Google Pixel 9 Pro Review

Google’s gadgets have magic editing capabilities for images too, which might be the reason why AI seems to be an integral part of every tool or even product when owned by the company, and this most probably explains its edge over competitor phones, as a weather app and call summary 

However, other significant phone brands such as iPhone or Samsung’s latest Galaxy phones provide significant competition to Google’s offerings. However, A phone at that price bracket should deliver far more than stripped version offering of google’s AI features.

The flagship camera setup of Pixel 9 Pro has been collated with other flagship devices which aid in other mobile devices, giving Pixel 9 pro an edge in the market. The front camera has been tweaked and the previous dual rear has been improved to provide additional functionalities such as IR  (infrared) sensors that take pictures in smart picture taking modes with AI resolve blobs.

Stereochemically speaking, due to its artificial camera, it is able to take better shoulder level photos or and portraits while maintaining image texture, finally providing quality to surface. No need to mention, it still struggles with face recognition, but this gives it an edge over Apple’s longest standing issues with phone cameras. But even so thanks to the telephoto software, these images are actually good enough performance that lighting wasn’t an issue to begin with.

Thanks to its main sensor’s capability of shooting as high as 4K resolution, the Pixel 9 Pro is capable of recording some breathtaking video footage as well. The Pixel 9 Pro or more particularly its video recording capabilities has few features that can further extend the already advanced capabilities of the phone. One of them and possibly the most impressive is Night Sight which is an easily available feature on this phone. The only real issue is that the phone doesn’t offer manual controls for the camera, which is an issue with the majority of Android flagship devices these days.

Performance

The Pixel 9 Pro is an impressive flagship with a good design, powerful processor, and a good camera system. It is a worthy competitor of the iPhone and would probably make Samsung rethink if they rely on their phones as a leader in the industry. As for Android users, it is also a good alternative for those who want to change from iOS.

New Pixel phones have sturdy structures that can withstand common drops and minor spills. It has an aluminum casing that is IP68 waterproof and dustproof, while the 6.3-inch AMOLED screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The camera is equipped with a hard glass back that prevents scratches and smudges, and is also robust. Instead of an optical scanner, the new sensor is an ultrasonic one and it functions properly.

The Tensor G4 chip, which was inside the Pixel, is Google’s new offering. It was built with artificial intelligence in focus and it is the first chip that allows the Gemini Nano to function in multi modes. Performance benchmarks would be able to smoke it but it should be okay for surfing the internet and running applications.

Without the AI hype standing out the Pixel 9 Pro XL (the version I tested) stands out as an outstanding phone. The cameras on the device can facilitate tough competition for most buyers against the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Xiaomei 14 ultra in a majority of settings, while Gemini Live feature, which is a conversational feature, is interactive. It is well suited for individuals who love taking photos or generating cool images.

Appearance

The Pixel 9 Pro is the most expensive phone under Google brand. It’s a luxury phone which has the feel of an iPhone but runs on the Android Operating system. Not only that, but it also contains the hardware, software, and features to compete with a strong company like Apple in the market.

In four years, this is the first time there was a drastic change in the design of the Pixel phone, with this design change being the highlight. A really beautiful looking device, fully metal frame and flat sided that is quite attractive to behold. It also has the peculiar quality of being very comfortable to hold with a well balanced deep seated feel in the palm.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro received an upgrade from 6.3 inches to a Super Actua display that is not only stunning but can also be more efficient. It has been created with a unique built-in feature that allows it to change refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz every single second.

The gadget includes a camera that is equipped with a 50MP lens and is a camera lover’s dream. Multiple lenses have been strategically placed to work in unison to improve the aesthetic appeal. Thanks to the new features, it is now possible to enhance and beautify the video. In particular, the video is capable of slowing down the subject when the camera pans side to side, and film-style bokeh can now be placed around targets.

Unfortunately, the phone’s battery life pales in comparison due to its smaller size. That said, its performance seems to be a step in the right direction. Our tests revealed that the phone was completely functional even if it was used heavily for an entire day.

The use of a new generation processor and the Pixel Stand that switches off the display really enhances the phone’s performance. It becomes even better when the screen goes into low power mode and refreshes at one cycle per second for energy saving.

Additionally, the display employs LTPO technology, which helps to avoid using unnecessary power by turning off the pixels when they’re not required. As a result, the display can assist save energy while still achieving the required brightness levels for comfortable outdoor viewing. It highlights that the display is capable of reaching a maximum brightness of up to 3000 nits, which more than suffices for reading in direct sunlight.

This time around, Google’s goal with its Pixel phones has been to make them sustainable by replacing the plastic cradle with recycled cardboard packaging. The packaging is robust and contains a cradle in which the Pixel is housed. In the packaging, there are other accessories such as a USB-C to Type-C cable and a Power Delivery 27W charger aside from the Pixel itself although it would have been good to have at least one earphone in the packaging too.