Google Pixel 9 Series vs Samsung Galaxy S24: A Battle of AI-Powered Flagships

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battle of the big hitters [Video]

While the jury is out on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market -- how do they stack up? The choice between these two often comes down to personal preference, depending on whether you lean towards Pixel or Samsung. Both devices have unique strengths -- and price points -- so let's delve into what makes each one stand out and help you determine which is the best fit for you. Both of these phones are premium in their build but differ quite a lot in style. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a mostly flat aluminum design with a distinctive, eye-catching camera visor that stands out. We all know that the boxy iPhone look has made the jump across to Pixels this year, but it's less sharp and more comfortable in the hand than Cupertino's well-crafted contraption. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features another tried-and-tested iterative design. The four-camera design has remained consistent over the years, and while it has flat sides top and bottom, the side rails are softened with minor curves. It's also made from titanium, which feels quite different from the glossy aluminum frame of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Galaxy's slightly heavier weight is noticeable, though it also features a matte finish, which some may prefer over the Pixel's glossy aluminum - I know that I do. This duo sports exceptional 6.8-inch QHD+ displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a brighter display, reaching up to 3,000 nits, ideal for those who crave higher brightness levels. The Galaxy S24 Ultra display has a 2,600 nit max brightness, but includes an anti-reflective coating, making it easier to view in bright conditions. This one addition seems inconsequential but makes the S24 Ultra screen the best on a smartphone. No glare means better viewing angles and an overall amazing experience, even if the uniform bezels on the Pixel 9 Pro XL screen are great in their own right. Performance is by no means a close call. The Pixel 9 Pro XL utilizes Google's Tensor G4 chipset, designed for AI and machine learning tasks, and comes with a whopping 16GB of RAM. However, due to Tensor's AI allocation, the effective RAM for standard use is similar between the two. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and this easily delivers superior performance in benchmarks, gaming, and just about everything else, thanks to higher clock speeds and more CPU cores. Tensor G4 is okay, but the fact is that it's nowhere near a flagship-level chip. If you want to play games at the highest settings for a sustained period a Pixel is not going to be a great choice. That's not all. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also has way faster UFS 4.0 storage, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL's UFS 3.1 storage is a few generations behind. Does that mean a lot? Well, it should result in faster loading speeds and data transfer rates on your phone. We haven't even touched on the S Pen. It's a truly unique power tool that enables pixel-perfect penmanship for notes, annotations, precise selections, camera controls, and way more to boot. The Note series may be dead, the the Galaxy S24 Ultra keeps the tradition of the exceptional in-built accessory alive and kicking. Ordinarily, you'd put the software differences on a Samsung and Pixel phone down to "brains" or "brawn" or "clean" and "custom heavy." Some of those sentiments ring true, but the reality is that Google is banking on AI while Samsung is leveraging both power and AI enhancement. One UI 6.1 is still rolling out, but includes a whole host of Galaxy AI features that are very similar to the core Google AI suite. You can add content to your photos with sketch prompts, but Reimagine goes a step further with accurate text inputs turning into realistic additions to your photos and images. Where the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge is the other apps like Pixel Screenshots and, as most Pixel owners would agree, the streamlined interface. One UI is full of changes and foibles that help make it what it is. Google having the keys to the kingdom means less fuss, but also less functionality out of the box. The benefit is that this means updates on day one. Samsung is a little slower when preparing and pushing out Android updates. Sometimes the updates can take half a year before they appear on the latest flagship phone. Even so, Samsung is now matching Google's 7-year update pledge, so you'll have a device that is supported until 2031, no matter which side of the fence you fall on. Looking at the camera systems of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL it's hard to pick out a true winner. Google has opted to stick with a 50MP main sensor and upgrade the 48MP ultrawide and 50MP 5x telephoto. Samsung has a huge 200MP main sensor, 50MP 5x telephoto, but an inferior 12MP ultrawide. Google also has a habit of overreliance on "fixing it in post." For example, Video Boost and some of the AI functions like Add Me. The former feature is exacerbated as the Galaxy S24 Ultra smokes the Pixel in videography modes and Pro controls. On-device 8K video recording is not possible on the Pixel. You need to use Video Boost and have the video processed in the cloud. These camera systems trade blows, but the Pixel can't match the zoom level while the Samsung isn't as good as capturing moving subjects. Ultimately, the choice depends on your photography or videography preferences. That said, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a tad more flexibility in all areas if you want or need that. Battery life and charging capabilities are also key differentiators when comparing the 9 Pro XL and S24 Ultra. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a slightly larger 5,060mAh battery with 37W wired and up to 23W wireless charging on a compatible stand. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has faster 45W wired charging but a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery. Wireless charging is also capped at 15W. An interesting - and potentially frustrating - negative here is that 0-100% takes over an hour on the S24 Ultra and 9 Pro XL. That is slow by modern industry standards. Despite this annoyance, both phones offer comparable battery performance in real-world usage. The Snapdragon chip could have the edge thanks to better overall efficiency than the Pixel Tensor chip. A day of intensive usage is going to be well within reach without too many problems. About upgrading: 9to5Google often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible. If you love a clean, streamlined Android experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great option. In terms of performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is in a different weight category with more headroom than the Tensor G4 chip will ever be capable of. Price is a significant factor. The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at a hefty $1,299, but that does also include an S Pen and 256GB of storage, offering value for those who use these features. The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at a marginally cheaper $1,099 but that includes just 128GB of storage, though upgrading to 256GB keeps it under the Galaxy's starting price. As noted, both promise seven years of software updates and security patches. These are expensive phones and at least on paper, the Pixel lags behind quite substantially. By this point in time, it's clear that a Google Pixel isn't just a sum of its parts. The better device for you heavily depends on what you value most. If AI features, a new design, and a slightly lower price appeal to you, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be your best bet. However, if you prioritize superior performance, a versatile camera setup, and additional features like the S Pen, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is, without a doubt, the better buy.

Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24: The Compact Showdown

The compact phone market isn't getting any bigger, and you're stuck with very few options by the end of the day. So, it's always good to see a Pixel land and add to the rather limited set of options. The latest Pixel 9 is a cool such device, that offers a brand-new design and some AI wizardry. But, how does it compare to the slightly older Samsung Galaxy S24, which is basically considered to be the king of compact phones? Besides, since both of them are priced at $799, the buyer confusion can get pretty real. So, I took the phones out for a ride full throttle to see which is the better all-rounder flagship shrimpy. Let's get right into it! I won't be dwelling on the box contents of the two phones for there's nothing but flies there. No charging adapter, case, or anything fancy. So, you will need to grab all of that separately. As for the phones themselves, they are like chalk and cheese. I have with me the Galaxy S24's Amber Yellow and the Pixel 9's Porcelain color options. The Pixel 9 embraces a whole new design with an oval camera bar that doesn't blend with the frame like the previous series. It's clean, looks futuristically aesthetic, and I'm all for it. Besides, it keeps any sort of wobbling at bay. The rear panel is glass and the sides are polished metal. The frame is probably a tad too polished, making it as slippery as an eel. While the in-hand feel is awesome, this is a very heavy boy. So, while it's supposed to be a compact phone, it doesn't necessarily feel that way. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 is a snug fit that my palms can't get enough of. It's also significantly lighter and slightly smaller, making it a solid compact companion. Although I will say that the S24's edges feel sharper, while the Pixel 9 is curved throughout, feeling smoother in hands. The Galaxy S24 is also a phone that won't turn any heads. Samsung loves its conventional Galaxy design a little too much. I, on the other hand, am just bored of it. The camera module design is also not the best and makes the phone rattle quite a bit. However, the Galaxy S24's in-hand feel takes the cake. While it adorns a polished metal frame and a glass back as well, it doesn't slip away as easily. Both flagships are IP68-rated as well, so a bit of splash here or some dust settling there shouldn't render them dead. You get to see the power button and volume rockers placed on the right side of both phones, which is not the best orientation. But, it is what it is. Winner: Pixel 9 The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch OLED display is slightly bigger than the Galaxy S24's 6.2-inch AMOLED panel. You also get better protection on the Pixel 9, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2. However, the Pixel 9 lacks LTPO tech, unlike the Galaxy S24, which is a huge miss if you ask me. As for protection, the Galaxy S24 offers the standard Gorilla Glass Victus instead. Bezels are slimmer on the Galaxy S24 though, making it look sleeker at the front, in comparison. In terms of viewing experience, for the most part, you can't tell the two apart in terms of color reproduction in non-HDR videos. However, while there's a bit more sharpness and brightness in the Pixel 9's output, the Galaxy S24 offers deeper blacks. I noticed this when playing regular 1080p YouTube videos and watching an episode of Batman Caped Crusader on Amazon Prime. When it comes to HDR content though, the Galaxy S24 stands out. I watched The Meg on Netflix and Kalki 2898 on Amazon Prime in 4K HDR, and the Galaxy S24 displayed richer colors and more brightness. Outdoors and indoors though, both phones offer good visibility. However, the Pixel 9 reduces its brightness levels for it heats up a little too quickly. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 doesn't do so, maintaining steady brightness levels mostly. As for the speakers, the dual-stereo setup in both phones is adequately loud. But, there are some subtle differences. While the Pixel 9 is a bit more loud, the Galaxy S24 has that surround effect going for it. The Galaxy S24's output is also slightly richer, with the highs, lows, and mids being mostly well-balanced. However, the Pixel 9's setup suppresses the mids to the point that they're flat. It compensates with slightly more bass though. Overall, I'd pick the Galaxy S24, going by my multimedia experience with the two. Winner: Galaxy S24 The Google Pixel 9 uses a new Tensor G4 chipset, which is based on a 4nm fabrication process. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 uses the Exynos 2400 SoC, which is based on the same fabrication process as well. While the Pixel 9 gets up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Galaxy S24 offers up to 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. To put the processors to the test, I ran benchmarks, played some games, and used them extensively on a daily basis to get a clear idea. The usual drill! On paper, Google's Tensor series of processors have never been impressive. This time, it's no different, and the Tensor G4 scores quite lower in benchmarks in comparison to the Exynos 2400. Here's a rundown: On a normal day, from social media apps to those unignorable Google apps, I can have as many as 10 or 15 apps running in the background. Throw in 1.5 to 2 hours worth of CoD Mobile in there, and that's about it. And, both phones are enough capable to handle all that like a charm. However, I did notice that the RAM management on the Pixel 9 can be very inconsistent. While it mostly keeps apps running nicely in the background, quite a few times it restarted CoD Mobile when I headed out and back into it from WhatsApp. The Galaxy S24 didn't have that issue. To test it out a bit more, I opened around 25 different apps on the two phones and checked back in after an hour. The Galaxy S24 had 18 of those applications running, while the Pixel 9 kept 15 odd apps in its memory. I also noticed that while both phones barely ever get warm in AC environments, in the outdoors with Noida's humidity, they can get hot. However, they won't melt your skin off like the Pixel 8a though (review); so that's a relief. As for gaming, here's a quick look at the kind of settings you get out of games from the two phones: However, the gaming experience is terrible on the Pixel 9 because of its terrible touch sampling rate. Any game that required a lot of movement like CoD Mobile and BGMI proved to be quite difficult to aim in. Some severe swiping irregularities always get in the way of hitting those shots right. I just got very frustrated with that after a while and shifted to the Galaxy S24, on which gaming is an absolute treat. Since Exynos 2400 is the equivalent of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it's an absolute monster performer. Also, in an AC environment, after around 1.5 hours of gaming, both phones linger around the 42-degree mark. There's also some throttling on both phones after about an hour of gaming on higher settings or FPS. Nothing serious, but yes, it exists. Winner: Galaxy S24 We are in the AI era of smartphones, and these are two solid examples. However, there's no doubt that Google is the king of AI at this point, and Samsung simply borrows and builds upon those technologies, thanks to their solid partnership. The Pixel 9's Pixel Screenshots, Add Me, Magic Editor Reimagine, and a couple of other AI features really scared me, for they're that good. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24's Circle to Search, Transcript Assist, AI Generative Wallpapers, and others, although cool, are nothing extraordinary. However, it's surprising to see that the Exynos 2400 scores higher than the AI-focused Tensor G4 in Geekbench AI (refer to Performance section). So, there's a big chance that the Galaxy S24 will get its own iterations of these Pixel AI features in the future. You never know. As for the skins themselves, Pixel UI is undoubtedly cleaner with no bloatware as such. But, it lacks exciting quality-of-life features, if you keep the AI aside. One UI, on the other hand, offers solid features like Samsung DeX, Smart View, Multi Control, and the list goes on. Most importantly, it's got Good Lock by its side, which makes the utilitarian possibilities of the device infinite! In comparison, the Pixel experience certainly feels hollow. The Galaxy S24 does come with preloaded bloatware like Microsoft apps, Gaming Hub, Global Goals, Samsung Free, and whatnot. So, you will need to spend some time uninstalling them. However, everything else, from the app opening and closing animations to even the haptic integration, One UI feels more satisfying to use. Besides, just like Google, Samsung promises 7 years of software updates for the Galaxy S24. So, you won't have to worry about that. Winner: Pixel 9 for AI features; Galaxy S24 for useability The Pixel 9 features a dual-rear camera setup with a 50MP Octa PD wide sensor at the helm. The secondary sensor is a 48MP Quad PD ultra-wide sensor. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 sports a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN3 wide-angle sensor driving it. In the backseat, there's a secondary 10MP ISOCELL 3K1 telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The third sensor is a 12MP ultra-wide. For selfies, the Pixel 9 uses a 10.5 Dual PD sensor, while the Galaxy S24 features a 12MP shooter. So, how do the camera setups of these two phones compare? Let's see! When it comes to daytime shots, the Pixel 9's primary sensor has a hard time retaining good details. As you zoom in, you will notice how the Galaxy S24 maintains those details better. The shadows and highlights are also blown out on the Pixel 9, while the S24 handles them well, thereby delivering better dynamic range. However, the ultra-wide angle is a different story. The Pixel 9's ultra-wide captures more details and pretty good dynamic range. In comparison, the Galaxy S24's ultra-wide shots lack as many details. The dynamic range is good enough, though. Another thing that I noticed was that there's barely any color disparity between the Galaxy S24's sensors. On the other hand, while there's not much disparity between the Pixel 9's sensors, there's still some if you notice closely. At night, however, the Pixel 9 captures better shots. While there's not much noise in both phones, the Pixel 9 captures more details and handles light sources better. I also noticed that there are glare blotches on the Pixel 9's shots, which is weird and not aesthetic. I mistook it for the moon at first. The Pixel 9's selfie shooter is mediocre at best. You see quite a bit of oversharpening, which tries to compensate for a visible lack of details. But, fails to do so miserably. Skin tones are also unnaturally boosted on the Pixel 9. The Galaxy S24's selfies are surely better, and also have a wider FOV. The edge detection is a bit better on the Pixel 9 though, while the Galaxy S24 has a deeper depth mapping. The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, captures very good details and doesn't try anything funny like oversharpening to ruin the shots. There's some level of skin tone boosting though, but nothing too extreme. As for videos, the Pixel 9 can shoot at up to 4K 60FPS, while the Galaxy S24 can do up to 8K 30FPS. While both phones have OIS, I noticed that the Pixel 9's shots rattle a bit in comparison. However, while the Galaxy S24 can't switch between the sensors when capturing a video, the Pixel 9 can. Winner: Galaxy S24 The Pixel 9 packs a 4,700mAh battery with 27W fast charging. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 is fueled by a much smaller 4,000mAh unit, paired with 25W fast charging. However, since the Pixel 9 lacks LTPO tech, it eats through your battery quite a bit. As a result, it negates that 700mAh increment in battery capacity. So, ultimately, both phones turn up similar SoTs (Screen-on-Time). I played 1080p YouTube videos for around an hour, gamed for roughly 2 hours, and ran benchmarks for around 1.5 hours. By the end of it, both phones gave me around 4.5 to 5 hours of backup, which is good enough for compact phones if you ask me. Charging speeds are no different either, and both phones take approximately 1.5 hours to go from 10% to 100%. So, you get the idea. Winner: Tie If you ask me, the Samsung Galaxy S24 definitely is the better phone, overall. Not only do you get a lot more performance, better storage configuration, and also a more desirable display. Not to mention that it also captures better photos through the primary and front sensors. Then there's that telephoto sensor, albeit limited to 3x optical zoom. All of that packed in a smaller form factor makes it the better compact phone in comparison to the Pixel 9. By the end of the day, all that's left to recommend the Pixel 9 over the Galaxy S24 is its unique design and Pixel UI skin. Then again, Galaxy S24's One UI, although not bloatware-free, is much superior in terms of software features and aesthetics. At least, in my opinion. For me, that takes away the residual possibilities of ever favoring the Pixel 9 instead. Also, while both skins are backed by up to 7 years of Android updates out of the box, I doubt if Pixel 9's hardware can support it for that long (as evident in the performance comparison). Most importantly, the Pixel 9 doesn't arrive with Android 15 like it should have, thereby hinting at a crack in Google's 7-year software update promise. All things considered, if you have a budget of around $800 and are looking for a mighty compact phone, get the Galaxy S24. It surely does more justice to the price tag.

Google Pixel 9 review: A sleek redesign and compelling AI features

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more The Pixel 9 is easily Google's best entry-level premium phone to date, thanks to a range of upgrades that touch almost every aspect of the phone and a major, year-over-year redesign. The Pixel 9 series introduces a fresh new look for Google's Pixel phones, and they've never looked better. Relative to the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9 also has a super-bright display for better content visibility in sunlight, a new processor, more RAM for better performance and AI functionality, an upgraded ultrawide camera, a larger battery, and a new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Google's new Gemini AI assistant is also a highlight in the Pixel 9 series, and it's a major upgrade over the Google Assistant. Plus, it wouldn't be a Google Pixel phone without some new AI-powered photo and editing features, some of which are actually quite good and useful, while others are somewhat questionable. Where the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer various enhancements with higher price tags, the standard Pixel 9 likely offers the best value for most people within Google's new phone lineup. With flatter edges compared to the Pixel 8 series' rounded edges, the Pixel 9 looks more modern and subjectively better. Previous Pixel phones never quite looked or felt on par with the competition from Samsung and Apple, but the Pixel 9 has decidedly closed that gap. That said, the modern flat-edge look has become ubiquitous between the Google, Apple, and Samsung trio, and I can barely tell their current flagship phones apart on my desk. The Pixel 9's aluminum frame has a smooth matte texture, while the back glass is clear. It's available in Peony (bold pink), Wintergreen (earthy mint green), Porcelain (white), and Obsidian (black). Only the Pixel 9 Pro models get the warm-gray Hazel and light-pink Rose Quartz options. Google has a new large, bold, and thick camera oval on the back that helps set the Pixel 9 apart. A distinct, protruding shape with the same color and texture as the frame, the new camera oval feels like a natural evolution of Google's camera previous camera design, a thick bar with a different color and texture that spanned across the back of previous Pixel generations. Apart from differentiating its looks, the Pixel 9's camera oval keeps the phone from rocking to one side on a flat surface when you're swiping and tapping on the screen, an issue with Apple's and Samsung's flagships due to their off-center cameras. It's not a reason on its own to buy the Pixel 9 over other phones with offset cameras, but it's a nice benefit. The Pixel 9 series, including the base and Pro models, run on Google's latest Tensor G4 processor. The base Pixel 9 behaves like a premium phone by opening and running apps quickly and smoothly. The same goes for games, which look sharp and detailed. And for most people, that's all that matters. On the other hand, in line with any of the best Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 9 doesn't benchmark like a top-tier device. Benchmark results show that the Pixel 9 running the Tensor G4 doesn't closely compete on performance with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor running Samsung's Galaxy S24 series. In fact, it's not much of an upgrade over the previous-generation Tensor G3 that ran the Pixel 8 series. My only concern is whether the Pixel 9 will stay quick and smooth for as many years as one would expect for a premium phone when the Android operating system and apps become more complex over the years. Using the Pixel 6 with the original Google Tensor processor from 2021 running the latest Android 14 as a point of reference, the Pixel 9 should still run flawlessly after three years and two Android upgrades. Games don't look as crisp as on the Pixel 9, but the Pixel 6 still runs great. It remains to be seen how many more years Google's Tensor processor can remain snappy, but if you upgrade your phones every two or three years, I'm confident in saying you shouldn't have anything to worry about with the Pixel 9's more powerful processor staying in working order for the long run. The base Pixel 9 has less RAM (12GB) than the Pixel 9 Pro models (16GB), but the difference is negligible in everyday use or with power-hungry applications like games. The Pixel 9 also has 4GB more RAM than the previous Pixel 8 to better accommodate Google's emergent AI features. The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch display is on the larger side of the average for an entry-level flagship phone display (6.1 inches), but it's the smaller model in the series and feels perfectly manageable. The display can also run up to 120Hz, but it's oddly set to 60Hz by default. Make sure to enable "Smooth Scrolling" in the settings if you're after fluid on-screen animations that are standard on many of the best Android phones, budget or premium. Google gave the base Pixel 9 its super-bright Actua display, previously reserved for the Pro models in the Pixel 8 series, that can reach up to 2700 nit brightness. Viewing screen content under bright sunlight was never an issue in previous Pixels, but colors pop more, and content looks better overall on the Pixel 9's Actua display. It's a bit late to the party, but Google finally adopted a modern ultrasonic fingerprint sensor system for the Pixel 9 after using outdated optical sensors. It's extremely quick and accurate, and it's better than the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors on Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, which consistently give me trouble unlocking the phone. The Pixel 9 uses more basic face recognition than Apple's Face ID, but it works surprisingly similarly. I've found it's fast to unlock the phone and more reliable than Samsung's face recognition. With its 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 finished our intensive battery test with 60% remaining. That's right in line with other premium Android phones with similar display sizes, and it's more than adequate for most people. In practical terms, if you're using a similar-sized phone, the Pixel 9 won't change your daily charging habits, as only larger phones have the potential to last longer than a typical day's use. The Pixel 9 charges fairly rapidly at 27W, and it's fine. I wish it charged at the same 37W as the Pixel 9 Pro XL (the Pixel 9 Pro is also 27W). The Pixel 9 comes with a USB-C charging cable but no charger -- just make sure your charger is capable of 30W or more to get the fastest charging speed. The Pixel 9 can also charge wirelessly up to 15W with Google's 2nd-gen Pixel Stand, but it's compatible with standard Qi wireless chargers up to 12W. If you're comparing the Pixel 9's specs with the Pixel 9 Pro models, you may notice the Pixel 9 has a 60-120Hz refresh rate display while the Pixel 9 Pro models have variable 1-120Hz displays. Variable refresh rate displays, like those on the Pixel 9 Pro models, are supposed to help improve battery life by reducing the refresh rate when the screen is static, as lower refresh rates usually reduce power drain. However, I found no tangible difference in battery drain from display refresh rates between the two phones. Both phones drained the same 4% battery life over a 12-hour test with the always-on display enabled compared to the same test with the option disabled. And there was no perceivable difference in battery life from using the phones normally. The Pixel 9 has the same 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras as the Pixel 9 Pro models, so you don't need to upgrade to the high-end Pixel models to get one of the best phone cameras you can buy. It doesn't have a dedicated optical zoom lens, like the 5x camera on the Pixel 9 Pro models, but the Pixel 9 can take optical-quality photos at 2x zoom by cropping into its main camera sensor, and it still delivers high-quality images up to 5x zoom. Google has made a name for its Pixel cameras, which reliably take superb photos with balanced and natural-looking colors, along with superior lighting and contrast that create a better sense of depth than most other phone cameras. The Pixel 9 keeps up the Pixel camera legacy. The 50MP main camera actually takes 12MP photos by default -- a result of combining four smaller pixels to form one larger pixel, otherwise known as pixel binning. You can take 50MP photos if you want, but they'll take up way more space and superficially look the same as 12MP photos. Only when you crop into a 50MP photo will you see clearer details of objects and subjects that are further away. The default 12MP option looks great for most people, but the Pixel 9's high-resolution 50MP camera has other benefits. Pixel binning also helps capture more light, which benefits low-light shots. It requires you to stay still for a few seconds, and it's not any faster than other top phones on the market, but the Pixel 9 can take some great photos at night. If there's a bright light source, like a lightbulb, it does well to brighten up the areas that don't get the bulb's light, but not too aggressively to make it look like the scene is floodlit. Even in extremely low light conditions, the Pixel 9 can take photos that look good on the phone's display. However, you start to notice some pixelation and grainy artifacts when viewing ultra-low-light photos on a larger screen, like a computer monitor. The Pixel 9 supports 4K resolution up to 60 frames per second (fps), and videos generally look great. There are some instances where brighter details in a bright environment become white and void of detail, but it's something that most phones struggle with. You can enable 10-bit HDR to get even better colors and contrast, but make sure your monitor or TV supports HDR10 if you plan on viewing your videos on those devices. If they don't, some videos can have incredibly unbalanced contrast and colors to the point of distraction. My only complaint is that the Pixel 9's videos can appear somewhat choppy at 30 fps compared to comparable results from Apple's iPhones. You can get ultra-smooth videos using the Pixel 9's 60 fps option, but they use up a lot of storage space and give a soap opera look that's not for everyone. Google's Gemini AI assistant is basically a much smarter, more dynamic version of Google Assistant, but it's optional on the Pixel 9. Whether you're used to using Google Assistant or not, Gemini is worth a try, as it provides a novel, potentially more useful experience. Gemini still performs the same simpler tasks that Google Assistant historically has, like setting a timer or reminder, but it's generally much better at answering questions. It responds as if Gemini, the AI entity, is providing a comprehensive answer in straightforward language rather than pulling up a Google search and summarizing a single source, which is what Google Assistant mostly does. I'm finding myself using Gemini more and more than performing a Google search manually. One of my favorite Gemini features is asking for "kid-friendly" answers that explain things I don't fully understand faster than if I did the research myself, which is something Google Assistant doesn't do. However, I do wonder where Gemini is getting the information to answer my questions or requests at times, as sources sometimes aren't clearly cited, or cited at all. The Gemini assistant can also be inferior to Google Assistant in odd and specific ways. For example, Gemini refused to tell me anything about a political organization I wanted to learn more about. Meanwhile, Google Assistant pulled up and summarized the organization's Wikipedia entry, which is basically what I wanted. Gemini can also be outright wrong, as shown in the screenshots below. When I asked whether the Pixel 9 shares the same ultrawide camera as the Pixel 9 Pro, Gemini told me it didn't. I double-checked with Google, and the Pixel 9 does, indeed, have the same 48MP ultrawide camera as the Pixel 9 Pro. It's ironic Google's Gemini got information about Google's own phones so wrong. Even asking the time in a different time zone caused problems. I asked the time in Slovenia, and Gemini gave me the right time but the wrong time of day, as it said the time was in a.m. when it was actually in p.m. When asked if the CET time zone was ahead or behind EDT, it wrongly stated it was behind. You can tap the Google symbol at the bottom of an answer to help verify a Gemini answer, as it searches the web for results. Yet, the feature doesn't always work; pressing the symbol pointed out that Gemini's answer to the Pixel 9 question may have been incorrect, but it pulled up irrelevant Google searches for the time zone question. Still, Gemini's real power and usefulness become apparent when you start asking more complex things, like crafting an email outline to express a concern with an organization, finding fun things to do around a place you're visiting, coming up with ideas for an event (like a surprise birthday party), and much more. It doesn't do the work for you, but it helps with the daunting "where do I even start?" question. Switching gears from Gemini, Google has built a comprehensive suite of software and AI-based camera and photo editing tools over the last few years. Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Best Take are some of the more useful and effective ones. With the Pixel 9, Google is introducing Add Me, which lets a person taking a group photo be added to the photo. It works surprisingly well and is fairly easy to accomplish, especially after some practice. Results aren't always perfect, and small details can look out of place. Initial results can be pretty funny while you're learning to use Add Me, but photos were rarely ruined or unusable. There's also a Reimagine feature in Magic Editor, which lets you select parts of a photo and replace it with an AI-generated image. I'm trying to find a need to, say, change the background or setting a photo is taken in. I guess it can be for fun? Reimagine can create fairly decent scenery, but it's obviously fake. It also struggles deeply with recreating animals and people. There's also the new Screenshots app, which acts like a Google Photos search specifically for screenshots you've taken to remind you of something. I've used it similarly to how I use Shazam: to recognize a song and keep it in my Shazam library to return to later. I've never used screenshots to remind me of something for later, but Screenshots is changing that. It's not totally effective, as it can miss some screenshots and add some that are entirely irrelevant to my search. For example, I took several screenshots of sci-fi movies I wanted to see later, and after searching for "movies" in Screenshots, it missed some relevant screenshots while adding one that had nothing to do with movies. Still, it's a neat feature that's likely to improve over time and become more reliable. The Pixel 9 is the easiest Google flagship phone recommendation to date, largely thanks to its thoroughly refreshed design, superb cameras, and Google's long list of compelling AI features, even if their usefulness and effectiveness can vary. Despite the Pixel 9's lower benchmark scores relative to comparable Android flagship models, characteristics like battery life and performance are still excellent for a premium phone, and there's little to complain about generally. You should absolutely consider the Pixel 9 if you're looking for a base model of a flagship phone lineup. That said, the Pixel 9's lack of a dedicated zoom lens makes it relatively difficult to recommend outright when Samsung's Galaxy S24 comes with an optical 3x zoom for better long-range photos. Zoom lens aside, however, the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are ultimately very similar devices in almost every other way that matters, and both offer seven-year support windows for security and software updates. You may want to check your carrier or Google's online store for trade-in deals on the Pixel 9 series. Depending on the deal you find, you could have the option to get a Pixel 9 Pro model at a substantial discount or even free. If that's the case, you might as well buy the higher-end phone to get the dedicated zoom camera for little to no extra cost.

Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: Is now the time to upgrade? | Digital Trends

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us? The Google Pixel 9 has been released. The new phone targets entry-level smartphone buyers and was introduced alongside the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It comes with a host of impressive features. The Google Pixel 6 has been officially retired with the release of the Google Pixel 9 series. The phone launched in October 2021 alongside the Pixel 6 Pro. If you own a 2021 Google Pixel 6, then you presumably chose not to upgrade to the Pixel 7 or Pixel 8. So, is it time to upgrade now? Let's look at the main differences between the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 6. Recommended Videos Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: specs Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 6 Dimensions 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm 6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches Weight 198 grams 7 ounces 207 grams 7.30 ounces Display 6.3-inch Actua OLED display 1080 x 2424 resolution at 422 ppi 60-120Hz dynamic refresh rate 1800 nits (HDR)/2700 nits (peak) 6.4-inch AMOLED display 1080 x 2400 resolution at 411 ppi 60-90Hz dynamic refresh rate 500 nits (HDR)/800 nits (peak) Durability IP68 Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 IP68 Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Colors Peony Wintergreen Obsidian Porcelain Stormy Black Sorta Seaform Kinda Coral Processor Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor RAM 12GB 8GB Storage 128GB 256GB 128GB 256GB Software Android 14 Android 12 Updates Seven years (through Android 21 or 22) Three years (through Android 15) Rear cameras 50MP main camera, f/1.68 aperture and 82-degree FOV 48MP ultrawide lens, f/1.7 aperture and 123-degree FOV 50MP main camera, f/1.9 aperture and 82-degree FOV 12MP ultrawide lens, f/2.2 aperture and 114-degree FOV Front camera 10.5MP with autofocus, f/2.2 aperture, and 95-degree ultrawide FOV 8MP with fixed focus, f/2.0 aperture, and 84-degree ultrawide FOV Battery 4,700mAh 4,614mAh Charging 27W wired fast charging 15W wireless (with Google Pixel Stand 2nd gen) or 12W with Qi-compatible wireless chargers Reverse wireless charging 21W wired fast charging 21W wireless (with Google Pixel Stand 2nd gen) or 12W with Qi-compatible wireless chargers Reverse wireless charging Price Starts at $799 When sold, started at $599 Release date August 2024 October 2021; discontinued August 2024 Review Pixel 9 Pixel 6 Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: design and display The regular-sized Pixel 6 features a horizontal camera bar on the back, housing the camera lenses and flash. The back has the distinct two-tone design that was iconic for Pixels of the time, but hasn't been used since. It was initially offered in three color options: Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, and Sorta Seafoam. The older phone features a 6.4-inch AMOLED flat display with minimal bezels protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back. It has an aluminum frame. The display offers 1080 by 2400 resolution at 411 pixels-per-inch, and its dynamic refresh rate maxes out at 90Hz. By today's standards, the Pixel 6 display's brightness levels are lacking, with only 500 nits (HDR) and a peak brightness of just 800. As you might expect, the range's design changed a lot between the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 6. The new model has a redesigned frame with flattened edges, replacing the curved design of previous models. While the corners are still rounded, the new design makes it easier to hold. The camera bar design on the Pixel 9 is noticeably different from previous Pixels. It now features a more elongated capsule-shaped module that never reaches the phone's sides. Despite this change, the Pixel 9 still only has a dual-camera system. The newer phone's display is slightly smaller at 6.3 inches compared to the 6.4 inches of the older model. However, it offers a higher-quality display with improved resolution, better refresh rates, and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is more resistant to drops than the older version. The Pixel 9 is available in four mostly reserved colors: Peony, Wintergreen, Obsidian, and Porcelain. Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: cameras The Google Pixel phones are recognized for their impressive camera systems, which Google continually enhances through software updates. There are noticeable hardware distinctions between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 6. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 6 feature a dual-rear camera system with a 50MP primary camera. However, the Pixel 9 offers a slightly better aperture and a wider field of view for this lens. Additionally, the Pixel 9 has a 48MP ultrawide lens, while the Pixel 6 has a 12MP ultrawide lens. This is a noticeable difference and one of the reasons to consider upgrading to the Pixel 9. For selfies, the Pixel 9 has a 10.5MP front camera with autofocus, while the Pixel 6's selfie camera is 8MP with fixed focus. Once again, this is a big difference. But specs only tell part of the story; how does it play out in real life? Well, while the Pixel 6 was lauded in its time for its image quality (and rightly so), it's no surprise the Pixel 9 blows it out of the water. The newer phone is a significant jump up in image quality. Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: performance When the Pixel 6 series was released in 2021, it introduced the first-generation Google Tensor chip. Before this, Pixel phones had Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. The first Google Tensor introduced many features that Pixel users still love today, such as improved speech recognition, advanced camera features like Magic Erase, and enhanced language processing. However, the first Tensor had its faults. It was criticized for its performance, falling short of the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. Some also questioned its impact on modem performance and heat management. There have been significant positive changes with the Pixel 9 and its Google Tensor G4 processor compared to the first-generation chip. This means notable performance improvements and better power efficiency. With the Tensor G4, the Pixel 9 offers 12GB of RAM, compared to the 8GB on the Pixel 6. Interestingly, Google still only offers 128GB or 256GB of storage on its entry-level Pixels. Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: software and updates The Pixel 6 was launched with Android 12 installed. Users were initially promised at least two years of operating system updates, guaranteeing an upgrade to Android 14. We now know, however, that Pixel 6 users will also be able to experience Android 15, which is set to be released soon. On the other hand, Pixel 9 phones come with Android 14 and naturally support Android 15. Google commits to providing at least seven years of operating system updates for these phones. This means new Pixel 9 buyers could receive support for Android 22 before their phones become outdated, which is quite impressive. While both Pixel 6 and Pixel 9 will support Android 15, only the newer model fully supports all of Google Gemini. While Google may eventually introduce some Google Gemini features to phones older than the Pixel 8 series, it's becoming increasingly unlikely. This is because the AI tool has specific hardware requirements that older phones like the Pixel 6 don't have. Google Gemini, like Samsung's AI and Apple Intelligence, will play a significant role in shaping the capabilities of AI in mobile devices in the coming years. If you're not interested in artificial intelligence and own a Pixel 6, then this may not be relevant to you. However, if you are even a bit curious about AI, upgrading is crucial, and moving to the Pixel 9 is a great option. Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: battery and charging The Pixel 6 is equipped with a 4,614mAh battery, which provides a minimum of one day of moderate usage before requiring recharging. The Pixel 9 includes a slightly larger 4,700mAh battery. That might not sound like a big jump. However, thanks to the Tensor G4, this battery should give you at least one day of use, even with moderate to heavy usage. Both phones support wired, wireless, and reverse charging. The Pixel 9 generally charges faster than the Pixel 6, but this depends on the right equipment. The Pixel 6 supports wireless charging using the Qi standard and a 30-watt fast-wired charging option. The Pixel 9 supports 45-watt chargers but charges at a maximum of 27W and also offers Qi wireless charging. Both phones can benefit from being charged with the Pixel Stand 2, which improves Pixel phone charging overall. Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 6: verdict It's becoming more challenging to recommend that phone users upgrade their devices annually. While changes are made, they are typically not substantial from only one year to the next. However, this isn't the case when comparing a phone released in 2021 to one released three years later. For those who currently own a Pixel 6, there are several compelling reasons to consider upgrading. The Pixel 9 boasts a superior display, chip, and enhanced rear and front cameras. Additionally, it showcases a completely new design, ensuring your phone will stand out. Furthermore, only the Pixel 9 supports Google Gemini, where lots of software updates will be made for Pixel phones in the coming years. Lastly, Android 15 will be the final version of Android that the Pixel 6 will support, in contrast to the Pixel 9, which promises seven years of software updates. This is a big difference and a good point to consider. On the downside, you'll pay more for the Pixel 9 than you did for the Pixel 6. You'll also have to say goodbye to your phone's striking two-tone design. But even with that in mind, for most folks, now's the time to upgrade from the Pixel 6 to the Google Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Gets Big-Size Flagship Traits With AI But Familiar Cons Remain - News18

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the biggest in the new series as the company looks to battle the Samsung Ultra and the iPhone Pro Max monikers. How does it fare? The Google Pixel 9 flagships have launched before the new iPhones this year, which has to be a first from the company. The lineup now has three models, and a Pixel foldable as well. The Pixel 9 Pro moniker now features a 9 Pro XL variant which is close to being an iPhone 15 Pro Max rival, at least with its price tag and dimensions. But as years go by, people want Google to answer this; do their phones match with the best in terms of performance? That's what the company strives to offer with the Pixel 9 series, in particular the Pixel 9 Pro XL which is priced at Rs 1,24,999 and looks to offer the richness of Gemini AI and the usual flagship traits. But does it succeed in being better than its rivals? We used the new model to find out. Pixel flagships have carried their own design style but Pixel 9 series takes the focus on premiumness to the required level. Right from the moment you take out the Pixel 9 Pro XL out of the box, you get the obvious refinements and design upgrades that make it feel premium. The dimensions are also echoing the value of an XL device, but it is the overall balance in the design that truly stands out. The aluminium finish on the frame and the sharper edges are very iPhone-sque and that's not a bad thing at all. The matte finish on the back panel made of glass is our favourite kind which doesn't catch smudges and not that glossy either. In terms of the numbers, the 9 Pro XL weighs 221 grams and comes with a thickness of 8.5mm. These figures are comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (221 grams and 8.3mm), while lighter than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (8.6mm and 233 grams). Make no mistake, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is heavy and big but Google knows there are buyers for such phones these days. Even the camera module looks more accomplished rather than the work-in-progress nature of the Pixel 8 Pro. It has to be said that Google has finally hit the right notes, in its ninth effort with a flagship Pixel phone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a large 6.8-inch OLED or Actua display as Google calls it in its marketing notes. The panel offers LTPO technology which means the 120Hz refresh rate on the screen is adaptive based on what you are doing on the phone. The screen gets Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection which seems to handle all the sharp objects in your pocket without causing major damage to the display. The bezels on the screen are still bigger for our liking but one cannot deny the pleasantness of seeing their symmetry on the panel. The screen resolution is the same as Pixel 8 Pro but the extra level of brightness (peak levels up to 3000 nits) makes a big difference in all conditions, especially outdoors. The XL display further accentuates the viewing experience and the angles add further gloss to the eyes. The other main improvement is the use of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor within the display on the 9 Pro XL which is quite the step up from the optical sensor on its predecessor and the results were evident during our tests. Now, coming to one of the biggest pain points of using a Pixel phone over the years. The Tensor G4 chipset is once again using the Samsung Exynos chipset which is made on the 4nm process. However, the performance levels of the G4 chipset puts it closer to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 2 rather than the current 8 Gen 3 version. The G4 is nowhere close to Apple's A16 SoC let alone the A17 Pro variant. The benchmark scores tell us the same story and the numbers are indicative of how Google prioritises experience than power-packed performance. You don't notice major stutters or heavy strain on the phone but gaming is never going to be its strongest suit, and power users will feel underwhelmed by its ability to handle everything at once. The company claims that the SoC has been tuned to work effectively on AI features and tools, while optimising the stock Android OS to deliver a fluid experience. The latter is no doubt a strong point and most people would agree. However, the former continues to be a big con on our checklist for Google. The efficiency levels of the G4 are far better than the G2 and the G3 but the comparison within its family cannot be justified for what the Pixel 9 Pro XL costs. Yes, it does come with 16GB RAM by default now but that's more to compensate for the heavy computing that the AI models will need. Google says the Pixel phones can last for years, but it needs the hardware to vouch for those claims and we are uncertain of that coming true. The major downgrade with the Pixel 9 series this year is that you get Android 14 out of the box at launch. The early release of the Pixel 9 phones has worked against Google, so you will have to wait another few weeks to get the Android 15 update alert pop up on the device. Google does promise 7 years of OS updates for the Pixel 8 series and higher models and we are hoping that it lives up to the promise for the Pixel 9 series, starting with Android 15 and not 14 for the users. Google hasn't upgraded the sensors on the Pixel 9 Pro as you get the same triple camera system of 50MP wide sensor, 48MP periscope telephoto lens and 48MP ultrawide lens. We often say the megapixels don't deliver the results but in Google's case the improvements are more linked to the software progress. The cameras offer high-quality images once again but the colour tuning seems to have been tweaked which results in different output. The brighter colours from a Pixel camera generally look natural but this year's focus has shifted and the profile is a mixed bag. Having said that, you can see the crispness and details in the image, even though the zoom levels on the Pixel flagships dwarfs in front of Samsung and Apple models. The cameras also have new AI tools along with the older ones like Magic Editor. You have the Add Me feature which lets you click two images and add another person to the same frame with a different shot and then let the Google AI do its thing. So, the next time you have someone living far away and wants to feel included in the photo, the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be the weapon of choice to make it work. The front camera has moved away from the 10.2MP sensor to a larger 42MP shooter that is finally offering images that the Pixels deserve. Pixel 9 Pro XL offers images that most people will like but it is not the benchmark anymore with brands like Vivo and Xiaomi pushing the envelope while Apple and Samsung inching closer to these standards that will only excite buyers in the near future. Google's main reason to advance the Pixel 9 series launch this year was to showcase its development in AI and upstage Apple before its iPhone 16 event in September. The Gemini AI upgrades were fully on display at the launch event last month and some of them include the Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, Gemini Live and more. Gemini is going to be Google's default assistant in the future and the AI-powered avatar shows its early promise which is still some far away from fulfilling its potential. Google is integrating Gemini into a One plan that costs over Rs 2,000 per month, and gives you the benefit of Gemini in products like Gmail, Google Docs and Sheets among others. Pixel 9 series buyers get 1 year of Google One AI plan bundled for free which gives them enough time to see if the AI is worth their money once the freebie period ends. The Pixel Studio helps you generate AI images based on text prompts and using Google's preset of image descriptions. The app will ask you to download the AI model that is credited with helping you generate these images. Similarly, you have the AI-powered Screenshots which is more helpful and lets your images get summarised and also searchable based on the keywords included. Pixel 9 Pro XL with its 6.8-inch display packs a 5060mAh battery which may sound like a lot but it is just 10mAh more than the 5050mAh unit on last year's 8 Pro. The charging speeds have gone up from 30W to 37W in the wired mode but you need the right tool to benefit from the upgrade. You also have 23W wireless speed via the Pixel Stand or 12W with any Qi charging unit. Google has not upgraded to Qi2 with the Pixel 9 for some odd reason and Google's explanation didn't make much sense either. Does the minor bump improve the battery life on the 9 Pro XL? The good news is, yes it does but not by a big margin. It can last through a day on a single charge with moderate usage but heavy tasks do take a toll on the battery, which thankfully doesn't heat up so much. The main concern is still regarding the charging speeds on the Pixel 9 phones which compared to 120W or even 80W speeds is painfully slow. You need a good part of 1 hour to get the phone charged from 10 percent to 68 percent and the rest of the juice takes even longer. Google's decision to not support fast charging through other adapters is an old-fashioned move that does not please us one bit. It is high time these premium phones offer a better charging ecosystem. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL finally shows the flagship mettle we have craved and that display adds further gloss to the package. The Tensor G4 is capable but still falls short compared to the rivals, which also becomes clear with the average-ish battery life. The cameras have got more purpose but some of the versatility gets overshadowed by the AI features which makes clicking photos moot. The new XL phone in the market shows Google finally values the flagship standards. But the price tag of Rs 1,24,999 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL in India is steep and there is no sidestepping that. So, until Google establishes a support network rivalling Samsung and Apple, it will face a challenge in getting people's money in the country but at least the brand is now working in the right direction which gives us hope.

Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on review: So smart it's almost spooky

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. The 2024 Google Pixel smartphone lineup includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each model has a slightly different form factor, screen size and price point. All are loaded with cutting-edge features, including AI-driven functions, a bright and responsive OLED display, and a battery life up to 24 hours. The folks at Google provided with me a Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone for testing. Right out of the box, these phones offer the power to handle all sorts of tasks beyond just calling and texting. And thanks to Google Gemini AI, the phones are smarter than ever. If you're wondering whether you should upgrade your existing phone, keep reading. If you're already sold, we've made it easy; just tap the button below. For a non-tech savvy noob, the basic Google Pixel 9 (with a starting price of $799) is a great option. For average users, either the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL are excellent. But if you're a power user who wants the capabilities of a smartphone and tablet rolled into one device that folds up to fit in a pocket, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the phone for you. The advantage to choosing a Google phone that runs Android is that you get a phone from the company that created both Android and Google Gemini. So you get exclusive access to features not offered by other Android devices. Google Assistant has been replaced by Google Gemini. This digital assistant is not only far more advanced, but it gives users several new ways to interact with the phone to accomplish tasks that have never before been possible. That said, for average users, I suggest investing a bit extra and getting one of the Pixel 9 Pro phones. The added functionally is well worth the investment. The Pro XL offers a bigger OLED display, with a slightly larger form factor than the Pro model. If you're upgrading from an older Android phone, you're in a for a real treat. As you'd expect, all of the popular retailers -- including Amazon, Best Buy and AT&T -- currently offer generous trade-in and financing deals on each of these phones. Both offer very similar performance. The main difference is the size of the phone and its touchscreen (6.3 inches versus 6.9 inches). Display size: 6.3 inches | Display type: Super Actua OLED touchscreen | Display resolution: 1,280 x 2,856 pixels | Processor: Google Tensor G4, Titan M2 security coprocessor | Available colors: Porcelain, rose quartz, hazel obsidian | Dimensions: 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Port: USB Type-C 3.2 | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 Compared to last year's model, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a faster and more powerful processor, longer battery life, a brighter display, and more advanced AI. You also get a powerful camera system with advanced picture taking and video shooting capabilities. Google has done a remarkable job making the phone's operation more intuitive. Data seamlessly flows between apps, allowing the phone to streamline all sorts of tasks that can help you with scheduling, managing emails, navigation, working with to-do lists, summarizing documents and recordings, web surfing, and finding information quickly -- and that's just the beginning. The Pixel 9 Pro is also more durable (IP68 rated). You can choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage at the time of purchase. I recommend at least 256GB of storage -- more if you plan to record a lot of video or audio. Display size: 6.8 inches | Display type: Super Actua touchscreen | Display resolution: 1,344 x 2,992 pixels | Processor: Google Tensor G4, Titan M2 security co-processor | Available colors: Porcelain, rose quartz, hazel, obsidian | Dimensions: 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Port: USB Type-C 3.2 | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 All of the features bundled into the Pixel 9 Pro can also be found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The biggest differentiator is the larger, 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED touchscreen display, which offers a higher resolution (1,344 by 2,992 pixels). This enhanced resolution is most noticeable when viewing photos, video content, highly detailed graphics, and when gaming. Both phones have a maximum display brightness of 3,000 nits and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pro XL is a bit longer (6.4 inches versus 6 inches). It's just 0.2 inches wider, but the thickness is exactly the same as the Pro. This model weighs 0.8 ounces more. The Pro XL also offers up to a 24 hour battery life, but relies on a higher capacity battery to achieve this. The camera system, speaker system, microphone array, built in sensors, and other core hardware is identical between the Pro and Pro XL, so which model you choose mainly comes down to personal preference based on size. Google Gemini provides some mind-blowing new ways to interact with your phone. While there are many, here are five of the AI-driven features I found to be the most powerful and useful: Google has promised seven years of OS and security updates. So, as Google releases new Gemini features (which happens every few weeks), you'll continue to have access to all of them for years to come. Built into the back of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto camera that offers impressive zoom capabilities, and a 48MP ultra-wide camera that can also be used for macro (extreme close-up) photography. The front of the camera offers 42MP resolution and is used mainly for taking selfies and participating in video calls. All of these cameras perform exceptionally well in low-light (or at night). You get up to 20x digital zoom and the ability to shoot ultra-sharp video at up to 8K resolution. Google's camera system also specializes in capturing accurate colors, especially skin tones. Only the latest Android phones provide advanced photo and video editing tools. The Unblur tool will sharpen almost any content that's out of focus. It's the Magic Editor, however, that's really amazing and super simple to use. In the image below (on the left), a horse is the main subject. In the background, there's a silver water bucket that's a bit distracting to look at. Simply by activating the Magic Editor, finger painting over the unwanted object on the screen, and then pressing Done, the object disappears. The Photos app uses AI to expertly fill in the background. This works with almost any object -- and with people, too. The advanced Edit tools also allow you to instantly remove and replace an image's entire background, or with a few onscreen taps, boost color, contrast, clarity, how the image is framed, and so much more. It's easy to sharpen your main subject, but add a slight blur to the background. This quickly adds a greater sense of depth to an image. The Google Photo app's AI will analyze each photo or video clip and make suggestions on how to enhance it, or can even handle much of the photo or video editing for you when you use the Suggestions feature. The following images were shot at Borderland State Park in Massachusetts. Most have been edited or enhanced using Google Photo's AI-driven tools. Google has done an excellent job streamlining the setup process. Especially if you already have a free Google account, key information that's stored on your other Android devices and Google's cloud services, including contacts, calendar events, photos, and other files, will automatically sync with the new phone.