Google recently unveiled the Pixel 9, and I had the chance to use it for a few days. While it’s not enough time for a full review, I can share some initial thoughts on this latest addition to the Pixel family.
First Impressions of the Google Pixel 9
I spent a few days with the Google Pixel 9 after its introduction during the Made by Google event in mid-August 2024. Google’s newest smartphone showcases a refreshed design, an impressive camera system, and, of course, plenty of AI-driven features. While I enjoyed using it daily, I have a few reservations about its performance and battery life. Here’s my take.
A Fresh Design That Stands Out
The Pixel 9 certainly makes a visual statement. It deviates from its predecessor with a new camera module that no longer spans the entire width of the phone. Additionally, the Pixel 9 adopts straight edges, a departure from the more rounded contours of the Pixel 8.
People around me were quick to compliment the new design, describing it as both cute and bold. Personally, my initial reaction was mixed. Despite being slightly thinner than the Pixel 8 (8.5 mm vs. 8.9 mm), the Pixel 9 feels bulkier in hand, likely due to its straight edges and a slight increase in weight (now 198 grams).
At first, this heft, coupled with the somewhat plastic feel of the back when tapped, gave me a less-than-favorable impression. However, as I continued to use it, the design began to grow on me. Its relatively compact form, modern aesthetic, and even the prominent camera bump started to charm me.
When it comes to comfort, the straight edges are in line with current trends, with Google seemingly taking cues from Samsung and Apple. The Pixel 9 bears a strong resemblance to the Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15, but it sets itself apart with a unique camera module that gives it a distinct identity.
A Promising Display
The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate—a tried and true combination that initially performs well. While I still need to run more detailed tests, the display has so far delivered vibrant colors and smooth scrolling.
However, I did notice that the brightness, which is claimed to peak at 2700 nits, didn’t always seem to reach its full potential. This could be due to a somewhat sluggish ambient light sensor, a detail I’ll investigate further in a complete review.
Another minor gripe is the relatively thick black bezel around the display, which detracts slightly from the phone’s overall refinement. It’s a small detail, but it’s noticeable.
Camera and AI: The Google Experience
As the more affordable option in the lineup, the Pixel 9 doesn’t have the same camera ambitions as the Pro models, so there’s no optical zoom here. The camera setup includes:
- A 50 MP main sensor (f/1.68)
- A 48 MP ultra-wide sensor (f/1.7) with a 123-degree field of view
In terms of photo quality, the Pixel 9 delivers the consistent, Google-esque results we’ve come to expect. Colors are vibrant without being overly saturated, and Google’s focus on detail gives images a raw, realistic quality.
A standout feature is the portrait mode, especially for pets. I snapped a picture of my cat, and Google’s processing did an excellent job highlighting the fine details, making our furry friends look their best.
Naturally, AI plays a big role in the Pixel 9’s photography capabilities. The AI helps to crop and enhance images to make them more visually appealing. While I wasn’t blown away just yet, I need to take more photos to fully test this feature.
The AI-driven photo editing also allows you to make changes to images by simply describing what you want. For example, I asked the AI to replace the real sky with an orange, clear one, and it did so quickly and efficiently. I’ve included a few screenshots below to show how this works, including a fun addition of a UFO above my head.
However, I wasn’t able to find the “Magic Eraser” feature on the Pixel 9, which supposedly allows you to add yourself to group photos even if you weren’t there initially. I’m sure I’ll track it down eventually.
Performance and Battery Life
The Pixel 9 is powered by the Tensor G4, which isn’t designed to be a powerhouse chip capable of handling the most demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. Still, I was relieved to find that the CPU wasn’t as throttled on this model as I feared, unlike what my colleague observed with the Pro versions.
That said, the performance isn’t exactly stellar. The Pixel 9 scores only 861,375 on AnTuTu, compared to the Galaxy S24’s 1,722,457 in January. Google still has a lot of catching up to do.
As for the 4700 mAh battery, my initial experience was less than reassuring. While I didn’t notice any alarming drops in power, the phone struggled to maintain a good level of endurance when performing energy-intensive tasks like AI photo editing or benchmarks.
Remember, too, that charging is capped at 27 W, which feels slow by today’s standards.
Price and Release Date
The Google Pixel 9 is priced at €899 for the 128 GB version and €999 for the 256 GB model in France. This feels a bit steep considering what the phone offers overall. Hopefully, prices will become more competitive soon.
The Pixel 9 will be available for purchase starting August 22.