Pixel 9 Review: Perhaps The Best Pixel Ever Made – Forbes
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are here, and they represent the most significant upgrade in years for Google’s flagship phones. From their design to their camera systems, the Pixel 9 series offers an experience that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from Android devices.
With the Pixel 9 series, Google seems to have finally hit its stride, combining cutting-edge technology with a polished design and an impressive camera system that will leave you wanting more. In this review, we will delve into the details of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and overall user experience.
Design & Build Quality: A Refined Look and Feel
The Pixel 9 series boasts a refreshingly new design that deviates from the previous generation. While still retaining some of the familiar Pixel elements, Google has implemented subtle changes that give the Pixel 9 a more premium look and feel.
The aluminum frame, available in a range of vibrant colors, feels solid and substantial in hand. The front of the device is dominated by the curved display, with thin bezels that add to its elegant aesthetic. The curved display allows for an immersive visual experience while also adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design. The rear camera bump has been redesigned, now featuring a prominent bar that houses the camera lenses and sensors.
The Pixel 9 Pro offers a more distinct design element in the form of a curved stainless steel rail along the side of the phone, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The overall design and build quality of both phones are impressive, making them a pleasure to hold and use. The durability of the devices, with their Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 displays, ensures they can withstand everyday wear and tear. This level of craftsmanship underscores Google’s dedication to crafting phones that are as functional as they are visually appealing.
Display: Sharp and Vibrant Visuals
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro come equipped with brilliant displays that deliver immersive visuals and enhance your mobile experience. The Pixel 9 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This allows for smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
The Pixel 9 Pro ups the ante with a larger 6.7-inch OLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. This even smoother refresh rate delivers a buttery smooth experience, particularly noticeable in games and scrolling through web pages. Both displays boast impressive brightness levels and offer a wide color gamut, producing vibrant colors and crisp visuals. Google has also incorporated the always-on display, which keeps crucial information, such as notifications, time, and date, visible even when your phone is asleep.
Whether you opt for the Pixel 9 or the Pixel 9 Pro, you can be confident that the display is a true visual delight, adding to the premium feel of these phones. Google has taken a holistic approach to screen design, emphasizing user experience without sacrificing elegance.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Powering both Pixel phones is Google’s in-house Tensor G3 chip. This chipset, specifically designed for Pixel devices, is known for its superior AI capabilities and powerful processing capabilities. With Tensor G3, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro deliver effortless performance.
Navigating through apps, browsing the web, multitasking, and gaming, both devices seamlessly handle even the most demanding tasks. Tensor G3 has not only made both Pixel 9 models incredibly fast and responsive but it also elevates the Pixel 9’s camera capabilities with its robust AI processing. The Pixel 9’s smooth performance makes every interaction with the device enjoyable and effortless.
Camera: Unparalleled Photographic Excellence
One of the core strengths of Pixel phones has always been their cameras, and the Pixel 9 series further reinforces this reputation. Google’s camera system consistently delivers excellent image quality, and the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro continue this tradition with refined hardware and sophisticated software enhancements.
The Pixel 9 features a dual camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The main sensor incorporates a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor size, allowing for even greater light capture in low-light scenarios. The ultrawide lens comes in handy when shooting landscapes and groups of people, adding to the versatility of the camera system. The front-facing camera on the Pixel 9 is also noteworthy, offering a 10.8-megapixel sensor capable of capturing clear and detailed selfies.
The Pixel 9 Pro takes camera capabilities even further with a triple camera system that includes a telephoto lens in addition to the main and ultrawide lenses. This setup allows for true optical zoom capabilities. Google has included features like Magic Eraser for photo editing, Night Sight for breathtaking low-light photography, and Super Res Zoom for clearer zoomed-in shots.
One notable addition in the Pixel 9 Pro is the periscope telephoto lens, which enhances zoom capabilities to 5x optical zoom. It is important to note that while these zoom capabilities are not industry-leading, they are more than adequate for most everyday usage.
For everyday use, the Pixel 9 camera shines through its incredible detail, rich colors, and accurate representation of scenes. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Pixel 9’s user-friendly interface and robust features make it incredibly easy to capture professional-looking photos. This, coupled with its cutting-edge features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur, reinforces the Pixel 9’s claim as one of the best camera phones available.
Software: The Android Experience Elevated
The Pixel 9 series runs Android 14, the latest iteration of Google’s operating system. Android 14 boasts improved performance and usability, with new features that streamline your mobile experience.
One key improvement is the seamless integration of Google Assistant, now accessible directly on your lock screen, enabling voice commands and quick actions without needing to unlock your phone. Google has refined its software ecosystem to make your device a more personal and responsive companion.
Battery Life & Charging: Lasting Power and Efficient Recharging
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro deliver impressive battery life, making it a true flagship device. Google has optimized the software to manage battery usage efficiently. This translates into a full day of use for most users. However, those with demanding usage patterns may require a charge before the end of the day. Both Pixel 9 models support wireless charging as well, offering flexibility and convenience.
Price & Value: Premium Quality at a Competitive Price
The Pixel 9 series is priced competitively compared to its competitors. This affordability coupled with its flagship-level features makes it an exceptional value proposition. For consumers seeking a smartphone that balances high-end performance and cutting-edge camera technology, the Pixel 9 series stands out as a worthy investment.
Verdict: An Evolution in Smartphone Excellence
The Pixel 9 series, consisting of both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro, represents a notable leap forward for Google. These phones elevate the bar for flagship Android devices, providing a powerful combination of refined design, cutting-edge technology, and an unparalleled camera experience.
Whether you prioritize seamless performance, incredible photography, or a sophisticated software experience, the Pixel 9 series ticks all the boxes. If you’re in the market for a premium Android device that doesn’t break the bank, the Pixel 9 series is well worth considering. It is clear that Google is no longer settling for merely following the crowd, instead, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro offer innovative features, a sleek design, and an exceptional user experience. They demonstrate that Google has emerged as a formidable force in the world of mobile technology.
