Google Pixel 9 Series: AI-Powered Innovations and Design Refinements

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Better but Not the Best Foldable for Photographers

For many, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the first look at one of the company's foldable phones to see how it stacks up against the best in this emerging category. Indeed, it was my first chance to test a Google foldable since Canada wasn't among the markets selling the original Pixel Fold. This newer model comes when the Pixel brand is synonymous with mobile photography, whereas a folding one seems different. The tough sell here is this particular phone doesn't have Google's best camera, so can an 8-inch screen be enough to warrant taking a chance with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? I covered some of the details about the phone's design in a previous hands-on. The gist is that you get a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED panel on the outer screen and an 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED screen when you fold it out. It's an impressive 10.5mm thin when folded, making it feel closer to a typical bar slab. While I can appreciate a strong hinge, this one sometimes feels a little too stiff, particularly when unfolding it. Both screens are very bright, useful indoors and outdoors, and for the multitasking possibilities that go with the inner display. At least the crease in the middle isn't as noticeable; in most cases, you likely won't tell when the screen is on. The fingerprint sensor built into the power button is also very responsive and reliable. The camera module in the rear is also a cutout rather than the familiar bar running across the entire width of the back panel. With rounded corners and a matte finish, the device has an air of sophistication that may have been lacking in the previous Pixel Fold. IPX8 protection helps add some peace of mind in case the phone comes into contact with water. However, the lack of dust resistance is always something to consider with the crevices inherent in foldables. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's specs are also good enough to do most things you'd want on a phone, though battery life may make it challenging to feel confident you'll get there by bedtime every night. It's hard not to utilize the 120Hz refresh rate for either screen, especially when viewing video or playing a game. Plus, a larger display will always demand more juice than a standard single panel. The choice between 256GB and 512GB of storage adds another $120 USD to the price but is an important consideration if you're serious about using this phone for productivity. You're currently limited to either obsidian or porcelain for color options, though I can see Google eventually offering a more colorful alternative sometime down the line. It seemed like Google might try something different with the camera array, but it opted to leave most of it intact, changing only the two selfie cameras. I was given the impression that the 48-megapixel main wide camera (25mm equivalent) uses a different image sensor, but I haven't received any confirmation that's actually the case. It is worth pointing out that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Google's Tensor G4 processor, whereas the previous Pixel Fold runs on the older G2 chip. Skipping a generation in silicon makes a more considerable difference, but it's also how Google can push its AI features, like Gemini, Magic Editor, and Pixel Studio. That makes sense because, unlike its other Pixel phones, Google doesn't tout camera performance on this one. It also shows how certain basic features are inexplicably missing. When propping up the phone on one side in Flex mode to shoot in landscape, there's no option to switch the live preview to the bottom half, making it very difficult to frame a shot while tilting it to face up on a majestic angle. Every other foldable I've tried makes that switch a simple tap, so leaving it out is just a bizarre design choice. I found a workaround that required unfolding the phone first, launching the camera app, then opening a second app and moving it to the left screen for a split-screen layout. From there, I could fold the phone at a 90-degree angle, pushing the camera app to the bottom screen. It works well but adds unnecessary steps to an otherwise straightforward process. It's also not possible to shoot in RAW at full resolution. Considering that it's been available since the Pixel 8 Pro, this phone should be more than capable of handling that. The only way to capture full-res images is in JPEG after you turn that feature on in the settings. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more of a showcase of what Google's AI features can do. New ones like Add Me run across the Pixel 9 lineup, but it is a useful way to include the photographer in a group shot. I didn't get to try it much because I wasn't in group settings during my limited time with the device. I spent far more time figuring out the AI and manual editing options. The editing suite is functional for several reasons, with Magic Eraser leading the charge among other tools. Magic Editor is the more considerable shift this time because it allows you to remove people or objects, isolate and change the sky, and stylistically alter the entire image. Moreover, you can dynamically reframe a photo based on where the subject is and fill in gaps through generative fill. It's early days, and there's room for improvement, especially when it comes to using prompts to generate images. I focused on trying it with existing photos through options like Reimagine, be it adding something to a bricked-up doorway or reimagining the background behind a subject. In its efforts to roll back some of the controversial images people generated through the platform, some otherwise innocuous prompts couldn't get through. That also goes for Pixel Studio, which offers more leeway. I had fun generating logos for fictional sports teams but also recognized Google putting a leash on certain things. Obviously, nothing too risqué, nor much using protected IP, but it can be fun to play around with, even if you think of it as a way to conceptualize ideas. It's also possible to use Pixel Studio or Google Photos with other apps in split-screen. I liked it best with Lightroom, though it wouldn't work with Photoshop. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's multitasking ability is excellent, even if it can't do three apps like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold won't blow anyone away in image quality, but I can definitively say this phone performs better than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It should, given it's not using a two-year-old camera system, so I went in knowing not to expect flagship results either way. Based on what I've seen from the original Pixel Fold, I wouldn't say there's a big difference here, save for less noise in the darker portions of the image. Google's software computation bails the phone out more than once in how it renders results, which is why I can say the average user likely won't complain much about how photos look. Still, there's not a big leap. While good photos are possible, they're more a consequence of a photographer's eye than what the components inside deliver. I know Top Shot is the only real way to shoot in a burst on a Pixel phone, but I would like to see Google integrate a separate way to do it. Top Shot doesn't always work unless you tap the shutter as the action happens. If you're anticipating action, it may take multiple taps to get it right. That can be problematic when capturing a moving subject while the Fold is set up at an angle. Like any foldable, the most significant change mostly comes from how you deploy or set up the device to take a photo. Perspective is everything when you can angle the screen in various ways. Long exposure (using manual controls) or night and astrophotography shots are much easier to manage when you lay down the phone and let it capture the image from there. If only Google had the foresight to recognize that users might want to switch the preview from one screen to the other. New features like Made You Look are nifty in how they can compel babies and toddlers to look at the camera and smile. Displaying colorful animated characters on the outer screen is enough to distract them and get them to at least look in the right direction. This lens isn't bad, though it is best in better lighting and doesn't offer the kind of range you see in the telephoto lens on the other Pixel 9 Pro phones. The main lens offers a crop factor in between at 2x, but the 5x optical zoom is considerably better unless you shoot a nightscape. I took a lot of full-resolution photos with the main camera to give myself some editing and cropping options afterward. Even so, the telephoto lens served a purpose. Hybrid zoom is a mixed bag, with 10x giving you decent results and 20x looking awful more often than not. This is also the lens that comes into play with Portrait mode, and unlike other brands (Vivo, Honor), offers little in the form of distinct portrait features. Despite that, this lens (along with the ultra-wide) is ideal for Flex mode because it's more sensitive to jittery hands in varying conditions. This is probably the weakest of the three rear lenses, and it shows when examining the edges, which can come out soft and muddy in some instances. However, for architecture and wider vistas, this is the best way to go despite the warped field of view. I tested the Pixel 9 Pro Fold primarily for its still photography, but also tried out video. It can record in 4K at 24, 30, or 60fps with any of the rear cameras. There's not a whole lot that's changed overall, though daytime footage will look much cleaner and sharper than nighttime clips. You get access to all the same modes as other Pixel phones, so at least Google doesn't limit your choices. It's just that results will be mixed depending on what and where you choose to film. It's hard not to compare the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to other foldables, including those lacking the same availability in the North American market. For those that are, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a disappointment, while the OnePlus Open remains a better alternative for both camera performance and battery life -- despite coming to market a year earlier. True, it lacks the AI features Google offers here, but something must be said about a foldable that feels light and responsive, takes better photos, and can easily last all day. Then there are the likes of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and Honor's Magic V3, both of which push the envelope much further in camera output and crush the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in battery life. They each charge faster, too. Foldables are a unique category unto themselves. Is the real innovation coming from the AI features, or that Chinese brands are much closer to putting flagship cameras in their foldable phones? I've heard the argument that people don't buy foldables for their cameras. It's probably valid to some extent, but it's also true that most don't realize how big the gap is on the imaging side. Using all of these models convinces me the likes of Google and Samsung have been nothing less than complacent. If you have the original Pixel Fold, you're not going to upgrade because of the cameras. You might, however, if you want a very different design with bigger screens. You might also consider the move if you also had your eye on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which comes off as stagnant. The OnePlus Open is cheaper and runs a solid mix of hardware and software. At least for foldables readily available in Canada and the U.S., it's the best one thus far. If you're willing to import either of the Vivo or Honor models, you'll appreciate their viability. Where Google holds a strong advantage is that it runs stock Android and offers a longer commitment to system and security updates. Maybe. It really depends on what you want to prioritize. If you care about AI features and want the flexibility of years of updates, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold focuses a lot on those things. If you want the best camera array on a phone that folds, this $1,800 one isn't it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Good things come in smaller packages

A pocketable powerhouse Google Pixel 9 Pro Google's Pixel 9 Pro changes the game by providing flagship power and performance in a rare smaller, 6.3-inch form factor without sacrificing any of the excellent photographic prowess Google is known for. Plus, it has a new Tensor G4 chip that's more efficient and optimized for Gemini and Google's other AI features. ProsExcellent design that's more pocketable than everImproved thermal performance and battery lifeCool AI tools that are actually useful ConsSome AI features are still of dubious valueCharging speeds haven't improvedStill lags behind other flagships in gaming performance $999 at Amazon An aging champ Google Pixel 7 Pro Google's Pixel 7 Pro still holds its own after two years. While the older Tensor G2 chip won't win any performance contests, the top-notch camera system and expansive 6.7-inch screen could make it worth considering if you can get it at the right price. ProsCamera system remains impressive two years laterSolid fit and finishGood AI-focused performance ConsCurved display and glossy glass make for an awkward holdTensor G2 heats up under loadDisappointing battery life $899 at Amazon Google has been making the best camera phones on the market for at least three years. While this year's Pixel 9 Pro is no exception, the company has done something refreshingly different by bringing all the power and photographic prowess of its flagship smartphone to a much more pocketable form factor. As far as we're concerned, the Pixel 9 Pro is the "Goldilocks" phone many folks have long awaited. Its no-compromise smaller design fills a gap in the Android market that's previously tempted some to see how the other side lives (i.e. Apple). Android fans will no longer need to compromise between size and performance, and we hope that Google's move encourages others to follow suit. Still, some folks like larger screens, and while Google has the Pixel 9 Pro XL to fill that need, it arrives with a higher price tag. That might leave owners of older Pixel Pro models wondering if the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is worth the upgrade, and even those on the fence curious about whether they should opt for Google's latest and greatest or if it's worth saving a few bucks by going for Google's Pixel 7 Pro -- a leading flagship phone of its era that can still hold its own today. Let's take a look at how these two compare. Read our ranking Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features Price, availability, and specs As its latest flagship, Google's Pixel 9 Pro isn't too hard to find, even if it doesn't have quite the same broad appeal as phones from rivals like Samsung and Apple. It's available from all the major US carriers and MVNOs, including Google Fi, naturally. You can also get it unlocked from Amazon or Best Buy. It starts at $999 for the base 128GB model and is available in the usual capacities up to 1TB for $1,449. The full slate of colors for this year's model is Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quart. Although the last shade is only available in the 256GB version, and you'll have to settle for Obsidian if you want the 1TB model. The Pixel 7 Pro was officially discontinued with the launch of the Pixel 9 lineup. But while it's no longer on Google's front page, the company is still selling it while supplies last, starting at $899 for the 128GB version. You can find it on Amazon at similar prices. While that's a hard sell for a two-year-old phone, you may be able to find some deals from your mobile provider as carriers try to get rid of old stock. Google Pixel 9 ProGoogle Pixel 7 ProSoCGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G2Display typeLTPO OLED, 1-120HzLTPO AMOLED, 120HzDisplay dimensions6.3"6.7"Display resolution1280 x 28561440 x 3120RAM16GB12GBStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GBBattery4,700mAh5,000mAhCharge speed27W wired, 21W wireless23W wired with Google 30W USB-C charger, up to 23W wireless with Pixel Stand, 12W wireless with compatible Qi chargersCharge optionsUSB-C wired, Qi wirelessWired, WirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CSIM supportNano-SIM and eSIMDual SIM (nanoSIM + eSIM)Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 13Front camera42MP, f/2.210.8MP, f/2.2, 92.8° FoVRear camera50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto50MP wide (f/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 125.8° FoV), 48MP telephoto (f/3.5, 5x optical zoom)Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6EBluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.2Dimensions152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mmWeight199g212gIP RatingIP68IP68ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose QuartzObsidian, Snow, HazelPriceFrom $999$899 USD Read our review Review: The Pixel 9 Pro is Google's Goldilocks flagship Not too big, not too small; just right 10 Read our review Google Pixel 7 Pro review: A showcase for Google Some small design changes are welcome, but Google's usual bag of AI-powered tricks are the real treat Design Embracing the flatness Following the introduction of the Pixel 6 lineup three years ago, Google's Pixel phones settled into a consistent design language for the next couple of generations. A prominent camera bar made a bold statement that identified the phones as uniquely Google's, while the rounded edges and curved screens gave them a sleek and streamlined aesthetic. That changes with the Pixel 9 era, which has moved into the same flat-edged style that Apple and Samsung have adopted over the past four years. To put it bluntly, the Pixel 9 Pro looks more like an iPhone than ever, but we don't think that's a bad thing, as Google has also refined and improved the design. Plus, it's finally embraced a flat edge-to-edge screen. While the front of the phone looks eerily Apple-esque, flip it over, and there will be no mistaking the Pixel 9 Pro for anything other than a Pixel. Google's delightfully opinionated camera bar is still here with a classier twist. Google has dropped the edge-to-edge design in favor of rounded edges that protrude from the back instead of blending into the sides. However, size is perhaps the biggest thing that sets the Pixel 9 Pro apart from the Pixel 7 Pro and its predecessors. Google has finally produced the phone many of us have been waiting for -- a 6.3-inch flagship that delivers all the power and performance of its older phablet-sized models. That makes it somewhat unique in the Android world and pits it squarely against Apple, which has offered two iPhone Pro sizes for years. There's no longer a need for folks to be tempted to change sides just because they want a more pocketable flagship. Those who prefer the larger Pixel Pros of yesteryear aren't left out, as Google has the Pixel 9 Pro XL in the lineup this year. However, it's also received a price bump to match its larger size, so the Pixel 7 Pro could be a better option for someone who wants a larger phone at a better price -- and prefers Google's classic design. Just keep in mind that the Pixel 7 Pro has an awkward glossy glass exterior that's a slippery fingerprint magnet, so be prepared to slap a case onto it. We much prefer the matte frosted glass that Google returned to in last year's Pixel 8 Pro, which thankfully continues to the Pixel 9 Pro. Display Just right Google has always offered impressive phone displays, so the Pixel 7 Pro is no slouch, even two years later. Nevertheless, display technology marches on, and the Super Actua display on the Pixel 9 Pro is brighter and more vibrant than ever, reaching 3,000 nits of peak brightness compared to the Pixel 7 Pro's 1,500-nit maximum. That makes a big difference when using your phone outdoors, but beyond that, we think the most prominent distinction between the two phones isn't so much in display quality as display size and design. The 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro impressed us by managing to feel just the right size, a sense that was undoubtedly helped by its flat, edge-to-edge design. The bezels aren't quite as slim as what we've seen from some of Google's competitors, but they still blend nicely into the background, and we don't think anyone will notice unless you're comparing phones side-by-side. Of course, if you're looking for pure size, the Pixel 7 Pro has nearly half an inch on the Pixel 9 Pro, but the resolution of both screens is such that pixel densities are even to the naked eye. Plus, the curved display takes a little bit off the edges. The screens are vibrant and crisp, but a screen that can be easily viewed in direct sunlight and adopts a more modern flat design is hard to beat. As far as we're concerned, the Pixel 9 Pro has one of the best displays you can find on any smartphone and the best you'll get on an Android device of this size. Software It's all about AI The Pixel 9 lineup shipped a bit early this year, which places them slightly behind the Android release curve. Unlike prior models that shipped with each year's freshest new Android releases, the Pixel 9 Pro arrives with Android 14 on board. However, we're not sure that matters as much as it did in previous years. Sure, the Pixel 9 Pro will use up the first of its promised seven years of updates on Android 15 next month, but that will still take it all the way to Android 22 in 2031. It feels a bit like Google is cheating us out of an update, but we imagine most folks will have moved on to new hardware by then. Nevertheless, that's still far better than the Pixel 7 Pro, which came with Android 13 but only four years of updates. That model will get Android 15, likely at the same time it lands on the Pixel 9 Pro, but it will reach the end of the line in 2026 after Android 17 comes out. Nevertheless, the real reason why it doesn't make as much of a difference is that Android updates themselves aren't nearly as significant as they once were, especially on Google's Pixel phones. These days, it's about the AI features, and plenty of those are packed in exclusively for the Pixel 9 Pro -- despite using essentially the same Android 14 operating system as everything else. Google was putting AI features into its phones long before companies like OpenAI made AI a trendy buzzword. In those days, it was referred to with terms like "machine learning" and "computational photography," but make no mistake, this was still artificial intelligence, and Google built its Tensor chips to handle it from the start. As a result, Google has led the way in developing AI features that are tightly integrated into the Android experience. Features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen have been around for years, so the Pixel 9 Pro is just building on Google's experience to take everything to a whole new level -- into what Google calls the "Gemini era." That doesn't mean that every AI tool in the Pixel 9 Pro is a winner, but it still has more helpful consumer-focused AI features than any other Android phone maker. While Apple Intelligence may be slowly nipping at its heels, Google has a massive lead, and we don't expect that to change anytime soon. Some of our favorite features on the Pixel 9 Pro were the new, fully featured Weather app, Pixel Screenshots, and Gemini Live. On the flip side, Pixel Studio does an impressive job of generating images but lacks any guardrails to prevent its abuse for darker and more antisocial purposes. Some of these may eventually come to older models as far back as the Pixel 6, but for now, the Pixel 9 Pro is the phone to get if you want to take advantage of everything Google offers in that department. Of course, the Pixel 7 Pro had class-leading AI features for its own era. They pale compared to what most smartphone makers are doing today, but if you're in the group of folks who think AI is a bit of a gimmick and want a phone that just works, the Pixel 7 Pro will get the job done. Performance Cooler and more efficient The Gemini era aside, one of the most compelling reasons to opt for the Pixel 9 Pro may be the newer Tensor G4 chip. Now in its fourth generation, Google is delivering more balanced performance and power efficiency than ever, and it shows. The first two generations of Tensor used in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 arguably leaned too heavily into machine learning. Those chips powered some impressive AI features and provided good performance for everyday tasks but fell down hard when it came to more demanding tasks like gaming, heating up and chewing through battery like nobody's business. We often found the Pixel 7 Pro heating up even during prolonged everyday use, such as taking multiple photos in sequence or even just browsing through social media apps. While the Pixel 9 Pro still isn't the gaming powerhouse that rival Qualcomm-powered devices are, the Tensor G4 builds on last year's G3 improvements by running cooler and more efficiently than ever. That's helped by a whopping 16GB of RAM inside -- an increase undoubtedly driven by Gemini Live and other AI features. For raw performance, the G4 is a modest upgrade over the G3, and sadly, if you're a serious mobile gamer, you'll still want to look elsewhere. However, the Pixel 9 Pro's new chip offers the most significant advantage in reducing its hunger for battery juice. Battery life Reaching new heights The Pixel 7 Pro sometimes struggled to get through a single day of use, and it was inconsistent enough that we were never comfortable leaving home without a battery pack handy. Google's Adaptive Battery helped smooth off some of the edges, but it was an oddly mixed bag of never being quite sure how much you'd still have in the tank by the end of the day. The good news is that the new Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 Pro dramatically changes that equation. For the first time, a Pixel phone can at least enter the arena against its Qualcomm-powered rivals. In short, you can pretty much count on all-day battery life. We got five hours of screen time easily, even while juggling numerous background tasks like music and podcasts, so we don't think it's out of the question to hit six hours with more moderate use. Most importantly, the battery drain was remarkably consistent, so you get a power consumption curve you can count on and adjust your charging habits accordingly. Sadly, it's not all sunshine and roses, as Google still hasn't upped its charging speeds. The Pixel 9 Pro gets the same 27W speeds as the Pixel 7 Pro, despite the Pixel 9 Pro XL getting a speed bump to 37W charging. Google also hasn't embraced Qi2 wireless charging, so the bottom line is that while the Pixel 9 Pro will provide longer and more consistent battery life than the Pixel 7 Pro, it won't charge any faster. Camera The best gets even better If there's one single area in which the Pixel 7 Pro still punches above its weight class, it's photography. Google's Pixel phones have always been in a class of their own when it comes to taking great pictures, and each model's only true competitors are its successors. While the Pixel 9 Pro has modest improvements over last year's model, the Pixel 8 Pro moved the needle significantly, with a bigger sensor, a 48-megapixel (MP) ultrawide camera, and optical image stabilization on the 5x telephoto lens. The Pixel 9 Pro benefits from all these improvements, which means you'll get better photos, especially in lower lighting conditions. It also adds a 42MP selfie camera around the front, which is a pretty healthy upgrade from the 10MP shooter of previous generations. However, the Pixel 7 Pro still takes excellent photos, so when we compare it with the Pixel 9 Pro, we're almost splitting hairs between "very good" and "great." Google's Pixel phones have always produced our favorite results of any smartphone, and we don't think anyone will be disappointed with what the Pixel 7 Pro puts out. While the Pixel 9 Pro adds some nifty AI features to enhance your photographic skills, most are post-production tools like Add Me. At the end of the day, we think the most significant advantage of the Pixel 9 Pro is that you get Google's best camera system in a smaller package. Which is right for you? Whether it's worth upgrading from your trusty Pixel 7 Pro is a trickier question, especially if you're a fan of the larger screen, but if you're in the market for a new phone and have the money to spend, there's no doubt that the Pixel 9 Pro is a clear winner. With the Pixel 9 Pro, you're getting one of the most powerful smartphones available in a 6.3-inch size (which's rare in an era when most companies are going even bigger), plus reliable all-day battery life, a next-generation chip that powers some genuinely useful AI features, and the best screen and what's still the best camera system on any Android smartphone. You also get seven years of Android updates, and regular Pixel feature drops to keep things fresh. Editor's choice Google Pixel 9 Pro The latest and greatest Google's Pixel 9 Pro delivers flagship performance in a refreshingly pocketable 6.3-inch design, putting it in a class of its own for folks who find today's move toward bigger phones off-putting. The Tensor G4 chip delivers reliable all-day battery life and useful AI features, while the camera system continues to be second to none. $999 at Amazon$999 at Best Buy$999 at Google Store Still, even though the Pixel 9 Pro may be the newcomer, the Pixel 7 Pro has aged remarkably well. The camera system remains excellent even today, and while the Tensor G2 can get a bit hot to handle, it still delivers more than sufficient performance for everyday use. While we wouldn't recommend paying Google's asking price for the Pixel 7 Pro, there are some good deals out there that make it a worthy contender for someone looking for the best budget camera phone. Runner-up Google Pixel 7 Pro Still holds its own The Pixel 7 Pro may be two years old, but it still holds its own against many of today's powerful flagships, especially in the camera department. The larger 6.7-inch screen is crisp and vibrant, although the Tensor G2 chip still warms up under heavy load, and the battery life isn't the most consistent. $899 at Amazon$899 at Best Buy$899 at Google Store

The Google Pixel phone I recommend to most people is not a flagship and it's still available for $200 off

Compared to similarly priced phones, like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 is a far better value. The Google Pixel 9 might be getting all the attention nowadays (especially with its access to Google's new Gemini AI model), but the standard Pixel 8 is still impressive among Google's lineup this year. Also: Amazon Prime Day: Last chance to grab the 160 best deals live for October's Big Deal Days sale That's because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of specs, features, and premium design at a price considerably lower than the competition. What's more, Pixel 8 deals have been hovering around $500for the past few months. At that price, the Pixel 8 is not only difficult to ignore but perhaps the only phone you should consider if you're shopping on a budget. You won't find another phone like it under $500, and it's only when you sift through the $800-$1,000 options that you find commendable competition. A big reason why this is such a compelling option is the Tensor G3 chip, Google's latest in-house processor that powers all of the Pixel 8's AI and machine learning features. It's not just a solid Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative but a monumental reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great phone. Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This phone sold me on an AI-powered future The chip powers all the Google Pixel-ness of the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices in the Recorder app to letting you edit photos to your heart's content with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant also takes advantage of the G3 to process your voice quicker and even summarize web pages for quickly consuming information. Alongside powering Google's HDR pipeline for photography and ensuring Android 14 is slick and smooth, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you'll never have a slow day. The display is another huge reason to get this phone. The Pixel 8's 6.2-inch Actua display is a bit smaller than the screen on the Pixel 7, but that makes it easier to hold in one hand. It's also stunning to look at; with a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it's one of the brightest and clearest displays on the market. Plus, it's OLED, so colors are vibrant, and inky blacks are plentiful. Look beyond the display, and you'll find a good-looking phone crafted out of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Featuring Google's signature camera bar on the back and thin bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 is a stunner among other sub-$700 phones. It's also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, and it comes in three nice finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (kinda green), and Rose (more of a golden peach, in my opinion). When it comes to Pixel phones, there are two areas you have to talk about: cameras and software. On the camera front, Google knocked it out of the park. The rear 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultra-wide are both excellent performers in broad daylight and at night. The cameras easily match or outpace what you'd get with an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of clarity, detail, and sharpness, while colors are often far more accurate than they ever have been on a Pixel phone. Also: I upgraded to the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and its most impressive feature was not the software You also get all of the camera chops that the Pixel name carries like astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure controls, and Ultra HDR. That's on top of other features like Best Take and Magic Editor that make these cameras the smartest you'll find. Plus, video quality has been vastly improved over previous Pixels -- it's flat-out comparable to the iPhone. On the software side, Google's Pixel experience atop Android 14 remains my favorite way to interact with Android. It's clean and minimal and gives you a warm, inviting feeling that no other Android skin can mimic. You get all the features of Android 14, like customizable lock screens, better security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, along with all of the Pixel features you could ask for, such as Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Call, AI-generated wallpapers, and --of course --the Pixel Launcher. But the real kicker in the software department is Google's extended support. The company is guaranteeing seven full years of software support, which means you'll get updates until 2030 if you buy this phone. That's unheard of for an Android phone, and it gives devices like the iPhone a run for their money. Also: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which model should you buy? The Pixel 8 can also last all day on a charge thanks to the 4,575 mAh cell inside. With my medium to heavy usage, I typically end days with 30-40 percent in the tank, which means anyone using the phone a bit less could stretch it out to last a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W fast charging to juice back up as well as Qi wireless charging. So, what are the downsides? Honestly, there aren't a lot. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty warm after using it for a while, but that's typical with Google's Tensor processors. I also wish there was a proper telephoto camera on the back; Super Res Zoom is handy for upscaling digitally zoomed photos, but it can only take you so far. Oh, and I still don't trust Face Unlock; Google lets you use it to pay for things now using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face to authenticate you. You're not going to find a much better value than the Pixel 8 - especially at such a deep discount. From the gorgeous display and design to the speedy performance and amazing cameras, Google's standard flagship phone stands on its own with an impeccable balance of high-end features for a lower price than other flagships. Also: Google Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold: Specs, features, and everything else we know so far With its sale price of $402, the closest competition happens to be the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Phone (2), two devices that are perfectly worthy of a spot in your pocket but don't offer the same value as the Pixel 8. Google's phone is a proper flagship with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company's latest camera tricks. The Phone (2) and S23 FE are high-end mid-rangers that balance specs and price well but don't feel as high-end as the Pixel does. Anyone shopping for an Android phone under $600 -- let alone under $700 -- should look to the Pixel 8. The value is simply incredible, and it's by far one of the best phones of the year.

Google Pixel 9 (Quick Look) - Full of Firsts

This smartphone from Google features broad Gemini AI integration, all on top of having a durable design, a more vibrant display, and a more powerful processor. "Hello, everyone, and welcome to another Gamereactor Quick Look. It's that exciting time of the year. It's not quite Techtober yet, but we are, well, ramming into the whole host of central tech releases from major competing brands starting off." "Well, we had Samsung not too long ago, and now it's Google's turn. And this is the Pixel 9. We're going to review the entire lineup of Pixel phones that are coming out over the next couple of weeks." "Google has a really weird staggered launch of these different models. So you're going to get the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL now, followed by the Pixel 9 Pro, followed by the Pixel 9 Fold. Then there's a watch." "Then there are buds. Then there's the Streamer 4K. There's a lot of different stuff. They all have different release dates. It's kind of weird." "But by the time you're watching this, the first major embargo will have dropped where we're taking a look at this, for one, the standard Pixel 9. And, well, it's incredible. It really is." "It does feel like Google has finally achieved the final form of the Pixel phone, which started way back with the initial Pixel and then had quite a few stumbles along the way as Google got closer and closer to figuring out what the Pixel was supposed to be." "And this time around, we have a proper flagship. This is the iPhone of the Android world. It is easy to use. It is incredibly cohesive." "It launches as part of a really nice and sort of solid product ecosystem built with Google services right in where you don't have to do all of the tweaking that a lot of other Android experiences will need." "So first and foremost, you have all of the essentials here. So you got a 4700 milliamp hour battery, which will last you all day. And then some. It has 15 watt wireless charging, reverse wireless charging." "And I think 27 watt wire charging. It has IP68 water and dust resistance. It has Wi-Fi 6E for blazingly fast speeds. All good." "It has this matte aluminum rail all around. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus all around. And it looks absolutely gorgeous, I think. Sure, some might say that it is close to an iPhone in most regards, apart from this little camera bump back here." "But I think it looks great, particularly in this sort of understated green colorway here. It does blow Apple's phones out of the water. I think it looks more modern, more sleek, and it's more comfortable to hold over long periods of time because it doesn't dig into your hand as much." "It's great. It really is. And whether like regardless of whether or not you're an iPhone person or an Android person, you have to tip your cap to like really comfortable designs such as this." "Inside, we get the Google Tensor G4. There's been some stumbles with the G Tensor series over the course of well, the past couple of years. I haven't experienced any issues or hiccups yet." "So a 1080p display, essentially really fluid, really nice, incredibly bright. It has all of the stuff that you need. Now, back here, we get two camera lenses. It's very clear." "It's the same that Apple does, that the one thing that they use to differentiate the standard and the pro models is the telephoto lens, meaning that you get a standard wide and an ultra wide. That standard wide is a 50 megapixel, 25 millimeter lens." "And the ultra wide is a 120 degree, 48 megapixel lens. And they've even found space here for a wider selfie camera, meaning that this selfie camera is an ultra wide. I don't quite know the degrees, radius of it, but it should be able to capture a more sort of fisheye photo with more people being added to the frame." "That's very nice. These cameras back here use post-processing and Google's really mature software suite to create punchy, high dynamic range HDR photos, and they are always great." "I would even argue that even though that perhaps the actual optics here are inferior to a lot of the main competition, when you take a pixel photo and you show that to a person, that person will always gravitate towards a pixel photo because they just make them look good." "Now, let's draw a very thick line between having a photo of something that you encountered, a situation you were in, where Google's post-processing suite adds shadows, texture, detail, basically just makes that image the prettiest it can be." "And let's draw a distinction between that and some of Google's new semi new AI features. So magic eraser. It's a big, broad, like sunset photo, and there's a dog running on a beach." "You don't want the dog there. You can just draw a line around it or a circle around it, and it removes the dog. Now, is that a kind of a situation where you are crossing ethical boundaries because that situation never occurred? You can't remove the dog or a person or a annoying leaf that falls from a tree that like that basically freaks with with the entire sort of nature of the scene that you were trying to portray." "That's the world that you lived in at that moment. So I don't like it as a complete sort of ethics problem, and I think that the Google are really diving into this stuff. There's stuff like magic editor in here." "I'm not going to turn the phone on to show you, but what magic editor does. So I'm taking a photo at this white desk here, right? But I want something to be on the like right in front of me on the desk. So what I can do is that I can circle around this afterwards in magic editor and I get an A.I." "prompt, kind of like with chat GPT or Dali, where I can then tell them, tell it what I want on that part of the desk. So I want a beer, for instance, and it'll put a beer there and I can put that on Instagram or whatever." "And it's just it's a weird melding of the fictional and the real world in a way that I found really uncomfortable. I don't like it. You know what else is new this time around with group photos? I take the photo of my friends, but I want to be in the photo so I can set this up so that I give the photo to my friend and then I walk into the frame and then it splices those two photos together so that I was in a scene where I weren't because I'm the photographer." "My point is that all of these things are neat and I'm sure people will use them, but they will use them to create photos that never existed in the first place. And I find that uncomfortable. That should not detract from this phone, though." "It is fantastic. It is the closest Android has ever gotten to an iPhone moment and the closest the pixel has ever gotten to true greatness. It's going to be a landslide." "It launches in far more territories than it used to. And in a competitive price point of, I think, seven ninety nine USD. It's great. And you should go and get it to show Google, if you're an Android person at the very least, to show Google that these kinds of phones really do have a future in that marketplace, in that ecosystem."