Google’s latest flagship phone lineup is set to hit the shelves tomorrow, and I’ve had the opportunity to test out the Pixel 9 for nearly a week.
While I haven’t had enough time to provide a comprehensive review yet, mainly due to the influx of new software features like Gemini, I do have some initial thoughts on the design, hardware, and more.
For a detailed review, be sure to check out our comprehensive Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review.
Design
As someone who has always admired Pixel phone designs from the beginning, I find myself a bit conflicted this year.
Google has always made sure that Pixel devices have a unique identity, from the two-tone backs of earlier generations to the polarizing camera bar introduced with the Pixel 6.
While I’ve always appreciated Google’s aesthetic of pebble-like shapes and pleasing colors, the Pixel 9 series has taken a new direction in terms of design.
The build quality feels better than ever, but this year Google has, in essence, taken an iPhone-inspired approach to design.
The flat edges and rounded corners seem straight out of the Apple design playbook, with the camera bump being the primary distinguishing feature between the Pixel 9 and iPhone 15.
While Google hasn’t necessarily made any glaring missteps in this regard – I do like the iPhone 15 design – it’s somewhat disappointing to see most of the Pixel’s unique identity fade away in favor of conforming to current trends. I personally preferred the older camera bar design that seamlessly blended into the sides, and the glossy back on the Pixel 9 is one of the slipperiest I’ve ever encountered (the Pro models feature a matte back but glossy metal sides).
A case is almost a necessity, as it’s a shame to conceal most of the phone’s design. The Wintergreen color variant that I’ve been testing is particularly appealing, although Obsidian, Porcelain, and Peony options are also available.
Hardware
Google has often been perceived as slightly behind in terms of hardware with the Pixel phones, although not significantly so.
However, the Pixel 9 boasts several upgrades that bring it closer to the standards expected of a premium device.
Notably, the latest Tensor G4 chipset powers the Pixel 9, and in my testing thus far, it has delivered smooth performance. Additionally, there’s a substantial 50% increase in memory, with the standard model now featuring 12GB (the Pro models come with 16GB).
Another noticeable enhancement is the latest Actua display, which is significantly brighter than previous iterations, making outdoor visibility much easier. The thinner bezel also lends a more premium look to the Pixel 9.
While the device still lacks LPTO technology to achieve a 1Hz refresh rate, I’ve found the battery life to be respectable thanks to the larger 4700mAh battery. This particular technology is understandably reserved for the Pro models.
Notably, Google has finally made the switch from an optical fingerprint scanner to an ultrasonic one, resulting in improved performance. Facial recognition also works seamlessly.
Camera-wise, the main enhancement is the jump from a 12MP to a 48MP ultrawide camera. While I’m still putting the cameras through their paces, the initial results are as impressive as one would expect from Pixel devices.
For a telephoto lens and a higher-resolution selfie camera, one would still need to opt for the Pro models.
Here are some sample shots from my testing thus far.
Software
Surprisingly, the Pixel 9 series comes preloaded with Android 14. This early launch means that Android 15 isn’t quite ready yet, but rest assured, you’ll be the first in line for the update when it does arrive. Google continues to offer seven years of OS and security updates, mitigating any concerns about the current software version.
Despite the early release, there are plenty of new features to explore. The standout feature is Google Gemini, which, given the current focus on AI-driven technology, presents a myriad of possibilities to delve into and experiment with.
However, Google may have missed the mark in effectively communicating the details of Gemini and its functionalities. It’s challenging to discern the full extent of what this feature can achieve.
Upon initial exploration, Gemini claimed it could generate images, but when I tried to test this, it fell short. Additionally, the Pixel Studio app, specifically designed for this purpose, was conspicuously absent from the phone, despite being mentioned during setup.
Gemini is expected to assist with specific tasks, such as adjusting phone settings. While it can toggle Bluetooth on and off, it falls short when it comes to modifying the screen timeout duration.
Another point of confusion, uncommon for Google, revolves around the new weather app. Despite my positive initial impressions, there appears to be two versions: the one integrated into the homescreen links to the older version, and the phone even prompted me to create an app icon for it.
While it’s not ideal to see devices shipped with features still in development, it might have been wise for Google to address these issues and release them alongside Android 15 later in the year.
The three Android 15 features I can’t wait to try first.
On a positive note, the Pixel Screenshots app seems promising and potentially very useful. Given the app’s ability to categorize screenshots and enable text-based searches, it could be a significant time-saver for retrieving specific information stored within.
Additionally, new features like ‘Add Me’ in the camera app enable users to include themselves in shots by merging two photos with the help of AI. I’ll provide more insights on this and other camera features in the final review.
Price
Lastly, it’s worth noting that the price has once again seen an increase. Over the past couple of years, the Pixel series has seen incremental price hikes, with the cheapest model now starting at £799/$799.
Considering that not long ago, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 were priced at £599/$599, Google is clearly positioning itself as a premium choice rather than a budget-friendly option compared to competitors like Apple, Samsung, and other top-tier smartphones.
With the price point in mind, it becomes challenging to recommend, further fueling the argument for opting for the previous year’s model, especially given that the Pixel 8 range still benefits from Google’s seven-year software support and is now available at discounted rates as the previous generation.
Early Verdict
In summary, I find myself more conflicted and perplexed by the Pixel 9 than I typically would be with Google’s smartphones.
The design closely resembles that of the iPhone, resulting in a loss of uniqueness. While there are several commendable hardware upgrades and a plethora of new software features, I question whether they justify another price increase.
Stay tuned for the full review coming soon.
