Google Pixel 9 Series: A Game-Changer in the Smartphone Market

The Pixel 9 Is Google's Best Phone for Most People

Google's Pixel 9 line packed a lot of firsts when it launched in late August -- including two size options and a foldable version -- but those were mostly reserved for the Pro models. When it comes to the base phone, there's not as much flash. But under the surface, it feels almost as good as its more expensive cousin. Thanks to a redesigned camera bar and some updated camera specs, this is Google's best base model phone in a while, so neck-and-neck with the Pixel 9 Pro that I bet some less discerning eyes couldn't tell the difference. Before shelling out $999 or more on the Pro, consider opting for the regular Pixel 9 instead. You might be surprised. This year, most of the aesthetic changes have been reserved for the Pixel 9 Pro, which now comes in two sizes as well as a foldable version. But that doesn't mean there's nothing new on the standard Pixel 9. The most noticeable update is the redesigned camera bar, which Google also added to the Pro. Unlike previous models, the camera bar on the Pixel 9 doesn't stretch across the whole width of the phone anymore, instead being sequestered to its own little oval. That doesn't mean much from a functional standpoint, but it does make everything look just a little cleaner, if only because it's a little smaller and more rounded. It's also now a bit easier to hold the phone horizontally without accidentally touching your camera lens, too. Otherwise, the Pixel 9 still uses your typical "candy bar" format. There are no additional buttons, the corners are still rounded, and the dimensions and weight are the same as on the Pixel 8 -- 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches, weighing 7 ounces. The speakers on the bottom of the phone have been consolidated into a single hole, but their capabilities remain the same. It's a little disappointing that, like the Pixel 8 but not the 8a budget refresh, the back is still glossy here, meaning that it looks fancy but is prone to reflections and fingerprints. I tend to prefer matte finishes, and the 9 Pro is the only way to get one. Colors for the Pixel 9 include Peony (pink), wintergreen (light green), porcelain (white), and obsidian (black). It's a shame not to see Bay Blue (light blue) returning from the 8 Pro and 8a, but this is still a more robust set of colors than the base Pixel 8 had at launch, so my fingers are crossed that we'll see more throughout the year. Google's Pixel phones are known for their exclusive software like Live Transcribe or Magic Editor, and this year, the company is especially generous by making its biggest additions accessible across Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I've already looked at these apps -- Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Gemini Live -- while reviewing the Pixel 9 Pro, and they work just as well here. That said, I only really like one of them. Screenshots uses AI to add descriptions to screenshots on your phone, allowing you to quickly search through them like you would Google Images. It's great for finding documents like concert tickets or boarding passes at a moment's notice, and while the descriptions aren't always strictly accurate, they usually have enough keywords in them to surface the pic you need towards the top of your results. My only issue is that this only applies to screenshots and not photos, although that's promised to be coming down the line. There's definitely a privacy concern here, especially as Screenshots can also read and summarize any text that might be in your captures, although a Google representative told me all the processing for Screenshots is done on-device. It's just a simple, unobtrusive utility that doesn't demand I change how I use my phone and does something I couldn't before, making it my clear favorite despite its more humble nature. A bit more flashy is Pixel Studio, essentially an AI image generator baked into your phone. Pixel Studio uses a combination of local and cloud AI models, and allows you to more easily edit and remix images generated by Gemini. Google suggests using it to design things like birthday party invites, since it's currently unable to depict humans, even with simple requests like "a cashier at a grocery store." Unfortunately, that means it's pretty limited compared to competitors, but even that hasn't stopped it from producing some unhinged results. Despite the inability to generate humans, Pixel Studio can generate copyrighted characters, and I was able to make some photos of Mickey Mouse in a number of compromising positions. Again, check my Pixel 9 Pro review for more details, but even weeks after launch, it's clear there are still safeguards that need to be put in place, unless Google wants to go full Grok. Truthfully, once the novelty of putting cartoon characters in mature situations wears off, there's not a lot I could see myself using Pixel Studio for: The more mundane use cases feel about as compelling as "make your own greeting card" software from the '90s. Gemini Live is also something I don't see myself using often. It essentially takes Google's Gemini chatbot and lets you interact with it over voice, with an AI-generated conversation partner in return. The baseline tech here is impressive -- Gemini Live sounds friendly, and I was able to cut it off and change the subject often without issue. But the problem is that it still makes mistakes just as often as the regular Gemini chatbot. I had Gemini Live tell me to carry an umbrella in 80 degree weather, or tell me that Kamala Harris would be debating Tim Walz the night I wrote this review. As with most AI hallucinations, these statements were said with total confidence, making it hard to trust anything Gemini said. I was able to call out the app on hallucinations and get it to walk back mistakes, but if I did this too many times, it would just crash, making Gemini feel a bit like a frustrated child taking their ball and going home. Outside of Gemini Live, Google is also pushing Gemini more strongly across the Pixel 9 line, making it the default replacement for the Google Assistant. This is a mistake, flat out. Gemini can do some simple things like set timers or alarms, but as of yet, it's still unable to perform other common tasks like setting reminders or turning on Live Captions -- things Google Assistant does with ease. Beyond the new dedicated apps, Google's existing features got a few AI upgrades this year, too. These are most prominent in the Photos app, where you'll be able to access Add Me and Reimagine. I was looking forward to Add Me, which uses AI to stitch two photos together so nobody has to be left out of a shot. You just take a photo of your group, hand the phone off to someone else who was in that first group shot, and take a new photo with you in it. Then, the phone intelligently mixes the photos so you're all there. Unfortunately, it didn't really work out in practice, with all results looking noticeably altered. When my fiancé and I tried it, our heights in relation to each other were all wrong, the shadows and lighting didn't look natural, and it was best for us not to stand close to each other, or else the feature might blend our bodies together while mixing the photos. It's a cute demo, but not something I would use even for a casual social media post. Reimagine is a bit of a touchier subject. Essentially, this allows you to use AI to generate fake imagery within your real-life photos. Like Pixel Studio, it attempts to introduce safeguards but still can't catch everything. For instance, I was able to add realistic used needles to multiple photos without issue. You can imagine the problems that might cause for something like cyberbullying, should edited photos of a target be posted online or passed onto a less-than-discerning authority figure. I'm not the first person to raise this issue, but as I'm posting this review a month after launch, it's a shame that Google still hasn't done anything about it. Unfortunately, while it's nice to see Google's new AI features generally available across all Pixel 9 models, they ultimately still feel like betas to me. That's not a great sign about where Google's Pixel software will head in the future, especially as it continues to explore sensitive subjects like AI imagery. I loved the Pixel 9 Pro's camera setup, and the good news is that shots taken on the regular Pixel 9 look almost as good. That's because these phones have the same wide and ultrawide sensors, so both standard shots and close ups will look identical between devices. Plus, no matter which phone you pick, they'll rival shots taken on the iPhone 15 Pro. If that sounds too good to be true, the catch is that the Pixel 9 has no telephoto lens. Optical zoom maxes out at 2x, and software zoom won't allow for anything more than 8x. Not that you'll really want to go past that -- photos start to look pretty muddy even before then. The front camera also tops out at 10.5 MP vs. the Pixel 9 Pro's 42 MP, so selfies will look more detailed on the more expensive model. Here's a few Pixel 9 shots taken at various times of day. Note that I've had to compress these for this webpage, and that night shots use the Pixel's "Night Sight" feature to intelligently brighten the background. And here are some equivalent shots from my iPhone 15 Pro. Generally, it's impressive to see a non-Pro phone hold its own against Apple's premium cameras. Unfortunately, despite the camera's power, the base Pixel 9 does not come with Pro camera controls in its menu, which continues a frustrating trend on Google's part. This means you're not able to turn on the 50 MP photo mode, which saves 50 MP jpegs to your phone, even though the camera has a 50 MP sensor. You can still capture RAW photos, so you still have a way to use your camera's full power, but the RAW file format can be annoying for casual users. Most people are probably going to just keep taking 12 MP photos without even realizing their phone can do more. This will be great for their storage space, but Google has no excuse for limiting 50 MP photos to the Pro models when the base hardware is perfectly capable of them. Performance on the base Pixel 9 should be about as good as the Pixel 9 Pro, as it has the same chip, the Google Tensor G4. It comes with less RAM, and didn't always perform as well in my tests, but the Pixel 9 definitely felt like it kept up with the Pro in real world use -- which is to say, it has some issues. In Geekbench 6, a synthetic benchmark for testing general performance across multiple different types of tasks, I got a score of 1,227 on single-core tasks and 3,172 on multi-core tasks, indicating that, at least on paper, this phone is highly CPU limited. By comparison, I got a score of 1,924/5,628 on the Pixel 9 Pro, and 2,938/7,250 on the iPhone 15 Pro. Curiously, my results were even below the Pixel 7's. Granted, synthetic benchmarks aren't always a great indicator of real-world use. To test actual, in-the-hands performance, I took the Pixel 9 into Genshin Impact, a graphically demanding open-world game. Here, I got results about on par with the Pixel 9 Pro, although I occasionally lagged a few frames behind it. I got between 50-60 fps on the game's lowest settings, and about 40-55 fps on the highest settings, although numbers were more consistently high on the lower-end. I also wouldn't recommend gaming at high settings for long, as the phone heats up pretty quickly under that kind of strain, eventually getting painful to the touch. It's subjective, but for me, the heat seemed to be a bigger problem on the 9 than the Pro. While this phone isn't for gaming, my issues here don't necessarily paint a kind picture for other high performance apps, like video editors. This problem isn't new for the Pixel, since Google's chips are designed to put Pixel software exclusives and AI first. For those, it works great, hitting a fine balance between performance and efficiency. But those who regularly stray outside of Google's ecosystem will probably prefer a phone with a more jack-of-all-trades Qualcomm chip, like the Samsung Galaxy S24. I'm still wrapping up my battery testing on the Pixel 9, as I needed to restart it after a hiccup on my end. I'll update this review with my own numbers shortly, but for now, Google promises a 24+ hour battery life under "median" conditions. Not much has changed on the Pixel 9's display over the Pixel 8's. It's still 6.3-inches long, still uses Google's "Actua" screen tech (the company's marketing term for a bright OLED), and still caps out at 2,700 nits. That's plenty for most people, although I found I wanted the brightness somewhere in the 80% range indoors and 90% range outdoors. I've gotten to be a bit of a brightness snob of late, though, and most people will probably be OK around 60%. It's probably best just to leave the phone's Adaptive Brightness feature on and let it choose for you. One nice upgrade to the display here is actually as simple as a software tweak. For some reason, the Pixel 8 required you to dig into settings to enable its 120Hz mode, which gives you a smoother display at the cost of some battery life. This means most people probably never bothered with it, but it was on by default on my review model. To check if you have 120Hz enabled, go to Settings > Display and ensure the "Smooth Display" toggle is switched on. I'd say it's well worth using Smooth Display, as the phone will automatically lower the fps when your always-on display ticks on, which will help counteract the battery life drain. As for viewing content, it's OLED. Blacks are deep, colors are vivid, and text is easy to read, especially in dark mode. I used the Pixel 9 to watch an Astro Bot stream as I was writing this review, and the game looked so pretty that I'm having a hard time not immediately buying it. (I still haven't finished Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.) Google's Pixel 9 is a scrappy little phone, and despite not being as flashy as a Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL or Pro Fold, it's probably enough for most people. This is one of Google's most generous models, packing all of the Pixel 9 line's biggest new AI additions as well as an updated camera setup that's almost as good as the Pro model's. The screen isn't quite as bright or high resolution, and the base model still has the same issues as its more expensive cousin, especially when it comes to third party app performance, but you're not going to lose out on much if you go with the regular Pixel this time around. It's still a commitment, starting at $799, but if you have yet to enter Google's ecosystem and don't want to buy an older phone, this is a good way to do so while spending just a little bit less.

Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8a: Better in every way that matters

Pixel perfect quality Google Pixel 9 Don't let AI bloatware deter you from the Pixel 9, as the core of this phone shows that Google has improved on every aspect of the Pixel 8. From its upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera to the 2,700-nit Actua display, the Google Pixel 9 is a spectacular phone from top to bottom. ProsBest camera outside of the Pro modelsPowerful Tensor chipPremium refined design ConsDisappointing charging speedsAI tools are half-bakedExpensive $799 at Google Store Reliable for years Google Pixel 8a For just $500, the Pixel 8a offers unbeatable value, but you must be willing to deal with some significant compromises. The bezels are frustratingly large, speakers are muffled, and the camera lacks the bells and whistles that make the regular and Pro Pixel phones stand out. ProsSeven years of software supportAll-day battery lifeGreat cameras ConsSlow wired and wireless charging speedsLarge bezels $499 at Google Store Whether you like to keep up with the latest AI developments or are keen to see Android phones regarded in the same way as iPhones have for years, the Pixel 9 is the most important Pixel phone yet. Its sleek design looks spectacular, and inside is the best camera we've seen on a non-Pro Pixel phone yet, a Tensor chip capable of powering many of the phone's AI features, and a stunning display. However, Google is still selling last year's Pixel 8a, a budget phone that wraps impressive hardware in a surprisingly premium plastic case. While Google made numerous compromises to hit the phone's $500 price point, these can be overlooked in the face of the phone's fantastic value. So, should you choose one of the most exciting Pixel phones yet or save with a reliable budget handheld? Read our ranking Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features Price, availability, and specs The Pixel 9 launched in August 2024 and is available through Google's online storefront and third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Unless you opt for one of the trade-in deals, the Pixel 9 costs $799 and comes in four colors: pink, mint green, ivory, and black. You can also upgrade from 128GB to 256GB for an extra $100. The Pixel 8a is available in the same places as the Pixel 9 and comes in vivid green, sky blue, black, and ivory. It has the same 128GB and 256GB storage options, but upgrading will only cost you $60 more. Google Pixel 9Google Pixel 8aSoCGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G3Display typeOLED, 120HzOLED, 120HzDisplay dimensions6.3"6.1", 20:9Display resolution1080 x 24241080 x 2400RAM12GB8GBStorage128GB or 256GB128GB, 256GBBattery4,700mAh4492mAhCharge speed27W wired, 15W wireless18W wired, 7.5W wirelessCharge optionsWired, wireless, reverse wirelessUSB-C wired, Qi wirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CSIM supportNano-SIM and eSIMNano SIM, eSIMOperating SystemAndroid 14Android 14Front camera10.5MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.2Rear camera50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide64MP f/1.89 OIS main, 13MP f/2.2 wideCellular connectivity5G, LTESub-6 5G (optional mmWave)Wi-Fi connectivityWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth5.3Bluetooth 5.3Dimensions152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mmWeight198g188gIP RatingIP68IP67ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, PeonyObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, AloePriceFrom $799Starting $499 Read our review Review: The Google Pixel 9 makes me question if I need to go Pro The Pixel 9 has everything most people want from a phone 7 Read our review Google Pixel 8a review: A great phone that I'm not sure you should buy Google's hardware lineup is in a tricky spot, and the Pixel 8a only makes things more confusing 1 Design and display A substantially different viewing experience Since the Pixel 6, Google has followed roughly the same design language with each generation of Pixel phones. However, the Pixel 9's rectangular camera island and flat sides are the biggest departure yet. This is mostly an aesthetic change; the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a differ most in the materials used for their construction. The Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back and a brushed aluminum frame. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass on the back and front should survive everyday bumps and scratches. On the other hand, the Pixel 8a has a matte plastic back. While this may seem like a downgrade at first, the phone is significantly less slippery in hand. However, if you use a case, the difference is irrelevant. The Pixel 9 is also rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, whereas the Pixel 8a is rated IP67, so the Pixel 9 should last longer underwater (although we don't recommend testing this). But while the design changes are mostly aesthetic or irrelevant with a case, there is a significant difference in the two phones' displays. The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch display is only slightly bigger than the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch display, but thanks to a massive reduction in bezel size, the phone is only 0.7mm taller and wider. The Pixel 9 also has a peak brightness of 2,700 nits compared to the Pixel 8a's 2,000 nits. However, these phones use an OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Overall, while Google has made a notable improvement to the Pixel's design with the 9, it's mostly an aesthetic difference. But if you want the best viewing experience, the Pixel 9 is the winner, hands-down. Software AI is the biggest divider here Google released the Pixel 9 before the launch of Android 15, so both it and the Pixel 8a run Android 14 out of the box. This means you will have an almost identical software experience for six more years when the Pixel 8a's software support ends. While some features, especially those powered by AI, may only arrive on the Pixel 9, the overall experience will be similar for years. Speaking of AI, this is where the key differences lie. While Google has steadily added more AI features to its phones for years, the Pixel 9 marks a shift: AI takes a significantly more prominent role in how the phone is used. This is exemplified by Gemini, the phone's default assistant. While you can make Google Assistant default again like on the Pixel 8a, keep in mind that you'll get the most out of the Pixel 9 if you're willing to take advantage of its AI capabilities. Performance and battery life Improvements to performance, battery life, and charging speeds There is a difference in performance between the phones, but it's not thanks to the chipsets. The Pixel 8a uses the Tensor G3 chip, and the Pixel 9 uses the Tensor G4. The Tensor G4 is on paper a better, more powerful chipset capable of handling more demanding tasks (both AI and not), but the reality is that you probably won't notice much difference between the two chips in person. We'll have to wait for the Tensor G5 for a noticeable performance boost. RAM is where the noticeable performance improvements are evident. The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM, a 4GB upgrade to the Pixel 8a's 8GB. This means the Pixel 9 can handle more demanding tasks simultaneously than the Pixel 8. The Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 is also the most efficient yet, so you'll notice less overheating when the phone is pushed to its limit. The Pixel 9's battery is only slightly larger than the Pixel 8a (4,700 mAh compared to 4,492 mAh), but thanks to the aforementioned efficiency improvements, you should get at least an hour's more battery life over a day. The Pixel 9 also charges over a wired connection up to 27W, compared to the Pixel 8a's paltry 17W. It also charges up to 15W via the official Pixel Stand 2nd Gen wireless charger, and up to 12W with regular Qi chargers. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, can only handle 7.5W charging speeds over any wireless connection. In addition, only the Pixel 9 supports Battery Share to charge other devices wirelessly. Camera The Pixel 9 has the upper hand for taking and editing photos Thanks to Google's post-processing magic, you can take fantastic photos on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a without much work. However, the Pixel 9's camera hardware is better, and its post-processing is also noticeably improved. Pixel 9 Pixel 8a Main camera 50MP, f/1.6.8 64MP, f/1.89 Ultrawide camera 48MP, f/1.7 13MP, f/2.2 Selfie camera 10.5MP, f/2,2 13MP, f/2.2 The wider apertures on the Pixel 9's cameras mean it will outperform the Pixel 8a in low-light conditions, and the ultrawide camera is a huge step up. The Pixel 9 also has additional camera and video features not available on the Pixel 8a, which we've listed below: Camera features Add Me Macro Focus Action Pan Video features Dual exposure when filming on the wide camera 10-bit HDR video Cinematic Blur Which is right for you? The Pixel 9's premium design and range of features is the best we've seen on a base-model Pixel phone yet. However, this comes at a price. And since the Pixel 8a still offers a fantastic software experience at $400 less, the Pixel 9's advantage is less significant. That being said, the Pixel 9's faster charging speed, better performance, improved cameras, range of software features, and stronger construction make it worth the increased price. Editor's choice Google Pixel 9 Good value for a flagship phone The Pixel 9 is the most expensive base-model Pixel yet, but you get a lot from your money. If you can take advantage of a good trade-in deal, you'll find that this phone will last you for years to come. $799 at Amazon$799 at Best Buy$799 at Google Store Not everyone needs AI smarts and a top-of-the-line camera, though, which is where the Pixel 8a stands out. While you'll notice significant compromises to charging speeds and display size, the phone is still a powerful device that will offer excellent performance and effective cameras for years. Runner-up Google Pixel 8a A powerful budget device The Google Pixel 8a is a fantastic phone for its price. Seven years of software support, a powerful chipset, solid cameras, and an all-day battery life make it an excellent purchase for anyone on a budget. $499 at Amazon$499 at Best Buy$499 at Google Store

I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a month - and can't go back

The Google Pixel 9 Pro series looks, feels, and performs as well as they should for their new, higher listing price. Here's my buying advice. This review was originally published on August 21, 2024, and was updated on September 12, 2024. 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. Also: This Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro camera shootout has a clear winner - and one big surprise 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. Fortunately, you have plenty to gain by paying Google more. From my month of testing the Pro XL model -- with short stints 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 recently, I was able to swiftly upload clips from a product launch 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: Qualcomm's secret project with Samsung and Google is mixed reality smart glasses, and I'm glad 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 ratings for the my most frequented ones: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a contender for best Android phone this year, even if you don't plan to use its on-device AI features. While the new model is Google's most expensive phone (barring foldables) 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.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is only pro on the inside

It doesn't matter what device you're considering -- every current-gen foldable delivers a compromised experience. You're trading a thinner, lighter, more rugged device for something heavier, bulkier, and far more fragile, all in the name of gaining a huge display capable of fitting in your pocket. For a select group of Android users, it's a worthy sacrifice. Sure, you're paying double what most flagships cost, but you're combining two device classes into one, and it's hard to put a price tag on that level of convenience. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google doesn't want you to think of foldables as a compromised experience -- "Pro" is right there in the name. And, to the company's credit, this device is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor, with obvious improvements no matter where you look. But if you're stuck wobbling between this foldable and a more standard flagship smartphone, you're going to need to make a few sacrifices to earn its 8-inch display. Staff pick Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 8/ 10 Google's second-gen foldable is a massive leap forward compared to the original Pixel Fold. With a thinner chassis, two great displays, and some real software enhancements, this is the foldable we hoped would arrive last year. It's just too bad it can't live up to the "Pro" in its title -- or the multitasking skills seen on other foldables, for that matter. ProsGreat new designThinnest foldable yet in the USExcellent main displayGoogle's foldable experience is much better ConsMissing some of those "Pro" featuresCamera is just okayWireless charging is a surprising headacheFalls short of OnePlus and Samsung's multitasking skills $1799 at Google Store$1799 at Best Buy$1799 at Amazon Availability, network, and specs Outside the US? You might actually be able to buy Google's new foldable Last year's Pixel Fold could've been charitably described as a limited release, only launching in four regions total. This time around, it's arriving in a ton of new territories. You can find the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. It's not as wide of a reach as the mainline Pixels, but it's better than last year. In the US, you can buy the Pixel 9 Pro Fold through Verizon and T-Mobile starting at $1,800, as well as unlocked through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Google's own store front. It should support all three national carriers as well as their respective MVNOs, though AT&T users have found 5G issues with the device. It's worth noting that AT&T opted out of carrying this phone in its stores, though that doesn't explain why Google's latest foldable is having problems connecting to 5G networks. Regardless, if you're an AT&T user, it's something to keep in mind. Specifications SoC Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 security coprocessor Display type Outer: Actua (OLED) with 2,700-nit peak brightness | Inner: Super Actua (LTPO OLED) with 2,700-nit peak brightness Display dimensions Outer: 6.3" | Inner: 8.0" Display resolution Outer: 1080 x 2424 (422 PPI) | Inner: 2076 x 2152 (373 PPI) RAM 16GB Storage 256GB / 512GB Battery 4,650mAh Charge speed 21W wired, 7.5W wireless Charge options USB-C, Qi wireless charging Ports USB-C 3.2 SIM support Dual SIM (single nano SIM and eSIM) Operating System Ships with Android 14 Front camera 10MP (dual PD binning), ƒ/2.2 aperture, 87° field of view Rear camera 48MP, f/1.7 main; 10.5MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide; 10.8MP, f/3.1 5x telephoto Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Google Cast, ultra-wideband (UWB), dual band GPS, 5G mmWave + Sub 6GHz Bluetooth 5.3 Dimensions Folded: 6.1" x 3.0" x 0.4" | Unfolded: 6.1" x 5.9" x 0.2" Weight 257g IP Rating IPX8 Colors Obsidian, Porcelain Price $1,799 Expand Design and display A multi-generational leap in just over a year In a world where most smartphone manufacturers are sticking to similar designs for three generations (or more, in Samsung's case), the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a rarity. Placed next to its direct predecessor, Google's latest foldable looks like it's from an entirely different company; only the 'G' on the back gives it away. New shape, size, hinge, and camera bump -- this doesn't feel like a Pixel Fold 2, which is probably why Google decided to go in a different direction regarding the name. While I would've loved to see at least another generation's worth of improvements to the original Pixel Fold design, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels so good that I have a hard time being too upset over any missed opportunity. Google has effectively taken everything that made last year's OnePlus Open my favorite foldable and crafted an excellent piece of hardware. Everything from the aspect ratio to the frame to the hinge feels familiar, and I don't think that's such a terrible thing. The result is a foldable that feels like a massive leap forward, as if Google jumped from first-gen to fifth-gen hardware. While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't up to the thinness standards set by Honor or Xiaomi in China and Europe, it is the slimmest foldable US shoppers like myself can buy today. At 10.5mm, the first thing you'll notice about this device is likely the last thing others will notice. For the first time since I started reviewing foldables, people around me were surprised when I revealed the device I was using wasn't a standard smartphone. While I doubt Google will maintain this lead for long, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers some real pressure for Samsung and OnePlus to catch up -- and, hopefully, surpass -- the relatively slim chassis used here. Make no mistake, this new design really does impact how you use the phone. Even compared to the 11.7mm OnePlus Open, I'm much more likely to feel comfortable slipping this phone in my pocket. It no longer feels like a compromise, which isn't something I could say about older (or, honestly, current) Samsung foldables. Putting thinness aside, there's plenty to love about this design. The left-side border might strike some as uncomfortable, but I liked how it gave my hand some space to rest when using the cover display. The matte frame and back glass is exactly what I've been asking for on Google's other Pro-series phones -- only the hinge will pick up fingerprints and grime during regular use. And while the camera bump is missing the style of its slab siblings, it does a solid job stopping the phone from wobbling too much, regardless of whether it's folded. You can't say the same for Samsung's devices. This shot makes the crease look much worse than it is in person, I swear. Unlike last year, the praise doesn't stop when you unfurl the screen. While I still prefer the anti-glare finish on the OnePlus Open, Google's new 8-inch, near-1:1 display has fully caught up to the competition. It's bright and not particularly reflective, which makes it perfectly usable outdoors, and the new aspect ratio feels much more comfortable in my hands. The crease is still noticeable, but no more so than on other modern folding phones. Plus, Google's new hinge allows the display to fold flat every time, no extra effort required. It's a night-and-day comparison next to the original Fold. I'm less enthused about the outer display. It's perfectly fine, using the same panel we praised on the regular Pixel 9. But that's an $800 smartphone, and this is an $1,800 foldable. For that price, I just expect a little more. Placed next to the Super Actua display on the Pixel 9 Pro, which might be my favorite screen on any smartphone to date, the standard Actua panel here pales in comparison. Close Finally, a quick word on weight. At 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open. But unlike with the original Pixel Fold -- which weighed a whopping 283 grams -- this never really bothered me. Yes, it's heavy, but not so much that I felt bogged down when holding the phone or carrying it in my pocket. I'm still hoping Google manages to bring the weight down in whatever comes next for this series, but for now, it's perfectly serviceable. Other hardware and what's in the box Throw us a bone case, Google As I mentioned, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's redesigned hinge feels great. It hits 180 degrees every time without fail but is also capable of stopping at around 150 degrees before the weight of the two sides finally snaps it open. Opening the phone requires a little more pressure than I'd like, thanks to some extra-strong magnets, but I'm nitpicking -- Google really nailed it this year. Practically everything I liked about the Pixel 9 Pro's hardware extends to this device. Haptics feel good, buttons are clicky and responsive -- and, bonus, much less wiggly than on that phone -- and the embedded fingerprint sensor on the power button is quick and accurate. Like most foldables, I wish Google would reach for improved dust resistance, but I'm happy to see IPX8 certification here. I walked through a few rain showers during my review period without a care in the world. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's bottom-and-top-firing speakers are perfectly fine -- loud enough for YouTube videos or podcasts, at least -- but I wish they sounded a little bit better. Google hasn't totally nailed its speaker quality compared to, say, the iPhone, and on an $1,800 foldable that is, in part, designed with media consumption in mind, I was hoping for a little more. Even worse, though, is their placement. Since they're smack-dab in the middle of the frame, rotating the Fold on its side means you're bound to cover one (or both) of the speaker grills with your hands. I answered a lot of questions about this phone's hardware in a Q&A prior to this review's publication, so check that out below if you're curious about something I'm not specifically referencing here. If you didn't get your question in, keep an eye out for future calls to action regarding upcoming devices -- it's something we plan on doing for future flagship reviews moving forward! Related Your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold questions, answered Everything AP readers wanted to know about Google's latest foldable 3 Inside the box, you'll find the phone, a charging cable, a SIM tool, and the usual paperwork. I know I'm a broken record at this point, but for $1,800, Google should offer one of its first-party cases for free with every purchase, even just as an option at checkout. These are expensive phones with minimal third-party case offerings, and delivering some protection is better than nothing. If anything, it might actually save Google from having to repair broken Folds down the road. Software and performance Better than before, but still behind the competition If the Pixel Fold's hardware was flawed, its software was its Achilles heel. Restrictive multitasking and missing features didn't compare well to the competition -- and that was in a pre-OnePlus Open world, which revolutionized how I think split-screen on foldables should work. So, if Google has fixed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's hardware, has it also fixed the software? Yes, and also no. It's a complicated answer. Largely speaking, this is still the same experience that originally shipped with the Pixel Fold. You're limited to two side-by-side windows -- plus a PIP window for video, if you'd like -- compared to the mosaic layout of Open Canvas or One UI's overwhelming grid of little apps. But Google has improved a few elements, and while I'm not sure it'll please every road warrior, it does feel more comparable to the competition than before. App pairs are the big change this time around. It's coming to the original Pixel Fold as part of Android 15, but Google backported the feature to this device ahead of its forthcoming upgrade. You can save any two apps as an app pair, pinning them to your home screen or dock as an easily accessible shortcut. It's a small improvement, but with such a limited multitasking framework at play here, it's essential to bringing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold up to par with its fellow foldables. This phone also benefits from updates Google brought to the original Pixel Fold over the last fifteen months, like the ability to quickly transition from the main display to the cover screen with a quick swipe. The taskbar can now be pinned within apps to avoid constantly swiping up to find it. Apps can be forced to change shape and size in settings (thus avoiding the black borders that plagued the original Fold). And there are more ways than ever to select an app for split-screen mode, just by tapping its icon anywhere within Android. The OnePlus Open showed me a new concept for how smartphones should be used. Nothing about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold makes me feel that way. These are all good changes, but if you've used a non-Google foldable, they're nothing new. Samsung has supported app pairs and perma-docks for ages, while the shortcut for swapping screens is taken right from the OnePlus Open. That's not necessarily a bad thing -- I'm happy to see Google catching up with the competition -- but it shows a lack of new ideas on the part of the Pixel team. For instance, I've been so hot on Open Canvas for nearly a year because I saw a new concept for how smartphones should be used for the first time in ages. Nothing about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold makes me feel that way. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or OnePlus Open, the bulk of the software experience on this phone feels exactly like it does on the other Pixel 9s -- only, you know, with a larger display. That's enough to cement this as a solid, dependable foldable; I rarely go beyond two windows, even on devices that support more. But if you're looking for the ultimate productivity machine, just know this might not scratch all of your itches, and it might be worth looking to Google's rivals for a more unique, fully-featured folding phone. One quick note on app support for this display: like all foldables, what does and doesn't work well on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is going to vary between apps. I've had buggy experiences with Spotify's media player, Pocket Casts thinks I'm using a landscape tablet, and practically every game I would want to play scales poorly (though, granted, I'm not playing the world's most popular titles; I don't fault Square Enix for not updating Dragon Quest V for 2024 smartphones). Remember that you will need to fall back on the cover display for certain apps. If you're curious about how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold exists outside of these big-screen customizations, I urge you to check out my Pixel 9 Pro review. It dived deep into the state of Google's smartphone skin and, even more importantly, its AI prowess, both good and bad. I can't say my opinion on anything there has changed much after a couple of weeks of using this device. Related Review: The Pixel 9 Pro is Google's Goldilocks flagship Not too big, not too small; just right 9 As far as performance goes, I've been hot on the not-so-hot Tensor G4 chip since first trying it in the Pixel 9 Pro, but I've also been anxious to see how Google's improved efficiency and power management would transfer into a foldable. Sure, this latest Tensor chip runs a hell of a lot cooler than its predecessors -- especially compared to the Tensor G2 in the original Pixel Fold -- but with such a thin chassis, I wasn't counting on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to stay cool under pressure. And you know what? It's fine. It's not great -- I'd say the Qualcomm chips in OnePlus and Samsung devices stay cooler for longer periods of time -- but I was able to take the Pixel 9 Pro Fold out in the sunshine for lengthy periods of time without much issue. It definitely got warm -- don't get me wrong -- but considering this chip is squeezed into a 5.1mm frame, I'm pleasantly surprised. At no point did I need to leave this device on my kitchen counter for an hour to cool off, which isn't something I could say about Google's first Fold. Close Otherwise, this is the exact same chip you'll find in the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, for both good and bad. It's simultaneously the best Tensor chip yet and a bit of a disappointment, specifically in a form factor like this. Google is placing a huge emphasis on on-device AI applications over, say, GPU performance, when this big display is absolutely begging to be used for gaming on the go. Then again, practically every game I tried out on this phone didn't scale well on its near-1:1 display, so maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Camera It's good, but I'm not sure it's good enough I'll jump right to the point: I don't think the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera is worthy of the usual stamp of quality we expect from Google. The company hasn't changed much of the overall hardware compared to last year's Pixel Fold. Both the main and 5x telephoto lenses appear unchanged, though the ultrawide lens is much wider than before. In good lighting (specifically outdoors), the main 48MP sensor performs how you'd usually expect from Pixel; you can absolutely get solid shots out of this thing, and I think it exceeds what I saw from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 earlier this summer. Look at some of these sample shots. They're not bad! Close But once you leave good lighting, you'll start to see image quality dip down to levels we haven't seen since the days of the Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 -- at least, to my eyes. Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold captured some Instagram-worthy shots during a recent baby shower, but had that party taken place at night, I probably would've brought a different phone to capture photos with, and that's not something you want to say about an $1,800 device. Here are some not-so-great samples taken with all three lenses on this phone. Close Google seems to know that low-light can be a problem. This phone, for example, is really reliant on the main lens in tough situations. I've taken plenty of 5x samples not actually captured with the telephoto lens here, something you only know after the fact when digging through the image's metadata. I trust that the phone is trying to make the most of a situation, but it also results in blurry outtakes, or having to capture a subject for a second (or third, or fourth) time. Taking a photo of a bonfire in my backyard was a hell of a challenge in a way that I haven't felt in ages. Close More samples. None of this should be surprising, of course. I'd argue no foldable maker -- not Google, not Samsung, not OnePlus -- has fully cracked how to ship a flagship-worthy camera in a device like this. As companies aim to deliver thinner and thinner foldables, I'm not sure we should expect this situation to improve. And for $1,800, it's another factor you're compromising on compared to the non-folding competition. For years, Google managed to get excellent performance out of ancient sensors through the magic of processing alone. I'd love to see the company rediscover that magic, rather than continuing to lean into AI party tricks like Recreate above all else. At the very least, Google, can we dial it back on erasing the contrast out of images? It's okay to have shadows in a photo -- they can't hurt you. Battery life and charging This phone really could've benefitted from some magnets Maybe I just have low expectations for battery life on foldables, or maybe I use the cover display more than I realize, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With a healthy mixture of the two displays, I usually hit five hours of screen-on time before reaching for a charger. That's probably at a 2:1 ratio when it comes to using the front screen over the main panel -- it's just more comfortable for scrolling through social media or texting. On a recent trip to Toronto, with the phone operating primarily on cellular data, I got through a day packed with events -- a screening at TIFF, breakfast and dinner with friends, all capped off with a concert -- without too much trouble. I did top up the phone during a quick break at our hotel, but with charging speeds like this, I only regained 6 or 7 percent of my battery before we headed to Scotiabank Arena. And that brings me to my real sticking point with this battery: charging. Perhaps continuing the trend of Google's $1,800 "Pro" phone feeling more like the $800 standard Pixel 9, I really wish this phone had faster charging speeds. 27W is fine overnight, but of the four devices, this is the one that will need to be topped up the most, especially if you're using the main display as, you know, your main display. Then again, this phone gets pretty significantly warm while charging, so maybe heat dissipation was a concern. Speaking of charging, wireless charging is a big problem on this phone. On a fairly run-of-the-mill Spigen charging stand, the only way I could get the device to start wirelessly powering up was by holding it about a centimeter above the dock's lip, waiting for the coils to recognize their alignment, and then gently placing the device down in its resting spot. Daniel Bader (former EIC of AP, still very much my boss) has it even worse -- his personal unit keeps sliding off the charging puck overnight, meaning he's woken up to a half-charged phone multiple times. These issues even extend to Google's own charging dock, which isn't supported by this phone and has seemingly been discontinued in the wake of its launch. If only there was a way to guarantee coil alignment issues weren't a problem. Oh, well -- maybe next year. Related The Pixel 9's missing magnetic charging is Google's latest smartphone blunder This should've been the easiest of wins 17 Competition In the US, it's a three-horse race I've repeatedly mentioned the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open throughout this review, largely because those are the only options available in the US that don't require imports. If you aren't sold on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold but you are sold on a foldable, you're probably going with one of these two devices. My pick is still the OnePlus Open. Despite being nearly a year old, it has held up well as a fantastic foldable. Even Tensor G4's improvements still can't compete with the better battery life and gaming performance gained by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and with ultra-fast quick charging, you can get a full battery in 30 minutes. The camera, like all foldables, is a mixed bag, though I quite like the Hasselblad color tuning included by OnePlus -- it's got character in a way the Pixel's processing just doesn't. Read our review The OnePlus Open is what every foldable should be OnePlus supplies the competition Samsung needs Ultimately, though, the Open's biggest strength is its price. You can consistently find it for around $1,300, and that's before trade-in offers. I also wouldn't be surprised if an Open 2 appears in the coming months; we've seen rumors finally start to pick up, pointing to an even thinner chassis than Google's. I'm not a huge fan of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but I can't deny that Samsung's big-screen experience is as powerful as you can find on the market right now. One UI gives power users the flexibility they crave, allowing for windows on windows in Android -- and that's before you factor in DeX mode. While I wish Samsung had done more with its hardware this generation, especially for $1,900, the Z Fold 6 is about as far as you can get from feeling like a beta tester in the world of foldables. And for a lot of consumers, that's priceless. Should you buy it? There are two ways of looking at the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, depending on which part of its name you focus on. If you focus on the Fold, you're in for a great time. Google has done an excellent job catching up with Samsung and OnePlus, even surpassing them in some crucial ways. I did not have a particularly good time using the original Pixel Fold as my daily driver, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold might've convinced me I'm a foldable fan after all. However, if you focus on the rest of its name -- Pixel 9 Pro -- you might be disappointed. I think Google made a pretty big branding mistake trying to fold this into the rest of its smartphone lineup. There's a reason Samsung keeps the Galaxy Z-series separate from the Galaxy S-series: expectations. In some ways, this phone has more in common with the standard Pixel 9, right down to an identical cover display panel. And for $1,800, it can be hard to accept those trade-offs. We're getting closer than ever to a compromise-free foldable experience (so long as you don't count the price tag as a compromise -- it's not coming down anytime soon). The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't there yet, despite the "Pro" in its title. As long as you're comfortable sacrificing some commonplace flagship elements, Google's new foldable is absolutely worth buying. But I can't help but feel like something even better is right around the corner. Staffpick Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 8/ 10 Google's foldable series now has a new name! The successor to the 2023-released Pixel Fold is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, starting at $1,800. This year's foldable boasts a bigger 8-inch Super Actua inner display, paired with a 6.3-inch outer display. It is powered by Google's new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM, marking a much faster, more efficient device than its predecessor. $1799 at Google Store$1799 at Best Buy$1799 at Amazon Related Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features

Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 7: Can 2022's flagship hold up today?

Stylish performance Google Pixel 9 The Google Pixel 9 takes everything about its predecessor and polishes it to a sheen. While this comes with a noticeable price bump and AI features that can't be removed, the phone overall shows Google at its best. ProsFantastic camera is better than you thinkSeven years of Android upgradesPhone looks and feels great in the hand ConsPoor wired and wireless charging speedsMany AI tools are not up to scratch$200 more than the Pixel 7 $799 at Amazon Basic but excellent Google Pixel 7 The Google Pixel 7 launched before Google committed to seven years of OS updates for its phones, so it will receive its last OS update in 2025 and a security update in 2027. Nevertheless, it's still a powerful phone with an all-day battery and a camera system that still holds up today. ProsCameras are still excellent todayAI features are not forced on youAll-day battery life ConsOS updates end in 2025Tensor chip overheats easilyStruggles to deliver on value $599 at Amazon Google has gone all in on AI with the Pixel 9 -- today's hottest technology is unavoidable. From Gemini taking Google Assistant's place as the default assistant to the brand new Add Me feature, there are a lot of software tricks to take advantage of with this pocket-sized flagship. However, the lack of improvements to charging speeds, mediocre performance improvements, and a $100 price bump over the Pixel 8 means Google's cheapest flagship of 2024 can no longer provide the value its phones were once known for. Since the launch of the Pixel 8, Google has committed to seven years of OS updates for its phones. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7 missed out on this offer, so its last OS update will arrive in 2025. Nevertheless, the phone still offers performance, battery life, and cameras to handle all your day-to-day activities. Best of all, you can find it at less than half the price of the Pixel 9 when on sale. Read our ranking Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features Price, availability, and specs The Pixel 9 was released in August 2024 and is available from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and your carrier. It's also available directly through Google's store. Most of these sellers offer trade-in deals, but if you want to buy it in full, the Pixel 9 costs $799, the highest price for the base-model Pixel phone yet. The Pixel 7 is a little harder to get hold of nowadays, but you can still find it available through the usual third-party retailers, although you may struggle to find it in the color you want. While its retail price is $599, we saw the phone available for 50% off directly through Amazon in early 2024. If you like hunting down deals, you can easily pick up the Pixel 7 for a third of the price of the Pixel 9. Google Pixel 9Google Pixel 7SoCGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G2Display typeOLED, 120HzOLED, 90HzDisplay dimensions6.3"6.3"Display resolution1080 x 24241080 x 2400RAM12GB8GBStorage128GB or 256GB128GB, 256GBBattery4,700mAh4,355mAhCharge speed27W wired, 15W wireless20W wired, 20W wirelessCharge optionsWired, wireless, reverse wirelessWired, wireless, reverse wirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CSIM supportNano-SIM and eSIMNano SIM and eSIMOperating SystemAndroid 14Android 14Front camera10.5MP, f/2.210.8MP, f/2.2Rear camera50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide50MP, f/1.85 main; 12MP, f2.2 ultrawideCellular connectivity5G, LTE5G (mmWave), LTEWi-Fi connectivityWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth5.3Bluetooth 5.2Dimensions152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mmWeight198g197gIP RatingIP68IP68ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, PeonyObsidian, Snow, LemongrassPriceFrom $799From $599 Read our review Review: The Google Pixel 9 makes me question if I need to go Pro The Pixel 9 has everything most people want from a phone 7 Read our review Google Pixel 7 review: The most refined Pixel yet The Pixel 7 stays true to Google's new design language Design Impressive evolution of a distinct feature The Pixel 7 refined the Pixel 6's innovative design into a sleek package that looks great while resisting small scratches. However, while the phone's relatively small footprint fits neatly in hand, the glossy glass back makes the phone incredibly slippy and a fingerprint magnet to boot. When comparing the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 9, it's easy to see the camera bar as the biggest change. Although this is mostly a cosmetic upgrade, it still collects dust and gives the phone the same silhouette. The biggest change from the Pixel 7 is the frame, which is no longer rounded. Unfortunately, while it looks great, the phone digs into your hand where the curves on the Pixel 7 rest comfortably. The difference between the two phone designs, therefore, is mostly cosmetic. If you're using a case, the differences are practically irrelevant, with one notable exception. While the Pixel 9 is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7, it has the same size screen. If big bezels bug you, the Pixel 9 is a clear winner over the Pixel 7 as it's got the smallest bezels we've seen on a Pixel phone. Display Brighter is better The display size is the same on both Pixel phones, and the resolution is also nearly identical. The biggest differences are found in the refresh rate and brightness levels, where the Pixel 9 wins hands-down. The Pixel 7's display tops out at 1,400 nits of peak brightness, dropping to 1,000 nits in HDR mode. While this is sufficient outside direct sunlight, the Pixel 9 puts it to shame with an impressive peak brightness of 2,400 nits. The Pixel 9 has two refresh rate options, 120Hz and 60Hz, while the Pixel 7 is locked to 90Hz. This means that the Pixel 9 offers a higher refresh rate, and it can be lowered to extend battery life. Overall, the Pixel 9's display, while not revolutionary, is a distinct improvement over the Pixel 7. Software It mostly comes down to how much you like AI As these are both Google Pixel phones, you can expect a near-identical Android experience until 2026, when the Pixel 7 will be missing from the lineup of phones receiving Android 16. However, while the surface experience is similar, the Pixel 9 has a lot more features to play around with, mostly powered by AI. The Pixel 9 has many features missing from the Pixel 7 and while we won't dive into them all here, there are a few standouts that will fundamentally change how you experience the Pixel 9 compared to the Pixel 7. The first is that Gemini is now the default assistant on the Pixel 9. Thankfully, it's not mandatory, so if you are worried about Gemini's ever-growing catalog of mistakes, you can switch back to Google Assistant. Nevertheless, this tool offers vastly greater functionality than Google Assistant, so you will find that you can do a lot more with the Pixel 9 without ever opening the keyboard. Performance and battery life Not as big of a difference as you might think The Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7 and the Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 are geared towards powering their respective phones' AI and machine learning tools, so they don't offer the same impressive performance as a chipset like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. While the performance is roughly identical between the phones outside of AI processing, the Pixel 9 doesn't suffer from the same overheating problems that plagued the Pixel 7 during regular use. However, it still heats up when taking photos in direct sunlight. The Pixel 9 comes with a 4,700mAh battery, which is plenty to get you through a whole day of streaming, texting, listening to music, and playing games. The Pixel 7's 4,355mAh battery, while smaller, can still provide a minimum of five hours of screen-on time with intensive use. This isn't a significant downgrade from the Pixel 9's minimum of six hours, but it can be enough to make the difference between being caught out with a low battery on a night out and having plenty of juice to get you home safely. The battery life is improved on the Pixel 9, but charging is a mixed bag. While the wired charging speed tops out at 27W on the Pixel 9 compared to 20W on the Pixel 7, the wireless charging speed is higher on the Pixel 7, which charges at 20W on the Pixel Stand 2 compared to 15W on the Pixel 9. Overall, while performance and battery life are better on the Pixel 9 than the Pixel 7, it won't make a lot of difference to your day-to-day use unless you regularly take photos or take advantage of AI image editing tools. Camera Newer is better The camera is one of the few areas we see significant improvements with each Pixel phone generation, and the Pixel 9 is no different. The 50 MP Octa PD main camera takes excellent photos without needing many settings tweaks. It's perfect for taking photos in the moment as it can handle low-light conditions well. A 48MP ultrawide camera, supporting the main camera, can take shots with a 123-degree field of view. The Pixel 7 has a 50MP f/1.85 main camera which, thanks to Google's behind-the-scenes software wizardry, also turns out excellent photos. While photos won't be as crisp across the board as the Pixel 9, the overall results are just as suitable for social media. However, the 12MP ultrawide camera cannot produce shots of the same quality as the Pixel 9's. Should you upgrade? Whether you're considering an upgrade from the Pixel 7 or changing manufacturers, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner here. However, AI-sceptics and value-conscious buyers may be better served sticking with the Pixel 7. The Pixel 9 has faster performance, a brighter display, improved battery life, and significantly longer software support. It will be a phone relevant for nearly a decade, so picking one up today means you won't need to look elsewhere for years. However, the focus on AI features over charging speed, performance, and battery life means you won't get much value from it if you don't plan on using tools like Gemini regularly. You may want to consider waiting for the Pixel 9a if you're thinking about value for money. Editor's choice Google Pixel 9 Great features at a cost The Google Pixel 9 is an expensive phone that offers an impressive array of features for its price. $799 at Amazon$799 at Best Buy$799 at Google Store The Pixel 7 doesn't have the same roster of flashy AI features as the Pixel 9, but it still performs fantastically, whether you're taking photos for Instagram, playing games, or keeping up on work projects. While it will receive its last software update in October 2025, it's guaranteed security updates until 2027. If you don't have a Pixel 7, consider this phone only if you're looking for value over all else. But you may want to consider the Pixel 8 because of its longer software support, it's significantly better value for money. Runner-up Google Pixel 7 Still good if you have it The Pixel 7 might have missed out on Google's commitment to longer software support, but it's still a powerful phone that can take photos all day. $599 at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro review: Pixel perfect | Stuff

Charging speeds still lag behind competitorsExpensive compared to previous Pixel models The Pixel 9 Pro is the latest iteration of Google's flagship smartphone, and I've got to say, it's one that I've been looking forward to for a long time. For the first time, Google has shrunk the Pro model to a 6.3in form factor, and as someone who's always wanted Pro-level features in a smaller package, this is a dream come true. Gone are the days of having to go for the XL model just to get the best camera and display tech. Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro combines top-tier performance, AI-driven features, and a manageable size that fits perfectly in hand. Just like the standard Google Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro represents a significant update of Google's smartphone lineup, evolving from the affordable "bang for your buck" option to a true flagship contender. It boasts a sleek, refined design and high-end features that compete directly with the likes of Samsung and Apple. Equipped with the new Google Tensor G4 chip, this phone promises blazing performance and impressive AI capabilities, reinforcing its place in the premium segment. While the Pixel 9 Pro no longer stands out as the bargain buy it once was, Google's foray into the high-end market prompts the question: is the Pixel 9 Pro's new premium experience worth the cost and, is this new, smaller Pixel Pro the model to go for? One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro is its size. The 6.3in display is the perfect balance between screen real estate and one-handed use. In the past, I had to settle for a non-Pro Pixel model as I didn't want to deal with the massive XL versions, but now, I can enjoy all the Pro features without the bulk. 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 most people though, I think the 6.3in model will be the sweet spot. The Pixel 9 Pro measures 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm and weighs 199g. It feels reassuring premium from the moment I picked it up. It's certainly more refined and polished than its predecessors. Google has replaced the soft, rounded edges and plastic back of previous models with straight edges, sharp angles, a matte glass back, and glossy metal sides. The design feels reminiscent of the iPhone 15 (which is high praise) and gives the Pixel 9 Pro a sophisticated look. It's the matte glass back and polished aluminium sides that distinguish it from the standard Pixel 9 model (which has a glossy back and matte aluminium sides), although I actually prefer the standard Pixel's design. Nevertheless, both devices look great. The signature camera bar remains a standout design feature, once again highlighting Google's focus on photography. This year, however, it has evolved from an edge-to-edge band into a pill-shaped island that protrudes more noticeably from the back. While it can catch on pockets, this issue is quickly resolved with a case. Durability has also been upgraded, with Google claiming the Pixel 9 Pro is twice as durable as its predecessor, and as expected in this price range, it features IP68 water resistance. Colour options are more refined this year, with the Pixel 9 Pro available in shades like 'Porcelain,' 'Wintergreen,' 'Obsidian,' and the bold 'Rose Quartz'. My review unit, in 'Hazel' impressively resists fingerprints, and this more subtle and sophisticated colour palette enhances the phone's luxurious feel, setting it apart from previous Pixel models. The Pixel 9 Pro's Actua display is, in a word, stunning. It gets a 1280 x 2856 LTPO OLED panel stretched across 6.3in. As standard the phone runs 'High resolution' mode, which is actually 960 x 2142 pixels, but you can unleash the display's full potential by selecting 'Full resolution' mode in the settings menu and accepting a hit on battery life. Personally, I'm fine with using the lower resolution mode, as my eyes aren't as sharp as they once were. 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 Pro and reaching a peak 3000 nits brightness. That's 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 Pro 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. 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 Pro holds its own. Despite losing one speaker, the audio is loud and crisp with decent bass. Of course, the single speaker doesn'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 most phones nowadays, 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 standout feature of the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 Pro carries on this legacy with even more impressive capabilities. While the main camera still features a 50MP sensor, the real star is the ultrawide lens, now upgraded to an impressive 48MP sensor, a notable improvement over its predecessor. This upgrade results in sharper, more detailed photos with a wider field of view, making it ideal for capturing landscapes and group shots. Also available for the first time on the smaller Pixel phone is the 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It's one of the main features that sets it apart from the standard Pixel 9. As expected, Google's computational photography remains a key differentiator. AI-powered tools like Magic Editor and Best Take make photo editing effortless, allowing you to enhance your shots seamlessly. The combination of advanced hardware and Google's superior image processing ensures that every photo is polished and perfected before you even see it. A new feature, 'Add Me,' lets the photographer join group photos after the fact. The camera takes one photo of the group, then a second with the photographer in place. The Pixel 9 Pro automatically merges the two shots, making it simple thanks to on-screen instructions. However, keeping the group still between shots can be tricky, especially with small children or people who've had a few drinks. This feature is still in 'Preview,' so improvements may come in future updates. Magic Editor has also been enhanced, offering automatic reframing, cropping suggestions, and even image expansion to capture more of the scene. While it's handy for those without access to professional editing tools, the results can sometimes be inconsistent, especially when upon close inspection. Low-light performance remains exceptional, with the Pixel 9 Pro excelling in producing bright, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The 48MP ultrawide lens complements the main camera beautifully, maintaining excellent colour consistency, dynamic range, and exposure. There is only minimal softening or distortion at the edges. The 5x telephoto lens is a solid performer as well, providing sharp, distortion-free images with excellent colour accuracy. The Pixel 9 Pro's telephoto lens combines with Google's Super Res Zoom to offer up to 30x magnification through clever software techniques. While images can lose some sharpness at higher zoom levels, they remain quite usable, especially between 5x and 10x zoom. The front-facing camera gets a high-resolution 48MP sensor, which is a big step up from the 10MP Pixel 8. I found selfies are sharp and vibrant, even in low light. The overall camera experience on the Pixel 9 Pro is exceptional, delivering impressive detail, dynamic range, and natural colour reproduction across all shots. Google's Real Tone technology continues to shine, offering accurate and flattering skin tones, and the autofocus is fast and reliable. With video recording capabilities supporting 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps and excellent slow-motion options, the Pixel 9 Pro is finally a versatile choice for both photography and videography enthusiasts. Overall, it builds on Google's strong reputation for delivering top-tier smartphone cameras and continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography. The Pixel 9 Pro, like the rest of the Pixel lineup, is powered by Google's latest in-house processor, the Tensor G4 chip, offering a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor. The new chip noticeably boosts the phone's overall speed and responsiveness, leading to quicker app load times and smoother transitions. If you're after ultimate performance, Snapdragon Gen 3-powered phones will be faster, but the Tensor G4 was plenty fast enough for me. With 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro is well-equipped to handle a wide range of tasks. Throughout my testing, the device excelled at multitasking, generating AI images, and editing high-resolution photos without any slowdown. Battery life has also seen a notable improvement in the Pixel 9 Pro, with the phone now lasting approximately 20-percent longer than its predecessor. What does that mean in real life? I can regularly get two days of battery life in between charging. This extended battery life is a welcome upgrade, especially as battery life isn't traditionally the Pixel's strong point. I no longer felt the constant battery life anxiety I had with previous Pixel phones. The Pixel 9 Pro 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. If you're a heavy user, you might want to consider the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which comes with a larger battery. But for most users, the battery performance of the standard Pixel 9 Pro should be more than adequate. While the improved battery life is a welcome change, charging speeds still lag behind some competitors. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro can reach 55-percent charge in 30 minutes using its 45W charger, but at 27W charging speeds, it's slower than other flagship phones like the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14, which have set new standards for fast charging. Although the Pixel 9 Pro's charging is decent, it doesn't quite keep pace with the speed of these industry leaders. Google's Pixel phones have long been celebrated for offering a clean, bloatware-free Android experience, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues that tradition. Running on the latest version of Android, it comes with the added benefit of seven years of OS and security updates, making it a reliable choice for users who prefer to keep their phones for the long haul rather than upgrading frequently. Since the Pixel 9 Pro was released earlier than usual this year, it ships with Android 14 instead of Android 15. This means the software experience remains largely the same as previous Pixel models. However, the Pixel 9 lineup will be the first device to receive the next Android update when it rolls out later this year. The new Tensor G4 chip powers a range of AI-driven features designed to enhance the Pixel 9 Pro's user experience, though some features stand out more than others. Gemini Live, available exclusively to Gemini Advanced subscribers, offers a hands-free, immersive experience that allows for natural, flowing conversations with Gemini, reminiscent of the AI from the movie Her. Users can brainstorm ideas, practice conversations, and choose from 10 unique voices for a personalized touch. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced. I found it genuinely impressive, although I haven't found many reasons to keep returning to the app - I certainly wouldn't pay the $20/£19 monthly subscription once the trial ends. Another noteworthy addition is the Pixel Studio app, which enables users to create images on the device using AI-powered tools, similar to Dall-E or Midjourney. The speed at which it generates images is quite remarkable, but this is a fun little addition rather than a must-have feature. The final, surprisingly useful, feature is the new 'Screenshots' app. It automatically organizes your screenshots and uses AI to detect text within them, making it easier to locate specific images later. As someone who frequently takes screenshots, I've found this small addition to be incredibly handy. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is an outstanding flagship smartphone that hits all the right marks for 2024. With its advanced AI capabilities, stunning camera system, and premium design, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out as a strong competitor in the high-end smartphone market. Google has crafted a device that excels in everyday tasks, thanks to the seamless integration of its AI-powered software and hardware. However, the increase in price compared to previous Pixel models might make it a harder choice for those who appreciated the affordability of earlier generations. If you are looking to save money, the Pixel 9 offers similar impressive features for around £200/$200 less. If you're in the market for a sleek, powerful smartphone packed with cutting-edge AI features, the Pixel 9 Pro is an excellent option. For those who prioritize the ultimate camera performance or want a brighter screen, the Pixel 9 Pro's extra features make it worth the investment. Whichever you choose, the Pixel 9 Pro series firmly establishes Google as a leader in the premium smartphone space.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Which compact flagship is right for you?

Subtle refinements iPhone 16 Pro Apple's iPhone 16 Pro is the latest and greatest compact "Pro" phone. It features a larger 6.3-inch screen than last year's model and includes the new A18 Pro system-on-a-chip. There's also an upgraded rear camera system and a Camera Control button. It uses a physical switch as well as pressure and swipe support to give you more control over your pictures. ProsNew Camera Control button supports tactile inputA18 Pro chipset will power Apple Intelligence features later this yearLarger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR displayImproved camera system with 5x telephoto lens ConsApple Intelligence features won't be available at launchNot a major overhaul compared to prior generationsBase model starts with 128GB of storage $1000 at Best Buy Major redesign Google Pixel 9 Pro This year's Pixel 9 Pro brings the typical "Pro" experience down to a smaller, 6.3-inch form factor. It's powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and features a camera system headlined by a 50MP main sensor. The chassis has been overhauled with a fresh camera bar design and a more squarish form factor. ProsExcellent design with a premium in-hand feelGreat camera system, with improved video performancePlenty of Google AI features available at launchTensor G4 chip isn't as prone to overheating and throttling ConsNo Qi2 (or MagSafe) supportBase model starts at 128GB of storageGemini Advanced features come as a subscription after the first year $999 at Best Buy$999 at Amazon It's a great year for people who love small flagship phones. After far too long of the best features being relegated to larger phone models, both Apple and Google decided to give their compact flagships complete feature parity with their plus-sized counterparts. The iPhone 16 Pro has nearly the exact same feature set as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is now a 6.3-inch smartphone, and the typical 6.8-inch model we're used to is called the Pixel 9 Pro XL. So, regardless of whether you like to use a big or small phone, you can have the best features. But which compact phone is right for you? It's a race between the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro. We've already tested the Pixel 9 series, and we'll get our hands on the iPhone 16 Pro soon. Until then, let's break down how the two phones match up on the spec sheet, and find out the one to buy. Pricing, specs, and availability The Google Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro are both brand-new flagships. The Pixel 9 Pro released in August 2024 and starts at $1,000 for the base model, which comes with 128GB of storage. It can be upgraded to up to 1TB for an additional fee, and can be purchased in Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz, and Obsidian colorways. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro became available for pre-order Sept. 13 and will officially release on Sept. 20. It starts at $1,000 for the 128GB model and can be configured all the way up to 1TB, just like the Pixel 9 Pro. The new color this year is Desert Titanium, and it joins a lineup of Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium. Both phones are available from Apple and Google, respectively, as well as third-party retailers and the major U.S. cellular carriers. iPhone 16 Pro Apple's iPhone 16 Pro is the latest and greatest compact "Pro" phone. It features a larger 6.3-inch screen than last year's model and includes the new A18 Pro system-on-a-chip. There's also an upgraded rear camera system and a Camera Control button. It uses a physical switch as well as pressure and swipe support to give you more control over your pictures. SoC Apple 18 Pro Display 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR Storage 128GB base, up to 1TB Rear camera 48MP Fusion: 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture; 48MP Ultra Wide: 13 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view; 12MP 5x Telephoto: 120 mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture and 20° field of view Front camera 12MP camera ƒ/1.9 aperture Battery Up to 27 hours video playback Charge speed 45W wired, 25W MagSafe Ports USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s) Type-C Connectivity 5G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 Dimensions 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 in. Weight 199 grams IP Rating IP68 Colors Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium Operating System iOS 18 Expand Google Pixel 9 Pro SoC Google Tensor G4 Display 6.3-inch Super Actua display, OLED, 2856x1280, 1-120Hz, up to 2000 nits (HDR) and 3000 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Storage Up to 1TB Rear camera 50MP f/1.68 main (wide) camera + 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide, 123-degree FOV + 48MP telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom Front camera 42MP Dual PD, f/2.2, 103-degree FOV Battery 4,700mAh Charge speed 45W wired, 21W Fast wireless charging Ports USB-C 3.2 Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (mmWave + sub-6GHz) Dimensions 6.0x2.8x0.3 inches (152.8x72.0x8.5mm) Weight 7 ounces (199 grams) IP Rating IP68 Colors Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz Operating System Android 14 Expand Related Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Google's best hardware ever, and some AI smarts too The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL brings a major redesign that looks and feels great, but still, this phone is all about generative AI Design and display One features quite a few visual changes, the other has a shiny new button Close These two phones from Apple and Google are slightly different from last year's models. For starters, the Pixel 8 Pro from the last generation is actually closer to the size of the new Pixel 9 Pro XL. The smaller, 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro is the exact same size as the standard Pixel 9, and is comparable to last year's Pixel 8. Google continued its trend of redesigning the Pixel chassis yearly with the Pixel 9 series. Unlike the curvy Pixel 8 lineup, the Pixel 9 Pro has a more rectangular design -- still with comfortable chamfered edges -- that ironically resembles the look and feel of the iPhone 15 and 16 series. By comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro's exterior is nearly identical to that of the iPhone 15 Pro. There are a few significant changes to the iPhone 16 Pro, but they're mostly under-the-hood improvements. This phone still features a matte back glass and a titanium chassis. In addition to the Action button, Apple added a new Camera Control button to the iPhone 16 Pro this year. It's a physical switch, but registers pressure and touch input as well. Source: Apple Now, onto the displays. Both phones have 6.3-inch OLED screens that support a 120Hz variable refresh rate. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 1280 x 2856 resolution and a 2,000-nit peak brightness rating in HDR mode. That's bumped to 3,000 nits in standard mode, so it'll surely be bright enough to handle indoor and outdoor use. It's worth noting that the Pixel 9 Pro has a small hole-punch camera in the front of the display, which makes the iPhone 16 Pro's Dynamic Island look massive by comparison. The iPhone 16 Pro has a resolution of 2622 x 1206 and features a 1,000-nit typical brightness rating. That's bumped to 1,600 nits while viewing HDR content and 2,000 nits peak. Yes, this is less bright than the Pixel 9 Pro, and I've frequently encountered brightness issues on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you want the most brightness, you may need to choose the Pixel 9 Pro. 18:04 Related iPhone 15 Pro Max review: Apple is slowly winning over this Android diehard The iPhone 15 Pro Max may not look much different from the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but it brings much improved cameras and ergonomics There are a lot of similarities between the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro's design, but I'm giving the win to Google for two main reasons. For one, the Pixel 9 Pro looks materially different from the Pixel 8 Pro, while the iPhone 16 Pro looks just like the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. More importantly, Google's clever camera bar keeps the Pixel 9 Pro from being uneven on flat surfaces, like tables and desks. Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro Software and performance Apple easily wins the raw performance race, but day-to-day usage is closer than ever Let's start by acknowledging the elephant in the room. Apple is heavily marketing the iPhone 16 Pro as including plenty of useful Apple Intelligence features, but you won't be able to use them if you buy the iPhone 16 Pro right now. We always recommend people buy products for what they are now, and not for the promise of future updates. That applies to the iPhone, too. If you're buying a phone for generative AI software, you'll want to go with the Pixel 9 Pro. It has the Gemini chatbot, Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, AI camera features, and many more Google AI tools included from the start. Related 3 reasons Pixel Screenshots is what Microsoft Recall should have been Microsoft is still gearing up to release Recall, but it should just toss in the towel because Google beat Microsoft at its own idea. On the other hand, there's no doubt that the iPhone 16 Pro and its A18 Pro system-on-a-chip are faster in terms of raw performance than the Pixel 9 Pro. Google's new Tensor G4 chip doesn't suffer from some of the flaws afflicting older Tensor processors, but it still lags behind Apple and Qualcomm. I've spent a few weeks using Pixels with the Tensor G4 inside, and have only felt it slow down once or twice. When I get my hands on the iPhone 16 Pro, the first thing I'm looking out for is whether the A18 Pro overheats like the A17 Pro did. It'll be a key factor in determining which phone wins this category, so I'm calling it a tie for now. Source: Apple In terms of UI design, this is really about whether you like iOS or Android more. Apple does some cool things with iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 Pro, like the user-interface overlay for the Camera Control button. Google similarly finds its own strengths in AI software and OS-level integration, like with Circle to Search. In the end, it all comes down to preference. Winner: Tie Cameras They're both some of the best that smartphone cameras have to offer Google and Apple are both known for their impressive camera tech, and neither the iPhone 16 Pro nor the Pixel 9 Pro will win you over due to hardware alone. Without sounding cliché, it's all about philosophy. Google tends to use heavy computational photography, aggressive color correction, and encourages the use of AI editing features. For all these reasons, iPhone photos tend to look more true-to-life than Pixel phones. But again, this is a preference decision that should be made based on how you want your photos to appear. Source: Apple Now, onto the hardware. The Pixel 9 Pro's main camera is a 50MP, f/1.68 main sensor. That isn't new to this model, but some of the complimentary rear cameras are. There's a 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide with a 123-degree FOV that joins a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. From our Pixel 9 Pro XL testing, we learned that this camera system takes similar photos to the Pixel 8 Pro, but features significantly improved video quality. There are also software features, like Video Boost, that can improve output. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48MP Fusion with an f/1.78 aperture for the main camera, and this can take 24MP and 48MP photos. That's paired with a 48MP Ultra Wide with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. Finally, there's a 12MP 5x telephoto lens and a LIDAR sensor on the back of the iPhone 16 Pro. We'll be testing camera performance for ourselves soon, but we would expect this phone to perform similarly to last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max, if not better. Winner: Tie Which smartphone should you buy? Apple's new iPhone 16 Pro might very well end up being the winner after further testing, but for now, the Pixel 9 Pro is our top pick. It has generative AI features you can actually use starting now, a capable Tensor G4 processor, and a beautiful design and display. After going hands-on with the Pixel 9 Pro -- and extensively testing the related Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold -- I feel very confident recommending this smartphone to Android users looking for a compact flagship. It's also a great choice for iPhone users ready to find out if the grass is greener on the other side. Editor's choice Google Pixel 9 Pro The top pick for Android users The Google Pixel 9 Pro's fresh design, impressive camera system, and improved day-to-day performance make it a great pick. $999 at Best Buy$999 at Amazon I'll be testing the iPhone 16 Pro hands-on in the coming weeks, but for now, I can comfortably recommend it to iPhone users looking to make an upgrade without leaving the Apple ecosystem. This smartphone is closely related to the iPhone 15 Pro Max -- it receives the Pro Max camera system, including the 5x telephoto lens -- which I've been daily driving for a year. All signs point to the iPhone 16 Pro being another great generation of iPhone characterized by ease-of-use, excellent photography, and eventually (maybe?) Apple Intelligence. Best for iPhone users iPhone 16 Pro The top pick for iOS users The iPhone 16 Pro is the absolute best for people who care about a streamlined experience, and especially for iOS 18 fans. It might just become our top pick after we've spent some time with it. $1000 at Best Buy

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold: is a foldable better than a big screen?

AI features make horrible images with no indication it's AISeriously, I made a Pooh bear doing drugs off of EeyoreHas nobody considered that this AI stuff is really bad?! Google announced four new phones in August for its Pixel range, including the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro. At the top end of the range, though, Google revealed a new flagship and a new foldable - the Pixel 9 Pro XL (taking the place of the old 'Pro' model as the larger device in the family) and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the company's second foldable and the first to be coupled to a generation of Pixel devices. With two 'Pro' models at the top of the pile, it begs the question - which is the better device? You might assume that one can fold and is therefore overall a better piece of kit, but it's not so simple - and depending on what you're looking for in a device, you might be surprised to learn about the underlying differences between these phones. Some of us on the TechRadar team have used the both devices for a few weeks after launch and, between us, we've come to appreciate the different things about the two handsets. It's more than just size and form factor - it also comes down to the design, cameras, price, performance and the battery. So let's put them head-to-head. Which is the better 'Pro' Pixel? Before we get lost in the details, let's just go over the specs. Despite different launch dates in some markets, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are available to purchase now directly from Google and third-party retailers. Prices for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL start at $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849 and prices for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold start at $1,799 / £1,799 / AU$2,699. There's a sizeable price gap between these devices that can be attributed almost entirely to the foldable screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. That being said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL does pack some better tech in a lot of respects. The most glaring design difference between the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that the latter's screen... well, folds, but we'll talk more about the display later - we'll concentrate on the rest of the hardware in this section. For starters, the rear of two phones are quite different - while both follow through with Google's 'camera bar' design philosophy, the 9 Pro XL has a more oval camera bar, whereas the Fold has its cameras housed within a rectangular bump at the top left corner. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's dimensions are 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's dimensions when folded are 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm (6.11 x 3.05 x 0.41 in). Keep in mind that the Fold can be used like a normal phone when folded as there's an exterior display but, when unfolded, its dimensions are almost square-like at 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm (6.11 x 5.91 x 0.20 in). That's an admirably thin phone when opened up. Both phones have aluminum frames as opposed to the titanium bodies that Samsung and Apple adopted for their high-end flagship models (excluding the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 foldables from Samsung). The Pixel 9 Pro XL is IP68 rated against dust and water ingress, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is IPX8 rated (the X indicating that the phone had not been tested against non-water ingress, the 6 to show the highest rating against non-water ingress, and the 8 indicating the highest rating against water ingress). The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a 4.5/5 score for its design in our review, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold achieved a 5/5 score. Display is the main point of difference between these phones. The Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch OLED display packing a 1344 x 2992 pixel resolution. It has a 486ppi density and a refresh rate of 1-120Hz. It has a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, has two displays - the large folding screen on the inside and the slender, standard smartphone-like panel on the exterior. Starting with the foldable display, it's an 8-inch OLED screen with a 2076 x 2152 pixel resolution. It has a 373ppi density and a refresh rate of 1-120Hz. It's also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The exterior display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution. It has a 422ppi density and a refresh rate of 60-120Hz. It's also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. We gave the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL a 4.5/5 in our review of its display, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold scored a full 5/5. There is a big difference between the camera systems of the Pro XL and the Fold, but both are underpinned by Google's brilliant camera software. Macro Focus, Night Sight, Long Exposure, Face Unblur and a wide range of editing features are just some of the highlights shared between both phones. But ultimately the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger camera array on offer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes fitted with a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens, along with a 48MP periscope telephoto lens. The selfie camera is a 42MP sensor. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a similar array of cameras, albeit a bit lower specced. They include a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP telephoto lens, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and two selfie cameras depending on how you're using the device - both 10.8MP, located on the exterior display and in the top right corner of the unfolded display. In testing, photo quality was similar between the two phones, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes out on top. It offers Super Res Zoom at up to 30x against the Fold's 20x. It also has greater optical zoom at up to 10x, versus the Fold's 5x. The 9 Pro XL also offers high-res photos of up to 50MP. The Pro XL is also better for capturing detailed video. It's capable of 8K/30p recording and offers dual exposure on the wide lens. Cinematic Blur is also a feature the 9 Pro XL can pull off. Mind you, there are some camera features exclusive to the 9 Pro Fold because of its display, including the ability to show a preview of a shot on the other side, take selfies with the rear cameras, as well as capture hands-free shots using a table and 'Made You Look' - a feature intended for getting young children to look directly at the camera by showing something on the outside screen. The Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a 4.5/5 score in our review of its cameras, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold achieved a 3/5 score. On paper, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are very similar devices. Both are powered by the Tensor G4 chip, a proprietary SoC exclusive to Google phones built using Samsung's wafering process, with 16GB RAM backing the chip up. The Tensor chip is slightly underpowered compared to Snapdragons in competing phones at similar price points, as we found in our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review and our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review. But in testing, there are some performance differences between both phones. Over on Geekbench, which TechRadar uses for benchmarking phones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL pulled off a greater multi-core score of 4,835 against the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 3,904. The Pixel 9 Pro XL pulled ahead on single-core performance too, at 2,005 versus 1,955 on the Pro Fold. In our reviews, we gave the Pixel 9 Pro XL a 3.5/5 for performance, while we gave the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a 3/5. Meanwhile on the software side, both phones use Google's own version of Android. This is an exceptionally lightweight version of the OS that only has Google's own suite of apps installed and it feels much less bloated as a result. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's operating system works very similarly, though there are some software differences to accommodate for the larger screen, such as a larger app tray at the bottom of the screen. Both phones got a 5/5 software score in our reviews. Battery life is another area where we saw big differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pro XL boasts an impressive 13.5 hours of screen-on time per charge, powered by a 5,060mAh battery with a maximum wired charging capacity of 37W. That impressive wired charging capacity can get the Pro XL up from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes. Meanwhile the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn't have a battery life on par with other Pixel 9 phones, with capacity that's even lower than the base Pixel model (at 4,650mAh). Our testing found that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could handle 11.5 hours of screen use before running out of charge. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging capacity also caps out at only 21W - with a rated recharging time of 0% to 50% in 30 minutes. The Pixel 9 Pro XL scored 4/5 on our battery test, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold scored 3/5. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are quite similar phones on the performance and software side of things, but if you want the best display and a phone that can switch between being a pocket-sized handset and a foldable tablet, then you'll probably want to pick up the Pixel 9 Pro Fold - that is, if you can handle the cost, because it is quite expensive. Conversely, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also not cheap, it did perform better for us in our battery testing. It also has a better array of cameras and a better recharging speed, while also aesthetically looking a lot nicer on the rear. Not being a foldable, it also scored a greater resistance rating, and because there's less complexity to the design, you don't have to worry as much about breaking it (though still obviously consider a phone case). While people who have been curious about foldables might find themselves gravitating to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold since using both phones, but in the interest of saving money, we'd be more inclined to recommend the Pixel 9 Pro XL. In fact, if cost was the primary consideration, we'd actually recommend the smaller Pixel 9 Pro for its cheaper cost and near identical specs to the XL - you can see how it compares in our dedicated Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL guide.

5 essential accessories I'd actually buy for my Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an excellent device and one of the best foldable smartphones. It's one of the thinnest folding devices, featuring a large 6.3-inch cover and an 8-inch main display with excellent colors, size, and brightness. It's also powerful thanks to its Google Tensor G4 chip that provides outstanding performance for all the new AI features, gaming, and multitasking. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a versatile device. If you're thinking about getting it, you may wonder what accessories you can pick up to match the phone and the new prospects you'll get out of it. We picked a case, a trusted screen protector, and other accessories to keep the lights on and maximize the performance and utility of your next foldable. 5 A case that's durable without adding bulk is a non-negotiable Spigen Ultra Hybrid for Pixel 9 Pro Fold The Spigen Ultra Hybrid complements the design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its transparent design lets you show off the unique aesthetics and color, and it provides a slim and tight fit that absorbs shocks. It has elevated bezels on the front and back, guarding the display and camera from dings and falls. ProsSlim and lightweightTransparent designExcellent overall protection for everyday use ConsNo built-in kickstandNo built-in MagSafe-compatibility $35 at Amazon I've used Spigen cases for several years, nearly a decade. They never let me down, and the quality of cases has improved over the years. The Ultra Hybrid is my first choice when I pick up a new device. It's thin, lightweight, and transparent. It allows me to showcase the device, as I often pick a device color that's unique and looks gorgeous. The Ultra Hybrid includes the best that Spigen offers. It might not be heavy-duty or rugged, but it provides excellent protection from drops, scuffs, dings, and scratches. It has raised bezels that protect the screen and camera on the back, and it's an excellent option for showcasing the design of your Pixel 9 Pro Fold in a slim and lightweight design that doesn't add much extra bulk. 4 A kickstand to prop up my heavier-than-average phone while I stream ESR Boost Phone Kickstand $11 $14 Save $3 The ESR Boost Phone Kickstand is a relatively cheap, and affordable way to add a true hands-free experience to your existing device without the hassle. It's easy to install and lets you completely unfold your Pixel 9 Pro Fold to take advantage of the large 8-inch display while consuming content. ProsIt comes in two stylish colorsEasy to install ConsIt adds a little bump onto the back of the case $11 at Amazon You may be surprised to see a simple kickstand in an article like this, but it makes sense. I've used my Galaxy Fold with various cases over the years. The stylus is fun but adds bulk to the device. Instead, I opt for a case that has a kickstand built-in or enough space to put one on the side. While you can flex the display and put it at various angles to watch movies hands-free on a flat surface, that isn't always ideal. You lose half of the screen real estate, making the content look smaller and squeezed. That's where kickstands come into play. It doesn't reduce the size and allows you to unfold your Pixel 9 Pro Fold and put it at an angle. You can watch content in its full main display size. Related Best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases in 2024 Prevent scuffs and cracks with a case 1 The ESR Boost Phone Kickstand is often available for around $10. It can be attached to most cases, but put it in the correct orientation and experiment with the best placement before sticking it on. 3 A screen protector that's easy to install and durable Caseology Snap Fit for Pixel 9 Pro Fold The Caseology Snap Fit is an excellent tempered glass screen protector that includes two glasses. The pack includes a tool that lets you install the glass in a few simple steps, requiring no prior knowledge or experience to fit them. It's straightforward to install and can save you hundreds of dollars. ProsEasy installationGreat screen protectionTwo screen protectors in a single pack ConsIt's thicker than a film protector $17 at Amazon Screen protectors are vital for devices. In the case of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it's even more important. You'll often fold and unfold the device, requiring more hand gymnastics than traditional smartphones. Plus, you're more likely to drop it. The large size makes it prone to slip out of your hand. Pick up a case, such as the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, and a screen protector. The Caseology Snap Fit is an easy way to install a tempered glass screen, requiring minimal knowledge about the process. When the display is clean, put the installation kit over the device, swipe to remove the bubbles, and take it off. It's that easy. Related Best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold screen protectors in 2024 Protect that gorgeous external display 1 A screen protector reduces the damage your phone suffers upon an impact, reducing the chances of the phone's glass from breaking, shattering, and scratching. It's relatively cheap and can save you hundreds of dollars, not to mention the headache it costs to repair a device. 2 A powebank that lets me charge all my devices at the same time Ugreen Nexode 130W Portable Charger $70 $100 Save $30 The Ugreen Nexode 130W portable charger is an excellent companion wherever you go. It supports 100W charging with laptops and up to 130W charging for two devices. The large 20,000 mAh battery is enough to top up your Pixel 9 Pro Fold at least three times, providing plenty of juice to power through busy days. ProsLarge capacityCompact design given the capacityFast charging and TFT display ConsA little bit heavy $70 at Amazon The Ugreen Nexode 130W portable power bank features a large 20,000mAh capacity that recharges the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at least three times. The charger supports 130W fast charging when topping up two devices simultaneously, and the faster port supports up to 100W speeds, ensuring it can power a modern laptop, such as a MacBook, Chromebook, and any Thunderbolt and PD-supported Windows laptop. The Nexode charger is compact, ensuring it can fit in any backpack or handbag. It has a stylish design and a small display showing the remaining battery percentage and the output for each port, letting you know how fast or slow it's charging your device. It informs you whether you're charging through the correct port. The Nexode 130W isn't cheap. If you've been on the market for a compact power bank that you can take on a plane or wherever you go, it's a great backup solution. It provides several ports, such as one USB-A and two USB-C ports. 1 A smartwatch that helps me stay productive and happy Google Pixel Watch 3 The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a fine-tuned smartwatch that excels in nearly everything. It comes with 3 years of OS and software updates, all the tracking features you need, and in the case of the 45mm model, a superb battery life that can last a full day on a single charge. Pros41mm and 45mm optionsSolid battery life on the larger modelExcellent and accurate tracking ConsA subscription is required for advanced featuresProprietary watch band connectors $350 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy$350 at Google Store If you bought the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or are considering it, you might be interested in a new smartwatch. For that, we recommend the Google Pixel Watch 3. The latest generation comes in two models, and it's available in a user-friendly and larger 45mm model. The standard remains available at 41mm for those with smaller wrists, but the large one is a step up in display size. Close During our review, we found that the third-generation Pixel Watch series offers a substantial improvement over the second-generation, but not enough to upgrade. However, the differences are massive when compared to the first generation. The new Watch 3 series is outstanding with its new design, added features and capabilities, and the ability to last for more than a day on a single charge. Read our review Google's Pixel Watch 3 is big, beautiful, and brainy The 45mm version is large and easy to love 7 The Pixel Watch 3 series is an excellent pick if you want to synchronize your smartphone with a Google-made smartwatch. Its familiar design complements your Pixel 9 Pro Fold, offers all the health metrics you need to get in shape or stay in shape, and tracks your daily activities without taking out your phone and looking at it. It's a great smartwatch with a beautiful design that can last a full day on a single charge for most users. Pick an accessory that makes the most sense to you These accessories are the ones I consider and recommend for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, they may not be the best for you. You might choose a different case, screen protector, or none at all, and that's fine. Decide whether you want to protect it, and select the accessories that make the most sense. I picked the following accessories because of utilities, additional features, extended battery life, and protection of your shiny new expensive gadget. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold retails for $1,800, nearly twice as much as other flagship devices. It deserves a little bit of extra spending to get the most out of it, and these are the essentials you can pick up to enhance your experience. There are other items that you could consider selecting, such as new USB-C cables, a wireless charger, a power adapter, a phone mount for your car, new earbuds, such as the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and more. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the thinnest and most advanced foldable smartphones you can buy right now, featuring the latest and most powerful Google Tensor G4 chipset. It has a large 6.3-inch cover, a bright and colorful 8-inch main display, a triple camera setup, and 16GB of memory to power the new advanced AI features that further enhance and make your life easier. $1799 at Google Store$1799 at Best Buy$1799 at Amazon

Google Pixel 9a preview: specs, release date and everything we know | Stuff

Most of the headline acts on Stuff's upcoming smartphones list are full-on flagships that promise unbeatable performance and killer cameras - but will also come with a wallet-punishing price. The Google Pixel 9a could be the affordable alternative: a more modest mid-ranger that can still take a stunning snap, and has enough oomph to go big on the phone world's favourite new toy, generative AI. With the Pixel 8a having been with us almost six months, and the Pixel 9 series out in the wild, it's time to think about what we can expect from a Pixel 9a. From hardware and software to pricing and release date, here's all the info that has leaked so far - plus a healthy dose of speculation - to tide you over until Google makes things official. Let's get the obvious question out the way first. Will there actually be a Pixel 9a? After rumours suggesting the Pixel 8a was dead in the water and Google shifting to biennial releases turned out to be false, similar whispers started up again once the mainline Pixel 9 phones had been revealed. Those have, once again, been kiboshed, as early leaks have started to appear online. Assuming they're accurate, you should expect an official reveal in May 2025. A look back at previous A-series phones shows why: Beyond one COVID-related reshuffle in 2020, and a follow-up that saw a more limited global release, Google has stuck to May for its Pixel A-series launches. These are usually timed around the firm's I/O conference, which usually gets held during that month. I'm hoping Google won't be following trends when it comes to pricing. The Pixel 8a landed at $499/£499, which while unchanged for US shoppers, represented a £50 price hike for UK customers from the £449 Pixel 7a. This was a further jump from the Pixel 6a's $449/£399 starting price, and firmly takes the series out of 'affordable' territory. According to Twitter user ShrimpApplePro, our first look at the Pixel 9a came from a private Vietnamese Facebook group. That might sound unusual, but previous Pixel leaks have come out of Vietnam, so the images carry some weight. They show a handset not too dissimilar from the Pixel 9, with flattened sides and a flat rear panel. Interestingly the iconic camera bar doesn't make an appearance - either suggesting Google is planning a radical redesign, or the handset is actually a pre-production prototype that won't have any bearing on the finished product. It's difficult to judge scale based on the early leaked images, but apparently the Pixel 9a will stick with the same 6.1in screen size as the Pixel 8a. Expect an Actua display, rather than the extremely bright Super Actua panels found on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. It's all but certain the Pixel 9a will be powered by a Tensor G4 chipset; Google has reused its home-grown silicon for the A-series since the Pixel 6a, and there's no reason it won't do the same again. Whether the Pixel 9a will jump to 12GB of RAM is more of an unknown; the base Pixel 9 was boosted from 8GB to play nicer with Gemini Nano on-device AI, something Google will surely want running on its most affordable model. There's a slim chance Google will debut new Gemini features on the Pixel 9a, then roll them out swiftly to the rest of the Pixel 9 range. Or it might just port the existing suite of software and AI-infused apps, then save the bigger updates for the next mainline Pixel generation. By the time the Pixel 9a rolls out, though, it should be doing so with Android 15. Battery capacity and charging speeds are expected to stay the same, and Google is rumoured to be using an older modem in order to cut costs. That'd be a big shame, as the newer modem in the Pixel 9 series is better across the board than the previous generation: stronger signal, less power drain, and better thermal management. Photography is one area no Pixel phone ever disappoints, but whether it'll be all-new sensors or simply a year's worth of algorithm improvements is an unknown right now. The Pixel 8a had the same 64MP lead lens and 13MP ultrawide as the Pixel 7a, so surely new hardware is in order. As much as Stuff raved about the Pixel 8a, giving it a full five star score, there are always areas Google could look to improve for the sequel. We've composed the usual wish list of features, with some being more likely to come true than others: Faster charging speeds Until recently, Apple, Google and Samsung were all pretty lax when it came to charging speeds. Apple changed that with the iPhone 16 generation, bringing 45W wired and 25W wireless charging to the entire line-up. While the Pixel A-series exists outside of the mainline Pixel bubble, it would still be great if it was first in line for a much-needed boost to charging, as a sign of things to come for the inevitable Pixel 10. I'm not even asking for a bigger battery (though that would always be nice) - just a little less time spent tethered to a power socket. Get the price right Google, don't think we haven't noticed how the Pixel A-series has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years. What started out as one of the best value phones around has moved further into mid-range territory, and is no longer the obvious choice for those on a tight budget. As Gemini becomes a more and more important part of the Pixel experience it's hard to see how Google could lower the price of the Pixel 9a, while still using hardware powerful enough to run AI models on-device, but