The Google Pixel 9 is not the worth king I might hoped for, however it may well nonetheless match the Galaxy and iPhone

When the Google Pixel 9 arrived on my desk for evaluate, I shortly fell into a well-recognized sample. In spite of everything, I’ve been utilizing Pixels as a each day driver for years now. Strong pictures? Verify. A slick UI that’s straightforward to navigate? Verify additionally. AI as much as the eyeballs? You wager. Inexpensive? Nicely… (insert vinyl scratch noise)… not a lot.

As polished because the Pixel expertise feels on this newest iteration, I can’t assist however return to this technology’s $100 worth improve. In simply two years, Google’s entry-level flagship has gone from a really approachable $599 to an iPhone and Galaxy rivaling $799. All of us liked the Pixel collection for undercutting the competitors, however with that not the case, the Pixel 9 has to work that bit more durable to face toe-to-toe with its rivals.

It’s not that Google isn’t doing extra to justify that worth improve from the Pixel 8. There’s some new digital camera {hardware}, extra RAM, an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and a brand new Tensor G4 processor. There’s additionally undeniably an iPhone-inspired factor to the Pixel’s new design, working proper by means of the powerhouse Professional XL to the little Pixel 9. There’s a bit of additional weight, a chunky steel body, and rounded corners on a flat show that may make iPhone familiars swoon. I prefer it; it feels nice in hand, however it’s actually completely different from earlier Pixels.

Samsung has at all times been cautious of slipping into Apple’s shadow, however in case you’ve needed an Android cellphone in an Apple shell, the Pixel 9 might be as shut as we’ll come. However is that this the very best cellphone you should purchase for $799? Nicely, I spent per week with the Pixel 9 and its rivals to search out out.

Sure, I do know there are many {hardware} bits to get into, however I’m going to leap into the large gross sales banner differentiator right here — AI. Whereas we wait to see what’s in retailer with Apple Intelligence, which isn’t coming to the common iPhone 15 anyway (I assume we’ll see concerning the iPhone 16), we have already got Galaxy AI and Google AI suites to select from at $799. After perusing the 2, I discovered loads of frequent options: Circle to Search supplies visible search performance on each, and the two-sport stay language translation, generative picture enhancing, and transcription notes (see above). All fairly helpful stuff that I sometimes dipped out and in of over the past week.

Samsung has fewer AI instruments at its disposal total, however there’s additionally a key distinction of their strategy. Samsung has embedded AI instruments particularly into its internet browser, keyboard, and gallery apps. The profit is that these instruments are extra instantly accessible and helpful, proper the place you’re probably to make use of them. Once I want a fast internet web page abstract or translation, or aren’t fairly pleased with the best way an e-mail or textual content sounds, Galaxy AI is at my fingertips — offering that you simply stay devoted to Samsung’s browser and keyboard, which is a little bit of a disadvantage. I like this concept, however internet summarization is the one Galaxy AI software I maintain going again to.

Google additionally has AI options dropped about, however I spent most of my time with the Pixel 9’s new Gemini assistant and app (which you’ll obtain on the Galaxy S24 and different Android telephones). Reasonably than particular duties, Gemini is nice for a back-and-forth chat to ask humdrum questions or get extra superior issues completed. I’ve used Gemini a good bit even earlier than the Pixel 9; it’s a stable language mannequin with capabilities starting from coding to writing, although it nonetheless makes frequent errors. It could additionally deal with small duties, like setting an alarm and checking your calendar, so I’ve had no hesitation about dropping it in for the more and more dysfunctional Google Assistant (Gemini nonetheless calls Assistant to deal with these little duties). However I did have to leap by means of some classically convoluted Google account settings menus to get all of it arrange.

Sadly, the Pixel 9 doesn’t include a free yr of Gemini Reside; that’s reserved for the Professional fashions. Likewise, Video Enhance and a bunch of different celebrated Pixel options powered by AI are additionally MIA. $799 doesn’t purchase you the perfect of Google’s AI, whereas Samsung provides the identical options throughout all its flagships.

Nonetheless, when you consider Pixel Studio, Name Display screen, imaging goodies like the gorgeous first rate Add Me, the tried-and-tested Magic Eraser (I don’t suppose Magic Editor is far good; its outcomes are very tough, identical to Samsung’s Galaxy AI various), and proofreading in Gboard, the Pixel 9 has just about the whole lot Galaxy AI has to supply and an entire lot extra. Undoubtedly, the Pixel 9 is the reasonably priced AI cellphone to beat, however the query is, do you have to care concerning the AI buzz sufficient to pay that additional $100?

Nicely, I’ve discovered that the novelty wears off fairly shortly. There are solely so many AI wallpapers and Pixel Studio artwork you may stare at, and I don’t take sufficient screenshots to even keep in mind the brand new Screenshots app is a factor. As good as Gemini is, it’s not the productiveness powerhouse on a small display that it may be on a laptop computer; shifting information between apps simply takes too many swipes and presses. The very best I might do was arrange Fast Faucet to launch Gemini, however my expertise hasn’t satisfied me to spring for a Gemini Superior subscription. Tight integration is the place Samsung’s strategy has the benefit, however Google’s Gemini-centric take means you may utterly conceal the stuff you don’t need, which many will choose.

Previously week, I’ve discovered Add Me to be fairly helpful on a number of events (lastly, I could be in my household pictures!), and I can’t stay with out classics like Name Screening and the newer High Shot. The Pixel-exclusive goodies are greater than the sum of their elements, even when there isn’t actually a single killer AI app. With that in thoughts, I’m unsure they’re price shopping for the Pixel 9 for on their very own, as a good variety of them can be found on older Pixels, and the Professional fashions have among the higher new instruments. Maybe the revamped digital camera setup swings issues in its favor?

The large digital camera change in comparison with final yr’s Pixel 8 is a brand new high-resolution (48MP) ultrawide digital camera. Sadly, it doesn’t obtain a selfie improve just like the Professional fashions, and there’s nonetheless no telephoto digital camera, leaving the Samsung Galaxy S24 profitable the spec battle for the extra versatile price range snapper. The proof, nonetheless, is within the pictures, and we all know that Google’s software program is the highest drawer, so let’s dive in. You could find full-res snaps in this Google Drive folder.

With solely minor modifications underneath the hood, what to anticipate right here. The Pixel 9 provides one of many greatest digital camera cellphone experiences in its worth tier (even with the hike), with a extremely constant, muted/life like shade profile, loads of element in daylight, and stable low-light snaps too. It sits comfortably between the punchy saturation of Samsung’s Galaxy and the overly grim distinction of Apple’s iPhone. If I’ve one grievance, it’s that photos persistently come out on the nice and cozy aspect, which seems cozy however isn’t at all times correct.

Let’s check out that new ultrawide. The 48MP decision doesn’t produce bigger information; it’s nonetheless 12MP, and there’s no Professional mode to change to full-res. Nonetheless, by pixel-binning this bigger sensor down, the Pixel 9 can seize extra mild and dynamic vary than its predecessor. When it comes to normal shade and publicity profile, the brand new ultrawide is an efficient match for the primary lens, nevertheless it is a bit more saturated. It’s additionally marginally narrower than its predecessor at 123 versus 125 levels, however that’s a small distinction, and it’s greater than ample for becoming a ton in.

Regardless of the upgrades, the Pixel 9’s ultrawide digital camera has its share of flaws which might be simply noticed when cropping in. Particulars are noisy and mushy in these overcast photos, which is disappointing for a high-resolution sensor, and the digital camera’s wider aperture means there’s a lack of focus between foreground and background, which is the alternative of what you need in ultrawide panorama snap. Granted, you’re extra prone to zoom in than use the ultrawide when capturing wonderful particulars, however these drawbacks are one thing to contemplate in case you plan on printing and blowing up your snaps.

Talking of zoom, the dearth of a telephoto digital camera means the Pixel 9 is at a definite drawback in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and its 3x optical zoom. It handles particulars nicely at 2x and appears satisfactory to about 4x, however something past that appears past tough. I in contrast the cellphone in opposition to the S24 at varied zoom elements, and whereas there’s not an enormous distinction of their normal presentation, the Galaxy is clearly higher with regards to wonderful particulars and dynamic vary, particularly because the zoom issue scales up. Nevertheless, neither is able to taking notably long-range photos.

Google is aware of all concerning the cellphone’s limitations, capping the Pixel 9’s zoom capabilities at a fairly meager 8x. I can’t assist however really feel the cellphone would actually profit from Google’s Zoom Improve upscaling, however this characteristic is reserved for its dearer Professional fashions that have already got a really succesful 5x zoom lens.

Lastly, onto the selfie digital camera. Regardless of the dearth of upgrades, the Pixel 9 performs nicely for its worth. It dealt with difficult lighting circumstances higher than the identically priced Galaxy S24, guaranteeing a brightly and evenly lit topic on the expense of some added noise, over-sharpness, and a dose of added heat. The Pixel 9 ensures that your selfies look fairly good on a regular basis.

Nonetheless, my chief grievance with this selfie digital camera stays: pores and skin textures and wonderful particulars can look a bit tough. The identical goes for bokeh blur edge detection, which regularly misses stray hairs. Samsung does this higher, not less than. Oh, and the ultrawide subject of view makes my head look too slim. I want I have been that trim.

Is the Pixel 9 nonetheless an amazing digital camera cellphone? For my part, completely, however there are nonetheless caveats. The principle lens and selfie choices are nonetheless nice and arguably the very best round at this worth, even when they’re not new. Nonetheless, ultrawide and zoom capabilities are extra hit-and-miss, and people who want most flexibility from their smartphone digital camera can do higher by wanting elsewhere.

For videographers, there’s not quite a bit new right here both, however the capabilities stay stable. Cinematic Pan, Blur, Gradual Movement, and Time Lapse increase the usual 4K/60 and 4K/30 HDR capturing capabilities that apply to all of the lenses. Footage continues to look simply dandy, and whereas there are not any guide controls, Google’s software program extras are simply sufficient to get artistic. Nevertheless, if you would like Google’s greatest 8K upscaling, Evening Sight, and Tremendous Res Zoom video options, you’ll discover these locked to the Pixel 9 Professional fashions.

Pixel efficiency isn’t fairly the place it’s at

So, let’s get into what else $799 buys you. In comparison with the Galaxy S24, each have a quick ultrasonic fingerprint scanner that’s a stable improve over the Pixel 8 and is quicker than Apple’s reasonably priced biometric scanner. This won’t appear to be the Pixel’s greatest change, nevertheless it shortly provides up if you’re unlocking your cellphone a number of instances a day. Plus, it’s good to not be blinded at night time anymore.

Charging capabilities are additionally very comparable. The Pixel 9 now hits 27W wired charger (with a suitable plug), which is in the identical ballpark because the Galaxy S24’s 25W and much better than Apple’s measly 20W. The 2 Android rivals are additionally a lifeless lock with 15W wi-fi charging help. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9’s bigger battery implies that it nonetheless takes longer to cost, hitting full in a snailpaced 85 minutes in comparison with an additionally sluggish 71 minutes for Samsung’s flagship. Google’s cellphone additionally hits a lot greater peak temperatures whereas charging, and the handset is far hotter to the contact.

That larger battery is a boon for making it by means of a full day, although, with the Pixel 9 besting the Galaxy S24 in most of our battery benchmarks. That stated, the S24 is comparable by way of internet searching time and steams forward with 4K playback. Nonetheless, let’s chalk this up as a win for Google.

Different Pixel {hardware} wins are a bit more durable to search out. The Pixel 9’s 120Hz show is nice to have a look at however is locked to a sluggish feeling 60Hz out of the field to avoid wasting battery life; you must manually allow 120Hz mode. It’s additionally not a elaborate dynamic refresh LTPO panel like on the Galaxy S24, which seemingly explains how the latter nonetheless provides nice battery life for internet searching and media playback. If you happen to’re on the lookout for blazing-fast efficiency at this worth, Google’s handset isn’t fairly as much as scratch both. Not that you simply’ll discover the distinction for day-to-day apps; the Pixel 9 has been like butter searching the online for me.

We’ve taken a deep dive into the Tensor G4 already; the TL;DR is that the G4 solely makes marginal enhancements over final yr’s Tensor G3. As such, the Galaxy S24’s customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 stays the chip of alternative for gaming out of those three mainstream handsets. The excellent news for the Tensor G4 is that it’s not far off the gaming efficiency of the iPhone 15 and reveals some enhancements to sustained efficiency over its predecessor. Nevertheless, I seen the cellphone is fairly heat after charging and working some AI duties, so the efficiency increase comes on the expense of additional warmth.

Google has clearly made efforts to shut the hole on Apple and Samsung {hardware}, and the brand new fingerprint scanner is a selected boon. Nevertheless, for $799, the Galaxy S24 is the very best all-round {hardware} bundle, particularly if you wish to keep in Android land and wish future-proof efficiency for gaming.

Between its great construct, good-as-ever pictures capabilities, and new AI software, the Pixel 9 is actually Google’s greatest entry-level flagship but. Nevertheless, we must always anticipate nothing much less from a cellphone that prices $100 extra this yr. Nonetheless, all the brand new additions and 7 years of promised help make this cellphone price each penny, even when pitted immediately in opposition to the very best from Apple and Samsung.

Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply the Pixel 9 is a slam-dunk suggestion. The cellphone’s worth proposition is unquestionably lessened in case you’re not intrigued by Gemini and the varied imaging manipulation instruments onboard. Rival telephones provide sooner efficiency, further cameras, and speedier charging for across the similar cash. The Galaxy S24 ($859.99 at Amazon), iPhone 15 ($829.99 at Amazon), OnePlus 12 ($899.99 at Amazon), and others are all good buys in case you’re on the lookout for essentially the most {hardware} on your cash with out all of the AI doodads. Nonetheless, I’d encourage you to present the Pixel 9 an opportunity; regardless of its minor drawbacks, it’s a stable {hardware} bundle that feels very near turning the web page on the following cellular period.

If you happen to actually suppose AI is the following massive factor, you may be higher off spending $200 extra on the Pixel 9 Professional ($999 at Amazon). It comes with one yr of Gemini Superior and 2TB Drive storage through the Google One AI Premium Plan, which just about pays for itself. Then there’s superior Video Enhance options, extra RAM particularly for AI, and the Professional collection has, traditionally, been greater up the pecking order with regards to Function Drops. The cellphone additionally has a nicer LTPO show, an extra periscope digital camera for long-range zoom, and the identical compact dimension. For Pixel followers, the Professional is sort of actually price that additional money.

These holding out for an reasonably priced Pixel handset may really feel dissatisfied within the Pixel 9’s worth proposition and are in for a little bit of a await the Pixel 9a. The 9a may be price it, although. Within the meantime, the Pixel 9 is a superb, reasonably priced flagship.