📱

Google Pixel 9 Series Launch Highlights

Aug 22, 2024

Google Pixel 9 Series Launch in India

Overview

  • Google has launched four new models in India: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Google's first folding phone).
  • A significant competitive edge in AI over Apple, Samsung, and other brands.

Historical Context

  • 2016: Launch of the first Google Pixel (Pixel 1) with innovative single-lens portrait mode.
  • Each Pixel series has introduced game-changing features, such as Night Mode (Pixel 3).
  • The latest series aims to revitalize software capabilities that were lost in earlier models (Pixel 5-8).

Unboxing Experience

  • Notable changes in packaging: eco-friendly approach with pull tabs and minimal contents (phone, Type-C to Type-C cable, paperwork).
  • No more Type-C adapter since most phones now use Type-C.

Model Overview

  • Models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL.
  • Pixel 9 is the base model; Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have similar features but differ in size and battery.
  • Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Winter Green, and Pony P (Pink).
  • Design features:
    • Pixel 9: Glossy back with matte metallic frame.
    • Pixel 9 Pro XL: Matte finish with shiny metal frames.
    • Noticed a large camera bump reminiscent of Google search box design.

Build Quality and Features

  • Both Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL have IP68 rating and Corning Victus 2 glass protection.
  • Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner introduced.
  • Unique design aesthetics, easily identifiable in public compared to competitors.

Camera Features

  • Upgrades: 48 MP ultra-wide camera on Pixel 9; improvements in selfie camera.
  • New AI features:
    1. Add Me: Merges photos taken with different people into one image.
    2. Zoom Enhance: Improves cropping details of images.
    3. Super Res Zoom for Videos: Enhanced zoom up to 20x using software.
    4. Magic Editor: Auto reframing and option to modify images creatively.
  1. Night Mode for Videos: Requires processing on Google servers for enhanced low-light video quality.

Software and Performance

  • Operating System: Pixel 9 series ships with Android 14.
  • New Screenshot App: Organizes and summarizes screenshots, enhancing usability.
  • Google Gemini: New AI assistant for Android, offering voice detection and live translation capabilities.
  • Call Notes: AI-generated summaries for phone calls (not yet available in India).
  • 7 years of OS and security updates offered, surpassing Apple's offerings.

Performance Insights

  • Pixel 9 series equipped with Tensor G4 processor and up to 16 GB RAM.
  • Benchmarking shows lower performance compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
  • Focus on AI capabilities rather than raw performance; multimodal AI functionality allows image and text exchanges.
  • Improved network performance over previous Pixel models.

Pricing and Availability

  • Price hikes of approximately 5,000 rupees compared to previous models.
  • Pre-orders for Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL available now; Pixel 9 Pro Fold pre-orders start later.
  • Pixel 8 series still available at discounts, making them attractive alternatives.

Conclusion

  • The Pixel 9 series presents significant advancements in AI photography and software features, appealing to early adopters.
  • Anticipation for the iPhone 16 for further comparison.

Full transcript