling the app drawer is very fluid, but opening the multitasking window can be jagged. These small, noticeable differences make the Pixel feel just a bit slower, but Google seems to be improving. For the first time, the Pixel finally gets an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and compared to my previous Pixel, the 6 Pro, it is night and day. Not only is it noticeably faster, but it's also much more reliable and accurate. The Pixel 9 is excellent in terms of battery life. Equipped with a 4,700 mAh battery, this phone easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use. I'd say you can occasionally push it to be a two-day phone, but the Pixel 9 is consistent when you rely on it to be an all-day phone. Paired with a 1080p OLED, with this massive battery and more efficient chip, I had no issues going a full day with taking photos, GPS, streaming videos, or browsing. It's also nice to see that it supports fast charging, up to 55% in 30 minutes, with a 45W charger. Overall, I think the Pixel 9 does a great job in the performance and battery life department for a device meant to maximize its value proposition compared to its more premium siblings. Should You Buy the Google Pixel 9? After spending time with the Google Pixel 9, I'm convinced that Google might have created the best-value AI phone of 2024 so far. Google has put serious thought into making the Pixel 9 a device that truly balances price and utility, even with its $100 price increase. The AI-driven features, though not all equally useful in daily life, do have merit in ways that improve the user experience of owning this phone -- at least when they work as expected. Sure, the Pixel 9 might not have the triple-camera setup or the brighter displays of its Pro siblings, but this base model holds its own in all the areas that matter. The phone delivers a lot without asking you to pay the premium for features you might not need. If you're looking for a smart, reliable phone packed with AI features that make a difference, the Pixel 9 is an easy recommendation that doesn't sacrifice the essentials. 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$799 at Amazon

Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Superb cameras, with a side of Gemini AI

Google sets its sights on making AI part of your smartphone habits. This year, Google decided not only to update the design of its Pixel phones but also put its AI features front and center. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are the first Pixels that have swapped the Assistant for Gemini. With its latest flagships, Google continues to improve its cameras, by upgrading its primary sensor and expanding its suite of editing tools. And to power all those new AI tricks, the company has equipped the devices with its newest Tensor processor, designed to handle on-device Gemini tasks. For the first time, too, the Pro-branded Pixel is available in two sizes, with a smaller version joining the family. Better yet, if you go for the Pixel 9 Pro, you'll be getting a largely identical phone to the pricier 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. Please note: no camera compromise here, Apple. But this isn't just another flagship Android: it's a concerted effort to get you hooked on Google's AI-powered image editing, email assistance and more. The Pixel 9 Pro delivers on all these aspects, with varying degrees of success. As I opened the box, I knew this was the most premium Pixel yet. The Pixel 9 Pro has softer curved corners than its predecessor, while the edges have been flattened. It also felt somehow familiar -- like my iPhone. I had to double-check, and they weighed the same, down to the gram (all 221 of them). That's not bad: the iPhone Pro is the de facto phone to beat. The Pixel 9 Pro has a similar matte satin finish. I don't know if the flattened sides make it easier to grip than the Pixel 8 Pro, but I found the substantial camera module did help with stability, occasionally resting on my finger or thumb during shots. The 'cyclops bar' is gone, replaced with a more conventional - but just as substantial - camera array. The temperature sensor is, for some reason, still here, although a Thermometer app update coming this week will let it save the things you're most regularly measuring and even offer some AR guidance to ensure you're the right distance away from the object you're scanning. Without the camera bar, which felt a bit much the Pixel 9 Pro doesn't feel like Google trying to make an aggressive design statement. The camera module is huge, however. Like last year, Google has kept the display almost entirely flat. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's 6.8-inch screen is 0.1 inches bigger than last year's Pixel 8 Pro and brighter, too, peaking at 3,000 nits. It makes sense for Google to make its bigger pro Pixel even larger to match the XL in its name, but like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pro XL is a little too big for me, and my not-exactly-small hands struggled to reach the search bar or dropdown menus in the top corners. (Sidenote: I can move the Chrome address bar to the bottom of the screen on my iPhone, but not on Android? What gives?) Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3-inch panel is roomy enough to see plenty of lines of text at once, without me having to almost sprain a finger to reach its edges. Both Pixel 9 Pros have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on their displays as well as across the satin-finish backs, like last year's flagship phone, meaning they're about as durable as before. With the XL, you're consciously deciding you want a Big Phone - this is S24 Ultra territory. Fortunately, it's another bright, vivid screen from Google, with variable refresh rates from 1-120Hz for smooth scrolling when needed. The XL Pixel Pro's resolution of 1,344 x 1,992 translates to a pixel density of 486 ppi, which is lower than the Pixel 9 Pro (495 ppi). But good luck discerning that in real life. Google continues to lean towards more understated color tones on its screens, compared to rival phones from Samsung and Apple. Still, I think it suits the shades of Android's Material Design palette, as well as this year's hardware color options. Both Pixel 9 Pro sizes arrive in black, white, hazel and rose quartz. I was sent the hazel version, which is subtle to the point of looking almost gray. My colleague Cherlynn Low is infatuated with the rose quartz Pixel 9 Pro she's tested. The Pixel camera is still the best smartphone camera. Last year, we called Pixel 8 Pro "the most powerful smartphone camera on the market," and Google has tried to hold on to that position. Hardware-wise, the sensors are the exact resolution as the Pixel 8 Pro, aside from the leap to a 42-megapixel front-facing camera, up from 10.5 megapixels last year. Google has also improved the autofocus, and it takes surprisingly decent crisp shots and video. But we're all here to discuss the triple camera array on the back. There's a new 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. The upgraded hardware doesn't result in noticeable improvements over the Pixel 8 Pro in most of the photos I compared.... until I started using the telephoto sensor. There, I saw huge improvements to detail and color. Google has addressed some of the Pixel 9 Pro's video-recording weaknesses too - I didn't notice any overheating issues with the new Tensor chip, even when recording multiple video clips at maximum resolution. Google has once again augmented its cameras with software features that walk the line between gimmick and game-changer. Add Me could be the latter for me. As the guy with the newest smartphone in my friendship group and family, I'm usually the one taking candid and group shots for everyone. But that means there often aren't many photos of me. Add Me is a new camera mode which combines Google's computational photography expertise with augmented reality to scan and frame an area and group of people. Once you've taken the first photo, you trade places with someone else, the Pixel 9 Pro will ask that person to align the frame, and take a second shot. It's a little like the Best Take feature from last year, which could swap out faces to ensure everyone's giving their best smile, the Pixel then processes and combines those two images together. It's a simplified Photoshop clone tool, sure, but it looks good. I will be using this at the next birthday/wedding/christening/future 40th birthday party. (Ed. note: We get it, Mat, you're popular.) The Pixel 9 Pro arrives with several features initially teased a year ago, including Zoom Enhance and Video Boost. Zoom Enhance is pretty self-explanatory, using AI to increase both detail and sharpness on your most aggressively zoomed photos. The results can be mixed. It's not as egregious as Samsung's super-imposed moon photography, but Zoom Enhance does its best work on shapes, structures and patterns, sharpening up brickwork, foliage and more. It still usually makes a mess with humans. There are use cases for Zoom Enhance (it does a great job sharpening up London's Tower Bridge) but I'm not sure it'll rescue your concert pics from the back of the venue. Not unless you want a nightmarish vision of Taylor Swift's face massaged by AI. Notably, Zoom Enhance is one of the camera AI features that's processed on-device. With Video Boost, the Pixel 9 Pro records video in a special mode (that you will have to toggle in settings before recording) and those clips are automatically uploaded to the cloud for server-side processing. What's new for the Pixel 9 Pro is that you can shoot videos with up to 20x zoom or create boosted videos with 8K resolution. You'll need to record at 1080p to create 4K videos, and capture in 4K to make 8K clips. This is upscaled 8K, so while clips seem crisper in places, don't expect 8K footage that's comparable to what you'll get with dedicated cameras. Video Boosted 8K seems more like a spec boast for Google rather than a feature you'll use with any regularity. Having said that, Google has improved video boost substantially since it first launched, adding smoother transitions between focal lengths and different camera sensors. With Video Boost, leaping from a standard wide view to 5x zoom is far less jarring, and Google has fixed the color imbalances between its trio of sensors - it looks much like it was filmed on a single-lens camera. It also offers a boost to any video captured in low light. It won't make pitch-black footage visible - I did try - but does improve the color and detail of dim video clips. You can also punch in to 20x digital zoom if you're using Video Boost for surprisingly functional footage. Once you've taken your photos, an upgraded Magic Editor brings the same content-aware fill features as last year, capable of deleting unwanted objects and people from your photos. This year, Google adds more generative AI power. First up, Autoframe will let the Pixel try its hand at improving your photo's composition, cropping and even extending your photos, generating backgrounds and adding elements, sometimes successfully. Reimagine puts Google's generative AI skills to use with more creative tasks, allowing you to select backgrounds, items or other areas of your photo, and create dreamy composite images. I was able to swap out my living room for a Hawaiian sunset, make the floor lava in a nearby park and more. Get too specific with your wording, though, and the results aren't quite as impressive. But that's the state of smartphone generative AI, for now. The pro camera controls, introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro, are still here. They let you manually tweak exposure, shutter speed, and ISO, and are still super useful for those who know what they're doing. On the Pixel 9, you may notice a few surprise apps that you never installed. But this isn't quite bloatware: they're Google's new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. Instead of adding more complication to the Photos app, these have been made into standalone apps, which I'm very glad to see. For now, you're unable to edit photos with people in Pixel Studio, which dampens a lot of the fun. If you want standard generative-AI cartoon images and renders, Pixel Studio can oblige, although my creations aren't quite as cohesive as the examples shown. While Pixel Studio offers the ability to title your designs, most times that text will get turned into the usual AI-generated squiggles, defeating the purpose of making most things with this app. It's a little too early to draw conclusions on Pixel Screenshots, too. It uses AI to parse through all your screenshots, making information like prices, reservations and dates searchable. However, the Pixel 9 doesn't populate your screenshots automatically, nor could I find a way to pull my existing screenshots (years of them!) from my Google Photos backup, which seems like a miss. The Photos app already silos them as screenshots, so there must be a way to transfer them across. Is this a privacy issue? We've asked Google. This means it offered limited utility during my first week of testing. What could be incredibly useful is how Gemini AI can gradually learn to identify what's captured in the screenshots beyond simply reading the text. Screenshots in general are just smarter on the Pixel 9 Pro. I captured some travel itinerary emails, and before I even had to open an app, the Pixel suggested adding my hotel stay to Google calendar. These are the touches I love. (Of course, I could hold the power button to summon Gemini and ask it to do so similarly.) Both Pixel 9 Pros get a year's subscription to Google One AI Premium, a bundle of 2TB storage as well as the use of Gemini Advanced. The latter lets the AI directly dabble in apps like Gmail and Google Docs, to summarize text, PDFs and email conversations, although I didn't spot it in my own Gmail app. I was still able to test this in a Chrome tab elsewhere, as the subscription extends to every device you use with Google products. There's also access to Gemini Live, a conversational mode that's almost entirely voice-based. I'm not sure how much I'd use this mode, however. I prefer to type my specific requests. Gemini Live will tick along in the background as you use other apps, which adds to the utility, and stores all your requests and results on the main Gemini screen. I was able to barrel through about 15 different voice requests for shows I wanted to see at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, and it could already parse showtimes and venues, faster than I could manually find them. It struggled with some names and couldn't identify some notable comedians at all. Google has made AI-assisted search a functional part of how I use my phone. It's been fun seeing what Gemini Advanced is capable of. After taking an obtuse photo of several skyscraper buildings in central London, I asked Gemini Advanced to identify where the photo was taken. The AI initially said it could be New York, suggesting one of the buildings was One Vanderbilt. Then I said that was incorrect and that it was taken in London. Gemini Advanced circled back, identifying not only one of the buildings but also the address, which was roughly 100 feet away from where I took the photo. The sheer seamlessness of the experience on Android was what impressed me most, but this is part of Gemini Advanced and after the one-year trial ends, Google expects you to pay $20 a month to keep your access. At a time when all my payments for Netflix, Spotify and more are climbing, Google isn't offering enough to make me add another subscription to the pile. Along with 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 series features the Tensor G4, Google's latest slice of silicon, designed to breeze through AI tasks and generative AI requests. But If you're a mobile gamer this isn't going to blow you away. The G4 is more powerful than the Tensor G3, sure, but it doesn't quite match the smoothness of the latest Snapdragon chips from Qualcomm. Tensor G4's improved abilities are put to use most with new AI tasks: for example, Google says its Add Me feature taps into augmented reality software along with 15 different on-device AI models. We haven't quite got to the point where we can compare the speeds and efficiencies of generative AI tasks. For the most part, the Pixel 9 Pro behaves like a typical flagship phone. Chrome is unlikely to stutter, and the Pixel 9 Pro seems capable of handling heavy video editing and processing with ease, as well as new Magic Editor features for your photos. These features still take a moment, but the fact that so many AI tools work on-device, with no connection needed, impresses me. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's 5,060mAh battery is almost identical to the Pixel 8 Pro (5,050mAh), and it delivered over 22 hours in our looped video rundown test. The Pixel 9 Pro, meanwhile, managed to run for almost 25 hours. However, maximum charge wattage differs between the two Pros too. The Pixel 9 Pro charges at 27W, less than the Pixel 8 Pro's 30W, while the new Pixel 9 Pro XL charges at 37W. This means the XL should charge faster than the base Pro. Google says the Pixel 9 Pro can get up to 55 percent in 30 minutes, while the XL will reach a heady 77 percent in the same time, using the company's own 45W charger. My Pixel 9 Pro showed similar figures, speedily recharging to over 50 percent in under 25 minutes. The Pixel Pro has never looked better and feels like the premium devices Google's always wanted to make. Naturally, there's a premium cost associated. Given that last year's 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro was $999, the $1,099 Pixel 9 Pro XL is $100 more expensive, while the Pixel 9 Pro, with the same cameras, storage, processor and AI hooks, but a smaller screen, costs the same $999. However, compared to rivals like Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1,300), the Pixel 9 Pro devices remain competitively priced. The Pixel 9 Pro is a showcase for Gemini, Google's AI assistant, and it's been given a huge opportunity to shine as Pixel 9 Pro owners enjoy a year of free access to the more advanced model. It's early days for some of the new software features, like Pixel Studio and Screenshots, however. Competition from Apple and Samsung over the last few years may have chipped away at the competitiveness of Pixel features like Night Sight, but Google continues to improve the Pixel's imaging prowess further. The Pixel 9 Pro cements the Pixel series' status as the best smartphone camera. It's so good that I don't mind that chonky camera cutout - it changed my mind. Some of these new features are crucially ones I will regularly use, like Add Me. Elsewhere, Google taps into cloud processing to beef up your video with the might of its server network. At the same time, the Pixel keeps many of its computational photography tricks on-device, with the temperamental Zoom Enhance available without the need for an internet connection. It all culminates in a phone with unique tricks and incredible battery life, regardless of which size you go for. It's so good that my iPhone will have to go without its SIM for a little longer: the Pixel 9 Pro will be my main phone for just a bit more.

Google Pixel 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Which Android flagship deserves the crown?

Quick Links Price, specs, and availability Design and display Performance and software Battery life and charging Camera Which Android flagship takes the crown? Editor's choice Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung's 2024 flagship isn't a huge leap forward, but it nonetheless offers a slick, refined Android experience. It's fast, sports a good (if not great) camera module, and brings some useful AI features to the table. It still lags behind the competition with its mediocre wired charging speeds, but that's something we can live with. ProsSleeker, lighter designExcellent performanceSlick software experienceGalaxy AI is useful ConsLess RAMSub-par wired charging speeds $800 at Amazon Worthy competitor Google Pixel 9 The new Google Pixel 9 is a solid Android flagship, but doesn't offer the same advantages over the competition that it used to. It's bulkier and heavier than the Galaxy S24, and while its camera module is good, it doesn't set the standard anymore. Still, it's a nice alternative for those who favor the Google ecosystem. It also has more RAM in its base configuration. ProsMore RAMFaster wired chargingUseful AI features with Gemini ConsLarger and heavierNo telephoto camera $799 at Best Buy There are a lot of Android phone makers, but two names stand out from among the pack: Google and Samsung. The Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy series have stood for years as the go-to flagships for smartphone users looking for a top-notch Android experience. The Galaxy S24, Samsung's latest base model flagship, hit the market earlier this year, and Google has just thrown back the curtain on its new flagship, the Pixel 9. This means Android fans now have two brand-name base model flagships to choose from, but which is more deserving of your cash? Let's take a look. Price, specs, and availability The Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 are their base model flagships for 2024. Both retail for $800 in their standard configurations. The Galaxy S24 was revealed at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this year and is currently available for purchase from Samsung, major network carriers, and third-party outlets like Amazon and Best Buy. The Google Pixel 9 series hit the market in late August and is up for pre-order from Google and the retailers above. Google Pixel 9Samsung Galaxy S24SoCGoogle Tensor G4Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform Display6.3-inch Actua display, OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, up to 1800 nits (HDR) and 2700 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 26.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rateRAM12GB8GBStorage128GB or 256GB128GB, 256GBMicro SD card supportNoNoRear camera50MP f/1.68 main (wide) camera + 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide, 123-degree FOV12MP Ultra-Wide Camera F2.2 FOV 120˚, 50MP Wide Camera OIS F1.8 FOV 85˚, 10MP Telephoto Camera  with 3x Optical Zoom F2.4 FOV 36˚Front camera10.5MP f/2.2, 95-degree FOV12MP Front Camera F2.2 FOV 80˚  Battery4,700mAh4,000mAhCharge speed45W wired, 15W Fast wireless charging25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (mmWave + sub-6GHz)5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v 5.3 Dimensions6x2.8x0.3 inches (152.8x72x8.5mm)5.79 x 2.78 x 0.30 inches (147.1 x 70.61 x 7.62 mm)Weight7 ounces (198 grams)5.93 ounces (168.1g) IP RatingIP68IP68ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, PeonyOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber YellowOperating SystemAndroid 14Android 14, One UI 6.1Price$799Starting at $799 Related Google Pixel 9 series: Everything there is to know about Google's latest flagship phones The Google Pixel family is bigger than ever with this year's iteration. Here's everything you need to know. 2:02 Related Samsung Galaxy S24 review: Basically a Galaxy S23 repackaged with a software update Really, the only thing that makes the Galaxy S24 stand out compared to other phones is Galaxy AI. But even that is coming to other phones soon. Design and display Standard flagship fare Image credit: Google The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9 are your standard six-inch flagship smartphones. Neither design breaks from the established blueprint, which isn't necessarily bad. The Galaxy S24 sports a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, while the Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED screen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9 touchscreen offers a slightly higher peak brightness (2700 vs. 2600 nits) and pixel density, but nothing is likely to be noticeably different under everyday use conditions. What you will notice is the Samsung Galaxy S24's sleeker design. The Pixel 9 isn't a cumbersome phone by any measure. Still, it's not exactly svelte, weighing more than a full ounce heavier and measuring larger in all dimensions than the Galaxy flagship. Its thicker bezels also give the Pixel 9 a smaller screen-to-body ratio, and the camera module protrudes further from the back of the device. While they're similar overall, the Galaxy S24 sports a more refined design that looks and feels more like a brand-name flagship. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Performance and software Google and Samsung lean hard into the AI trend Using "circle to search" on Galaxy S24 The Samsung Galaxy S24 packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 system-on-chip, which brings proven performance. In contrast, the Pixel 9 comes loaded with Google's own Tensor G4 SoC, which has yet to prove itself "in the field." Early benchmark tests indicate that it's not quite as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 comes standard with 12GB of RAM, whereas the Galaxy S24 has only 8GB, which may make up the difference. Both phones ship with Android 14 as their base operating system, albeit with some interface tweaks unique to each. What's most noteworthy is the new AI capabilities packed into the software. Samsung Galaxy AI offers a suite of fun and useful tools for the Galaxy S24 family. A few we've found to be particularly handy are real-time language translation, AI-powered photo and video editing tools (built right into the camera app), and search assist functions. Granted, these generative AI features aren't unique to Galaxy AI, but they're still genuinely useful and don't feel like a gimmick. Related Samsung Galaxy S24 series hands-on: The AI stuff really works Samsung's brand new Galaxy S24 series gets some improvements, but they're mostly all on the inside The Pixel 9 is also leaning into the AI trend with Gemini and Google One AI. We experienced this with last year's Google Pixel 8 family, and we were highly impressed. The Pixel 8 Pro's generative AI capabilities and features were incredibly useful, and the Pixel 9 should make them even better. As with Galaxy AI, the Pixel's suite of AI features includes everything from text generation to on-the-fly photo and video editing, as well as Google's Gemini AI model . Whether you care about this or not, AI is here to stay. The Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are both shining examples of how useful AI can be. Which one is better is almost too close to call. Either phone will deliver a pleasant and smooth Android experience with good app and mobile gaming performance. Overall, we favor the Galaxy S24's superior chipset to that of the Pixel 9, which gives it a slight edge, at least until we spend more time with Google's new flagships to see how they perform. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Battery life and charging Samsung still lags behind Samsung has not exactly set the world on fire with its charging speeds. The Galaxy S24 has a bigger battery and faster wireless charging speeds than its predecessor, but sadly, it still only has 25W wired charging speeds. That lags well behind the 45W wired charging speeds that the Pixel 9 offers, even if the Galaxy S24 now supports 15W wireless charging like its competition. Of course, this isn't a major concern if you mostly rely on a wireless charger to keep your phone juiced up. Its 4,000mAh battery is smaller than the Pixel 9's 4,700mAh internal power supply. Still, the bigger battery inside Google's flagship undoubtedly contributes to its increased size and weight, so maybe we'll call that even. A bigger battery doesn't necessarily translate to more longevity anyway, so time will tell if the Pixel 9 lasts longer throughout the day than the Galaxy S24. We can't overlook the Galaxy's wired charging speeds, though, which are not what they should be for a flagship device. Winner: Google Pixel 9 Camera Google set the bar high, but others have caught up Image credit: Google Google Pixel devices largely set the standard for what flagship phone cameras should be, but the race has tightened in recent years. The Pixel 9 has the advantage of newly upgraded sensors and sports a 50MP wide-angle main camera along with a 48MP ultrawide camera on its rear module. On the front sits a 10.5MP selfie cam. It's not as impressive as the camera setup of the Pixel 9 Pro models, but photo-happy smartphone users will find plenty to be happy about. The Samsung Galaxy S24, by contrast, has the same camera module as the last two generations of Galaxy flagships. It's not bad, but it's starting to feel a bit long in the tooth. The rear module packs a 50MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. On the plus side, it offers a 10MP telephoto lens that the Pixel 9 lacks, along with a 12MP selfie cam. Yet, despite those advantages, the Galaxy S24's sensors can't produce images that are as vibrant or crisp as newer phones. We have to hand this one to the Pixel. Winner: Google Pixel 9 Which Android flagship takes the crown? It comes down to which ecosystem you prefer This is a close race, and choosing between the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 may boil down to which product ecosystem you favor. If you already own other Galaxy or Pixel products such as a smartwatch , let that be your guide. If not, the Galaxy S24 edges ahead of the Pixel 9 by a small margin. Although it's not a massive upgrade over the Galaxy S23 , the Galaxy S24 features a more refined design and proven performance over the Google Pixel 9. Editor's choice Samsung Galaxy S24 The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the base model of the S24 lineup. It is great for those looking for a smaller smartphone with good cameras at a reasonable price. $800 at Amazon$800 at Samsung The Google Pixel 9 is nonetheless shaping up to be one of the best Android releases of 2024, and it's a worthy alternative to the Samsung Galaxy flagship. That said, the Pixel phones no longer have the same advantages that used to differentiate them: value and camera quality. Despite costing as much as the Galaxy S24, the Pixel 9 is bulkier. It does offer marginally better photography capabilities, and it's an option worth considering for Android users who favor the Google ecosystem. For the Google crowd Google Pixel 9 Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, the Pixel 9 boats some notable upgrades including a brighter display, a new camera system, and a revamped design. $799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 review: Great cameras, longer battery life

It could be quite easy for the Google Pixel 9 to be overshadowed by its Pro-tier counterparts. There are three different Pixel 9 Pro models, after all, and considering all the extra hardware and features they have to offer, the standard Pixel 9 may look a little feeble in comparison. But under that two-camera shell, you can tell Google has put a lot of effort into improving the Pixel 9, and in ways we've been begging Google to get a handle on for years. There are a bunch of reasons to be disappointed with the Pixel 9. A $100 price hike for the second year in the row stings almost as much as a swarm of hornets, and the fact the Pixel 9 will arrive running Android 14 makes us wonder why Google chose to release the phone two months earlier than originally anticipated. But having tested the Pixel 9 for myself, it's clear that Google is offering a considerable number of upgrades this year. Bigger and better versions of key hardware components, plus the usual slew of software upgrades that help set the Pixel line apart from other Android phones. But is it worth upgrading to, or adding to our list of the best phones? My Google Pixel 9 review breaks it all down to help you make that decision. The Google Pixel 9 is available with prices starting at $799 / £799 / AU$1,349, which gets you a model with 128GB of storage space. You may notice that this is actually more expensive than the Pixel 8 cost in all three regions -- $100 / £100 more in the U.S. and U.K. and AU$150 more in Australia. This marks the second year in a row that Google has raised prices on the standard Pixel model. A 256GB model is also available in all three regions, and will cost $899 / £899 / AU$1,499. Early adopters in the U.K. will be able to save £100 on a 256GB model if they order before September 5, meaning they can get a 256GB Pixel 9 for the same price as a 128GB model. The Pixel 9 is available in four different color options. The classic Obsidian and Porcelain, which we've seen on plenty of older Pixels, plus Winter Green and Peony -- fancy ways of saying pink and mint green. The Pixel 9 hasn't undergone a major redesign compared to the Pixel 8, but the design has been refined in ways that are noticeable if you know what to look for. The most prominent change involves the redesigned camera bar, with a new oval-shaped camera bump instead of the edge-to-edge camera bar of the past three Pixel generations. The redesign doesn't stop the camera bar from being pretty large. It's the exact same size as the bump on the Pixel 9 Pro, which needed extra space to hold a third camera lens. It also seems to protrude quite a bit more than previous years, so if Pixel's gargantuan camera bar has annoyed you in the past, then the Pixel 9 isn't likely to change your mind. The rounded edges of the Pixel 8 have been flattened out this year, in a look that isn't dissimilar to Apple's iPhones. The polished metal on my Obsidian Pixel 9 managed to blend into the coloring of the rest of the phone too, making it look much sleeker and more stylish while still remaining nice and comfortable in my hand. Google also promised that the bezels had been reduced by 15%. While I can certainly see a reduction in the size of the bezels, they are still thicker than I'd prefer and noticeably larger than other phones like the iPhone 15 Pro. Likewise, the polished glass back has returned for another year, though it would have been nice to see Google swap the glossy smudge-magnet for the same matte-textured back glass as featured on the Pixel 9 Pro. Thankfully all the glass has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which should better protect it from scratches and other damage. There's no denying the fact that Pixel 9 is larger and heavier than the Pixel 8. The new phone measures 6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 inches and weighs 6.98 ounces, compared to the 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35-inch Pixel 8 and its its 6.6 ounce weight. It's not a major change, but the Pixel 9 does feel weighty when you hold it. It's not overly cumbersome, but that might be a deal breaker for some people. Still, that larger 6.3-inch display does feel like the perfect middle ground between large and small phone sizes. As someone who prefers the larger screen, I never once found myself struggling with the amount of real estate on offer, which is more than I can say for the 6.1-inch Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9's larger display offers 2424 x 1080 resolution at 422 pixels per inch in a 20:9 aspect ratio. That's all pretty similar to the Pixel 8, once you account for the extra tenth of an inch in screen space. Like last year, the Pixel 9 also has a Smooth display setting, which offers an adaptive refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz. The big change this year is that Google has added an improved Actua display, which the phone maker claims can reach 1,800 nits of HDR brightness and 2,700 nits of peak brightness. That range is closer to the Pixel 8 Pro than the standard Pixel 8. We didn't get those figures in our lab testing, but we did record a brightness of 1,769 nits at 100% HDR. The highest brightness we recorded was 2,390 nits at 40% HDR, using a flashlight with adaptive brightness switched on. So while the Pixel 9 is a little far from its theoretical maximum, we have seen a massive improvement compared to the Pixel 8. The new phone is significantly brighter than the 1,416 nits of HDR brightness we recorded with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the 1,318 nits from the iPhone 15. Unfortunately, things go a little downhill from there. The Pixel 9's sRGB score is 119.4% in adaptive mode and 106.6% in natural mode -- which means it doesn't recreate colors as well as its rivals, including the Pixel 8' (126.7% and 108.3%). The Pixel 9's adaptive mode exceeds the iPhone 15's 114.4% for sRGB, which is something, but it falls behind the Samsung Galaxy S24's score of 137.5% in Vivid mode and 120.8% in natural. The same is true for the DCI-P3 color gamut, with the Pixel 9's display scoring 84.5% in adaptive mode and 75.5% in natural mode. That's higher than the iPhone 15's 81.1% result, but it falls short of both the Pixel 8 (89.7% / 76.7%) and Samsung Galaxy S24 (97.4% / 85.5%). The Delta-E rating comes off even worse for the Pixel 9, with a score of 0.3 in adaptive mode and 0.2 in natural. Since lower numbers are better, that means it's well behind the other three displays. The Pixel 8 scored 0.26 in adaptive and 0.15 in natural, while the Galaxy S24 was rated for 0.22 in Vivid mode and 0.24 in natural. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 beat them all with a score of 0.18. In the grand scheme of things this dip in display specs is relatively minor. However it's not good to see that the Pixel 9 has gone backward with color reproduction, rather than forward. And sure it may have beaten the iPhone 15 in a number of areas, but with the iPhone 16 fast approaching that's not really something to brag about. But hey, we can all appreciate the extra brightness in the screen, so at least that's something. One of the most interesting features on the Pixel 9 is the Add Me camera mode, which mixes AR prompts with generative AI to add a photographer to an existing photo. For the most part, the feature operates exactly as advertised. The photographer takes a photo, hands the camera off to another person who then guides them into the correct place and snaps a second photo. The Pixel 9 merges those two photos, then presents all three as a collection inside Google Photos. It's a pretty simple process and takes about a minute to complete, but it isn't without potential issues. For instance the camera seemed to have a hard time identifying non humans. It completely failed to work with a few Lego minifigures, which isn't that surprising, but it also failed to recognize when the original photo featured one of my dogs. So I was guided into the spot where my dog was sitting, which promptly removed him from the final photo.But if you take that selective blindness into account, then Add Me could easily become a very useful tool in a photographer's arsenal. Possibly one of Google's most underrated features, Google Keep is getting an AI upgrade on Pixel 9 in the form of Magic Lists. Rather than having to create lists from scratch, you can give Google Keep a prompt, and it will generate a list for you -- giving you the option to leave the list as is or edit it as you please. Magic Lists feels like quite a useful tool, and a Google AI was able to understand my prompts with zero issue. Better still, those lists actually seemed useful, and I could probably leave them as they are if I were so inclined. Whether it was a to-do list on cleaning my house, a lacking list for a vacation, or ideas on what I should take on an extended international flight, Keep Magic Lists was able to produce something I would have killed over for several minutes in a few short seconds. Native image generation comes to Pixel 9 with Pixel Studio, an Imagen 3-powered app that creates images based on your custom prompts. You then have the option to rate the generated images, try again, or change the art style to something more suitable. It's all pretty standard stuff for a basic AI image generator. And basic is the keyword, because this is a pretty standard image generation tool with all the benefits and pitfalls that come with it. Sometimes images come out a little funky, like a Labrador playing a guitar with what can only be their back leg. Text is also indecipherable, and of course you can't use the app to create images of real people. Copyrighted works are OK, though, as evident by my movie poster of R2-D2 starting in a movie with Andy the Android mascot. On top of that, Pixel Studio also functions as an image editor of sorts, letting you create stickers from your existing photos, add captions and even erasing parts -- just like Magic Eraser. And yes, those tools are also usable with the images you generated in Pixel Studio. Personally, I don't really see much point in Pixel Screenshots as a standalone app. The idea is that it helps organize all your screenshots and helps you search through them whenever you need to find something better. Why this wasn't added to Google Photos isn't clear, but at least the app does a reasonable job. Pixel Screenshots is far from perfect, or at least that seems to be the case with my meager selection of screens. So I suppose the effectiveness may all be down to how many screenshots you have, and the kind of information they contain. Perhaps the AI can't quite decipher Reddit comment threads just yet. Gemini can finally take the place of Google Assistant, a process that happens automatically when you activate Gemini during setup -- or later in the settings menu. You can change back to Assistant at any time in the Gemini app, should you miss the AI-free assistance. Gemini Assistant has some advantages, in that it takes advantage of the new multi-modality, which is just a fancy way of saying you can interact using more than just your voice and "Hey Google" commands. That includes typing queries and sharing images to aid with queries. The switch to AI certainly has its advantages. Contextual conversations mean that Gemini will be aware of your past conversations and can tailor your answers accordingly. I had a lengthy conversation with the chatbot about finding flights from London to Tokyo, and it generally kept up with that topic throughout. It wasn't always perfect, and I know that some of the information wasn't completely accurate, but it's more than Google Assistant has ever been able to accomplish on its own. However, in other cases, asking for directions then following it up with a query on what time it'll be when I would get there seemingly left Gemini confused and ended up with it opening up the timer app. Sadly, the free version of Gemini is a little slow to load answers, and the Pixel 9 doesn't come with free access to Gemini Advanced and Gemini Live as Pixel 9 Pro models enjoy. Google has also promised a number of other AI-powered features that I wasn't able to get working on the Pixel 9 during my testing. These include the new AI-powered weather summaries, Auto Frame to reframe and expand existing photos, as well as Reimagine -- which lets you change the background of your photos based on written prompts. However these features were up and running on the Pro models, so be sure to check out our Pixel 9 Pro review and Pixel 9 Pro XL review for a more in-depth look at how these features work on both phones. Google left the main and selfie camera lenses alone with the Pixel 9, but it did take the opportunity to swap out the 12MP ultrawide angle lens in favor of a larger 48MP shooter -- with a slightly wider aperture to boot. Then there's the new Tensor G4 chipset, which should be able to use AI and machine learning to bolster the quality of those photos after you press the shutter. But if the Pixel 9 wants a spot on the list of the best camera phones, it's going to need to do more than beat the Pixel 8 in a camera shootout. That's why we put it head-to-head with one of Apples' best -- the iPhone 15 Pro. With the main camera lens, it's clear that the colors on the Pixel 9 are a little muted in comparison to the iPhone 15 Pro, though the image itself looks brighter and less washed out in the process. The iPhone 15 Pro also manages to offer better overall quality, with the Pixel 9 starting to look noticeably more pixelated the further you zoom in. Overall it's not such a bad photo, but the little things help give Apple the edge on the outdoor shots. Heading indoors and looking at this Lego statue of Grogu, the Pixel 9 has managed to produce a brighter image once again. Then again the iPhone 15 Pro is more true-to-life and managed to subdue some of the bricks' reflectiveness despite the fact the picture is overall a little darker. Zoom in and it feels like the Pixel managed to capture more detail this time round, even going so far as to pick up individual specs of dust that the iPhone blurred into the background. It's a similar situation in the ultrawide shot, with the Pixel producing a brighter shot whereas the iPhone 15 Pro turns out a more realistic looking picture. However the quality on the Pixel is noticeably better, and it's clear the camera is putting its upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens to good use capturing a lot of the smaller details. I certainly prefer the picture quality on the Pixel 9's selfie camera, since it really captures that resting death glare I inherited from my father. There's not much going for the iPhone 15 Pro in this shot, with the Pixel producing better colors, and no overexposure. The iPhone does pick out the smaller details, like hairs and pores, just as well as the Pixel, but that's just about all it manages to achieve. It should be no surprise that the iPhone 15 Pro excels at zoomed-in photos, though. While the Pixel does an admiral job with its digital-only zoom, the detail just isn't there like it is in the iPhone shot. The Porsche logo on the sign is a lot crisper on the iPhone, which also managed to pick out individual letters on the car behind. The Pixel did an admiral job trying to pick out the leaves on the background trees, while the iPhone 15 Pro just mashes them together, but that isn't enough to save it. The same is true for this second zoom shot at 8x magnification, the furthest the Pixel 9 can handle in the camera app. The Pixel 9 does a solid job of trying to pick out the details, including all the grime on the cell tower itself, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's hardware picks out much more details and produces a clearer shot as a result. Both phones did a stellar job with their portrait modes, easily picking out my dog as the subject and blurring everything around him. The bokeh effect is nice and pronounced and both phones picked up an impressive amount of detail. That said, only the Pixel 9 seemed to notice that my dog's whiskers did not need blurring at the edges, and that little extra details helped cinch the lead. Both phones perform well in the night time shot, aided by their respective low-light photography modes. The iPhone 15 Pro certainly produced a brighter image, picking up a lot more from the nearby streetlights, while the Pixel manages to keep the colors a little more true to life. Those leaves aren't that shiny in the real world, especially at night. But with both phones managing to capture a comparable level of detail, it's a straight-up draw at night. The Google Pixel series has never offered particularly strong performance, but Google has been talking up how things have improved with the Pixel 9 series and the new Tensor G4. Supposedly, this phone offers 20% faster web browsing, 17% faster app launching, as well as improvements to power efficiency and better optimization for running AI models. AI performance is the big thing with the Pixel 9, with Google claiming that the upgraded 12GB of RAM on board the Pixel 9 has dedicated memory for AI features and should help the phone excel at AI performance. That's all well and good, but it doesn't tell us how the phone will actually perform in other areas and how that performance will compare to rival flagship phones. Unfortunately, it seems Google is spending another year lagging behind the competition. It shouldn't surprise anyone to hear that the Pixel 9 is not a performance powerhouse, with benchmarking scores falling completely flat compared to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15. Tensor chipsets have never come close to Qualcomm and Apple's best chips, and it looks like that trend is continuing again for another year. In the Geekbench 6 test, which is built to measure general performance, the Pixel 9 scored 1,758 on a single core test and 4,594 in the multicore test. That's a noticeable improvement over the Pixel 8's Tensor G3, which scored 1,569 and 3744 in the same single and multicore tests. However the Samsung Galaxy S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 came out of the testing chamber with 2,235 and 6,922, while the iPhone 15 scored 2,518 and 6,179. Needless to say there's a very large gap between Google's latest and what Samsung and Apple have had on the market for several months. It's a very similar story in the graphics department with the Tensor G4 chip scoring 55.71 frames per second in the Wild Life Unlimited graphics testing. That's barely above the Pixel 8's 54 fps, and significantly less than the iPhone 15's 72.1 fps. Meanwhile the Galaxy S24 outpaces them all with 120.4 frames per second. So while Google may like to talk up the Tensor G4's security and AI prowess, it's clear that there are much better phones out there if you want to partake in mobile gaming and other processor-heavy activities. Playing PUBG mobile on the highest performance settings the game would allow wasn't such a bad experience, though. The phone did start to get warm rather quickly, especially once I ramped up the graphics, but for the most part the game seemed to run pretty smoothly and without issue. No doubt more specialized gaming phones would handle everything much better, and without running the risk of needing an oven mit to play. Expecting best-in-class performance from a Google phone is a bit like expecting a cat not to chase a bird. You know that things are not going to go the way you expected, and there's no point thinking otherwise. But I can't help but wonder what it would take for Google to boost its numbers a bit more. Benchmarking tests can't cover everything, but it feels like Google is falling further and further behind -- and we're going to get to the point where its best isn't good enough. While the Tensor G4 hasn't made much headway in benchmarking tests compared to the Tensor G3, it seems Google wasn't exaggerating when it said there had been big improvements to the chip's efficiency. That's easily apparent in how much longer the battery lasted during our testing. Each phone we review at Tom's Guide goes through a proprietary battery test, which sees a fully-charged device surf the web over a cellular network until the battery runs out. Last year, the Pixel 8 managed to last 9 hours and 43 minutes, which is pretty poor compared to rival flagships, if not unsurprising for a Pixel phone. However the Pixel 9 blows that result away, with 13 hours and 18 minutes with the Smooth display adaptive refresh rate switched on. Not only is that result almost 4 hours longer than the Pixel 8, this score puts the Pixel 9 ahead of the iPhone 15's battery test performance and only 10 minutes behind the Samsung Galaxy S24. The larger battery will have played some part in the Pixel 9 lasting longer, but there's only so much time you can squeeze out of 125 mAh of stored power. That means whatever improvements Google has made to the Tensor G4 are likely to be responsible for this. Considering battery life is often the Pixel series' weakest feature, it's really refreshing to see things changing for the better. Let's just hope Google can keep it up in future generations. Google hasn't made any changes to the charging speed on the Pixel 9 compared to last year. Given the larger battery, it's no big surprise that the phone appears to charge slightly more slowly -- hitting 54% after 30 minutes compared to the Pixel 8's 60%. That said, the Pixel 9's recharge rate is the same level as the Galaxy S24's 54% and slightly above the iPhone 15's 53%. The Pixel 9 has some good news and bad news in the software department. The good news is that Google is once again offering 7 years of software support -- covering full Android updates and security patches. This means that the phone should still receive updates until August 2031 The downside here is that the phone won't be launching with Android 15, instead it's arriving running the latest version of Android 14. That's a disappointing decision, especially since Google is releasing the Pixel 9 two months earlier than we initially expected, but at least the phones should be first in line to receive the updates once Android 15 comes out of beta and releases to the public. It's unclear what this means for the phone's final Android update when 2031 rolls around. Since new Pixels usually arrive after the next Android update has been released, it gets one final update to the software before being cast aside by Google. Whether that will happen to the Pixel 9 series isn't clear right now. The Google Pixel 9 does fall into some of the same pitfalls as its predecessors, especially in terms of the Tensor G4's raw performance and the fact the prices have risen for the second consecutive year. The fact the phone is being released running Android 14 certainly doesn't help matters, though most buyers may not really notice the difference between now and the launch of Android 15. But at the same time, the Pixel 9 manages to offer a huge range of additional upgrades, most important of which is the battery life. It may not be enough to make it onto our best phone battery life list, but Google's made a massive leap forward and that should be commended. The fact that the camera can also go head to head with the iPhone 15 Pro, which is one of the best camera phones, just shows where Google's strengths and priorities lie. Even if the only hardware to have been changed is the 48MP ultrawide angle lens. If you have a Google Pixel 8 then the Pixel 9 probably isn't worth the money, unless you want to spend $800 on a battery life boost. For anyone with a Pixel 7 or older, picking up the Pixel 9 is a no brainer. You've got a brighter display, a big boost to the available RAM, 7 years of full software updates and the extra AI-prowess of the Tensor G4. Not to mention the improvements to the camera and battery life. Assuming, of course, that you can stomach the fact a Pixel phone now costs the same as an iPhone 15.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: 3 ways it beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max

A Mashable Choice Award is a badge of honor, reserved for the absolute best stuff we've tested and loved. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newest addition to the Pixel family. Before the reveal of the Google Pixel 9 series, the lineup only had two phones: a base model (e.g., last year's Google Pixel 8) and a Pro variant (e.g., 2023's Google Pixel 8 Pro). Now, Google has changed things up with a triple-device lineup: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Interestingly, despite its name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn't that much larger from last year's biggest model (i.e., Google Pixel 8 Pro). The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display while the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch panel. What really makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL comparatively larger to the Pixel 9 Pro is that Google actually shrunk the Pro model to 6.3 inches, down from 6.7 inches. So yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro. Weird, I know, given that phones typically become larger than their predecessors, not smaller. Now that you've got a good understanding of the Pixel 9 Pro XL (and its new family), let's dive into my experience with it. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a starting price of $1,099 via the Google Store. It comes with the following specs: If you want, you can get more storage by upgrading to the 256GB model, which will set you back $1,119. If you want a 512GB model or a 1TB variant, you'll have to shell out $1,319 and $1,549, respectively. (I highly suggest getting the 256GB model. In my personal experience, 128GB of storage lasts about a little over a year before your storage gets full.) The Pixel 9 Pro XL, unlike its lesser successors (e.g., Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro), actually looks and feels premium -- thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 matte back. With a shiny polished metal frame that wraps around the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it could really compete with the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also highly resistant to fingerprints, so feel free to get handsy with it without any guilt. The particular unit I tested for this review sports the Hazel chassis. There are three other colors you can choose from, including Obsidian (black), Rose Quartz (pink), and Porcelain (off-white). I've seen them all in person. The Obsidian may be the most popular of the four colorways. You can never go wrong with a rich, onyx device that looks like it'd be on Batman's desk. The Rose Quartz delivers a pink-ish hue to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Emphasis on the word ish because it's more of a pastel, barely there, "baby shower pink," if you will. If you want a pink that's actually not afraid to be pink, check out the "Peony" color on the Pixel 9. Although Google made a subtle gen-over-gen change with the camera bar, it elevates the visual appeal of the Pixel 9 series. The funky Geordi La Forge-esque visor no longer goes from edge to edge. It now has an island-style design with a body that color matches the chassis. On the right side of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll find the volume and power buttons. On the bottom, you'll discover the USB-C port and a SIM card slot (the Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports eSIM). Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just a smidge larger (6.41 inches long versus 6.40). However, it's slightly thinner (0.33 inches vs. 0.35 inches). The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels quite nice in the hands; the curved edges are forgiving as my fingers wrap around them. As someone who never liked the Pixel series' design, I'm finally warming up to it. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992-pixel resolution display. It has a screen-to-body ratio of about 88%, a slight jump from the Pixel 8 Pro's 87% screen-to-body ratio. This means that the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a better immersive viewing experience with thinner bezels, allowing more of the display to be dedicated to your content. I fired up a few videos on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, including platforms like YouTube and Netflix. One thing I noticed is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL was a highly saturated panel, particularly compared to my iPhone 15 Pro Max. For example, while watching Love is Blind UK, the electric green top on one contestant appeared to be more vibrant -- as if it was popping out of the screen -- compared to its Apple counterpart. However, my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, is even more vivid than the Pixel 9 Pro XL -- perhaps too vivid. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is "just right." The megapixel count of the Pixel 9 Pro XL hasn't changed from the Pixel 8 family. It still has a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. However, this time around, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's ultrawide camera got a slight update, an improved aperture, that means that you should get better ultrawide photos in low-light conditions. In other words, your vacation photos where you grab ultrawide shots of stunning landscapes should have improved detail on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. I tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL against my beloved iPhone 15 Pro Max, and to my surprise, the former bested it. And I have proof. I captured a picture of some antique cars inside a museum and was taken aback by the Pixel 9 Pro XL's capture: Here is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's capture of the scene: The first thing that caught my eye is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL deals better with challenging lighting, delivering a shot with little to no lens flare (unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max). The Apple device offered a more true-to-life interpretation of the two antique cars while its Google rival captured a richer, more saturated shot. I also took some pictures of Northport Harbor in Long Island, New York. Flanked by verdant trees, here is an ultrawide shot taken by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Here is the same scenery taken with the iPhone 15 Pro Max The Pixel 9 Pro XL's interpretation of the scene appears to be more vibrant and colorful. The grass emanates greener hues, and most conspicuously, the sky and harbor look bluer. The ripples and waves in the water appear more detailed, too. Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max's telephoto sensor maxes out at 5X optical zoom before the digital zoom (i.e., software) kicks in. I snapped a photo of a neighbor's yellow flowers, and here's how it turned out (at 5X zoom). Look at the shot taken by the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and you'll notice a more robust and detailed capture of the eye-catching flower compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Pixel 9 Pro XL may have an edge over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to cameras, but as you'll find out, the Google phone is weaker when it comes to performance. If you're curious about how far the Pixel 9 Pro XL can zoom with its Super Res Zoom perk, check out my hands-on that featured me zooming in 5,280 feet and getting incredible detail. We ran Geekbench 6 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which sports the new Google Tensor G4 chip, and it delivered a multi-core score of 4,569. This is quite low compared to the scores we've recorded for other phones we've reviewed: I know the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 7,359 score may look astronomical -- and that's because it is. It's way too overpowered for a smartphone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't need to match this score to be considered as beastly as the priciest iPhone, but its Geekbench 6 score is surprisingly low. And when you consider that the Pixel 8 Pro actually delivered a higher score (e.g., 4,639), the G4 chip feels even more underpowered. Even so, I didn't experience any slowdowns whatsoever while juggling multiple apps simultaneously. It is worth nothing, however, that the Pixel 9 Pro XL got a little too hot at times, particularly while using the cameras during a warm day. This phone may be a nightmare to use on the beach. Apple Intelligence is in trouble! Google packed a cornucopia of AI features into the Pixel 9 family. Check out our hands-on experiences with a good chunk of them: I also recommend that you check out the new Gemini Live, the big update to Google's ChatGPT rival. In-freakin'-credible! The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL drained at a rate of just five percent hour on our test. We ran a TikTok rundown on the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 50% brightness. Now, imagine our surprise when we saw it lasted a whopping 18 hours and 41 minutes on a single charge. This beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes on the same test. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is totally worth it based on the battery life alone. You can comfortably leave the house with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and not suffer from battery drainage anxiety. You can get away with being lazy for a bit and not charging the phone for a night or two. Plus, when it comes to its shooters, it can compete with arguably the best smartphone on the market: the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That being said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max in at least three categories: camera, display, and battery life. On top of that, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Google AI features are a blast to use (though they have their quirks), making the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the best phones of 2024.

Google Pixel 9 review: AI-powered brilliance | Stuff

Charging speeds still behind competitorsNot the outright bargain previous Pixel phones were Google's Pixel phones were once the scrappy underdogs of the smartphone world, known for delivering flagship features while undercutting the competition on price. They offered the purest Android experience and Google's cutting-edge AI and photography tech without the hefty price tag of their rivals. But with the Google Pixel 9, those days of budget-friendly brilliance may be behind us. Google has taken a bold step into the premium smartphone market, and with it comes a premium price to match... The Pixel 9 marks a significant shift for Google's smartphone lineup, evolving from the affordable "bang for your buck" option to a true flagship contender, complete with a sleek, refined design and high-end features. Packed with the new Google Tensor G4 chip, this phone promises blazing performance and impressive AI capabilities that put it squarely in the ring with the likes of Samsung and Apple. The Pixel 9 no longer stands out as the bargain buy it once was, but Google's move to the high-end market brings with it the question: is the Pixel 9's new premium experience worth the cost? The shift to a more premium segment is immediately noticeable with the Pixel 9. Google has traded the soft, rounded edges and plastic back of the Pixel 8 for straight edges, sharp angles, a glossy glass back, and matte metal sides. The design feels reminiscent of an iPhone 15 (which is high praise) and certainly elevates the phone's overall premium aesthetic. The camera bar remains a signature Pixel design feature, once again taking centre stage to highlight Google's focus on photography. This year, it's evolved from an edge-to-edge band into a pill-shaped island that protrudes noticeably from the phone. I found it can catch on your pocket, but this issue quickly disappears once you get a case on it. With a 6.3in display, the device is well-balanced and comfortable to hold, even with one hand. The materials and finishes give the phone a reassuring grip. However, for those who crave even more screen real estate, you'll need to opt for the 6.8in Pixel 9 Pro XL model. For those who want even more screen real estate, Google now offers a 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. Unlike previous generations, where choosing the standard Pixel meant sacrificing top-tier camera features exclusive to the larger Pro model, Google now has three options: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The introduction of a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro, the same size as the standard model, adds a new layer of complexity to your decision. That said, the standard model doesn't feel any less premium than its Pro siblings. In fact, I prefer the glossy back and matte aluminium sides of the standard Pixel 9 to the matte back and polished aluminium sides of the Pro model. Durability has also been improved, with Google claiming the Pixel 9 is twice as durable as its predecessor. As expected in a flagship phone in this price bracket, the Pixel 9 has IP68 water resistance. The Pixel 9 comes in a range of eye-catching colours, with 'Peony' (pink) being the boldest choice. For those who prefer a more understated look, 'Wintergreen,' 'Porcelain,' and 'Obsidian' are more reserved options. I'm particularly impressed with the new colour palette - these shades are more subtle and lend the phone a more premium feel compared to previous Pixel models. My review unit, in 'Porcelain' (white), also does an excellent job of hiding fingerprints. Staying relatively compact, the resolution hasn't changed from last year, meaning the Google Pixel 9 gets a 2400×1080 OLED panel stretched across 6.3in. On paper, not too much has changed. The big upgrade here, however, is to the brightness. The new Actua display is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, being 35-percent brighter than the Pixel 8 (reaching a peak 2700 nits brightness, better than both the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24). This brightness boost ensures visibility even in direct sunlight - I didn't have any issues when scrolling Instagram on a sunny day. Deep blacks and vibrant colours are standard for an OLED panel, and the Pixel 9 makes no exception. It's a lovely display to look at, with both still images and videos looking punchy, yet true to life. Personally, I find the default setting feels a little too saturated, so opt for the Natural colour preset which tones it down a bit. Whichever profile you opt for, you'll get a sharp, saturated, and well-defined image. Like last year's phone, the refresh rate tops out at 120Hz. It's worth noting you can't force it to constantly run at 120Hz, with Google dynamically switching between 60 and 120Hz depending on what's onscreen. You can turn it off to save battery life, but I think the smoothness of every swipe and scroll makes the minor hit to battery life worth it. Audio-wise, the Pixel 9 holds its own. Despite losing one speaker, the audio is loud and crisp with decent bass. Of course, they don't quite reach the heights of a Bluetooth speaker, but for general podcast listening, the odd song, or YouTube playback, I found the speakers perfectly clear. As with previous models, there's no headphone jack, so you'll need to rely on Bluetooth or USB-C audio for private listening. The camera system has always been a highlight of the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 continues that tradition with gusto. The main camera remains a 50MP sensor, however, the real standout is the ultrawide lens, which now boasts an impressive 48MP sensor, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This results in even sharper, more detailed photos with a broader field of view, making it an outstanding option for landscape and group shots. As always, Google's computational photography sets the Pixel 9 apart from the competition. With AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Best Take, photo editing is intuitive and seamless, allowing you to enhance your shots effortlessly. The combination of advanced hardware and Google's top-tier image processing ensures that each photo is meticulously perfected before you even see the final result. Google's latest trick is the 'Add Me' feature, which lets you take the picture and be in it too. The camera mode lets you take one photo of the group, then swap in the photographer and take a second picture (with the first photographer as part of the group). The Pixel 9 will then magically stitch both photos, together. It's a clever trick and very simple thanks to the on-screen prompts. However, the group needs to remain still between photos, which can be challenging if it includes babies or people who've had a few drinks. This feature is still labelled as a 'Preview' so it could improve over time. Magic Editor can now also automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop and even expand your image to get more of the scene. It's useful if you don't have Photoshop, but I've found the results can be hit or miss (especially under zoomed-in scrutiny). Low-light performance remains exceptional, with the Pixel 9 excelling in capturing well-lit, detailed images in challenging lighting conditions. The 48MP ultrawide lens complements the main camera beautifully, offering excellent colour consistency, dynamic range, and exposure, with only minimal softening and distortion at the edges. Google's Super Res Zoom also returns, offering up to 8x magnification through software tricks. While the zoomed images may lose some sharpness at higher magnifications, they remain perfectly usable, especially between 2x and 4x zoom. The front-facing camera has the same 10.5MP sensor as found in the Pixel 8. It's a reliable selfie snapper, that ensures that your selfies are crisp and vibrant, even in low light. The overall camera experience on the Pixel 9 is simply outstanding, delivering impressive detail, dynamic range, and natural colour balance across all shots. Google's Real Tone skin tone mapping continues to excel, producing flattering and accurate skin tones, while autofocus is quick and reliable. For those seeking the ultimate camera experience, however, the Pixel 9 Pro steps things up further with advanced zoom capabilities and an upgraded 42MP front-facing camera. However, the Pixel 9 still offers an excellent all-around photography experience at a slightly more accessible price point. With video capabilities supporting 4K at up to 60fps and impressive slow-motion options, the Pixel 9 is a versatile device for both photography and videography enthusiasts alike. Overall, the Pixel 9 builds on Google's reputation for delivering top-tier smartphone cameras, continuing to raise the bar for what's possible in mobile photography. Google's Pixel phones have always been known for their clean, bloatware-free Android experience, and the Pixel 9 is no different. Running on the latest version of Android, the Pixel 9 benefits from seven years of OS and security updates, making it a solid long-term investment for those who don't upgrade their phones every other year. Because the Pixel phones have arrived earlier than usual this year, they're shipping with Android 14 rather than Android 15. That means the core software experience remains similar to previous Pixel models. Of course, the Pixel 9 will be the first to get the next version of Android when it does drop later this year. The Tensor G4 chip powers a host of AI-driven features that elevate the Pixel 9's user experience, some of which are more useful than others... Gemini Live, exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, offers an immersive, hands-free experience, allowing for natural, free-flowing conversations with Gemini - reminiscent of the film Her. Subscribers can brainstorm ideas, practice dialogues, and even choose from 10 distinct voices for a more personalised experience. The demos look impressive, though I haven't had the chance to try it myself, as I don't pay $20/£19 per month for a Gemini Advanced subscription. The Pixel Studio app is another new addition. It lets you create images on-device with AI-powered tools, similar to OpenAI's Dall-E or Midjourney. The speed at which it generates images is very impressive. Surprisingly, one of the standout features is the new 'Screenshots' app, which organizes your screenshots and uses AI to recognize text within them. This makes it easier to find specific images later on. It's a small thing, but as a serial screenshotter, I've found it a very useful addition. The Pixel 9 is equipped with Google's latest in-house processor, the Tensor G4 chip, which delivers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. I found the new chip enhances the overall speed and responsiveness of the device, resulting in faster app load times and smoother transitions. During my review, I found the Pixel 9 handles switching between multiple apps, generating AI images, and editing high-resolution images with ease. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 is well-suited to handle a wide variety of everyday tasks, although, if you want even more power (and longevity), I'd steer you towards the Pixel 9 Pro, which has the same Tensor G4 processor but pairs it with 16GB of RAM. Battery life has also seen a notable improvement in the Pixel 9, with the phone now lasting approximately 20-percent longer than its predecessor. This extended battery life is a welcome upgrade, especially as battery life isn't traditionally the Pixel's strong point. In the real world, that means you're still only getting a day of use and charging every night, but I no longer felt the constant battery life anxiety I had with previous phones. The Pixel 9 does have an 'Extreme Battery Saver' mode which stretches the battery to 100 hours, but this essentially turns the phone into a dumb phone so is only really useful in critical situations. Power users may want to opt for the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its larger battery, however, for the majority of users, the Pixel 9's battery performance is more than sufficient While the increased battery life is a positive change, it's important to note that the charging speeds still lag behind some of the competition. Google claims that the Pixel 9 can reach 50-percent charge in just 30 minutes (27 W charging speed) when using Google's 45W charger, but this is still slower compared to the rapid charging speeds offered by other flagship devices, such as the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14. These competitors have set a high bar for charging technology, so while the Pixel 9's charging capabilities are respectable, they don't quite match the speed of these industry leaders. One of the biggest changes with the Pixel 9 is the price. Historically, Google's Pixel phones were known for offering excellent value for money, but the Pixel 9 breaks that mould. Starting at $799/£799, the Pixel 9 is more expensive than its predecessors, and now competes directly with flagship models from Samsung and Apple. While the Pixel 9 offers plenty of value in terms of features, the higher price tag may give some potential buyers pause. The days of the Pixel being the budget-friendly flagship killer are over. This price bump puts the Pixel 9 on par with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15, both of which offer excellent alternatives. The Galaxy S24, for example, boasts a more versatile camera system with superior zoom capabilities, while the iPhone 15 continues to impress with its ecosystem integration and build quality. Choosing between these top-tier devices has just become a lot harder. The Google Pixel 9 is an amazing smartphone that ticks all the right boxes for a flagship device in 2024. With its powerful AI features, stunning camera system, and sleek design, the Pixel 9 is a top contender in the crowded premium smartphone market. Google has delivered a device that excels in day-to-day use, thanks to its seamless integration of AI and hardware. However, the increased price may make it a tougher sell for those who were drawn to previous Pixel models for their affordability. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro offers even better camera features and a larger screen at a slightly higher price, making the choice between the two more difficult than ever. If you're looking for a stylish, powerful smartphone with cutting-edge AI features, the Pixel 9 is an excellent choice. But for those who demand the very best in camera performance or want a larger display, the Pixel 9 Pro might be worth the extra investment. Regardless of which model you choose, Google's Pixel 9 series is a very impressive phone.

I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a week - and didn't regret it

I just wish the base storage (128GB) was at least double and the AI features were more reliable. Holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro series for the first time reminded me of when I held the iPhone 12 Pro for the first time. The shift from the previous year's curved design to flatter edges made all the difference in its feel and perception of value. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL exude premium, and Google knows it. That's why the company is charging you more for its new Pixel phones this year, with the standard model starting at $799, the Pro at $999, and the Pro XL at $1,099. In this economy, it's a bold move. But in the big picture, Google has only matched what competitors like Samsung and Apple have been pricing their flagship handsets. Also: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: I tested both and here are the key differences Fortunately, you have plenty to gain by paying Google more. From my week of testing the Pro XL model -- with short stints of using the smaller Pro -- I've greatly benefitted from upgrades such as the brighter (up to 3,000 nits) display, AI features like Call Notes and Pixel Screenshots, the faster 45W charging, and Tensor G4 chip that has kept the phone running smoothly. The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is also crazy fast. With the Pixel 9 Pro series, the design, as unexpected as it is, is the standout feature for me. The flat edges rest smoothly against my hand, giving me a confident grip when swiping and typing, a treatment of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 makes the model twice as durable as last year's, and whether you prefer a smaller or larger form factor, you've got options. By comparison, the Pixel 8 Pro feels like a toy. Also: 5 reasons why Pixel 9 stopped me from ditching Google phones for Nothing My two gripes with the Pixel 9 Pro design are the camera bump and frosted back glass. The former is a longstanding issue with the Google Pixel's protruding camera bar design, which collects dust and debris around the edges and fingerprint smudges on the visor. With the back glass, I've noticed several micro-scratches already that chipped away the Obsidian-colored coating. My advice: get any color but Obsidian and you should be fine. A new Tensor G4 chip paired with 16GB of RAM means the Pixel 9 Pro is faster and more powerful than last year's model when it comes to multi-tab browsing, loading videos on a social feed, editing photos, and playing games. It also benefits on-device AI tasks, which I'll get to later. Also: These three AI features sold me on the Google Pixel 9 Pro - and they're very clever On my Uber ride to the airport last week, I was able to swiftly upload clips from the Made by Google event while downloading movies to watch on the flight. Oh, and location tracking was running in the background, too. The result was mild overheating and about a 3% dip in battery life throughout the 20-minute ride, which is admirable. That's to say, the 5,060mAh battery on the Pixel 9 Pro XL has been serving me well, ending most of my days with around 25-30%. It's a two-day phone when used lightly, but you won't be mad if you need to charge it sooner because the Pixel now supports 45W charging. The faster speed won't revolutionize your morning routine, but it's a notable bump-up from the sluggish 30W rating on previous models. The key improvements to the Pixel 9 Pro's camera system mainly revolve around AI and how its imaging engine interprets and enhances output. For example, the image above, while sharp in detail and beautiful in contrast, was originally captured with a slight tilt, making the runway appear slanted. So, I used the new Auto frame tool in Magic Editor to straighten it while expanding the sides with AI. For fun, I added a rainbow and a plane that clearly didn't hear the Air Traffic Control tower's order to remain grounded like the rest of us. Such AI tools are creative and whimsical, but they're also inconsistent, unreliable (see the left-side airplane), and require a lot of patience -- both with waiting for the image generations and possibly more waiting after that if the results don't meet your creative vision. Also: I went hands-on with Google's $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and I'm ready to leave Samsung I'm a bigger fan of the new Add Me and Video Boost features. The former pieces together two photos, one that you've captured of other people in the frame and another that includes you in the same frame, so no one gets left out. It's a clever AI/AR tool that solves a real-world problem, but there is one slight issue: Don't expect a seamless edit if you're posing in between subjects. Oftentimes, parts of your body won't be properly cropped out. So, for the best results, leave space! With Video Boost, I'm happy to report that the improved HDR+ and rendering fixes one of the biggest problems with the Pixel camera: the jarring cuts when switching to the 5x optical zoom camera during recording. While I'm still testing every new Pixel 9 AI feature, of which there are plenty, here are my initial ratings for the most popular ones: It's still too early to call the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL the best Android phone this year, but it's certainly up there for consideration -- even with its AI blunders. While the new model is Google's most expensive non-foldable phone yet, the price bump is justified by improvements in aspects that traditionally held the Pixel line back, such as charging speed, performance, and build quality. With the reintroduction of an XL model this year, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro should appeal to users who want a more comfortable device without compromising on specs and camera hardware. And if both phones are out of your budget, but you want the core features, consider the cheaper Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Early Review

Its got an AI infusion all over the software and camera tricks that rival the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 looks and feels like an iPhone, through and through. I'm not just saying that to be inflammatory and get a rise out of the Android versus iOS crowd. Even if I am known to do that, there were far too many times I kept saying to myself, "Boy, this Pixel 9 Pro XL sure feels like an iPhone." Everything from the curve on the rounded corners to the flattened-out sides to the fact that there are three models instead of two feels decidedly Apple-like. There are even exclusive features that are only available if you purchase specific models, mainly in the AI realm. I have lots to say about each of the Pixel 9 models launching this phone season. This review primarily tests the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which you get if you spend the most money on a Google phone â€"$1,100 with 256GB of storage. Most of this review explains the differences between the other models so you know what you're saving money on or spending more for. The most important thing to remember before buying any Pixel 9 devices is this: shopping for the new Pixel 9 is a "good, better, best" situation. The "good" phone is the entry-level Pixel 9, the "better" phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the "best" phone is the Pixel 9 Pro simply because it is the perfect size for most people. Finally, Google settled on a design paradigm that isn't just a camera bar across the back of the Pixel device. This year's models adopt an oblong camera bar that looks more distinct than the rectangle metal that adorned the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8. Granted, few phones have just a bar across the back. Whenever I see one of these in the wild, I immediately know it's a Pixel, the same way I know when I see the stovetop that it's an iPhone. At least this generation's Pixel design is a little more futuristic. There's something about how the back camera module pops out that's satisfying, and it's because the rest of the phone feels balanced and sturdy. With a case on, you can barely tell the Pixel 9 Pro XL from the iPhone 15 Pro Max when both screens are off. I'm not saying that Google purposefully designed this after the iPhone. But this move is much in the same vein as Samsung slowly maximizing the curvature on its Galaxy phones to suggest an iPhone-like look from afar. Anyway, whatever Google did here with the design and construction materials is what it should have been doing a while ago. The plastic backside over the last few generations felt chintzy. This time, it feels like a $1,100 phone. The good news is that you don't have to spend that much on the Pixel 9 if you don't want everything it does. It comes in three variants this year. Here's a general breakdown of the models: All three devices run on the fourth-generation Google-made Tensor G4 processor. They ship with Android 14 (where is Android 15, anyway?), and each has a battery to accommodate the various screen sizes and capabilities. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the same size; if you look for cases, you will probably see listings for the Pixel 9/9 Pro separate from the Pixel 9 Pro XL. They also have the same battery size. Like the iPhone family, there's a distinct difference in color aesthetic between the entry-level flagship Pixel 9 and the costlier Pro-level Pixels. All phone models come in four colors, two of which are black and white. Pixel 9 users can also choose from more pastel colors like green or peony, while Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL users can choose between a grayish-green called Hazel or a prominent pink, Rose Quartz. If you want a Pixel 9, ask yourself whether you want a smartphone for its camera capabilities or one for its utility. The fundamental differences between models are size, performance, and camera capabilities. But the good news is that if you are starting with the Pro, now there are two sizes to choose from rather than defaulting to using the largest smartphone. Like the Pixel 8 before it, the Pixel 9 is a barebones Pixel experience. You get a 6.3-inch Actua display, a dual camera system featuring a 50-MP wide-angle camera, and a 48-MP ultrawide with macro focus capabilities. The same Tensor CPU powers it as the Pro variants but with less RAM, though there's a little more than you used to get. I'm relieved that Google bumped it up to 12GB for the Pixel 9 because I have struggled the last two seasons with a mere 8GB of RAM. I'm talking about shutting down apps and using the camera in airplane mode so that all resources are dedicated to the task at hand. This extra bump-up in memory is necessary for all that Google is pushing with its AI capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL upgraded to 16GB of memory, putting it on par with performance releases like the OnePlus 12, which also boasts 12-16GB of RAM. The Pro's camera system is bumped up from the regular Pixel 9, too: in addition to the same primary and secondary lens, there's a third 48-MP telephoto camera, which enables 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom on both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. There are a handful of features you'll miss out on if you go for the $800 Pixel 9 over the Pros. First, there are no Pro controls available in the camera, nor is there a High-Res mode, which lets you shoot with the full 50-MP rather than the pixel binning behind the scenes. There's also no Zoom Enhance since there is limited optical zoom to leverage, nor is there Video Boost, which ups the quality of the video's lighting, colors, and details, or Night Sight Video, which is how you get neat trail effects from brake lights at night. The Pixel 9 Pro seems like the best deal for all. I plan to make a more significant case about this, but in short, it's not too big like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, yet it's equipped with the same capacity. Granted, the big phone might be the one that outsells the other two Pixel 9 devices as the iPhone 15 Pro Max did in its family, but the point is that there's a phone that's small-hand-sized without being overbearing with access to the high-end parts of the Android lifestyle. And unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL don't differentiate in optical zoom. You are just choosing whether you want a big or small phone. As I mentioned earlier, a measly 8GB of memory wasn't working out for me with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8. I'm thrilled that Google bumped up the RAM offering because it means things will feel smoother, at least when simultaneously loading up Pokémon Go and Spotify. I had trouble with that weeks ago on vacation with the Pixel 8. With the Pixel 9, I feel more confident playing around with AI without fear it will bog down the rest of the system. I did not have that kind of confidence these last two generations. The Google Tensor G4 CPU powers up the Pixel 9, and Google promises increased speed in web browsing, app launch, and overall power efficiency. We know the processor fires off at 3.1GHz, a slight increase from last year's chip, and that it's best tuned for Google's AI magic. It's also equipped with satellite connectivity, which I'll get into shortly. Geekbench doesn't typically work with pre-release Pixel hardware, so we'll have to follow up on how this new Tensor G4 CPU performs in numbers. If you scope out the headlines now, you'll see mention that the chip performs "behind" Qualcomm's equivalent chipsets. Again, these chips are for processing Google's AI, not necessarily for inspiring long gaming sessions, though they can do that. Battery performance is the best it's ever been for the Pixel series. Samsung's Galaxy S24 series and the iPhone have outlasted Google's past few flagships in our slightly dated but effective battery rundown test. We mainly test for on-screen time by streaming a YouTube video until the phone dies. I still have to run this task for the official tally against the other phones we've tested, and I will update this review with the results soon. Google promises up to 24 hours of battery life regularly and 100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver. Anecdotally, the Pixel 9's 4,700 mAh battery held on with enough life to let out a location ping after a few days on standby. The Pixel 9 Pro XL managed nearly two days of mixed use with its 5,060 mAh battery before it needed a charge. I will be updating with more results sooner than you can say. Some will spend time calling this a catching-up-to-Apple feature, but we should be more relieved that Android users now have some access to satellite connectivity for emergencies. Google's version is Satellite SOS, which works like Apple's Emergency SOS. The feature lets you use a satellite connection to contact to call for help. Satellite SOS is carrier agnostic, though it will only work in the continental U.S. at launch. You'll have to use the Google Messages app to access it, just like on iOS. Google partnered with Skylo, a company that's worked with phone manufacturers like Bullit, to offer a similar feature on phones for devices used on job sites. The deal is like Apple's in that there's exclusivity with the Pixel 9 handsets, meaning Android devices made by other manufacturers will have to find another way to connect to satellite. Qualcomm has been working on its satellite offering with Iridium, the network that powers up the Garmin network. But we're still waiting for a prominent OEM like Samsung, which uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, to get on board. Satellite SOS was not ready for me to test in time for this review. When it does launch, you can follow a demo to learn how to connect to the satellite network before you ever need it. The Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL camera is better than before in the Pixel 8 Pro. It's the same 50-MP pixel-binning camera with a slightly larger sensor to capture more light. The 9 Pro/Pro XL's primary camera lens has an aperture open at f/1.68 over the Pixel 8 Pro's f/1.7. The difference can help with things like depth effect and, of course, night mode. The ultrawide camera sensor was also upgraded to a full 48-MP sensor compared to 12-MP in last year's release. The telephoto camera stays the same with 48-MP, offering the same 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom, or digital zoom, as its predecessor. Google did some tuning to make the first shot you take with a Pixel 9 worthy of posting without an edit. I see the subtle differences in the color temperature of the photos taken at the same time of day between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 takes its cue from the sky and tints blue; on the Pixel 9, it's a tad more yellow-orange, so the dirt path stands out a bit more. Night Sight photos also have a more balanced color temperature across the board, and it was especially apparent in the full moon photos I took during the testing period. The front-facing cameras on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL are disparate experiences across the board. The regular Pixel 9 has a 10.5-MP camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL has a higher resolution 42-MP selfie camera with a wider field of view. I was disappointed with my experience with the Pixel 8's front-facing camera during my year of using it. I often looked for one of the review devices with a better sensor to record a confessional or something of the sort. The 10.5-MP sensor will be fine for video chatting, but I feel more vindicated over my choice to pay more for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro to upgrade that selfie camera. With every new Pixel release, Google bundles in a variety of notable new features to sweeten the deal on its hardware and showcase what its algorithms can do. For the Pixel 9 series, the best new features are in the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL, though the Pixel 9 is capable of some magic, too. Add Me is the marquee AI-infused feature available on all three devices, which Google is pushing heavily with this particular generation. The idea is that most folks who take the pictures aren't always in them, so why not concoct a built-in mode that lets the person behind the camera get a chance to get into the shot? I'm in favor of a tool like this since I'm the one who always takes photos of other people. But Add Me requires some thought beforehand and a very steady smartphone. This isn't a feature to rush through because the result seems worth it. I was unfortunately quarantined from my family during this review process, but I plan to dive more into the capabilities behind this feature, especially as it pertains to a group photo featuring little kids. The other new feature Google is heralding is the enhanced Panorama mode. It mainly involves interface changes in the panorama prompt to help you stitch the photo. I've always been a fan of Google's panoramic capabilities and wonder if this will re-spark an interest in posting scenic photos to Google Maps. At the very least, I plan to use this to get additional background details into a picture. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are the only devices that can perform the new Video Boost feature, which purports to zoom in more smoothly and increase the quality of videos in low light. I went for a night walk to test this out. There is definitely an improvement in the quality of the boosted video compared to the regular ones recorded on the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL. The only thing is that you'll have to wait for Google Photos to do the boosting. It took about an hour before the clips I'd recorded on that night walk were ready to share on social media. I'm still figuring out the best scenarios where to utilize this feature, but it seems particularly useful if you're filming outside at night under ambient lights and enough moonlighting. It helped that I tested this feature during a full moon, but I'm curious to see how the videos come out with a dimmer night sky. We do not have time to discuss everything new about Gemini. The Gemini Live demonstrations you watched at the Made by Google event are available only to Gemini Advanced subscribers on the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Gizmodo will explore the usefulness of Gemini on the new Pixel devices in the coming weeks. Pixel Studio is a big part of the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL's enhanced AI capabilities. It's an image generator based on the latest Imagen 3 text-to-image models. Pixel Screenshots is also an exclusive app for the Pixel 9, which lets you search through your screenshots as if they were Google Photos. The weather app mentioned in Google's blog about the new AI tricks is live for everyone now. You can sideload it yourself if you don't care to wait for the Pixel 9. I'm holding off on giving this phone a score for now because I've only had it for a week. In the past, I've been quick to conclude that the latest Google Pixel flagship is the Android phone to own because it used to be the last release to ring in the new phone season. Now, it's the second release, following Samsung's foldables and preceding Apple's iPhone. The Pixel 9 series isn't a smartphone that competes among its other Android OEM brethren. It's here to entice you over from Apple's walled garden. I already see much discourse on Reddit and other places about how this generation feels apt for leaving the iPhone for a while. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max fast approaching, that will be up for debate for at least another month. If you were waiting to update your Pixel and last year's Pixel 8/Pixel 8 Pro didn't feel worth the jump, this generation is it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro review: A smarter and smaller flagship

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. The Google Pixel 9 Pro represents a departure for Google's more premium flagship in more ways than one. This new edition of the Pro takes on a new size -- a move that Google says is a response to calls for a more compact high-end phone. Some minor design tweaks also seem to signify that it's not business as usual for the Pixel lineup. But perhaps the most significant departure comes with a shift in focus for the latest Pixel. Google's handsets have always struck a balance between providing a superlative camera phone and a host of AI-powered capabilities you couldn't find elsewhere. The Pixel 9 Pro still can go toe-to-toe with any smartphone out there in a photo face-off, but this time around, Google has more clearly put an emphasis on the device's smarts. Does this greater emphasis on AI help Google's latest flagships stand out among the best phones available right now? That's what this Google Pixel 9 Pro review looks to address. If nothing else, the Pixel 9 Pro will launch a healthy debate about what does or doesn't constitute a price hike. On paper, the new phone starts at the same $999 as the Pixel 8 Pro. (In the UK, the Pixel 9 Pro costs £999 while Australians will pay AU$1,649.) That contrasts with the $799 Google is charging for the Pixel 9, as that's a $100 increase from the Pixel 8's price. (Read our full Pixel 9 review for more on that model.) But before you slap Google on the back for holding the line on Pro phone pricing, remember that the Pixel 8 Pro featured a 6.7-inch screen -- much more screen real estate than you get with the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro unless you pay up for larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. That may not be a price hike strictly speaking, but anyone who's ever found themselves at the store paying the same price for a demonstrably smaller box of cereal might feel the same vague disappointment with the Pixel 9 Pro's price tag. The Pixel 9 Pro base model comes with 128GB of storage. But an extra $100 lets you bump up the capacity to 256GB. All four colorways also feature a 512GB version that costs $1,219 while the Pixel 9 Pro in Obsidian adds a $1,449 1TB capacity. You can pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro now, but unlike the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL models, this phone won't be on retail shelves on August 22. Instead, the Pixel 9 Pro ships a little bit later, going on sale on September 4. Since the Pixel 6's release in 2021, when you mentioned the Pro model of Google's flagship what you really meant was "the big one." That's no longer the case with the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the more compact of the two current Pro offerings at 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches. Those are the exact same dimensions as the Pixel 9, and both of these phones weigh 7 ounces. That's actually heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro, which weighs 6.6 ounces, though Apple's phone has the advantage of a lightweight titanium frame. The Pixel 9 Pro features a matte glass back and polished metal frame, which gives it a heft similarly sized phones lack. The Pixel's most distinctive feature -- a horizontal camera bar -- returns for the Pixel 9 series with one notable modification. Instead of stretching across the back of the handset as it has in previous generations, the camera bar now features rounded edges that stop just shy of the phone's edge. The change feels mostly aesthetic, as the redesigned camera bar still looks unique and keeps the Pixel 9 Pro from wobbling when you set it on its back. I've always been a fan of the camera bar, and the new look suits me just as well. The front of the Pixel 9 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect the display, and Google claims its new phones are twice as durable as the Pixel 8 series. In other improvements from the previous generation, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the Pixel 9 Pro display is supposed to be 50% faster than before -- I found it responsive enough when unlocking the phone. I find the color options for the Pixel 9 Pro to be a little bit predictable, especially when compared to the brighter options that Pixel 9 owners can choose from. My review unit featured Google's Porcelain option, and it would blend in with any other white smartphone. The same could be said with the Obsidian and Hazel models, though the Rose Quartz option adds a little pop of color. The Pixel 9 Pro shares a display size with the 6.3-inch Pixel 9, but these are not the same panels. The Pixel 9 Pro uses a Super Actua display, which has sharper resolution than the Pixel 9's Actua screen (495 pixels per inch compared to 422). Pixel 9 Pro models also have a more variable refresh rate with the ability to scale all the way from 1Hz to 120Hz as the on-screen activity warrants. The real story with the Pixel 9 Pro's display is how bright it can get, as Google promises up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. We didn't reach that when we measured the Pixel 9 Pro's screen with a light meter, but we did get a reading of 1,938 nits in SDR with adaptive brightness turned on. That's much better than the 1,297-nit and 1,027-nit readings we got from the Galaxy S24 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro in similar conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro's screen isn't quite as colorful as what Samsung's latest flagships offer. In the Pixel's default Adaptive mode, we recorded 121.4% of the sRGB color spectrum and 86% of the more demanding DCI-P3 spectrum. That compares to readings of 140.3% and 99.3%, respectively, in the Galaxy S24 Plus' default Vivid setting. Color reproduction on the Pixel 9 Pro is more in line with what we've seen on the iPhone 15 Pro. Still, the colors that appear on the Pixel 9 Pro display are about as accurate as the ones shown on the Galaxy S24 Plus. Both Android phones tallied Delta-E ratings of 0.24 in their default screen settings. The iPhone 15 Pro topped both with a Delta-E rating of 0.14. (Numbers closer to zero mean more accurate colors.) When I watched a replay of Olympic kayaking streaming on Peacock, the rapids looked crisp and inviting while the sun-drenched coast of Mallorca glistened during a stream of "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent." You're going to enjoy looking at the Pixel 9 Pro display, and you're not going to have to squint to make out the finer details. Google didn't make significant changes to the camera hardware on the Pixel 9 Pro, but there are some improvements from past models. The ultrawide camera still uses a 48MP sensor, but it's an updated one that features a Macro Focus feature for extreme close-ups. Up front, the Pixel 8 Pro's 10.5MP selfie cam gives way to a 42MP shooter for much sharper self-portraits. Otherwise, the remaining cameras in the Pixel 9 Pro's rear array remain the same. You've still got a 50MP main camera, joined by the aforementioned ultrawide sensor and a 48MP sensor that can support a 5x optical zoom. Tap into the Super Res Zoom feature that uses computational photography to remove the noise that can appear in digital zoom shots and you zoom up 30X. Computational photography does more than just help out with zooms on Pixel shots -- it also helps with photo processing to produce the kind of images that routinely put Google's Pixels near the top of any best camera phones list. To see if that's happened with the Pixel 9 Pro, I shot some photos using Google's latest phone and an iPhone 15 Pro, which boasts some pretty good camera specs in its own right.In this photo of the apple tree in my backyard, the Pixel 9 Pro shows a wider range of colors than the iPhone 15, capturing the streaks of red on the apples themselves as well as the different shades of green in assorted leaves on the tree. You could fault the Pixel 9 Pro for letting the apple on the right side of the shot get lost in shadow -- it really stands out in the iPhone 15 Pro's photo, for example. But I think the iPhone 15 Pro came dangerously close to over-exposing the shot, as the apples just left of center lack the definition found in the Pixel image. In this photo of the apple tree in my backyard, the Pixel 9 Pro shows a wider range of colors than the iPhone 15, capturing the streaks of red on the apples themselves as well as the different shades of green in assorted leaves on the tree. You could fault the Pixel 9 Pro for letting the apple on the right side of the shot get lost in shadow -- it really stands out in the iPhone 15 Pro's photo, for example. But I think the iPhone 15 Pro came dangerously close to over-exposing the shot, as the apples just left of center lack the definition found in the Pixel image. Moving indoors, the lighting becomes too distracting in this Pixel 9 Pro shot of some huevos con chorizo (or more accurately, chorizo con huevos the way I make it). Some of the elements in the scramble -- the peppers, the cheese, the diced onion -- get a little lost in shadow. Contrast that with the iPhone 15 Pro photo, which ramps up the brightness, so that the food stands out in the shot. Apple's camera does struggle with the lighting streaming in from behind the plate of food, but the overall backlighting isn't as prominent as it is in Google's photo. A photo at the local ballpark boils down to your preference for lighter or darker images, and I think it depends on what part of the photo you want to focus on. The green field looks more vibrant in the Pixel 9 Pro photo, which makes that element stand out more than the iPhone's richer take on the scene. That said, I think the iPhone handles the overcast sky better, as you can make out the light standard looming over the stadium in its photo; those floodlights blend into the background of the Pixel 9 Pro shot. I tried out the ultrawide lens at a local sculpture garden, giving me the chance to include not only the flags flying in the background, but the green shed in the far left corner of the shot. Colors are pretty evenly matched in both photos, and I would give the nod to the Pixel 9 Pro for more accurately recreating the scene. That said, the wooden shed at the center of the photo has more texture in the iPhone shot, and the darker coloring really brings out the highlights in that patch of asphalt. It's when you turn to the Macro Focus on the Pixel 9 Pro that the phone's ultrawide camera really earns its salt. A close-up of a rose boosts the flower's pink coloring without losing too much detail. The textures come out crisper in the iPhone's shot, but at the expense of a washed-out flower. If the Pixel 9 Pro can consistently take shots like this, it might just make me a believer in macro photography. I'm torn on this photo taken with the night mode enabled on both phones. The lighting in the Pixel 9 Pro image looks more natural -- it still looks like a photo I've taken at night. The iPhone 15 Pro's lighting is so bright around the subject, you wouldn't realize that the only light on the scene was coming from a nearby window. While that lends an unnatural air to the photo, the colors in the iPhone 15 Pro image are more vibrant, and you can see more of the background details like the wall and trees behind the stuffed animals. As natural as the Pixel 9 Pro photo may look, it feels decidedly more muted. Portrait mode photos look like another clear win for the Pixel 9 Pro to my eye. I like the tone on my daughter's skin, which feels warmer than the iPhone 15 Pro shot. The contrast between light and shadow is also stellar. The iPhone 15 Pro does a little better job separating my daughter from the background blur, but in a recurring theme with that camera phone, the emphasis on brightness runs the risk of over-exposing the shot. The Pixel 9 Pro's portrait is better balanced. I took a couple of different zooms of the Oakland skyline to test out the strength of the phones' telephoto lenses. This shot is at 3x, the maximum zoom for the iPhone 15 Pro's 12MP telephoto lens, but the Pixel 9 Pro produces the superior shot. Both phones manage to keep the skyline in focus, and some may even appreciate the rich colors in the iPhone 15 Pro's effort. But as with a lot of images produced by the Pixel 9 Pro, the colors here are brighter and better balanced, particularly the blueness of the sky. Pushing things to the maximum 15x zoom for the iPhone 15 Pro, you really see the benefit of the Super Res Zoom feature in the Pixel's shot. I can't recall seeing a digital zoom as sharp and well-defined as the Pixel 9 Pro close-up of the Tribune Tower with the building's lettering clearly in focus and the colors of the shot showing little to no distortion. The same can't be said for the iPhone 15 Pro photo, where some noise has crept in around the edges of buildings. A group selfie taken back at the ballpark makes me wonder what the 42MP front camera on the Pixel 9 Pro brings to the table. The selfie it captures doesn't look any more detailed than the one shot by the 12MP TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 15 Pro. In fact, Google's photo processing has smoothed out my face a little too much for my liking. That complaint aside, though, the color is strong in the Pixel 9 Pro shot and the composition is solid. I've focused on still photos for the most part in my testing, though there are some video capture improvements on board the Pixel 9 Pro. You can capture up to 8K video, and the Video Boost feature for improving the look of videos now supports AI upscaling and Super Res Zoom. Google's camera performance also benefits from AI-powered capabilities -- something that continues with the Pixel 9 Pro. Tools like Best Take for improving group shots and Magic Editor for using generative AI to move, resize or eliminate objects from photos return with this version of the Pixel, and they've added new tricks. Group shots get an Add Me feature, which allows you to insert the person taking a group photo into the photo after the fact -- a handy addition if you've been saddled with the title of designated photographer at more than one get-together. Add Me lets you take one shot with everyone in it and then uses augmented reality to guide you where to stand when it's your turn to hand off the camera and be part of the shot. The Pixel 9 Pro then combines those two photos together into a combined photo. Add Me feels a bit rough at this point, though that could be a matter of just getting used to the feature and learning its various tricks and quirks. For instance, Add Me works best when you frame the first shot to leave room for someone else to join the picture later on. Indeed, that's what I did in this group shot I took of my in-laws and my daughter. Add Me was able to insert me into the scene, even with the photographer getting their thumb in the way of the second shot. The finished product looks all right, though I seem a little out of proportion to everyone else, like Hagrid kneeling next to the graduating class at Hogwarts. In my experience Add Me is only as good as the photographer you're handing off the Pixel to. We tried a second version of that same group shot, only with my father-in-law exiting the scene on the second shot to test how seamlessly the finished product looked when people were missing from some of the shots. In the photo where I joined the group, the photographer snapped the shutter before making sure everything was lined up. In the resulting Add Me photo, I've been given quite the noticeable flat-top. I had more success with Reimagine, an addition to Magic Editor where you can suggest photo edits using text prompts. Just select the area you want to enhance in Magic Editor and select reimagine from the menu that appears. You're then prompted to enter in some descriptive text, with your Pixel even providing suggestions. I tried Reimagine with a shot of the local marina, asking Magic Editor to turn the darker water into a turquoise blue. There was no sun in the sky, so I tried fixing that by asking for a sun flare, and scrolling through the provided options until I found an iteration I liked. The edited image is pretty enough in a stylized way, but it sacrifices realism. Perhaps with more use, I'd become more comfortable using the tool, though Reimagine feels like overkill for making modest tweaks to your photos. As it stands, this tool is more about taking your photos into entirely new directions. As with past Pixel phones, Google doesn't limit the new features powered by the Tensor G4 system-on-chip inside the Pixel 9 phones to just photo editing. A number of new tools that lean heavily on machine learning and on-board AI make their debut across the different Pixel 9 models. And at least one figures to be a real time-saver if you're the sort of person who takes a lot of screenshots so that you can keep track of different bits of information. That would be Pixel Screenshots, a new app added to the Pixel 9 series that gathers your screenshots into one place and lets you organize them into collections for easy retrieval. But that's not the extent of Screenshots' capabilities -- you can also type in search terms, and the Pixel can use AI to pore over the content in those screen captures, serving up relevant ones that match what you're looking for. I take a lot of screenshots of recipes I find online that pique my interest. But now I don't have to remember specific names or when I might have captured those screens. Instead, I can type in a search term like "cauliflower" in Pixel Screenshots and screen grabs of recipes for mashed cauliflower and Mediterranean-style roasted cauliflower will pop up. In some cases, there will even be a back link available to screenshots from the web. For instance, I captured the recipe list and instructions for a chicken enchilada recipe I saw in a YouTube video. If I'm unclear as to the exact preparations techniques, Pixel Screenshots features a link back to that video in the data it includes with that particular screenshot. The other fairly polished addition among the Pixel 9 Pro's AI tools is Pixel Studio, Google's take on a generative AI tool. You can use text prompts to create an image out of nothing, and while Google's not letting you use people at the moment, the results you can produce are pretty impressive, especially if your prompt is especially detailed. I asked Pixel Studio to create a travel poster featuring a frog suntanning himself on a beach with the words "Visit Fresno." Yes, it's a pretty silly prompt, but in the default Freestyle mode, Pixel Studio produced a result that more or less met my parameters. But I can also sample other styles such as 3D Cartoon, Cinematic and Anime. I could see Pixel Studio become a useful tool to create fun invitations or memes you can share with friends. I'm not sure I'd turn to it for any important creative endeavor, though it doesn't seem like Google built this tool with that purpose in mind. The goal here appears to be fun, and while there's something to be said for that, I don't imagine I'll be using Pixel Studio nearly as much as I plan to turn to Pixel Screenshots. Just like the Recorder app on the Pixel can transcribe your recordings of meetings and lectures, Call Notes extends that capability to phone calls. Enable the feature in the Phone app's settings, and you can then tap a Call Notes button during a phone call to record what's being said. (Don't worry, privacy advocates -- a voice announces that the call is being recorded.) The recorded phone call can be turned into a transcript, of course, but the more important aspect to Call Notes is an AI-generated summary of the call that sums up the main talking points. Such summaries could come in handy for those times you're calling a contractor, business or service provider to get specific information that you can reference later. At least, all of this would be useful if the transcripts were a little bit more accurate. I placed a phone call with my wife to discuss real estate opportunities along the Russian River in Northern California. The Call Notes' transcript heard "properties" as "problems" in some instances, and the different speakers on a call aren't clearly identified. Those problems aside, the AI summary of the call was pretty accurate and did capture several key points in our phone call, including the location and price of some of the properties we discussed. Call Notes needs some fine tuning to be more reliable, but it's a promising start in this early version. One other noteworthy AI addition to the Pixel 9 Pro's feature set involves the built-in Weather app, which now includes an AI weather report near the top of the screen for any given city or area. Initially, the AI Weather report is a one sentence summary current conditions and an abbreviated forecast. Tap the report for a little bit more detail such as the forecasted high and low temperatures and how conditions might shift throughout the day. The AI weather report is a pretty basic feature that's unlikely to turn heads, but it does save you some scrolling in the Weather app if all you want is a quick forecast of the day ahead. The AI features we've looked at so far would be pretty significant additions to the Pixel 9 Pro on their own. But this time around, they feel more like a warm-up act for Gemini, Google's AI chatbot that arrives as a Google Assistant replacement on the Pixel 9 series. This mobile version of Gemini is of particular importance to Pixel 9 Pro owners, as your purchase of Google's higher end phone gets you a year-long subscription to Gemini Advanced and its more complex capabilities. Gemini is certainly easy to talk to, as it responds to more natural language. And as a multi-modal AI, it's just as capable when it comes to images, code and video as it would be with text. I showed Gemini a photo of a portobello mushroom and asked the assistant what I could make with this -- I very specifically said "this" instead of identifying the fungi by name -- and Gemini rattled off a list of potential dishes. You can interrupt Gemini without the chatbot thinking you're ill-mannered, and you can ask follow-up questions in which Gemini can discern the context of your query. I started out asking Gemini for suggestions on things to do this weekend, and we managed to narrow it down to hikes near me, complete with their distance from my house and whether there were any parking fees at the trailhead. As impressive as my interactions have been, it still feels a little superficial at this point. A query about what kind of dessert I could make with a photo of a pink lady apple produced a suggestion to bake an apple pie, perhaps the most generic response of all. (That said, I did appreciate how a follow-up question produced an explanation of how Granny Smith apples differ from Honeycrisps -- Gemini is really good at making comparisons.) I'm sure Gemini will get smarter over time, and I'll get more comfortable using it and uncovering just what the assistant can and can't do. But at this early stage, Gemini on the Pixel 9 Pro feels less like a revolution and more like a modest step forward from the assistant it replaces. Since Google started designing its own chipsets for its phones, the focus has been more on powering all those AI capabilities with less of a focus on performance. Certainly, that focus continues with the new Tensor G4 inside the Pixel 9 Pro, as you can tell not only by that laundry list of AI capabilities we just ran through, but also the 16GB of RAM Google packed onto this phone. You can also tell that AI remains a focus for the Tensor G4 because, based on the Pixel 9 Pro's benchmark numbers, it sure isn't performance. That's not to say the Tensor G4 isn't an improvement over the Tensor G3 that powered last year's Pixels. The Pixel 9 Pro bests its predecessor's Geekbench 6 single- and multicore results by 10% and 8%, respectively. But the Pixel 9 Pro's single-core Geekbench 6 result of 1,936 is well off the pace of phones like the Galaxy S24 Plus and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (2,272) and the A17 Pro-powered iPhone 15 Pro (2,890). The gap grows even wider when we look at multicore results, as the iPhone 15 Pro (7,194) and S24 Plus (7,083) are both substantially faster than the Pixel 9 Pro (4,789) in this general performance test. The Pixel 9 Pro fares no better when we look at graphics benchmarks. Google's new phone turned out a hair less than 56 frames per second in 3DMark's Wild Life Unlimited test. But the iPhone 15 Pro can produce a 94-fps result and the S24 Plus is even more powerful with a 121-fps score. While I'd pick either the iPhone or any Galaxy S24 model over the latest Pixel if I relied on processor-intensive apps, the Pixel 9 Pro isn't totally out of its depth when running apps with demanding graphics. PUBG fared just fine on Google's new phone with the Tensor G4 able to handle the multiplayer shoot 'em up without any lag or stutters, even if the controls felt a little cramped on the Pixel 9 Pro's compact display. If the Tensor G4 silicon doesn't deliver a big speed boost, at least it helps manage power more efficiently. Throw in a 4,700 mAh battery -- the same size as the power pack in the Pixel 9 -- and Pixel 9 Pro owners can expect big improvements in battery life when compared to the disappointing numbers posted by past Pixels. Every phone we test is forced to scroll the web over cellular until its battery drains, with screen brightness set at 150 nits to put each device on a level playing field. Recent Google flagships have struggled to reach the 10-hour average for smartphones we test -- the Pixel 8 Pro petered out after 10 hours and 3 minutes -- but the Pixel 9 Pro enjoys some big gains. Specifically, it lasted for 13 hours and 37 minutes -- and that was with its adaptive refresh rate turned on. That's not going to land the Pixel 9 Pro on our best phone battery life list, where you need to last more than 14 hours on our test to rank among the best of the best. But it's still an impressive gain for Google's phone after years of lagging behind rival flagships. The Pixel 9 Pro outlasts the iPhone 15 Pro (just under 11 hours in our testing) and just edges ahead of the Galaxy S24 and its time of 13 hours and 28 minutes. (As a bigger phone, the S24 Plus benefits from a larger battery that helped it post a 16.5 hour result.) Google says that using its 45W USB-C charger can get the Pixel 9 Pro to a 55% charger after 30 minutes. When we tested recharge times with a 45W Samsung charger, the Pixel 9 Pro reached 49% after half-an-hour. In a departure from past Pixel flagships, the Pixel 9 Pro does not ship with the latest version of Android. Instead, it debuts with Android 14, which first came out last year for Google phones. Indeed, the Pixel 8 also shipped with Android 14 pre-installed. Chalk this up to Google moving its Pixel 9 launch up from the usual October debut. We're guessing that the company simply didn't have enough time to finish work on Android 15, which remains in beta as of this writing. It's more of a minor inconvenience than anything -- Android 15 will ship shortly, and the Pixel 9 Pro will be first in line to get it. Google also promises seven years of software updates, security support and Pixel feature drops so you're not really being shortchanged if you wind up spending your initial Pixel 9 Pro time with Android 14. The Google Pixel 9 is a polished phone that still manages to feel like a work in progress in large part because features like built-in Gemini and Call Notes figure to become more capable over time. To buy the Pixel 9 Pro is to bet that Google is going to continue to improve these new features via software updates while using Pixel feature drops to add to the phone's bag of tricks. Considering Google's emphasis on machine learning and AI, that's not a bad bet. In the meantime, you're getting a camera phone that's every bit as capable as the Pixel flagships that came before it and a device that lasts longer than most of the recent Pro models. You also get a super bright display that outshines other flagships. Yes, the Tensor G4 chip continues to lag behind the performance of the best Android phones, but the superior photo-capture skills and evolving AI feature set ultimately win the day.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which Is the Best Android Flagship?

I Made an Android Auto Display for My Bike (To Keep My Phone Safe) Quick LinksPrice and Availability Design, Dimensions, and Color Display Processing Power and Storage Camera and Editing Software Battery Life Android Upgrades Which Is Right For You? Key Takeaways The Pixel 9 Pro XL (128GB) costs $1,099, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) is $1,299. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a fresh design with multiple finish options. It has an 6.8-inch screen and is slightly lighter and taller than the S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has an additional telephoto camera, the S Pen, and a more powerful chipset. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google's response to Samsung's S24 Ultra. It features a similar display, a powerful processor, and one of the most capable camera systems on a Pixel smartphone. So, what are the differences between the two phones? Has Google managed to dethrone the S24 Ultra, or does it take the second place? Let's find out. Price and Availability The Pixel 9 Pro XL costs $1,099 for the baseline model with 128GB of storage and launches on August 22, 2024. The Galaxy S24 Ultra released in January 2024 and costs $1,299 for the 256GB variant. Design, Dimensions, and Color While companies like Google and Samsung have settled with their signature design, Google has tried to make the Pixel 9 Pro XL look slightly different from its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro. So, instead of a camera module that merges into the side frames, it has an oblong camera island that runs through the phone's width but ends right before the frame. The phone has a polished frame (with flat edges) with round corners, a silky matte back panel (made using Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2), and a punch-hole display. It's available in four colors: Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian. It measures 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm and weighs 221 grams. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, has little to no physical upgrades over its predecessor. It has the same flush camera design, a punch-hole screen, and symmetrical bezels on all sides. However, unlike the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the phone has a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor, which adds durability to its structure. The edges are slightly curved, which should result in a different in-hand feel, while the corners are boxy. For those who like to carry phones with a unique color, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has more options to choose from: orange, green, blue, yellow, violet, black, and gray. It measures 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232 grams. Overall, both smartphones carry a similar form factor, except for the colors, the in-hand feel, and the fact that the S24 Ultra is slightly heavier. Both come with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. Display Taking after the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, which is Google's way of saying that the phone ships with a super clear, bright, and smooth display that delivers an excellent experience. The screen has a pixel density of 486 ppi, supports a variable refresh rate between 1-120Hz (thanks to LTPO technology), and features Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Other screen features include HDR support and 24-bit depth for 16 million colors. The most interesting part is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen supports 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness and 3,000 nits of local brightness. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a somewhat similar 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with a pixel density of 505 ppi and a variable refresh rate between 1-120Hz. Instead of Gorilla Glass, Samsung's flagship sports the new Gorilla Armor glass, an enhanced version of the company's toughened glass. It's more durable, scratch resistant, and reduces reflection by up to 75%, which is something that creates a lot of difference in the viewing experience. Last but not least, the screen has a color depth of 16M and supports HDR10+ content. Unlike the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Samsung only advertises a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The bonus, however, is the inclusion of S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. With the input device, you can take notes, edit pictures with precision, and snap pictures from a distance. Processing Power and Storage Like every year, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a new processor, the Tensor G4. The chipset features an eight-core CPU structure with a 3.1GHz prime core, Mali-G715 GPU (940MHz), and Exynos 5400 modem, which is about 50% more efficient than its predecessor. There's a vapor chamber that helps sustain peak performance for a longer duration. The processor doesn't break any benchmark records, but combined with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it shouldn't shy away from handling multiple apps, 8K video recording and all the AI-powered features the Pixel series has. The phone comes in four storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra features one of the most powerful chipsets on Android phones, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The processor has a 3.39GHz prime core, Adreno 750 (1GHz) GPU with support for ray tracing, and a Snapdragon X70 5G modem. The processor scores better in benchmarks and comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Like the Tensor G4, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also features a vapor chamber. It comes in three storage variants: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Even though the Pixel 9 Pro XL features the most powerful chipset engineered by Google, it's no match for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. So, if you're into smartphone gaming, video editing, or casual designing, consider going with Samsung's flagship. Camera and Editing Software The Pixel 9 Pro XL features the best camera array used on a Pixel phone. The triple camera setup comprises a 50MP (f/1.68) primary sensor, a 48MP (f/1.7, 123°) ultrawide sensor that doubles as a macro shooter, and a 48MP (f/2.8, 5x zoom) telephoto sensor. With the capable hardware, the phone has multiple photo and video-centric features, such as Pro Controls, High Res photo, Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), Add Me, Video Boost, and Night Sight Video. It also boasts Gemini-powered features like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Best Take, Photo Unblur, and more. For the first time, the phone supports 8K video recording at 30 fps. On the front, users get a 42MP (f/2.2, 103°) selfie shooter. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra flaunts a 200MP (f/1.7) primary sensor, a 10MP (f/2.4, 3x zoom) telephoto sensor, another 50MP (f/3.4, 5x zoom) periscope sensor, and a 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide sensor. Hence, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL zooms in on the primary sensor, the S24 Ultra switches to the dedicated zoom lens upon crossing 3x, resulting in slightly better pictures. Samsung packs a couple of generative AI-based photo editing features, but they aren't as elaborate as those on the Pixel. You still get 8K video at 30 fps, Space Zoom (up to 100x), and a 12MP (f/2.2) selfie shooter. While both the phones have top-notch camera setups, Google does better at the software part, while Samsung provides more versatility with additional hardware. Battery Life The Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with a 5,060 mAh battery cell, which happens to be the largest battery on a Pixel phone. Further, the phone supports 37W fast charging via the company's 45W USB-C power adapter (sold separately) and can last over 24 hours in the regular mode. With Extreme Battery Saver mode, the battery life can go up to 100 hours. The phone can charge up to 70% in about 30 minutes, and it also supports wireless charging at 23W when charging with the Pixel Stand (2nd Gen). The S24 Ultra also packs in a 5,000 mAh battery that supports slightly faster wired charging at 45W (and wireless charging at 15W). Samsung also mentions that the battery can provide up to 30 hours of video playback on a Wi-Fi network. The phone can charge up to 65% in about 30 minutes. Android Upgrades Whether you choose the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, you'll get seven years of major operating system upgrades, along with security fixes and other feature drops. While Samsung doesn't promise anything related to new features, Google releases Pixel Drops every three months, unlocking new features on existing Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on the stock version of Android 14, with Android 15 coming later in 2024. The S24 Ultra ships with One UI out of the box, which is Samsung's custom UI based on Android. Currently, the phone runs on One UI 6.1, based on Android 14, but Samsung is already working on One 7.0, which will based on Android 15. Between stock Android and One UI, the former offers a cleaner UI, while the latter is full of features and customizations. Both brands have their own suite of AI-based features, termed Google AI and Galaxy AI, each with signature features. For instance, the Add Me and Pixel Screenshots on the Pixel 9 series are pretty impressive, while Chat Assist and Sketch to Image are among the best GenAI features on Samsung's flagship. Which Is Right For You? If you're into the stock Android experience and want a slightly better front-facing camera, more photo and video editing features, and a modern-looking smartphone, go with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The phone is an excellent upgrade using an older Pixel model, like the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or another Android smartphone. Further, it is $100 cheaper than the S24 Ultra's 256GB variant, making it the more affordable option. However, if having one of the most capable chipsets, an additional telephoto camera, the S Pen, and all the additional One UI features matter, go with the S24 Ultra. The flagship is an easy recommendation for anyone using an older Samsung smartphone, perhaps one from the Galaxy S21 or the Galaxy S22 series. Given that the S24 Ultra came out in January 2024, there's a good chance that you can get the phone for a significant discount. Look out for deals on the baseline model with 256GB of storage. For example, it reduced to $974.99 during Amazon's Prime Day, which is a steal. It's difficult to find a smartphone that is as good and practical as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, especially under $1,000.

Google Pixel 9 First Impressions: New AI Features Blur the Lines Between Real and Photoshopped - MySmartPrice

While there are four new smartphones launched by Google this year, the Pixel 9 is your entry point into the world of Google's AI wizardry. The phone feels like a huge departure from the outgoing model in terms of the design language. It also gets the same flagship treatment with a Tensor G4 chipset, better cameras, and a bigger battery. Further, AI features such as Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots, blur the line between what's real and what's doctored. I have been using the handset for the past couple of days and while the review is still underway, let's take a gander at what the Pixel 9 sets to achieve. The Pixel 9 is available in a single variant in India. The phone is up for pre-orders on Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital. It comes in a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, which will set you back by Rs 79,999. There are multiple bank and credit card offers available, so do keep an eye out for those to bring the price down. With the Pixel 9 series, Google is taking a different approach. It's getting rid of all plastic contents and sticking to recycled materials for the sleeve of the packaging and the box itself. The unboxing experience is quite satisfying and straightforward. At first glance, the Pixel 9 doesn't seem like a revolutionary change over the Pixel 8 (Review). But, holding the phone is the only way to truly understand the seismic shift it undergoes. It's nice that Google doesn't make the Pixel 9 feel inferior in comparison to the costlier models. The phone now has a more ergonomically sane form factor, which is highly appreciated by my palms. The frames are now flatter, resembling those of the iPhones. The matte finish on these helps with gripping the phone, as opposed to the glossy back panel. The camera visor does not extend to the sides anymore, and this gives it a more minimalist look. However, this comes at the cost of higher protrusion. Somehow, Google has still managed to angle the weight of the phone so that it doesn't wobble on a flat surface. With all these changes, the Pixel 9 has lost the tag of being called a compact smartphone, which the outgoing model carried with pride. It's still easy to carry around though, but the phone is wider and weighs 11 grams more. What I like more about Google's approach with their Pixel devices is the fact that they are not afraid to try new and bold colours. The Pixel 9 comes in Obsidian, Wintergreen, Porcelain and a hot pink 'Peony' colour. Yep, the last one is the polar opposite of the Pixel 3 XL's 'Not so Pink' variant. The phone also comes with an IP68 rating. The Pixel 9 sticks to a flat screen, just like its outgoing model. Personally, this is what I prefer as curved displays are more susceptible to unintentional touches. Moreover, it's tough to find a screen guard that fits perfectly. I digress. The screen is fundamentally the same, but it's slightly wider this time and a lot more brighter. The protection layer has also been upgraded with the Pixel 9 using the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The display spans 6.3 inches, which is similar to that of the Pixel 9 Pro. The 9 Pro XL is in a different league altogether. Another difference is with the LTPO panel on the Pixel 9. It can go from 60-120Hz, while the others can go from 1-120Hz, saving more battery. While the bezels are still there, it's not really intrusive when consuming content. The screen is bright enough outdoors, even under direct sunlight. Watching movies and TV shows such as Presumed Innoncent was a fun affair. I'll have more things to say about the display in my full review of the Pixel 9. While the main camera on the Pixel 9 largely remains the same, the ultra-wide shooter gets a massive bump in the megapixel department. The 50-megapixel primary camera comes with an f/1.68 aperture and Super Res Zoom capabilities of up to 8x -- similar to the Pixel 8. A 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera with autofocus and an aperture of f/1.7 aperture is now the second in command. What's unfortunate is that the Pixel 9 comes with the same 10.5-megapixel snapper for selfies. This just seems like a lazy attempt. I'll have a more in-depth analysis of the camera section in the full review, but in the meantime, you can take a look at these photos to understand what the Pixel 9 can deliver. What Google is betting on more is its AI capabilities, which also include some stuff for the cameras. AI is nothing new for the Pixel devices, but with the Pixel 9 series, Google has introduced more stuff -- actually, useful stuff. Most of the AI integrations in this edition have already proved to be practical for me in daily usage. Pixel Screenshots: Circle-to-search was in the first spot in terms of practical AI use cases for me. The Pixel Screenshots feature has topped it. It's essentially a gallery of screenshots. The Pixel 9 takes the help of AI to jot down necessary pointers from a screenshot, so you can refer to it directly later on. The idealogy is along the same lines of Microsoft's controversial Recall -- but better and safer, because it happens on-device. Add Me: This might have a very limited use case for many, but it beats the purpose of editing a photo through a long process. Imagine you're on a trip with two friends, and you find the perfect backdrop for a group photo. With no one around to take the picture, this feature steps in. It allows one friend to swap places during the shots, merging the photos as if all three of you were in the frame from the start. It's not flawless, but it gets the job done. Pixel Studio: Pixel Studio allows you to bring your wildest food ideas to life, like a burger filled with Indochinese noodles or spaghetti topped with Oreos. However, it doesn't support prompts involving humans yet. Pixel Weather App: Pixel Weather shares a short and sweet AI Weather Report which gives you a quick rundown of the current temperature, chance of rain, humidity levels, and more. I'll go into more detail about these AI features in my review of the Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4 which is designed to focus more on AI. The same chipset can also be found on the rest of the series. The phone now comes with upgraded RAM that reaches 12GB compared to the 8GB of the outgoing model. The battery and charging department also gets an upgrade. You now have a 4700mAh pack, which can be juiced up with a 45W adapter. The Pixel 9 comes with one of the cleanest versions of Android 14. Just like its other products, Google promises to keep the device healthy and fulfilled with software and security updates for the next seven years. If you have Rs 79,999, the Pixel 9 seems like an excellent offering for Android users who prefer long software support, good cameras, clean UI, and more. With the new AI features in play, the Pixel 9 is a more practical device for productivity tasks. I'm a big fan of the Pixel Screenshots feature and hope to see other OEMs implement it sooner rather than later. While Pixel 8 users may not feel the need to upgrade immediately, the Pixel 9 could be a compelling option for those with older Pixel devices. I'll share more insights in my complete review, so stay tuned to MySmartPrice.

Google Pixel 9 Review - Pros and cons, Verdict | 91Mobiles

Google has beaten Apple this year to introduce its latest hardware, including the Pixel 9 series. What's more, this year's flagship Pixel lineup includes as many as four models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I got my hands on the entry-level Google Pixel 9 smartphone, which offers the latest AI capabilities, camera advancements, and a few minor improvements at just Rs 79,999. Here, I share my two cents about the device, which attempts to take on both the upcoming iPhone 16 and other premium Android smartphones. The Pixel 9 is undoubtedly an intriguing device, with its design, compact form factor, and AI features making a strong impression. However, it falls short in key areas like portraits, battery, charging speeds, and the price-to-performance ratio. The handset is also lagging in the software, which should have been its standout feature. The Pixel 9's design is a departure from Google's signature camera visor and curved edges, which have been consistent on the Pixel smartphones since 2021. Instead, the Pixel 9 adopts flat edges, reminiscent of iPhones and Samsung's latest flagships, along with an elongated oval-shaped camera module. This module features a dual-tone finish, combining matte grey and black on the obsidian colour variant we received for review. Although the module protrudes noticeably, its flat, elongated design with curved corners prevents it from digging into your fingers or causing the device to wobble when placed on a flat surface. This new design also gives the Pixel 9 a premium feel and makes it easier to hold. The edges are nicely curved and feature a matte finish, adding to its elegance. However, I wish this matte finish extended to the back, as the glossy finish on the glass panel attracts fingerprints and smudges. This made the device a bit slippery, leaving me nervous about using the Pixel 9 without a case during my review. With its new 6.3-inch OLED panel - marketed as an Actua display, the Pixel 9 feels compact and comfortable for one-hand usage. The display doesn't extend to the edges: there are thin but noticeable bezels, which feel noticeable for a premium flagship. Even the punch-hole setup for the selfie camera on the screen isn't compact enough to not attract attention. Another area where the Pixel 9 could have done better is its FHD+ display resolution. Many smartphones for the price now come with QHD+ resolution for superior picture and image quality. Be that as it may, the Pixel 9's display is good to look at both indoors and outdoors. The HDR10+ support and 120Hz adaptive (sadly, not dynamic, which could have saved some battery) refresh rate ensure crisp visuals and smooth animations, respectively. The 2,700 nits peak brightness offers respectable if not impressive, outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to match the sturdiness of the design, which is IP68 water and dust-resistant certified. Additionally, Google has partnered with Qualcomm to include an ultrasonic 3D Sonic Gen 2 fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 9 lineup, which is said to be 50 percent faster than the Pixel 8's optical scanner. Having used the Pixel 8 as my daily driver for a few months, I can vouch for the Pixel 9's quick unlocking capabilities. The Google Pixel 9's camera setup includes a 50MP Octa PD primary sensor with f/1.68 aperture and 82-degree field of view (FoV). This is paired with a 48MP Quad PD ultrawide lens that supports auto-focus, 123-degree FoV, and f/1.7 aperture lens. The telephoto lens is still reserved for the more expensive Pro models, but the primary sensor can provide up to 8x Super Res Zoom. The front camera is a 10.5MP snapper with f/2.2 aperture and 95-degree FoV for selfies and video calling. At the core of the Pixel 9 lies Google's new Tensor G4. While it is not drastically different from the previous Tensor G3 SoC, it is faster and the most capable Tensor chipset yet. Furthermore, the chipset is the first of its class that is designed to run Gemini Nano AI with multimodality to understand text, images, and audio. The AI aspect of the device has been discussed at length below. Stick around as we take you there after looking at the performance of the smartphone in real-world and synthetic benchmark apps. The Pixel 9's 12,84,962 AnTuTu score is the lowest for a 2024 flagship smartphone, as are Geekbench's 1,711 and 4,545 single-core and multi-core test scores respectively. The handset's performance also throttles significantly to 40.8 percent on our Burnout CPU throttle test. While it may not be ideal for demanding/intense activities, the handset can handle regular workload with ease. However, since it doesn't have a vapour chamber cooling system like its Pro models, there is a noticeable spike in the thermals - nothing significant though. We tested the device with gaming, and during our lab tests, the device's temperature increased by about 17 degrees -- standard for a non-gaming smartphone -- after playing BGMI, Call of Duty, and Real Racing 3 for 30 minutes each. Furthermore, the Pixel 9 ran these games on high graphics settings and showed no noticeable drop in frame rates. The new Pixel flagship is usually where we first experience the latest Android versions out of the box. However, this year is different. The Pixel 9 comes pre-loaded with last year's Android 14 OS, while Android 15 is reserved as an OTA update, counting as one of the seven major OS updates promised over the handset's lifespan. This gives the Pixel 9 the same software support cycle as its predecessor, the Pixel 8, keeping both devices relevant until at least 2030. Not just that, the Pixel 9 software experience is also pretty much the same as last year. While it's a bit buggy, the software remains clean, with only 37 pre-installed apps -- all of which are Google's own. That said, the company has introduced new features, apps, and an array of AI capabilities. Guided Frame, which assists people with low vision by providing audio and haptic feedback for selfies, and Audio Emoji, which offers six preset emojis for reacting to callers with audio cues are some examples. As entertaining as it may sound, the Audio Emoji feature feels somewhat redundant. On the other hand, the Call Notes feature, which is intended to provide a 'completely private' summary after a call, seems like a more useful one, but it wasn't available in my unit at the time of writing this review. Other features that aren't available on the Pixel 9 yet include the all-new Pixel Studio app, which lets users generate AI images with text prompts and satellite connectivity for SOS Emergency service. The latter is confirmed to arrive in "Winter 2024" exclusively in the USA. In the meantime, users can take advantage of new apps like Screenshots, Weather, and Gemini, all of which are enhanced with AI to improve usability. AI is the key selling point of the Pixel 9, and Google has not only enhanced the capabilities introduced with the previous-gen Pixel 8 but has also added several new ones. It starts with Gemini. While not exclusive to the smartphone, Google uses the Pixel 9 to showcase Gemini's full potential. Integrated into the power button and activated with a long press, Gemini is seamlessly layered atop Google apps and Android, offering assistance in every possible way. The company is providing a one-month free subscription of Gemini Advanced with the Pixel 9 (apparently, it is for a year for Pixel 9 Pro users) that offers features like Gemini Live to have a free-flowing conversation with the AI that can be interrupted or personalised with 10 preset voices. While this feature is handy, works seamlessly, and provides a natural experience, I wish it also transcribed conversations as they happened, rather than just providing a summary later. Moreover, the feature comes with a recurring cost of Rs 1,950 per month, which could be a steep price for some. Another useful feature of Gemini is its cross-platform support. It can work with the new Google Screenshots app, which stores all your screenshots (in addition to the Google Photos app), and lets you pull them up as and when required with a simple search. It can also summarise the screenshot and is said to be on-device, and since this process is on-device, your data remains secure without requiring an internet connection. Similarly, in the new Weather app, Gemini can generate a summary report of the weather and what to expect. The app is also more useful than ever, showcasing weather details in the form of widgets that can be arranged per your priority. Gemini can generate summary reports of important emails and even communicate with you through images. Simply upload an image and ask the AI to generate ideas, such as a solution to a mathematical equation. Google has promised to release new extensions of the AI assistant in the coming weeks, expanding its features to additional apps like Calendar, Keep, Tasks, YouTube Music, and more. Similar to Samsung's Galaxy flagships, the Pixel 9 also boasts a circle-to-search feature, which looks into the internet about the subject you circled in the frame to offer relevant results. You also get generative AI features to help tweak an existing image. Google has also upgraded its AI photo editing tool, Magic Editor. It now offers the capability to completely transform an image's appearance -- not merely removing objects or repositioning subjects -- to the extent that you might wonder, 'What is a photo?' Check it out yourself in the image below. The Pixel 9 features a 4,700mAh battery, the largest ever in Google's entry flagship. This allowed the handset to achieve a score of 11 hours and 48 minutes on the PCMark battery test -- a decent result, though not as impressive as the Samsung Galaxy S24, which lasted longer with a smaller 4,000mAh battery. In our tests, the Pixel 9's battery optimisation proved to be fairly standard, consuming 25 percent of battery life during a 30-minute YouTube streaming session and a 90-minute gaming session combined. However, better management could be expected. The Pixel 9's standout features such as AI photo editing tools and cameras significantly drain the battery, making it necessary to recharge the device at least once to get through the day, even with just a few hours of use. Charging the device isn't particularly fun either. I had hoped that Google would listen to our complaints about the previous model and offer faster charging speeds with the Pixel 9. But, as it turns out the handset supports only 27W wired charging, which takes a considerable amount of time to fully charge. Even the wireless charging is capped at a maximum of 15W. Starting from 20 percent battery, it took 78 minutes to reach 100 percent using wired charging with a compatible PD charger, which had to be purchased separately. The handset is only bundled with a Type-C to Type-C charging cable with the box. The company has even removed the OTG adaptor that used to ship with the device till last year's model. *From 0-100 percent As innovative as it may sound, the Google Pixel 9 is not an easy recommendation for its asking price of Rs 79,999. Its AI features like Gemini, Circle to Search, and generative image are not exclusive to the smartphone. Gemini is accessible on all Android smartphones, and Samsung offers comparable AI capabilities with Galaxy AI on its flagship S24 and foldable models. Additionally, the Pixel 9 falls short in portrait photography and battery life and underperforms in display resolution, performance, and charging speeds. The handset also feels half-baked, with the latest Android OS and features like Photo Studio and Call Notes, not available out of the box. That said, the Google Pixel 9 can be considered for anyone looking for a compact flagship with a clean UI and seven years of software support. The handset also excels with its good daylight and lowlight cameras, Add Me mode for group photos, and advanced AI editing Magic Editor tool. The entry-level Pixel gets the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pro models, which means similar performance can be expected, although it lacks advanced thermal management.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Google Goes All In on AI, for Better or Worse

Gemini AI will eventually require a paid monthly subscription The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are Google's latest flagship phones, packed with the best tech the company has to offer, including a shiny new design, a Tensor G4 processor that should offer more performance power and a wealth of clever AI tricks. From its conversational Gemini Live to its Pixel Studio generative AI image creator, the Pixel 9 Pro has impressed me with its AI skills -- they're certainly the most exciting parts of the phone. But strip away the AI sizzle and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the model I've been testing, loses some of its shine. The cameras aren't that much of a step up from last year's model and the phone launches with Android 14, rather than Android 15 as we expected. It's a shame as the Pixel 9 series could have been a showcase for Android 15 which would have made them standout more, especially as Gemini Advanced and Live will also come to other Android phones -- so it's not like the Pixel 9 Pro XL has them as exclusive features. Otherwise, the refreshed design looks superb and I like that the Pro phone comes in two sizes: the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL and a new smaller 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro. While the phones have different display and battery sizes, the processors, cameras and other features are identical. It's a smart move as it means those who want a smaller handset don't have to compromise on performance. But the addition of multiple sizes has allowed Google to sneakily increase the price of its phones. The base Pixel 9 Pro with its smaller screen starts at $999 (£999, AU$1,699) and sure, the Pixel 8 Pro started at $999 too. But the larger 9 Pro XL, which is the equivalent to last year's model, has been increased to $1,099 (1,099, AU$1,849). So during my time with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, I wanted to see if the new phone lives up to its higher price. I should also note that this review will be relevant for both the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. If you're curious about Google's regular model you can read CNET's Pixel 9 review here. While the 8 Pro did have some AI skills, like object removal and Best Take, it was just the beginning. If its predecessor was just Google dipping its toe in the AI water, the 9 Pro XL is Google doing a full triple somersault with a pike off the top diving board into the AI pool with its new skills. Google's Gemini Advanced is easily accessed by pressing and holding the power button while you ask it something. It's pretty good too, giving me genuinely sensible responses to my questions about putting glue in a cake (don't do it), what to do if you find a giraffe in your hallway (stay calm) or why you shouldn't make a car out of cheese. Apparently cheese lacks structural integrity. Now we know. Using Gemini Advanced isn't the end, though. You can also use Gemini Live, which allows you to talk with the AI in a much more natural way, as though you were having a conversation. The answers are essentially the same whichever mode you use, but with Live you can interrupt the flow to ask side questions or give intentionally stupid opinions on things just to see how it'll respond. I've spent a lot of time playing around with it and while it's certainly great fun, I've often found its information to be inaccurate. One time it recommended I listen to a song that simply doesn't exist. Another time I asked for top local drinking recommendations for me, and Gemini suggested a bar that closed years ago. There are various other bugs and quirks I've found while testing, but it's a new feature. I'm keen to see how it matures over the coming months and, crucially, whether I find a genuine use for it in my day-to-day life. A Google spokesperson acknowledged to CNET that hallucinations are a known challenge with large language models. They said that Google has tools for double checking answers. There's the "Google it" button, for example, which evaluates Gemini's answers using Google search when possible. Keep in mind, too, that Gemini Advanced and Live require a subscription to Google One's AI package, and while you do get a year free when you buy the Pixel 9 Pro, it'll eventually cost you $20 a month -- although you get 2TB of cloud storage thrown in too. Gemini services will also be available on other Android devices and possibly come to older Pixel phones via a feature drop, so the Pixel 9 series aren't the only phones you can use to access conversational AI. The new Add Me tool digitally adds you, the photographer, into group pictures so nobody gets left out. Here's how it works: You take a group shot of your friends and then hand the phone to one of them. Next, you move and stand in a space where nobody was while your friend takes another photo after which the phone blends the images together to put you in the picture alongside everyone else. It actually works quite well and while it's definitely easier to ask a passerby to take the group shot for you, it's great for those times when nobody is around to help. Or, if you're a narcissist like me, you can simply use it to put yourself in the same image twice. It doesn't use generative AI, but instead relies on augmented reality to line the shots up and computational skills to blend the images together. A lot of the AI features are based around imagery. Use the Reimagine function to select parts of an image, type in a prompt and have Google's generative AI bring your idea to life. You can use it to replace backgrounds around a subject, add objects, change the sky to a sunset, add in a wolf lurking behind you (if that's what you're into) or create weird apocalyptic pirate scenes like the one below. You're only limited by your imagination -- a cliche, but one that's actually true in this case. The Reframe tool uses generative AI to expand the canvas of an image or help you crop it in a more artistic way -- it'll even generate parts of the image that were cut off in the original. Samsung's Galaxy S24 line and other phones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip can also do this. If you don't want to take actual photos then you can play with Pixel Studio, which will simply generate an image in a variety of styles from your text prompts. Here, I asked for a fox peering into a wardrobe with ivy coming out. So far so good, but I iterated and asked for the wardrobe to be in a misty forest. Then I changed the style to anime, which looked adorable, and finally I added an owl sitting on top. What scene isn't improved by adding an owl to it? It took seconds to create these variations and I love the results. Again though, it can be hit and miss, with some results looking downright bizarre. When I asked it to write "wish you were here," like a postcard, this is what it produced. It struggles to generate words and it can't yet produce images of people, but apparently that feature will come later. What it can do is generate images of copyrighted and trademarked material like Pikachu and Mickey Mouse, so I'll be interested to see how Google handles the interest I suspect it will get from the likes of Disney, Nintendo and others. All of these tools worked well in my review time so far. While the results aren't always perfect, I typically found I can get better results by simply asking the AI to have another go. The bigger question I suppose is, do you actually need this? With the results often being somewhat weird-looking and the actual image quality and details being quite poor, the usefulness of this type of image generation right now seems limited. Perhaps for designers or other creatives wanting to simply play with ideas, it might have some long term application but I suspect most people may find it little more than an intriguing novelty or simply an alternative to using clip art, like a poster for a church bake sale. The 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a refreshed design with a new camera bar that's more of a pill-shaped island than a full strip, and the edges of the phone are now flat and polished rather than smoothly rounded. Personally, I think it looks great. I thought the Pixel 8 Pro looked a bit cartoony and childlike, while the Pixel 9 Pro looks classy all the way. While the base 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL that I've been testing measures 6.8 inches. Want something that slides more easily into your jeans? Go for the smaller 9 Pro. Need a bit of extra screen real estate to enjoy games or movies on? Check out the 9 Pro XL. The XL's display looks great, with vibrant colors and enough resolution to make tiny text and high-res videos look beautiful. It's bright enough for me to use comfortably under what passes for a sunny day in Edinburgh, although those of you in a brighter place like California might struggle a little more. Powering the phone and all its AI features is the latest Google-made Tensor G4 processor. I can't benchmark it yet so I don't know exactly how it stacks up against the competition, but in everyday use it feels quick and responsive, with games like Genshin Impact playing with extremely smooth frame rates and AI image generation taking only a few seconds to process each time. It launches with last year's Android 14 on board, with an update to version 15 promised for later this year. It's a shame Google hasn't taken the opportunity to launch the new software with its new phones, although we do at least get a generous seven years of software and security updates. That means that the Pixel 9 series will still be safe to use until at least 2031. The cameras are one area I hoped to see some bigger improvements. While there's all kinds of new software trickery, from the new generative AI tools to the Add Me function and an updated panorama mode, the camera hardware itself remains nearly unchanged from last year's model. The main camera's resolution, sensor size and aperture are the same, as is the resolution of both the ultrawide and telephoto cameras. The selfie camera is the one area that's seen a significant bump, going from 10.5 megapixels on the Pixel 8 Pro to a much more generous 42 megapixels. Unsurprisingly, selfies look great -- even if your hair doesn't. The Pixel 9 Pro can take great-looking images, with gorgeous exposures, perfect colors and tons of detail seen from all of its cameras. I've been impressed with many of the shots I've taken so far. But the Pixel 8 Pro took great photos too and beyond some new AI tricks, the cameras haven't really moved on. Night time images struggle, with various test shots showing overly blotchy dark areas and a general lack of detail, especially when using the ultrawide camera. And while you can shoot files in DNG raw format, the raw images look awful compared to the JPEG files and need a lot of work in Lightroom to make them passable. I found this to be the case on the Pixel 8 Pro, too, and I'm disappointed Google hasn't worked on this more since the last model. It means that while the Pixel 9 Pro is great for the majority of casual photographers out there, the serious photographers among you might be better suited with some of its rivals. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra with its huge 1-inch type image sensor has absolutely astounded me with its image quality, while Apple's iPhone 15 Pro maintains its position as one of the best overall camera phones around. It's also worth waiting to see what new photography and video production skills Apple might put into the upcoming iPhone 16. There's certainly a lot to like about the Pixel 9 Pro XL. I love the new design, the new AI skills are at least great fun to play around with. And while the cameras aren't much of a step up over the last model, the phone can take great photos in daytime outdoor conditions. The Pixel's image generation and conversational Gemini Live are the main things setting the phones apart from the competition right now, and if those features leave you cold then you can probably look elsewhere. That said, AI will only become more a part of all phones with Samsung expanding its Galaxy AI across its phone line and Apple launching Apple Intelligence for its newer iPhones. So whether you want AI on your phone or not will soon be a moot point -- you'll simply have to have it. And the Pixel 9 Pro's combination of great design, slick software and solid cameras definitely make it a great handset to get your first true taste of AI on your phone. Every phone tested by CNET's reviews team was actually used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates. All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests. We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.

Google Pixel 9 Review: Chock-Full of AI. But That's Not What Makes It Great

The Pixel 9 may look like a departure from the Pixel 8 on the outside. But it's what's on the inside that counts. Google's new crop of Pixel phones is brimming with new AI features, some of which are useful and others that are more amusing than they are practical. I've been using the standard Pixel 9, which at $799 (£799, AU$1,349) is Google's cheapest of the bunch, for nearly a week. In that time, the Pixel 9 has made me curious -- and even a little excited -- about how AI could make our phones more efficient and easier to use in the future. In Google's eyes, the days of scrolling through your photo gallery to find the confirmation number you've saved in a screenshot or scrambling to take notes during a phone call are over. We're past the point of just using our phones to take photos; the Pixel 9 can generate brand-new images from scratch based on a few simple words. Let's face it, annual smartphone upgrades have gotten boring, typically bringing iterative upgrades to the camera, design and if you're lucky, battery life. So it's no wonder tech giants like Google are looking for new ways to spice up the smartphone using generative AI -- i.e. the flavor of AI that can generate convincing (but not always accurate) answers and content in response to prompts after being trained on data. Google's not alone; Apple and Samsung are taking a similar approach. I like where Google is headed, but the Pixel 9 and Google's Gemini assistant still feel like a first step toward what the company is hoping to achieve: Making phone software more intelligent so that we can spend less time swiping, tapping, scrolling and digging. In the meantime, the Pixel 9 shines for its great camera, elegant design and clean software, just like the less AI-centric Pixels of years past. But at $799, the Pixel 9 is playing in a different ballpark. It's not the midrange phone the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 were when they launched at $699 and $599, respectively. It no longer has the competitive advantage of being cheaper than the latest entry-level iPhone and Galaxy phone. The Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that more premium camp, although it's only worth upgrading if you're coming from an older phone. When you strip away the AI features, the Pixel 9 really isn't all that different from the Pixel 8. Read more: Google's Pixel 9 Event Proves the Smartphone Race Has Entered a New Era The Pixel 9's new AI features aren't exciting enough to make you want to run out and buy a new phone. But they are certainly the biggest thing that separates Google's new Pixels from those of the past. The new Pixel Studio app, which churns out AI-generated images on the fly, has no business being as fun as it is. I spent way too much time going down a rabbit hole typing in whatever random idea popped into my brain to see what Google could come up with. I created cute pictures of cats cuddling, Pikachu holding a balloon and monsters stomping through a medieval city. Honestly, I was a little surprised to see copyrighted characters appear in Pixel Studio's results. It's not the only app for image generation; you can create pictures in ChatGPT, Canva and Midjourney (through the Discord chat app), among others. But it's nice to have a tool like this baked right into the phone without having to sign up for a new service. However, you can't use Pixel Studio to create images of people yet. It's also worth noting that some of the results didn't line up with the prompt exactly. When I tried to create another Pokemon-themed image of Pikachu, Jigglypuff and Mew in a forest, it came up with something that was a hybrid of Mew and Jigglypuff. Although it was fun as a party trick and certainly kept me entertained, Pixel Studio seems useful only in niche scenarios. Maybe you need a graphic to create a business logo or an invitation for a dinner party or board game night, for example. Or if you're like me, an app like this could be useful for creating scenery and nonhuman characters for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign (I had Pixel Studio create what I thought my character's living quarters would look like, for example). For the right audience, it could be an easy way to create graphics with no artistic or technical know-how required. But I think most people will likely forget about it after the initial curiosity wears off. Some of Google's other AI features seem more practical. Pixel Screenshots is one of my favorites. It's an app that houses all of the screenshots on your device and lets you search for content within them. If you've screenshotted something like your Airbnb's Wi-Fi password, an order confirmation number or an address from a text message, you'll be able to retrieve that information just by typing in what you want to see. For example, I found train schedules for the Metro North (a New York area commuter train) that I had taken a screenshot of just by typing in "train times." It's not a unique feature; you can search through photos in Apple's Photos app for the iPhone in a very similar way. But it's helpful to have screenshots stored in a space that feels a little separate from your Google Photos library. Plus, Google's app extracts details from the screenshot that you can view once you tap on it, and you can jot down a note about the screenshot or add an event you've screenshotted to your calendar right from the app. It's a minor convenience, but one that feels like a step toward making our phones smarter. There are a few other smaller, less flashy AI features that fall into this bucket too, such as the Weather app's AI-generated daily weather summaries, Call Notes (which lets you record calls and can summarize the transcript) and Help Me Create a List, which generates lists in Google Keep based on prompts. Google's Gemini virtual assistant is also going to play a big role in how the company plans to infuse Android with more AI. It's not exclusive to the Pixel lineup, but Google usually positions its Pixel phones as being a showcase for the ideal Android experience. I tried Gemini Live, the more conversational version of Gemini that's available to paid subscribers, on the Pixel 9 and generally found that it answered my questions naturally and didn't get deterred when I interrupted. But there were a few instances in which Gemini stopped responding during a conversation, which was confusing. Sometimes its answers were also inaccurate, such as when I asked it a question about an event happening on Little Island, a park on the Hudson River in Manhattan, and it provided the wrong dates. What I'm more interested in, however, is the Gemini overlay, or the tiny window that pops up when you trigger Gemini. You can ask Gemini about what's on your phone's screen, and it'll analyze the contents to provide an answer. I love this idea in theory, but the answers weren't always accurate. When I asked Gemini to point out some healthy items on a food menu I was browsing, it gave me options that just weren't on the menu. When asked about Gemini's inaccuracies, a Google spokesperson acknowledged that hallucinations are a known challenge with large language models. It pointed me toward tools that Google provides for double checking answers like the "Google it" button, which evaluates Gemini's answers using Google search when possible. Read more: Samsung and Google's Mysterious Mixed Reality Plans: What We Know So Far Google is seemingly obsessed with the idea of making family photos and group portraits perfect. Last year, we got Best Take, and this year, Google is introducing Add Me. (This one is a little tricky to explain, so bear with me.) The idea is to help you take a group photo with everyone in the picture without having to ask someone else to take the picture. Google does this by combining two photos. When taking the second photo, the person who took the first photo swaps places with another person in the group so that they can be in the second picture. But here's where it gets interesting: Google uses augmented reality to show the second photographer where everyone was positioned in the first photo so that they can position and frame the second picture (with the original photographer in it) accordingly. It works surprisingly well, but it can be a little awkward. When I handed my phone to a friend to take the second photo, he was initially confused about how the feature works. It can also be difficult to make the photo seem natural sometimes. When my coworker and I tried taking a photo by the entrance to Little Island, it looked like we had no idea we would be standing next to each other in the final photo. When taking the second picture, I also found that it can be hard to focus on guiding the new person entering the frame on where to stand or sit because I was so focused on making sure I was following the prompts on-screen to line up the shot correctly. Still, it's a lot of fun to play around with, and it's a clever application of augmented reality. But most of the time, it's probably still easier to ask another person to take the photo if possible. Reimagine is another new AI-driven feature available on the Pixel 9 series. As the name implies, this tool is an extension of Magic Editor that lets you "reimagine" objects in photos as something else. I found this worked best with objects in the background without much depth, like this image of Little Island "reimagined" as a cruise ship. But when you view the image on a screen larger than a smartphone's and zoom in, you can tell the ship doesn't look quite right. It looks a little warped and melted, almost like it belongs in a Salvador Dalí painting. Perhaps this feature is better suited for minor adjustments rather than generating entirely new objects with a lot of detail. When Magic Editor debuted last year, it raised questions about whether making photo doctoring tools more widely accessible could be used for harm. Those questions still exist, although most of the time, you can tell a photo has been "reimagined" by looking at it (like with the example above). Google also indicates when a photo has been edited with AI in the metadata, although you have to go out of your way to actually check this. The Pixel 9's camera setup is more or less the same as the one on the Pixel 8, but with one crucial difference. The ultrawide camera has a 48-megapixel sensor compared with the Pixel 8's 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. They each have a 50-megapixel main sensor. I could see the difference in some photos taken with the ultrawide camera, but not so much in others. This photo taken at Little Island has more vibrant colors than the Pixel 8's image for example. But in this photo of an amphitheater, I couldn't see the difference until I zoomed in and looked at the wooden stage area. Overall, the Pixel 9 takes vivid photos that are bold but still feel realistic, which can be a tough balance to strike. I didn't see too much of a difference between photos taken with the Pixel 9 and those taken with the Pixel 8, but the iPhone 15 took photos with sharper details in a few circumstances. I appreciate the Pixel 9's camera, but you could argue that you get more for your money with Samsung. The Galaxy S24, which starts at the same $800 price as the Pixel 9, has three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. If you care about getting zoomed-in shots -- perhaps you attend a lot of concerts or sporting events -- but don't want to splurge on a "pro" phone, the S24 might be the better choice. Each of the photos below was taken at a 7.8x zoom. The Pixel 9's image actually looks pretty good for a phone without a telephoto lens. But when you zoom in on a big screen, you can see that Samsung preserved more detail with less artifacting. The Pixel 9 has a new look, and I'm a big fan. The camera bar now has a floating island style design rather than stretching across the back of the phone, and the metal edges are flatter. This gives the Pixel 9 a more seamless shape since the edges aren't interrupted by the camera module. I love the way it looks and feels so much that I don't want to put a case on it, especially in this new peony pink color. I'm just going to say it: The Pixel 9 looks more like an iPhone, and that's a good thing. The screen is also a bit larger and brighter compared with the Pixel 8, which makes it easier to see in sunlight, although I still find myself cranking up the brightness outdoors. Like the Pixel 8 generation, the Pixel 9 family will also get seven years of software upgrades. The Pixel 9 runs on Google's Tensor G4 processor, the same chip that powers the Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold. Google's chips aren't known for being powerhouses, but the Pixel 9 gets by just fine in my experience. Between the additional RAM (12GB compared with the Pixel 8's 8GB), 120Hz refresh rate display and Tensor G4, everything from swiping around the operating system to playing games and taking photos felt smooth and fast. That's to be expected of a phone at this price. The same goes for battery life; the Pixel 9 can easily get through a busy day on a single charge, as an $800 phone should. Google's new phone has a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 8, and so far I'm seeing promising results. On a busy day that involved going to a park, taking lots of photos, keeping the screen brightness high and going out with friends at night, I had 38% of my battery left after about 16 hours of general use. On a much less busy day that was mostly spent at home, I had 64% after roughly the same amount of time. But of course, battery life will always vary depending on how you use your phone. And I'm still running CNET's battery tests, so be sure to check back for future updates. The Pixel 9's 27-watt fast charging was able to replenish 54% of the battery in 30 minutes, almost directly lining up with Google's claims. That's also slightly faster than the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24, both of which recharged around 50% of their battery during the same test. Read more: Samsung Breaks Down How Bixby Will Evolve Alongside Galaxy AI The Pixel 9 is loaded with new AI features, many of which are fun, amusing and moderately useful. But that's not why you should consider buying this phone. It's the Pixel 9's quality camera, premium build and reliable battery life that make it worth your time and attention. Google is on the right track with the Pixel 9's new AI tricks; features like the ability to search screenshots, summarize phone calls and generate to-do lists feel like progress toward making our phones easier to navigate. But none of the Pixel 9's new software tools feel upgrade-worthy on their own, at least not yet. If you're a Pixel fan upgrading from an older phone, like the Pixel 6 or earlier, you'll find a lot to love about the Pixel 9. But keep in mind that for the same price, Samsung's Galaxy S24 has a brighter screen and a dedicated telephoto lens for taking zoomed photos. Every phone tested by CNET's reviews team was actually used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates. All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests. We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.

Google Pixel 9 Review - IGN

If you buy through our links, IGN may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Google is back with a new round of phones, and the Pixel 9 sits at the base of the stack. It features a handful of upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 8, and most of them are fairly minor. That may make it a slightly tougher sell when Google has bumped up the starting price by $100, bringing the base model to $799. But it has some extra memory, a new ultra-wide sensor, and access to more AI capabilities that could make it worthwhile for some. Plus, the snazzy new look of the Pixel 9 isn't a half-bad change itself. But with the Pixel 9 Pro offering a handful of extra hardware upgrades, $240 worth of Google One AI Premium subscription, and the same dimensions at $999, the Pixel 8 is in a somewhat troubled spot. If you've seen a new Pixel phone anytime in the last four years, the Pixel 9 isn't going to surprise you too much. It shows Google's continued refinement of the design, and it comes together a lot better than the Pixel 6 that introduced the revamped camera bar design. The new camera bar here sits like a pill-shaped, raised plateau on the back of the phone, no longer sloping down to meet the sides of the chassis. The Pixel 9 is a smooth little device. The metal frame curves gently around each corner and bends up to the flat front and back glass for a feel that doesn't poke or jab anywhere. The phone feels sturdy in the hand but is light and easy enough to hold. Alas, even with its modest 6.3-inch display, it still takes some dexterity to navigate one-handed. While Google has trimmed the bezels every so slightly compared to the Pixel 8, enabling this slightly larger screen, it also increases the size of the phone slightly, with the Pixel 9 sitting noticeably taller and feels thicker in the hand than the Pixel 8. The flat metal sides lend to that thicker feeling compared to the Pixel 8, which had a rounded frame. This new design pushes the Pixel design ever closer to recent iPhones. The phone is built for a tough life, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides and offering IP68-grade protection against dust and water. It should be able to withstand small falls and extended dips into water, though I'd still recommend avoiding drops without a case. And even though the screen is hardened, it can get scratched, as my test unit is already showing some minor blemishes after only a short while in service. For the Pixel 9, you get a matte metal frame and a glossy back. As I've seen on other Pixels, the glossy back looks good while clean but can quickly turn sour with fingerprints all over it. The phone comes in what are essentially black, white, pink, or light green. Power and volume buttons sit on the right side of the phone, where they raise subtly up from the edge. They offer firm clicks. But because they sit so centered on the side, they don't lend themselves to serving as handy shutter buttons for photography (apart from selfies). Google has included two speakers, as it has with recent phones, setting one in the earpiece and porting the other out of the bottom of the phone. These are reasonably loud and readily pass the test of playing a podcast loud enough for me to hear while I'm in the shower. The SIM card tray has shifted to the bottom of the phone as well, making for a cleaner appearance along the sides and making it more obvious where the speaker on the bottom is (the Pixel 8 had two slots on the bottom, but only one was a speaker). The bottom of the phone houses the USB-C port for charging, which can charge faster than before if you have a 45-watt charger handy (which will only deliver 27-watts to the phone). The USB-C port also supports display output with DisplayPort or HDMI cables, which is an upgrade over early Pixels and only recently introduced for the Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel 9's display is a great one, although not Google's best -- that distinction is reserved for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. It sits flat on the front of the phone, flush with the edges, and boasts a 1080 x 2424 resolution which makes it plenty sharp for a 6.3-inch screen. The OLED panel can save energy running at 60Hz or go smooth at 120Hz, automatically shifting between the two, though it defaults to a locked 60Hz for some reason. While the Pixel 8 was already bright, the Pixel 9 goes brighter still with a rated peak of 2700 nits. Even on a bright summer day, that brightness ensures the screen is easy to see, though you'll still need to make sure the sun isn't directly reflected. All in all, it's a great looking display for general use and videos alike. Google continues to offer a fingerprint scanner built underneath the display glass, and though it's reportedly 50% faster this year, in side-by-side testing against a Pixel 8, I couldn't see any speed difference. The selfie camera is also built into the display area, cutting out a hole near the top of the screen, and this year it's actually taking up more space. Hiding within the Pixel 9's hardware is also a new connection method: satellite. Like the iPhone, the Pixel 9 now includes a satellite SOS function if you dial 9-1-1 outside of Wi-Fi and network range. The service is included for free for 2 years after activating the phone. That said, at the time of testing, the feature did not appear in the settings. The Pixel 9 comes awkwardly running Android 14 just like the Pixel 8 before it. It's a simple and stylish operating system, and while I have little issue with it, I do find Google's customization of it doesn't make great use of space - all but refusing to go information-dense. As it did last year, Google is again offering 7 years worth of updates for the new phones. Of course, with the Pixel 9 launching before Android 15, that may mean we won't see it get updates to Android 22 down the line. Where the Pixel 9 gets differentiated is in just how much more focused Google is on AI this year. It introduced a handful of features that are almost worth a full review on their own. Many features are tied to the cameras, but Google has hyped up a few other features like Pixel Studio, Screenshots, and Gemini. That said, the AI's capabilities are a bit all over the place, with varying consistency. I tried testing the Screenshots app on both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro by asking each phone how many days my girlfriend was working next month: The 9 Pro sourced a screenshot of my calendar and gave me an answer while the Pixel 9 drew a blank. But when I changed the phrasing of my question just to ask how many days she'd work "in September," the Pixel 9 suddenly could answer despite using the same screenshot of my calendar that the Pixel 9 Pro had in both instances. And for the record, neither device actually provided a correct answer. Asking about a funeral coming up, the AI pulled up a calendar screenshot with the relevant information but then incorrectly said "A funeral is coming up on September 10th", a day that has no calendar entries in the screenshot. Perhaps the AI knows something I don't, but I really hope otherwise. Another fun tool, theoretically, is the Pixel Studio app, an AI image generator that lets you input prompts and request certain styles of imagery. While this could be fun for custom reactions to text, I consistently found it didn't quite understand requests, and in almost all cases couldn't accurately include what I asked for in text bubbles. Generally, it spelled things wrong, included extra words, and in one case, even opted for a different language (which looked like a sloppy attempt at Mandarin). And then there's Gemini, which fills in for Google Assistant and adds yet another separate channel for accessing AI tools. Asked to generate an image, Gemini will, but it will operate distinctly from Pixel Studio. Instead of making one image, it will generate and present several at once. It also won't create images with text. Gemini Live sits as yet another layer, offering a conversational method of interacting with Google's AI, and it requires a second press to access after calling up Gemini. I find the partitioning between these tools annoying. Gemini Live won't tap into Screenshots or Pixel Studio, so you can't fluidly ask it to pull screenshot data up or generate an image. And then there are the inconsistencies in how you interact with the tools: Gemini Live is all voice and the Screenshots app lets you ask for things with your voice directly, but Pixel Studio requires typed prompts (though you can use GBoard's dictation to write those typed prompts). Where these AI tools are meant to lift burdens off of us, there's a burden of its own in remembering which tool is available, how to get to it, and what it will do. And the need to reframe prompts in the hopes of getting the desired output leaves them in shaky territory. The Pixel 9 is a fast enough performer. It runs on an upgraded chip, the Tensor G4, which is a minor upgrade from the Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8 lineup. This model comes with a memory upgrade to 12GB though, which is important for enabling the AI features that rely on memory. In practice, the system was reasonably quick for its AI tasks, though there's a brief delay of a second or two for many, like image generation and responses to Screenshot queries. Meanwhile, the performance for gaming is respectable. Running Zenless Zone Zero, the phone readily kept it up at High settings and a smooth 60fps with minimal stumbles. More impressively, it managed to do so without getting exceedingly hot. After playing for over an hour, the phone wasn't uncomfortable to hold. The storage also lets the game load quickly. In everyday use, the performance is more than up to snuff, launching apps and navigating the phone quickly. While direct benchmark numbers will have to wait (Geekbench and 3DMark were unavailable for the phone during testing), it's a safe bet that the Tensor G4 is still lagging a ways behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for general CPU and GPU performance, as Google has put more emphasis in its AI processing. Connectivity is fast as well. I saw the 5G connection readily hit over 300Mbps even in lackluster conditions, and Wi-Fi 7 has the phone ready for fast networks now and in the future. With its 4700mAh battery, the Pixel 9 is readily able to last all day, even with a bit of photography, gaming, and movie-watching mixed in. The Pixel 9 doesn't fall too far from the premium tier with its camera, getting the same main and ultrawide systems as the Pro models. These are fairly similar to 2023's offerings as well, with only the ultrawide seeing much change, shifting to a wider aperture and slightly narrowed FOV. Here are the cameras the Google Pixel 9 packs: Predictably, the Pixel 9 has a great main camera. Running around at the golden hour, I found it captured some truly lovely shots. Its detail is sharp across most of the image, and with a rather wide field of view, it crams a lot into every shot. Colors are poppy where they should pop and natural where they should be. Neon lights glow and the sun shimmers while stone, wood, and rusted out metal remain properly dull. The sensor is capable enough in low light, but it can struggle a bit with noise that creeps into underexposed areas of the shot, especially if they're largely flat colors. This results in some unsightly artifacts. With no telephoto sensor, the Pixel 9 is also left to rely on digital zoom with its main sensor. Google's processing is good enough for satisfying 2x zoom, and zooming in before taking a photo does produce clearer detail than trying to zoom in on a 1x photo after the fact. But going up to 5x or beyond, the picture simply becomes too soft to use. The ultrawide is a strong pairing for the main sensor. It crams a lot into each shot thanks to its wide field of view. With an aperture very close to that of the main sensor, it can also perform admirably in similar lighting conditions, and this only makes it that much easier for the sensor to provide consistency with the main sensor. Back-to-back shots between the two exhibit very similar coloring and exposure. This makes it a solid extension of the main sensor. It's quite effective for macro shots as well, getting right up close to even small subjects and capturing sharp shots. Even though the Pixel 9 didn't get the upgraded selfie camera of the Pro models, it's still a nice little shooter. It's wide angle helps with framing or getting more friends into a shot, and it snaps sharp, vibrant photos.

Google Pixel 9 Review

The Google Pixel 9 (starting at $799) is a compact, well-balanced Android phone that brings an appealing design and advanced AI features to a broad audience. It shares many features with the Pixel 9 Pro ($999 and up), which means it has high-quality hardware, rock-solid performance, excellent cameras, and good battery life. It also promises the same seven-year software support window and includes most of the Pro's Gemini AI tricks. We wish Gemini was more fully developed at launch, but its abilities are still impressive compared with the competition. For $799, the Google Pixel 9 is an excellent value and the best mainstream Android phone for most people, earning it our Editor's Choice award. Design: On Par With Pricier Pro Models The Pixel 9 shares much of its design language with the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL (starting at $1,099), meaning it's a rectangular slab with rounded corners. Measuring 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighing 7.0 ounces, it has the same dimensions and weight as the 9 Pro. For comparison, the Apple iPhone 15 ($799) measures 5.8 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches and weighs 6.02 ounces, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 ($799) comes in at 5.8 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches and 5.93 ounces. The Pixel 9 may be relatively heavy, but it feels comfortable and balanced in the hand. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covers the 6.3-inch display and the rear panel. This isn't the absolute latest glass from Corning, but Victus 2 is good at resisting scratches and shattering and is the same material that protects the Galaxy S24. For additional durability, the Pixel 9 is rated IP68, meaning it can withstand dust and water. The iPhone 15, Galaxy S24, and Pixel 9 Pro share the same rating. The outer frame is made of aluminum and features a matte finish in a color that matches the glossy back panel. A power button and volume rocker are on the right side. The buttons feel slightly stiff and have a shallow amount of travel. A down-firing speaker, USB-C (v3.2) port, and SIM card tray are embedded in the bottom edge. The Pixel 9 can support up to two SIM cards: one physical and one eSIM. This is the same as competing phones from Apple and Samsung. For biometrics, the Pixel 9 features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and secure Face Unlock. The ultrasonic sensor is 50% faster than previous models, according to Google. In testing, it proved quick and reliable. Face Unlock works well and is secure enough to use with banking and financial apps. The Pixel 9 is available in four colors: Obsidian (black), Peony (pinkish), Porcelain (white), or Wintergreen. I enjoy the latter two color options because they bring a bit of whimsy. The Wintergreen model I tested quickly earned the nickname "Greeny" around my home. What's the difference between the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro? The Pro has an extra camera, more memory, more storage options, more AI tools, and different color options for $200 more. The Pro XL surpasses both in price, size, and battery life, but otherwise mirrors the feature set of the Pro. Display: Sharp, Bright, and Fast The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels at a density of 422ppi and a refresh rate that ranges from 60Hz to 120Hz. The screen is a hair larger and sharper than the Pixel 8's 6.2-inch, 2,400-by-1,080-pixel panel, though they share the same refresh rate. The 9 Pro has the same-sized screen, but it ups the resolution to 2,856 by 1,280 pixels for a higher pixel density of 495ppi. For comparison, the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2,556 by 1,179 pixels and a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz, and the Galaxy S24 has a 6.1-inch panel with 2,340 by 1,080 pixels and a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which allows it to preserve battery life. In terms of brightness, the Pixel 9 reaches 1,800 nits for HDR content and 2,700 nits at its peak. Virtually every time I needed to use the screen outside, the display was more than bright enough to frame photos or use apps without having to seek shade. It's brighter than the iPhone 15, which can reach 2,000 nits, and the Galaxy S24, which reaches 2,600 nits. Performance: Plenty of Power for the Price The Pixel 9 is powered by the Google-designed Tensor G4 processor, the same as the 9 Pro. It features 12GB of RAM and only two storage options: 128GB ($799) or 256GB ($899). The 9 Pro is available with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Historically, Tensor chips do not fare well on artificial benchmarks since they are optimized for AI and machine learning applications. Google says the G4 makes app launches 17% faster and web browsing up to 20% quicker than last year's Pixels. Anecdotally, opening apps and browsing the web were plenty fast in testing. The Pixel 9 wouldn't install Geekbench 6 via the Google Play Store, and sideloading didn't work either. However, I was able to successfully sideload PCMark and GFXBench. In the PCMark Work 3.0 benchmark, which measures how well devices handle everyday productivity tasks, the Pixel 9 scored 10,648. This is a decent improvement on the Pixel 8's score of 9,959, but not as high as the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 12,634. The Galaxy S24, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, easily came out on top with 17,399. On the GFXBench Aztec Ruins test, which gauges gaming performance, the Pixel 9 produced 60 frames per second (fps) at a resolution of 2,282 by 1,017 pixels, a notable improvement over the Pixel 8 (49fps). The Galaxy S24 still handily beat both at 85fps. To further test performance, I played the resource-intensive Genshin Impact. At the highest graphics settings and a frame rate of 60fps, the Pixel 9 produced smooth animations and sharp graphics. The back of the phone neared lukewarm temperatures but remained comfortable to the touch. Battery Life: A Step Up From the Pixel 8 The Pixel 9 packs a 4,700mAh battery, which is a little bigger than the Pixel 8's 4,575mAh cell and the same as the Pixel 9 Pro. In our battery test, in which we stream a full HD video over Wi-Fi while the screen is set to full brightness, the Pixel 9 lasted 11 hours and 45 minutes. This is a small but appreciated improvement over the Pixel 8's 10hours and 20 minutes, though it falls an hour short of the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL and far short of the iPhone 15 (16 hours) and Galaxy S24 (13 hours, 5 minutes). Wired and wireless charging capabilities are unchanged compared with the Pixel 8. Wired charging maxes out at 27W, and no charger is included with any Pixel 9 device. Wireless charging peaks at 15W using the second-generation Pixel Stand and up to 12W using a standard Qi charger. The Pixel 9 is also capable of reverse wireless charging. For comparison, the iPhone 15 tops out at 20W when charging via cable, and the Galaxy S24 maxes out at 25W. Recharging from 0% to 100% took approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in testing. Plugging in for 15 minutes brought the Pixel 9 to 29%, while 30 minutes yielded a 50% charge. On T-Moblie's 5G UC Network in New York City, the Pixel 9 reached speeds of 657Mbps down and 92.3Mbps up. A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 running on the same network in the same location fared a little slower at 552Mbps down and 39.6Mbps up. When tested on a Wi-Fi 6 router, the Pixel 9 hit 482Mbps down and 16.4Mbps up, better than the Z Fold 6's speeds of 380Mbps down and 15.6Mbps up. Taking the devices to the edge of the Wi-Fi network's coverage area, the Pixel 9 maintained a strong connection and hit 395Mbps down and 14.8Mbps up. The Z Fold 6 pulled in respectable numbers as well, with a download speed of 335Mbps and an upload speed of 15.6Mbps. Call quality is decent. In a test recording, my voice was slightly muffled but still clear enough to understand. When I played loud music in the background, the Pixel 9 did an excellent job of rejecting and removing the noise; my voice sounded the same as it did before the music started, and the background music was only audible for a brief moment. The speakerphone gets quite loud, reaching 82.5dB in testing. Meanwhile, the earpiece speaker hit a high of 82.1dB. I find volumes around or above 70dB easy to hear, even with moderate background noise; the Pixel 9 does a great job here. When I played music through the phone's stereo speakers, I recorded a high of 97.2dB, which is pretty loud. Low bass notes like those in The Knife's "Silent Shout" are difficult to hear. I recommend a good pair of Bluetooth headphones for fuller sound. Cameras: Top-Notch Hardware and Software The Google Pixel 9 features two rear cameras: a 50MP main shooter at f/1.68 and an 82-degree field of view with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 48MP ultra-wide camera at f/1.7 and a 123-degree field of view. These two cameras are also found on the Pro models, though the Pixel 9 has a single-zone laser detect autofocus (LDAF) sensor while the Pro features a multi-zone LDAF sensor. Final images produced by the rear cameras are at 12.5MP with no option to take advantage of the full resolution. The Pixel 9 Pro models, conversely, can take full-resolution shots. The images produced by the main camera are highly detailed and have colors that are closer to reality than previous models. Shadowy areas are rendered slightly darker than they appeared in real life. The 48MP ultra-wide pictures share the same qualities as the main camera: realistic color paired with darker shadows. Distortion correction is applied to the edges of the frame and does a good job of straightening out curved lines of inanimate objects. The Pixel 9 Pro models have an additional telephoto camera, which gives them more reach to shoot objects far away. For selfies, the Pixel 9 uses a 10.5MP f/2.2 camera like the Pixel 8. These images contain nearly true-to-life colors and capture fine details. Portrait mode still has issues with clear items like glasses, but otherwise works well. Low-light photography is impressive. Images taken in a nearly pitch-black room featured accurate (but splotchy) colors. Video capture tops out at 4K60 for both the rear and front cameras. Optical image stabilization ensures video taken by the rear cameras is smooth, though it retains more movement than I would have liked. The colors are vibrant, with details nicely preserved across the frame. The front-facing camera doesn't have OIS and its video is a bit on the shaky side. Otherwise, the color and detail match the rear camera. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro share many of the same AI-enhanced photography tools. For an in-depth look at each feature, check out our Pixel 9 Pro XL review. Here, I'll provide a general overview. Google's AI photography wizardry can already fix blurry images and even replace faces in a group shot so everyone looks good. New for the Pixel 9 is Add Me, which allows the photographer to join a group photo. The Add Me feature is found in the Camera app and provides detailed instructions to make sure whoever has the camera knows what to do. The resulting combined photos can look realistic or silly, depending on you, but the feature works, as you can see below. Magic Editor also has a few new tricks. Auto Frame takes an image and reframes it to create a better composition. Sometimes, it zooms in, and other times, it zooms out with AI filling in areas that weren't photographed. This feature works great when you zoom in. Zooming out leads to mostly realistic results, though sometimes AI weirdness is visible, like in the sample below. Reimagine is also found in Magic Editor and lets you enter a prompt to change the original image. In the example below, I changed my background by telling the phone that I wanted to have realistic dragons in it (yes, I reimagined dragons). The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have these same camera features, though Google will upgrade 4K60 video to 8K30 with its Video Boost tool once you upload footage to Google Photos. Software: Gemini AI The Pixel 9 runs Android 14, and Google promises seven years of OS updates, security fixes, and feature drops. This policy matches Samsung's for the Galaxy S24. It's a headscratcher, though, that the phone doesn't ship with Android 15, which is nearly ready for release. Gemini is the default voice assistant on the Pixel 9, though you can switch back to Google Assistant if you wish. When online, Gemini can use extensions to work with Assistant and other apps. However, Gemini cannot function without an internet connection. Asking it to do something like open Settings is impossible offline, though this is something Google Assistant can do online or offline. Gemini also saves your conversation sessions in a list with autogenerated titles that are accessible through its app, but the app lacks a search function. Gemini can be truly helpful when it works, but it can also be frustrating when it does not. A couple of new apps are preinstalled on the Pixel 9: Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots. Pixel Studio allows you to generate images in various styles through a prompt. Below is an example of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in anime style and a photorealistic room full of guitars. Pixel Studio will not draw realistic humans, but you can prompt it to create humanoids. Pixel Screenshots is a home for all your screenshots with a search field on the bottom. Google analyzes your screenshots in the background and generates captions that are attached to the corresponding image. It's a little rough in places, as you cannot select multiple images at once to create a Collection. However, it's useful when you need to find a screenshot you know you took. Screenshots still appear in Google Photos, as well. Gemini Live allows you to have an ongoing conversation with Gemini via voice. Live works pretty well when it comes to conversing, though it does not handle interruptions as well as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Gemini Live also cannot use extensions, meaning it cannot control smart home devices or show maps. This means that capabilities vary depending on which assistant you use, which can be frustrating. Gemini Live is a feature of Gemini Advanced, which is behind a paywall and costs $19.99 per month. There is no annual plan option, and Gemini Advanced cannot be added to any other Google One plan, which is disappointing. Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold buyers receive one year of Gemini Advanced for free, but Google Pixel 9 buyers do not. Verdict: The Best Android Phone for Most People The Pixel 9 is easy to recommend to anyone looking for an Android phone. We especially like its high-quality build, outstanding cameras, bright display, and Google's seven-year software support window. At $799, Gemini AI's current shortcomings are more palatable here than they are on the pricier Pixel Pro models, and while there's still some work to do, there's no denying Google is already way ahead of the game. For the highest-end Android experience, we recommend Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra for its S Pen stylus and unrivaled productivity prowess. But for $500 less, most people will be very happy with the Pixel 9, and it should only get better with time as Google improves its AI capabilities. That makes it the Pixel we recommend the most and our Editors' Choice for mainstream Android phones.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review

The Pixel 9 Pro XL (starting at $1,099) is your front-row ticket to the biggest screen for Google's Gemini AI. With Gemini, you can generate images, ask for help creating an itinerary, and easily catalog your screenshots. Of course, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also an Android phone, and it excels with class-leading cameras, a modern connectivity suite, better battery life than the previous generation, and Google's long-term software support commitment. We wish the Gemini-based apps and features performed more consistently, but it's clear that Google has a vision here and it's way ahead of the competition. Those who want to live on the bleeding edge of AI will find a lot to like about the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but for everyone else, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers longer battery life, refined and powerful productivity software, AI-based creativity tools, and Samsung's S Pen stylus for just a bit more money, so it remains our Editors' Choice for high-end Android phones. Design: The Most Elegant Pixel The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a finely crafted handset made with top-notch materials and thoughtful design. Its basic shape is similar to that of the iPhone and Galaxy phones, so it doesn't immediately stand out from the crowd. The chunky camera module on the back is about the only thing that really sets it apart. In terms of size, the Pixel 9 Pro XL measures 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 7.8 ounces. It's almost identical to last year's Pixel 8 Pro (6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches, 7.5 ounces), but of course, larger than the $799 Pixel 9 and $999 Pixel 9 Pro (both 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches, 7.0 ounces). For comparison, the $1,199 Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.3 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches, 7.8 ounces) and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.4 by 3.1 by 0.3 inches, 8.18 ounces) are similar in size and weight. The 9 Pro XL's frame is made from aluminum, and both the front and back are covered in Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The matte finish on the back contrasts nicely with the shiny frame, creating an elegant look all around. The reflective frame is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, so keep a cloth handy. When it comes to comfort, the 9 Pro XL feels good any way you hold it. The weight distribution is tipped slightly toward the phone's bottom half, which helps when holding it normally. If you prefer a smaller phone that has all the same features, the Pixel 9 Pro is the better option. The volume rocker and power button on the phone's right edge are satisfyingly clicky but feel a bit stiff out of the box. A down-firing speaker, a USB-C (v3.2) port, and a SIM card tray are located on the bottom edge. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports one physical SIM and one eSIM. We are glad Google has yet to adopt an eSIM-only design; swapping physical SIMs requires very little (if any) contact with your wireless carrier. The under-display fingerprint sensor, located in the lower half of the screen, is highly responsive -- just a quick press, and you're in. Google uses an ultrasonic sensor this generation, which it says is 50% faster than before. The Face Unlock feature is even better. In testing, it consistently recognized my face with or without glasses, which made me almost forget about using the fingerprint sensor altogether. The Face Unlock tool is secure enough that it can be used for sensitive activities like banking or finances. As for durability, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. All of these devices are protected from dust ingress and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in four color options: Hazel (gray/green), Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), or Rose Quartz (light pink). The Pixel 9 Pro is more compact, but otherwise mirrors the design and build of the 9 Pro XL exactly. Google is offering it for those who want all the features and power of the high-end model but prefer smaller devices. The $799 Pixel 9 is largely the same as far as the design is concerned, but it omits a handful of features to reach its lower starting price. Display: As Bright as It Gets The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a vibrant 6.8-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,992 by 1,344 pixels and an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz. This means smooth scrolling and responsive animations; the display automatically adjusts to save battery life when high refresh rates aren't needed. The screen is slightly larger than last year's Pixel 8 Pro, which measured 6.7 inches at the same resolution. The bump in screen size offers a bit more real estate without sacrificing clarity. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen with 2,856 by 1,280 pixels and a density of 495ppi. You'd think Google crammed a spotlight under the glass. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a 600-nit improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro's 2,400-nit peak. The 9 Pro XL's screen size and brightness best the iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7 inches, 2,500 nits) and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8 inches, 2,600 nits). The 9 Pro matches the Pro XL's brightness nit for nit. In testing, the Pixel's bright screen proved helpful. When I was framing shots on a sunny day, the display was fully visible and responsive. This made it much easier to capture photos quickly and accurately without squinting or struggling to see details. Performance: Good, But Not Class-Leading Google equips the Pixel 9 Pro XL with 16GB of RAM and offers storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. For some reason, Google segregates storage options by color. The Hazel and Porcelain models have access to 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options; the Obsidian model can be configured with the full range of storage options up to 1TB, while the Rose Quartz model is only available with 256GB of storage. The model I tested came with 128GB of storage, which is far too low for a $1,099 device. The 256GB model costs $1,199, the 512GB model costs $1,319, and the 1TB model costs $1,549. The Galaxy S24 Ultra's base model ships with 256GB, which puts its $1,299 starting price closely in line with the $1,199 256GB Pixel 9 Pro XL. All the new Pixel phones rely on Google's Tensor G4 processor and Titan M2 security chip, the latter of which is used to secure sensitive data like biometrics. Google says the Tensor G4 speeds up web browsing by 20% and app launches by 17%. The processor is what allows the 9 Pro XL to run Gemini Nano for tasks like transcribing and translating languages without an internet connection. Unfortunately, running traditional benchmarks on the device presented some challenges. I was unable to install Geekbench 6 via the Google Play Store, and when I sideloaded the app, it crashed constantly and failed to run through an entire test. However, I was able to sideload PCMark and GFXBench successfully. In the PCMark Work 3.0 benchmark, which measures the performance of day-to-day tasks like web browsing, the Pixel scored 12,634. This is an improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro (11,709) but way behind the Galaxy S24 Ultra (18,200), which has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor. On the GFXBench Aztec Ruins test, which assesses GPU performance, the 9 Pro XL reached 43 frames per second (fps), which is solid. However, it falls short when compared with the Galaxy S24 Ultra (66fps) and the iPhone 15 Pro Max (50fps). These benchmarks aren't the entire story. Playing the resource-intensive Genshin Impact on the default settings provided an excellent experience, with smooth animations and no frame drops. Even when I maxed out the settings to 60fps and the highest graphics option, the game ran flawlessly, maintaining smooth performance even during battles with multiple characters on the screen. Despite the heavy load, the phone never exceeded lukewarm and remained comfortable to hold. The 9 Pro performs similarly, while the Pixel 9's numbers are a bit lower, likely due to its 12GB of RAM. Battery: Better Than the Last Generation The Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a hefty 5,060mAh battery, which is just slightly larger than the Pixel 8 Pro's 5,050mAh cell and bigger than the 9 Pro's 4,700mAh battery. Google also boosts the phone's maximum wired charging speed to 37W, which is a nice improvement over the 8 Pro's 27W charging. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports up to 45W wired charging, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max tops out at 20W (though we've seen it hit 27W in testing). The Pixel's wireless charging rate is also improved, maxing out at 23W when used with the second-generation Pixel Stand (or 12W with standard Qi chargers). For comparison, the Pixel 8 Pro can wirelessly charge at 18W using the second-generation Pixel Stand or 12W using Qi. In our battery test, in which we stream a 1080p video over Wi-Fi at full brightness, the 9 Pro XL lasted 12 hours and 25 minutes, which is a great improvement on the 8 Pro's 9 hours and 5 minutes. That said, the Galaxy S24 Ultra lasted 14 hours and 10 minutes, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max pushed through 19 hours. It took 1 hour and 25 minutes to fully charge the device from 0 using a fast charger. A 15-minute charge brought the battery to 28%, while a 30-minute charge got it to 56%. Note that none of the Pixel 9 phones come with a charger in the box. When connected to T-Mobile's 5G UC network in New York City, the Pixel reached a maximum download speed of 499Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 102Mbps. For comparison, a Galaxy Z Fold 6 hit 563Mbps down and 47.5Mbps up when tested on T-Mobile in the same spot. For Wi-Fi, the Pixel reached a peak download speed of 455Mbps and a peak upload speed of 13.3Mbps while at close range to my Wi-Fi 6 router. Meanwhile, the Z Fold 6 performed similarly at 438Mbps down and 17.2Mbps up. When taken to the edge of my Wi-Fi network's coverage, the Pixel remained strong, pulling down 261Mbps and pushing up 13.6Mbps. The Z Fold 6 fared worse at 50.8Mbps and 7.01Mbps. Call quality is good, but could be clearer. I listened to a voicemail I left in a quiet room, and my voice was a little muffled. The phone did an excellent job removing background noise and music; they aren't audible in the recording even though they were present during another test call. The speakerphone is easy to hear, reaching a high of 76.2dB, while the earpiece speaker reached 67.9dB. I find volumes around 70dB to be easily audible even in moderately noisy spaces. I wish the earpiece were a bit louder, though. There are two speakers for media playback: one in the earpiece and the other down-firing speaker on the bottom edge. When I played Metallica's "Enter Sandman," the phone reached a maximum of 93.2dB, which is plenty loud for a small room. When playing The Knife's "Silent Shout," deep bass is difficult to hear; I recommend using Bluetooth headphones for a better audio experience. Camera: Potent Pixel Photography The Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with three rear cameras. There's a 50MP main shooter with an aperture of f/1.6 and an 82-degree field of view, a 48MP f/1.7 ultra-wide camera with a 123-degree field of view, and a 48MP telephoto camera with an aperture of f/2.8 and a 22-degree field of view. The telephoto supports 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom. The main and telephoto lenses both have optical image stabilization. The Pixel 9 Pro has this exact same camera configuration, while the Pixel 9 omits the telephoto camera. Generally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL produces excellent photos that show more natural colors than previous Pixels while capturing outstanding, clear details. Images are consistent in their look regardless of which camera takes them. The main camera takes pictures at 12.5MP by default, but you can change that to 50MP in the Pro settings. If you compare 12.5MP and 50MP images, they look nearly identical. Colors are slightly richer in the 12.5MP shot, while distant details are preserved better in 50MP images. Shadowy areas in both sets of photos appear a bit darker than they do in real life. The ultra-wide camera also takes 12.5MP images by default, with the option to shoot at full resolution. The resulting images share the same features as the main camera. Interestingly, the 48MP shots are upscaled to produce a 50MP final image. Google says this is to mirror the output of the main camera. Pictures from the ultra-wide camera at either resolution mostly look similar until you zoom way in. Google applies distortion correction that keeps straight lines straight even at the edge of the picture, though some barrel distortion is still noticeable if a person or pet is at the periphery. At the risk of sounding repetitive, the 48MP telephoto camera also takes 12.5MP/48MP images, the latter of which are upscaled to 50MP. Colors are true to life, and details are well preserved. Distant objects are clearer in full-resolution images. The 5x optical zoom works well, and Google's 30x Super Res Zoom is quite impressive considering this is a phone. For the Pixel 9 Pro series, Google uses a 42MP f/2.2 front-facing camera with a 103-degree field of view. This is a big change from the Pixel 8 (and the regular Pixel 9), which uses a 10.5MP selfie camera. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's front-facing camera captures fine details well and produces realistic color. Final images are 10MP -- and there is no option to shoot at the full 42MP resolution, though you can take shots at 0.7x or 1x zoom. Selfies taken at 0.7x show some distortion at the edges, which can make your limbs appear a bit unnatural. Portrait images look great, though the phone had some problems differentiating between my glasses and the background when it came to generating the bokeh effect. Low-light photography remains excellent. In a nearly pitch-black room, the Pixel renders colors that aren't visible to the eye, though they are on the splotchy side. Local video capture tops out at 4K60 on both the front and rear cameras. Optical image stabilization on the rear cameras yields beautifully smooth video, removing most small hand movements. Pausing the video at any time yields a crystal-clear image. While the front-facing camera doesn't have OIS, it's also surprisingly smooth. Colors are accurate regardless of which camera you use to shoot video. The Video Boost feature, available to the Pro models only, upscales your 4K60 footage to 8K30 once you upload it to Google Photos. The Pixel continues to stand at the pinnacle of smartphone photography. And that's before we get to the AI. As you might expect, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a lot of AI-assisted camera features. Let's break them down: Add Me Add Me is the most prominent new feature for the Pixel 9 series. Simply, it combines two images so the photographer can also be in the picture. Selecting Add Me in the Camera app brings up instructions that demonstrate how to use the feature. First, take a picture of the group while leaving space for yourself. You then hand off the Pixel to another person so you can be photographed in the empty space you left. It provides the second photographer with instructions on how to properly align the frame and take a photo. The resulting images look great (and the original images are saved separately). In the example below, I was impressed that the combined photo features clear depictions of what was on the television while the signage remains readable. Google says this feature can add just one person at the moment. Auto Frame Auto Frame in Magic Editor lets you reframe an image while generative AI fills in parts that were never there in the first place. This feature works on all of your pictures, not just the ones taken by the Pixel 9. You access it by opening an image in Google Photos, tapping the Magic Editor icon, and then tapping the Wand icon, which surfaces the editing options. I tested this using a picture taken in Yankee Stadium. One of the Auto Framed results featured a zoomed-out image in which AI created more of the stadium. If you zoom in to the generated areas on the left, there are some obvious problems, but they aren't egregious considering how complex thousands of seats and a ballfield are. Reimagine Reimagine is also found in Magic Editor. Tap Magic Editor and select an area to edit. From there, you can resize or remove parts of the image or use the Reimagine option. Tapping Reimagine brings up a spot where you can write a prompt to change the image. Once that's done, you can save the changes and be done with it or keep selecting areas for reimagining. It takes a few seconds for results to appear. Below, I took a picture of a toy owl and transformed it into a palace scene with birds in armor. The results aren't perfect, but they sure are fun. Magic Editor is still limited in that it will not alter images of people or their body parts, so if you want to touch up your appearance, you'll have to use a different app. Zoom Enhance Zoom Enhance is available on Pixel 9 Pro models only. This is more of an entertaining feature than it is practical. It's similar to how crime scene techs can "enhance" low-resolution security footage on TV. When tested on an image of a baseball game, the resulting image of huddled players is clearer, though it looks more like a painting. The enhancement takes about five seconds to complete. Software: Gemini Live and AI Everywhere All Pixel 9 phones ship with Android 14 and offer seven years of OS updates, security patches, and feature drops. This policy is on par with the Samsung Galaxy S24 line, so either makes for a good long-term investment. We applaud this long-term support window and hope more manufacturers follow suit, though we're disappointed the phone doesn't ship with Android 15, which is mere weeks from release. The phone is packed with lots of Pixel-specific apps, many with Gemini at the center. Overall, using Gemini as the onboard assistant is good, though, like Google Assistant, it can be inconsistent. For example, without a data connection, many Gemini features don't work. For all the talk of on-device AI, this is a downer. Asking Gemini to do something simple like open the Screenshots app while offline results in a notification that says, "Check your internet connection and try again." Summoning Gemini by holding down the power button starts a session that is eventually archived within the Gemini app. These sessions are independent of each other, and there is no persistent memory. For example, I asked for a zip code, went into an app, and then called Gemini again for "that zip code." Gemini had no memory of it, and I needed to access the Gemini app to get the information again. Thankfully, Gemini can access Google Assistant, so home functions are easily controlled using Gemini. Unfortunately, not all of Assistant's features are available yet in Gemini. Asking Gemini to open the Settings app leads it to apologize because it cannot do that (though Google Assistant can). If you are offline and ask for the Settings app, you get that "Check your internet connection" message again. Google Assistant can operate offline to do something like launch an app. The fact that these two assistants are not equal is frustrating. You still must choose between the two and there is no option to call up one or the other on the fly without changing it in Settings. Pixel Studio Pixel Studio is a generative AI app that's preinstalled on the Pixel 9 series. The opening screen shows you example images and prompts so you can get to know how to use the app. Fill in a prompt and get an image. For testing purposes, I asked for a fun cityscape (seen below on the left), which I then used as my wallpaper for the phone. Pixel Studio is an entertaining way to stretch your imagination, and the output can be a good jumping-off point for other works. Final images are 4.2MP at a resolution of 2,048 by 2,048 pixels. This feature requires a Google account and does not work offline. Pixel Screenshots Pixel Screenshots is a new image organization app. Whenever you take a screenshot, it is now duplicated in this app (as well as Google Photos). Google scans the screenshots and annotates the image files with text generated by the content. So it will, for example, add the word "boots" to a screenshot that contains boots. A search box at the bottom autogenerates description text. Offline search works if Screenshots was able to analyze the image while online. I was impressed with the search function. Searching for "Batman" brought up images with Batman text as well as a statue of Batman without any text in the picture. I was surprised to see a generated caption on one screenshot that contained processed but blurry text. The Screenshots app was able to more accurately read the text than Google Lens, which is odd. Images in the Screenshots app can be organized as Collections but in a particular manner. Create a new collection, then select images to go into it. For whatever reason, you cannot create a collection using your search results directly because the tool doesn't allow you to select multiple screenshots from search results or from the main interface. Gemini in Google Keep Gemini can help create lists in Google Keep by tapping the "Help me create a list" option. This opens a prompt where you can describe what you're looking for, like, "Create a list of food a teenager might like." That prompt can be edited after you get your results so you can modify the generated list. From there, you can insert the information into a Keep note. If you want to use Gemini to remove items, that's not possible. Gemini cannot edit the list in the note, so you have to go back to the Gemini app, find the conversation, reenter it, continue your original conversation, and then take that data back to Keep. It's a bit clunky. Gemini Live Gemini Live, which lets you have an ongoing conversation with Gemini, is behind a paywall. If you buy a Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, or Pro Fold, you get one free year of Gemini Advanced (which includes Gemini Live). After that, it costs $19.99 per month, which gives you "priority access to new features." There is no option to pay annually for a discount, nor can you add AI features to existing Google One plans. Non-AI Premium plans include unlimited Magic Editor saves but not Gemini Advanced. The Pixel 9 does not get access to Gemini Live. You can hold a convo with Gemini Live without having to tap the mic button each time. You select Gemini Live in the app, which turns on the mic and leaves it on. Conversations can continue after you turn the screen off, and you can pause or end a conversation with just a tap. In testing, Gemini Live handled interruptions well during conversations. When faced with a request it could not perform, it politely explained its limitations and reminded me that Live is good for chatting, brainstorming, and finding answers. I enjoyed attempting to find a new television show to watch, but I am not a fan of this benign request being behind a paywall. Additionally, the conversation could sometimes get held up due to some unknown error, though it would eventually pick up where it left off. I asked Live why it is behind a paywall. It explained that the development of Live is expensive and access to cutting-edge AI isn't cheap. It costs money to update it and to think of Live as a subscription to a super-smart assistant ready to help out. This is a pretty good argument, and I'm glad Live answered it so thoughtfully. However, since Live doesn't integrate with extensions or can't call up details from previous conversations, I still find this argument difficult to digest. Verdict: An Excellent Phone That Teases an AI Future The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a flagship phone that impresses with its premium design, exceptional cameras, brilliant screen, solid everyday performance, and Google's commitment to software updates. Gemini AI adds fun parlor tricks like generative AI, screenshot cataloging, and photography tools. Though some of these features lack polish, they are far ahead of what any other phone offers, so if you want a high-end handset to dive head-first into AI, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is for you. If the size is a bit too much, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro offers all the same features in a compact package for $100 less. For everyone else, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ulra is a bit more appealing and remains our Editors' Choice thanks to its useful S Pen stylus and productivity features. And for a lower-cost alternative, the regular Pixel 9 is our Editors' Choice among mainstream phones, as its $799 starting price makes some of its AI shortcomings easier to swallow.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL proves that size still matters. Mostly. | Stuff

128GB starting storage is measlyBest Gemini features are paywalledLess appealing now there's a smaller version Meet the biggest shake-up for Google's Pixel smartphone range in generations - and not just because of a radical styling shift. The clue is in the name: the Pixel 9 Pro XL is now the larger of two Pro variants, meaning you no longer have to choose between screen size or camera capabilities. Both get the latest Tensor G4 chipset, both have a trio of rear lenses and both land with the best version of Gemini yet. Now you can have have full-blown conversations with Google's AI assistant, and it can scour your screenshots for long-forgotten information. The only things that separate the XL from its little brother are battery capacity and charging speed. Oh, and the price. At $1099/£1099, you're looking at a $100/£100 premium to go supersize - and once you take storage capacity into account, suddenly Google doesn't have price on its side any more. Can a fresh new look and some bespoke software smarts give it the edge over the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max? The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels way more modern than its predecessor, simply by ditching curved edges for a flat frame. Google has stuck with polished aluminium, rather than follow in Apple and Samsung's footsteps with matte titanium, but I still get strong iPhone vibes from the front. Pro tip: if there's a punch-hole cam you're in Pixel land; a dynamic island means a wrong turn into Apple town. A free-floating camera oval at the back means we haven't arrived at the smartphone design singularity just yet. I like that Google hasn't strayed too far from the outgoing Pixel 8 Pro, while also getting closer to the brands it's clearly hoping to court customers from. A two-month head start from the firm's usual October launch window will surely help on that front. With a smaller Pro now on offer, Google was free to go even bigger for the XL version. It's a simply huge phone (and larger still once you stick a case on it), which weighs a considerable 221g. I never forgot when I was carrying it in my pocket. At least the flat sides give you plenty to grip onto, even if the polished finish is pretty poor at hiding fingerprint smudges. The silky rear glass does a much better job. Google has played it safe in terms of colour choice, with all four options - Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel and Obsidian - being more muted than the Pixel 8 Pro's distinctive Bay Blue and Mint hues. A lot of that phone's DNA returns for 2024, including a rear temperature sensor that still feels like an answer to a question no-one asked (or rather stopped asking once the pandemic was over). It's telling that you won't find one in the pricier Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The in-display fingerprint sensor is still found at a sensible height, so you won't be doing any finger yoga just to skip the lock screen - or at all, if you use the speedy face unlock, which is secure enough for banking apps. IP68 water resistance should be a given in a flagship phone, and Google has duly delivered here. New for 2024 is satellite SOS. It's the first time an Android phone will have this service, putting the Pixel on par with Apple's latest iPhones. It's going live in the US first, and you'll need to pay for it after the first two years of Pixel 9 Pro XL ownership. I've yet to test it. What remains a mystery at the time of writing is how many potential customers will decide they don't actually need such a beast of a phone, now that Google also offers the same hardware in a smaller package. I can just about use the Pixel 9 Pro XL one-handed, but it's a stretch. At 6.8in, the Pixel 9 Pro has the biggest screen Google has ever squeezed into a non-folding phone - though the increase is mostly down to skinnier screen bezels. The slight 2.5D effect seen on the Pixel 8 Pro doesn't make a return here, so the Gorilla Glass 2 panel sits flush to the phone's frame. Sadly Gorilla Armor glass and its reflection-busting properties appears to still be a Samsung exclusive. The Pixel makes up for that with impressively high brightness. A 3000 nit peak is up there with other flagships for HDR video impactfulness - I really noticed it when scrolling through Google Photos, which now plays nicely with Google's Ultra HDR standard. Still, it's the 2000 nits in high brightness mode (HBM) that really make the difference. It ramps up the brightness whenever you step outdoors, so I had no trouble watching YouTube clips in direct sunshine. Resolution hasn't changed from last year, but at 2992×1344 the Pro XL is still packing more pixels than many rivals. The phone does default to a lower 2244×1008 resolution to save a bit of battery, but everything still looks gloriously sharp and detailed from a typical viewing distance. The 1-120Hz adaptive refresh is basically unchanged, too, being perfectly smooth while scrolling yet conserving power on static content, including the always-on lockscreen. There's still no way to force it to 120Hz all the time, though. Top marks to Google for the phenomenally engaging colours, ink-like blacks and unbeatable contrast, too. Prior to testing the Pixel I'd been using a book-style folding phone with a much larger display, but after a few hours catching up on my Netflix watch list I didn't miss it at all. It helps that the stereo speakers have plenty of punch, with a down-firing main driver that gives more than a hint of low-end presence. You can really crank the volume without distortion, too. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto cameras all sound rather familiar - but Google has given one of the three some extra attention for 2024. The ultrawide gets a new, wider f/1.7 lens that lets in a lot more light, which gives it a leg up when shooting in low light. Results are now much closer to the main camera than they were on last year's phone. All three rear snappers get phase-detect autofocus, while both the main and telephoto lenses have optical image stabilisation. The lead camera can also rely on laser autofocus, while the ultrawide can pull double duty as a macro lens. The biggest upgrade is up front, with the selfie camera gaining a new 42MP sensor (with autofocus). I'll be honest, these weren't the hardware changes I was hoping for in light of rivals equipped with astonishingly capable 1in sensors. An overhauled panorama mode and quirky "add me" mode didn't exactly soften the blow, either. But Google's image processing is among the best in the business, so I was prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt. During daylight hours, the Pixel 9 Pro has the engaging colours, great definition and accurate exposure I've come to expect from Google's phones. The Ultra HDR algorithms have been streamlined for more convincing highlights and deeper shadows, which really shine through on the device itself (the Stuff website converts images to .webp, so you're only getting SDR versions of these sample shots). Dynamic range in general is expertly preserved. You don't get the natural depth of field of a phone with a 1in sensor, and software has to step in sooner when the light starts to dim, but it holds up very well in twilight conditions or when stepping indoors. I also like how the wide aperture ultrawide isn't the weak link any more; detail, noise handling and sharpening are now very close to the main sensor, at least at the centre of the frame. Zoom shots can look overly sharpened when there's not a lot of light, but hold up brilliantly during the day. The telephoto tops out at 5x, but Super Res zoom does a great job up to around 10x. Any further at night and you step into oil painting territory, as with every rival phone. I can't say I used the Panorama shooting mode much on older Pixel phones, but a side-by-side comparison with the Pixel 8 Pro showed just how much the processing has improved. The app is easier to align now, thanks to floating dots that ensure you keep the horizon level, and the stitching is faster - despite producing a higher resolution image. I think I'll be using it a lot more now. I'm less convinced by Add Me, which lets you swap places with someone in your group shot so you can be in the photo too, while they follow the phone's instructions on lining up the lens and pressing the shutter. The phone stitches the frames together pretty quickly, but it seemed easily caught out if people moved, resulting in missing limbs. Asking a big group to stand like statues while getting their photo taken feels more 1824 than 2024, if you ask me. It feels like Google has put more effort into improving its Magic Editor generative image toolbox - unsurprising, really, seeing how Samsung had taken the lead with Galaxy AI earlier this year. The Pixel 9 Pro can now leverage AI to expand tightly-cropped shots, and adjust backgrounds entirely from text prompts. The Pixel 9 generation doesn't launch with an all-new version of Android, meaning you're getting roughly the same software experience that you did a year ago on the Pixel 8 series. Naturally it'll be first in line once Google starts rolling out Android 15, and a seven year update promise means you'll almost certainly have moved onto a different handset before the firm stops supporting it. That doesn't mean there aren't some spangly new apps to enjoy, though. Pixel Weather gives Gemini-powered daily summaries that dilute down a bunch of numbers and graphs to basic one line reports, like "mild and slightly humid evening with a chance of rain later". Pixel Studio then lets you generate images based on text prompts; it's a step up from the Pixel 8's AI wallpapers, which made you pick from certain phrases and styles, but the actual generation is done in the cloud rather than on-device. The new Pixel Screenshots app is my highlight. It collates all your screenshots in one place, then uses Gemini to recognise any text. It makes finding specific images so much easier, and I like how it lets you make notes or set reminders within the app too. I get that it heavily relies on Gemini, but I do wonder if this would've been better as an addition to a more established app like Keep notes; Google doesn't have the greatest track record with maintaining its products and services, after all. Gemini Live is the big new addition, using natural language communication so you can natter to your AI voice assistant like you were on a phone call. You can pick from multiple voices, interrupt its flow and pause the conversation at any point. It feels like a first step right now, with extensions to support other Google apps due later. You'll also need to pay for a Google One premium subscription to use it, a heady $20/£19 a month - at least the twelve month trial included with each Pixel purchase will let you try out the new features as they're added over the coming months. Google's fourth-gen Tensor silicon uses newer, more efficient ARM cores than last year's Tensor G3, but has one fewer of them. The eight-core chipset has faster clock speeds, though, so performance is up roughly 10-15% across the board in synthetic tests. That marries up with Google's claim of up to 17% faster launches; Side-by-side with a Pixel 8 Pro, YouTube Music and Feedly did indeed open faster. Benchmarks still put this phone behind any Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered flagship, and the new vapor chamber cooler isn't so effective that it can sustain maximum performance for significantly longer than the previous generation Pixel - but in real-world use that really doesn't matter. The Pixel 9 Pro XL felt perfectly snappy to use, opening apps quickly and playing games at smooth frame rates. A healthy 16GB of RAM helps out on the multitasking front, meaning I could switch between several apps without any of them needing to reload first. What isn't so generous is the 128GB of base storage. This feels super stingy when just about every Android rival does 256GB at a minimum once you nudge over four figures. Google will argue its 256GB variants are priced on par with Apple's and Samsung's, but they've lost sight of the fact Pixels used to be value champs as well as flagship beaters. Another downer is the lack of Qi2 magnetic charging. With Google sitting on the Wireless Power Consortium's board, a lot of leakers predicted the Pixel 9 series would be some of the first Android phones with the tech, but that didn't come to pass. The Pro 9 XL can top up at 23W if you use the official Pixel wireless charging stand, but tops out at 12W on a regular Qi pad. Chinese brands like Oppo and Honor absolutely smoke it for speed. It's a similar story with wired charging. Google claims a 50% refuel in 30 minutes using the new 45W USB-C power brick, but the phone tops out at 37W. Many rivals manage double that, if not more. On the plus side, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has proved to have solid longevity. Google's 'all-day use' claim proved accurate throughout my testing, even with an hour or so of gaming and plenty of video streaming thrown into the mix. I rarely dipped into the red before bedtime, so never felt I had to leave the house with a portable battery pack. Arriving just ten months after the previous Pixel generation, there was a danger the Pixel 9 Pro XL wouldn't feel like a significant upgrade. Good news, Google fans: this phone is every bit the flagship. The brighter display is a stunner, real world performance is suitably top-tier, and the sharpened styling is up there with anything from the Apple or Samsung stables. Battery life is more than respectable, the boost to charging speeds is very welcome, and Gemini continues to get smarter in actually useful ways. The rear cameras continue to take fantastic photos in all lighting conditions, and the AI editing tools are up there with the best. If this was the only flavour of Pro Pixel, it would be a no-brainer. However, things are a bit trickier now there's a choice of screens. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro has an identical CPU, identical cameras, and identical AI software smarts, yet costs $100/£100 less. Marginally slower charge times aren't a deal-breaker, and battery life isn't all that different either. Unless you insist on the bigger screen, it's the better buy for most people - though the XL is a real treat for those craving more display real estate.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review - IGN

Google's new phones are here, and the Pixel 9 Pro is perhaps the most interesting of the bunch. It shifts the formula, offering the Pro camera setup and hardware enhancements but keeping them in the more small-hand-friendly form factor of the base Pixel 9. At $999, the Pixel 9 Pro is still a pricier option, but it comes with a number of meaningful upgrades over the base Pixel 9 that will be well worth it for photo fiends. And for anyone interested in the latest AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 will be an obvious choice, as its $200 uptick in price over the Pixel 9 comes with one year of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage with Google One AI Premium, which alone is a $240 value. Anyone not sold on the AI will still get a great phone, though. The Pixel 9 Pro shakes up the formula Google has been rolling with the last few years. Instead of being a larger model than the base Pixel 9, it's exactly the same size but features all the key "Pro" upgrades. This sees the Pixel 9 Pro sit at a comfortable size with a 6.3-inch display and reasonably light weight, making it comfortable in the hand and easier to navigate with one hand than prior Pro models. (Meanwhile, if you prefer a larger phone, the 9 Pro is available in an XL variant that offers a larger 6.8-inch display for a $100 premium. Beyond the display and size increase, the 9 Pro XL just increases resolution and battery size but leaves the rest largely unchanged.) Flatter corners avoid creating sharp pressure points in my palm, which is a welcome change from the thinner edges of earlier Pixels. The big outward difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and its non-Pro sibling is the style - it features a matte back glass and polished metal frame in contrast to the glossy glass and matte metal of the Pixel 9. Though the camera bump on the two phones is the same size, the Pixel 9 Pro fits in a third camera and a temperature sensor. The Pixel 9 Pro bears some serious resemblance to recent iPhones with its flat metal frame, large-radius corner curves, and flat glass front and back. The camera bar on the rear is its big, stylish differentiator, which has shifted away from earlier designs that saw the camera bar slope down into the phone's frame. Here, the bar juts up like a mesa rising from the back of the phone. It's an engaging look, but can snag even more easily on pockets and still can gather dust. Hiding underneath the display, Google includes an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which the company suggests is 50% faster than prior models, though I found it performed exactly as fast as the scanner in the Pixel 8 in side-by-side testing. The screen on the Pixel 9 Pro is a great one. Its LTPO OLED offers a handful of upgrades over the OLED display in the base Pixel 9, which was already a looker. It boasts an extra-sharp 1280 x 2856 resolution that looks perfectly crisp. It's also boasting a 3000-nit peak brightness and remains easy to see in most conditions. It also benefits from a wider refresh rate range, 1-120Hz, offering potential battery saving when displaying more static content. Where the whole display of the Pixel 9 can get a blue sheen when strong light is hitting it, the Pixel 9 Pro's display remains a deeper black. It's truly an excellent display, and the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering should help keep it intact if it's dropped. It's not immune to light scratching though, with some blemishes already showing on my test unit. In addition to the full covering of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, Google has given the phone IP68-grade protection against dust and water ingress, so it should be safe around water, as long as you don't let it sink into the deep end or spend too long underwater. Google claims to have made the phone two times more durable than last year's model, but it's unclear what that translates to in terms of drop resistance. For audio, the Pixel 9 Pro features a set of speakers with one on the bottom and another stealthed away inside the earpiece. They provide bright and loud audio that's easily loud enough to be heard while taking a shower and more than enough for casual listening with the phone at arm's length in a quiet room. In addition to its 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connections, the Pixel 9 Pro gets satellite communication. This will be activated when no other signals are available and a user dials 9-1-1. The service was unavailable for testing at the time of writing, but will be available free to users for 2 years after purchase. The USB-C port on the bottom of the phone supports fast charging and data transfer, and this year it also comes with support for video output. Google has launched the Pixel 9 Pro a bit earlier in the year than usual, and as a result, it comes with the same Android 14 operating system as the Pixel 8 before it. That's not bad news, but it means there's a little less to get excited about. Since Google is promising 7 years of OS and security updates, it will get Android 15 in due time, and theoretically will see a future Android 21 (though perhaps not Android 22). The software is smooth and effective on the Pixel 9 Pro, offering a stylish and polished interface. I still wish Google was more utilitarian with screen space, as it prioritizes looks over information density, but I can't knock the Pixel 9 Pro's swagger with rounded Android styling that blends great with the curves of the phone and screen itself. Bigger than the OS itself is the suite of AI tools Google is pushing as a key feature for the Pixel 9 Pro. It has introduced Screenshots, a tool for analyzing screenshots stored on the device and providing insights into them when queried by users. Gemini fills in for Google Assistant, taking over many of its capabilities and adding AI generated responses to some queries. The conversational Gemini Live is perhaps the bigger get, as it's specific to the Pro models this year and included as part of Gemini Advanced - a subscription which you get a year of with the Pixel 9 Pro. (If this sounds a little overly complex, that's because it is.) Gemini Live lets you have spoken conversations with Google's AI. I found it an interesting tool to talk to as a substitute for Google search. It would dig up details for me about products and sometimes provide useful extra data. Alas, I found it could also provide wrong answers, as it tried to tell me the Pixel 9 Pro had a 12MP telephoto camera. When I corrected it, it apologized for the mistake and corrected itself. When I asked it why it had told me 12MP at first, it then asked me where I'd heard that the Pixel 9 Pro had a 12MP camera. This line of questioning got me nowhere. In many cases, Gemini Live would begin talking and then abruptly stop. I thought perhaps some ambient noise was interrupting it, but whenever I attempted to interrupt it myself, it never cut off quite as quickly. With little visual information in the applications, it's impossible to tell what's going wrong. It's also unclear where the bounds of on-device processing and web requests is. I asked the AI if it worked offline, and it said it could to some degree, but it wouldn't open if the Pixel 9 Pro was in Airplane mode. Gemini Live is supposed to only be in English right now, but it actually spontaneously began speaking to me in Japanese (which is one of the languages I have set for my Google account). Questions posed to it in either English or Japanese were still registered, but it continued to respond in Japanese until I asked it to switch back. It was able to switch back and forth with prompts in either language as well. While talking with it, for some reason, it decided that it was a 3rd-year high school student, but when asked its age, it admitted that it doesn't have an age because it is an AI. The Screenshots tool is meant to be a repository of data that Google's AI can sift through and source for answers. Sometimes, it does the job, albeit with mixed results. For instance, using a screenshot of my calendar as a reference, it told me how many work shifts my girlfriend had for September when asked, but it read the calendar wrong and overcounted (adding dates from October as well, presumably because they were visible in the screenshot). Meanwhile, asking it the same question multiple times can cause its cracks to show. In a couple cases, it mistook other events for work shifts and completely ignored the labeled shifts. Asking when a funeral was scheduled in my calendar - which there is only one of - the AI pulled up the screen shot of my calendar but presented me with the wrong answer, suggesting it was today. I tried almost the same thing Google tried in its Pixel 9 launch demo of Gemini, taking a picture of some event details and asking Gemini to check my calendar and see if I would be available. In one case, it simply reported that I would be free, assumed I was attending all three events in my photo, and then said I looked pretty busy that day - swing and a miss. In a second case, I asked it more clearly to check my calendar specifically for availability (needing to find the right wording to ask a question defeats the value of this kind of service), and it simply said that it couldn't help me and that I should check my calendar app - strike two. Or perhaps that's strike three, because even Google couldn't get this one to work in its demo. Curiously, Google's demo used a Samsung device, so it seems that the feature's inability to work is device agnostic. Pixel Studio is Google's image generation tool. It often misses the mark on generated images, takes a bit of time to process, and it also doesn't work when the phone is offline. At this point, it's becoming unclear what role the phone's own AI processing capabilities are for if so many features require an internet connection and seem to be offloading to the cloud. These new AI features are interesting, but I don't find them a compelling part of the Pixel 9 Pro. They certainly don't stand out as the reason to choose the Pixel 9 Pro over other phones - thankfully, it has more going on than just these features. The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the Tensor G4 chip, which is a minor upgrade over the Tensor G3. It's not offering leaps and bounds of extra performance, but it's no slouch when it comes to day-to-day use and even some heavier gaming. Given the Tensor G3 was already well behind its Snapdragon rivals, I'm not expecting the Tensor G4 to do much to narrow the gap, but we'll have to wait until benchmarking software is available for the Pixel 9 Pro to see just what difference the new chip makes (at the time of writing, popular benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and 3DMark were not available for the pre-launch device). Turning the Pixel 9 Pro to the heavy task of running Zenless Zone Zero at high settings and 60fps, it happily plugged along. It ran the game with relative ease, though it suffered some tanked frame rates during one early sequence, likely as a result of trying to load in large files while playing an animated sequence, and the issue never repeated. Over prolonged gameplay, the phone heats up, but doesn't get painfully hot. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro's performance is satisfying, and with 16GB of memory, it should also be able to hold up well for some time. But it remains to be seen whether the hardware will continue to keep up as processing demands grow over the years the phone receives software support, or if the gap between Google's Tensor chips and other flagships' Snapdragon chips will only grow more apparent as performance demands increase. Battery performance is as expected, with the large 5060mAh battery happily chugging along all day with modest use, including gaming, some video playback, browsing, and some conversations with AI. The Pixel 9 Pro may be the same size as the Pixel 9, but it fits in an even better stack of cameras. While it shares the wide and ultra-wide sensors with its cheaper sibling - sensors which are, in turn, little different from those found in last year's Pixels - it gets a bumped up selfie camera and a 48MP telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom. This array allows for some properly diverse shooting capabilities that all benefit from that knack Google has for smart photography. Here are the cameras the Google Pixel 9 Pro packs: The Google Pixel 9 Pro offers up a superb camera system. The main sensor captures wide scenes with loads of light, excellent color, and plenty of sharpness. Scenes look natural, with vibrance where it's called for and tamer color in all the right places. Zooming beyond 2x on the sensor isn't a compelling option, with noise readily showing up, and some will even turn up at 2x if you look in the right areas (usually untextured surfaces). The ultra-wide sensor is a great complement to the main sensor, giving you even more range to work with. It pushes the center of the scene back quite a ways, but lets you capture a ton in one shot. The colors and lighting line up nicely with the main sensor as well, so it feels like zooming out more than it feels like switching to some wider but inferior camera - a common experience on many phones. Now, since the Pixel 9 Pro relies on the same main and ultra-wide cameras as the Pixel 9, it's really offering no upgrades from that main sensor and shots on each phone look all but identical. But the Pixel 9 Pro gains a 5x telephoto sensor that really steps up its photographic potential. Where the Pixel 9 struggles to push past 2x, the Pixel 9 Pro can snag great shots of more distant subjects. Signs and buildings that were hard to make out in shots on the main sensor can come right into sharp focus with the telephoto camera. With a tighter aperture, much less light is reaching the telephoto sensor though, and Google appears to overcompensate a bit, resulting in shots that brighten subjects a bit more than those taken with the main or ultrawide sensor snapping the same subject. It's not egregious, but the noise in the images becomes easier to spot when zooming in on the photos. It can also lead to slightly washed out visuals for especially zoomed-in shots. Comparing back to even old shots I took on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I still see the benefit of its 10x sensor over the Pixel 9 Pro zooming into 10x on the same subjects. Google now offers a Zoom Enhance photo editing tool meant to upgrade even these zoomed photos (though it works on other shots as well), and while I found it does sharpen the images and up the contrast, it's nowhere close to making the photos appear as though they were shot with optical zoom. The selfie camera on the Pixel 9 Pro provides a straightforward upgrade over the Pixel 9, going sharper and wider without any notable sacrifices. It gets a broad 103-degree FOV ready to capture you and your surroundings or a couple friends. While the color is nearly identical to the Pixel 9 - which is to say quite good - the extra sharpness is evident when zooming in on fine details, which remain crisp under a closer magnifying glass. This isn't to say the Pixel 9's selfie camera is bad, but the 9 Pro's is simply better and makes for truly great solo shots. The Pixel 9 Pro also benefits from more nuanced control over the cameras with the Pro mode introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro last year. It allows manual lens selection and focus, both of which can prove incredibly handy. That manual lens selection can also be set as a default, so the phone never tries to use the main sensor at 5x or beyond - a handy feature. The Pro mode can be a little finicky, though, as it likes to bury away lens sensor selection once you enter it. Google is plugging yet more AI into the cameras. The hyped Add Me feature stitches together two photos effectively, but requires a pretty steady hand keeping the phone framed up between shots. The new Panorama mode can also link a series of photos into a pretty good looking wide shot, though people and moving objects in those shots still end up with errors. The photo Magic Editor also gets a "Reimagine" feature, which can turn selected objects into other things. It did a poor job turning the lake into lava, but did a more satisfactory job turning a statue on a building into the Stanley Cup. In addition to photography, the Pixel 9 Pro is able to tap into some extra video recording features, but they are more than a little confusing. A feature called Video Boost is particular to the Pro models and allows you to get footage that goes beyond the 4K limits of the camera hardware, but it comes with some weird trade-offs. For one, all the raw footage appears to end up recorded in 1080p even though the phone can record in 4K properly. It then also takes time to process before you get a final result. With even a couple seconds of video not seeing upgrades minutes later, it's a bit too nebulous to rely on when 4K HDR recording is available right on the device. The phone's Night Sight for video is more promising, as it took some grainy, dark video and readily improved the quality, smoothing out the noise and making for more pleasant footage. The phone also uses "dual exposure" on the main sensor while recording in dark settings to boost brightness effectively.