Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Review Notes

Introduction

• Discussion of the new Pixel phones: designs, specs, features, and price.
• Observation of Google's presentation style at the announcement event.

Hardware Overview

• Flagship Feel: The phones feel like flagships with notable hardware improvements.
• Display:
  • Pixel 9: Max brightness of 2700 nits.
  • Pixel 9 Pro: Max brightness of 3000 nits.
  • Improved bezels and corner design.
• Fingerprint Reader:
  • New ultrasonic reader is faster and more reliable than previous optical versions.
  • Suggestion for better accessibility for unlocking.
• Haptics and Buttons:
  • Improved haptic feedback and clicky buttons.
• Processor:
  • Tensor G4 chip with additional RAM, focusing heavily on AI tasks.
  • New NPU for improved AI capabilities.
• Design Choices:
  • Squared-off sides to align with competitor designs.
  • New camera visor design.
  • Introduction of a new size option for the Pro model.

Battery Performance

• Battery sizes similar to last year:
  • 4,700 mAh for smaller models, 5,000 mAh for XL.
  • Good battery life with over 5 hours of screen time.
• Charging Speed:
  • XL maxes out at 37 watts, slower for smaller models; suggestion for faster charging options (50-60 watts).
• Material Preferences:
  • Preference for matte sides over glossy for visual and tactile quality.

Camera Capabilities

• Primary Camera:
  • Same across Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, with improvements in ultra-wide camera (48 MP).
• Photo Characteristics:
  • Photos look processed with enhanced HDR, dynamic range, and sharpening.
  • New selfie camera on Pro model shows significant detail improvement.
• Video Quality:
  • Test of 4K video capture with built-in mics shows sharpness but some processing artifacts.

Software and Features

• Pixel Experience:
  • Runs Android 14; anticipated updates for 7 years.
• Unique Features:
  • Call screening, now playing feature, and the new Pixel weather app.
  • Call notes that summarize phone calls.
  • Introduction of Gemini AI assistant with conversational capabilities.

Gemini AI Assistant

• Dual Assistant Functionality:
  • Gemini introduced alongside existing Google Assistant, causing some confusion.
  • New capabilities include setting timers and home controls.
• Contextual Interaction:
  • Can interact conversationally for assistance in various tasks.
• Gemini Extensions:
  • Integration with Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar for enhanced functionality.

AI Features Overview

• Useful:
  • Gemini assistant, call notes, video boost, and Admi feature for group selfies.
• Meh:
  • AI-generated weather summaries, magic editor for photos, and screenshot organization app (should be integrated into Google Photos).
• Gimmicks:
  • Zoom enhance and Pixel Studio app for generating new images, with limited practical use cases.

Conclusion

• Overall Impressions:
  • Pixel 9 and 9 Pro regarded as some of Google's best work with smart features and solid hardware.
  • Emphasis on consumer choice and preferences.
  • Acknowledgment of sponsorship from Anker for multi-device chargers.