Which Pixel 9 series will you choose?
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are already on sale . The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be released on September 4th . Some people may be calm and wait until all the models are available before deciding. If you are still undecided before purchasing, you will want to read reviews.
Gizmodo US has had a short experience using the three phones, excluding the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Here is our review.
The Pixel 9 looks and feels the most iPhone-like to date . This isn’t a question of Android vs. iOS, but as a device.
First of all, even before we get into the iPhone thing, the Pixel 9 series has more models than ever before, and considering that the AI-related features available vary depending on the model, it’s difficult to choose. But in conclusion… the answer is ” Good “, ” Better “, and ” Best “. Good is the Pixel 9 , Better is the Pixel 9 Pro XL , and Best is the Pixel 9 Pro .
The design is along the lines of the iPhone
There had been a lot of rumors about the design change before the announcement, but the area around the rear camera has changed from the iconic strip to a pill shape . This pill shape is also a distinctive new feature. You can tell it’s a Pixel the moment you see it. Personally, I like how futuristic it is.
I said at the beginning that it’s close to the iPhone, but it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the iPhone Pro Max when you put a case on them. Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones are also becoming more and more iPhone-like.
iPhone-like or not, the Pixel 9 is a departure from the plastic backs of the past few years and looks like a proper expensive phone, which means it feels premium .
The big differences between the three models
Here’s a refresher: the most notable differences between the three models (we’ll forget about the Fold for now) are screen size and RAM (we’ll get to the camera later).
Pixel 9: 6.3 inches, 12GB RAM
・Pixel 9 Pro: 6.3 inches, 16GB RAM
・Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.8 inches, 16GB RAM
The chips used are all the same, the Google-branded Tensor G4 . The OS is Android 14. The batteries are the same for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but the XL has a slightly larger battery due to its larger screen. If you’re concerned about the case, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the same size.
Like the iPhone series, the entry-level model, the Pixel 9, comes in different colors. Both models are available in pink, but the pink on the Pro is a lighter, more subdued pink.
Pixel 9: 4 colors: Pink (Peony), Green (Wintergreen), White (Porcelain), Black (Obsidian)
Pixel 9 Pro/ Pro XL: 4 colors: Pink (Rose Quartz), Gray (Hazel), White (Porcelain), Black (Obsidian)
Those who think the entry-level Pixel 9 is fine are those who value practicality over camera performance . 6.3-inch Actua display, 50MP wide-angle and 48MP ultra-wide-angle rear cameras. As mentioned above, the chips are all the same Tensor 4, and the memory is smaller than that of higher-end models. However, the basic model Pixel 9 also has 12GB of memory, so Google is great! This is a typical decision from Google, who is putting effort into strengthening AI.
The strength of the high-end Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL is the 16GB memory . The camera is one more than the two in the basic model, with a 48MP telephoto. This is 5x optical zoom and a maximum of 30x digital zoom, so you may not feel the advantage of the camera here. The high-end model also has Pro-level camera functions. You can use high-quality modes, zoom reinforcement, Video Boost function that improves the quality of lighting and colors in videos, Night Sight Video, etc.
So, here is the conclusion. I think the best deal is the Pixel 9 Pro. You don’t need the size of the XL, and it’s easy to use. You can get all the Pro features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, the top-of-the-line iPhone model, sold well, but I don’t think the same will happen with the Pixel 9. The reason is that the difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is purely size (the iPhone has a different camera zoom, which was a headache for some people).
camera
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the same rear triple camera: 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultra-wide-angle, and 48MP telephoto. The aperture range is slightly wider than the Pixel 8 Pro, which improves depth and night photography. As mentioned above, there is 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom.
Looking back at images taken on the same day on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, I think it’s a matter of personal preference, but the sky on the Pixel 8 is bluer, while the sky on the Pixel 9 is slightly more yellow. Also, when taking night shots, the Pixel 9 seemed to have a better overall color balance.
The selfie camera is also large. The Pixel 9 has a 10.5MP. But the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL has a 42MP ! Personally, I felt that the 10.5MP of the Pixel 8 Pro last year was not enough, so this is a point that makes me want to spend money and get a higher-end model .
Although the camera functions differ between the basic and high-end models, the Add Me function that I’m most excited about is available on all models. It is a function that splits the shooting into two parts, and takes a group photo with the person holding the camera.
The Video Boost feature is only available on high-end models . It’s a helpful mode that improves video quality even in dark places. I tried it out on an evening walk and saw a clear difference between using the feature and not using it.
However, the limitation with this is that it takes time to see the results of the Boost function. Google Photos will do the boosting process for you, but it took about an hour to complete.
Pro model performance: It’s all about AI
Memory expansion, that’s all. To be honest, I was frustrated that the Pixel 8’s 8GB wasn’t enough. With this memory, I’m more willing to try out the AI-related features that were hard to use on the Pixel 8.
The Tensor G4 chip is said to have improved web browsing, app functionality, and overall power efficiency. The most important feature is AI . As it is an in-house chip, it is designed for Google AI. Satellite connection is also possible (see below).
The battery is awaiting testing by our editorial team, who will be streaming YouTube videos on the go, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 5,060mAh battery lasted two days with normal use without needing to be charged .
Satellite connection
Satellite connection for Apple’s tracking function. A Google version of Apple’s emergency SOS via satellite has been released (currently only in the US). Google’s satellite connection partner is Skylo.
Good・Better・Best
As mentioned at the beginning, the conclusion is Good, Better, and Best . The Pixel 9 is Good. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Better in terms of performance. The Pixel 9 Pro is the best overall value for money. In other words, there are no bad models or devices that are a loss .
