Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Review Notes

Overview

• New Pixel phones have updated designs, specs, features, and prices.
• Initial impressions based on Google event presentation were mixed, feeling more like a software showcase.

Hardware

Design

• Screens are brighter: 2700 nits for Pixel 9, 3000 nits for Pixel 9 Pro.
• Even bezels and wrapped OLED corners.
• New ultrasonic fingerprint reader: faster and more reliable.
  • Wish for unlocking even when the display is off.
• Improved haptics and clicky buttons.

Internal Specs

• New Tensor G4 chip with more RAM dedicated to AI tasks.
• While not much more powerful than the previous chip, the NPU is significantly improved for AI capabilities.
• Overall, the hardware feels flagship quality, with squared-off sides and a new camera visor design.

Battery

• Battery sizes are similar to last year: 4700mAh for smaller models, 5000mAh for XL.
• Good battery life (A- rating): 5+ hours screen-on time.
• Slow charging speeds (max 37 watts for XL).
  • Suggestion for faster charging (50-60 watts).

Aesthetic Features

• Pixel 9 has matte sides and glossy back; Pixel 9 Pro has glossy sides and matte back.
• Preference for matte finish due to aesthetics and feel.

Camera

Specifications

• Both models share the same primary camera and ultra-wide.
• Ultra-wide: 48MP (downscaled to 12MP).
• Telephoto available for the Pro version (5X zoom).

Performance

• Camera app is responsive and user-friendly, producing consistent photos.
• Photos appear processed with strong HDR and sharpening effects.
  • Great for social media but may lack a natural look.
• Improved selfie camera on the Pro model with better detail and dynamic range.

Video Capabilities

• 4K video capabilities with no external hardware.
• Videos are sharp but also processed, with notable color corrections.

Software Experience

• Phones launch with Android 14 (not the latest version).
• Highlighted features:
  • Call screening and now playing feature.
  • New feature: Call Notes, summarizing phone calls with recordings.
  • Updated weather app with customizable UI.
  • Temperature sensor in Pro models can assess body temperature.

Gemini Integration

• New AI assistant, Gemini, is integrated into the Pixel experience.
• Gemini is conversational, context-aware, and improving.
• Confusion between Gemini and Google Assistant, with both existing on the devices.
• Recent updates allow Gemini to perform basic tasks.

AI Features

Useful

• Gemini assistant: fast and accurate.
• Video Boost and Call Notes are beneficial features.
• Add Me feature for group selfies works effectively.

Meh

• AI-generated weather summaries are useful but not groundbreaking.
• Magic Editor and Screenshots app are okay but seem overhyped.

Gimmicks

• Zoom Enhance feature doesn’t yield significant improvements.
• Pixel Studio app for generating images feels unnecessary.

Conclusion

• Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are solid phones, emphasizing AI capabilities and quality hardware.
• The experience is designed to be intuitive with meaningful AI features, while maintaining the Pixel's signature smartness.
• Encouraged audience feedback on whether they find the AI features useful.