Google has been on a rollercoaster journey with its Pixel series, always just on the verge of greatness but somehow not quite there. With each new release, there’s a mix of anticipation and skepticism. The question on everyone’s mind is, “Have they finally done it?” With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the much-anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it seems like Google might have finally hit the mark.
Google’s Pixel 9 event was more than just a phone launch; it was a showcase of what the tech giant has been cooking up. While the Pixel 9 series took center stage, the event also introduced a new watch and Pixel Buds, but we’ll save that discussion for later. For now, let’s dive into what makes these new phones so compelling.
The Pixel 9 series comprises four models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The names might sound a bit confusing, but it’s simpler than it seems. The Pixel 9 is the base model, starting at $799, with a 6.3-inch screen and a design that’s both familiar and fresh. It features flat matte metal sides and a polished glass back, available in four colors: Porcelain (white), Obsidian (black), Wintergreen, and Peony—giving off a vibe reminiscent of the beloved Cosmo and Wanda.
Then we have the Pro models: the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both these models bring a lot to the table, especially for those who demand more from their devices. The Pixel 9 Pro shares the same 6.3-inch size as the base Pixel 9, making it a compact powerhouse, much like what we’ve seen with recent iPhones. The only significant difference between the Pro and the Pro XL is the size—the XL boasts a larger 6.8-inch screen and a bigger battery, ideal for those who prefer larger displays.
The Pro models start at $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro and $1,099 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. What do you get for that extra cash? A third camera (a telephoto lens), more RAM, and glossy rails with a soft-touch glass back. The Pro models also come in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel (a refined grayish-green), and Rose Quartz, which has a subtle, faded pink hue.
After spending a couple of hours with these devices, my initial reaction was, “Google has done it.” These phones finally feel and look like true flagships. It’s not just the flat sides—though I am a fan—that contribute to this feeling. The devices have a slightly heavier, more solid feel, which gives them a premium vibe.
The screens are another highlight. Google’s new Actua display is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8, with thinner bezels all around. And, finally, they’ve moved to an ultrasonic fingerprint reader under the display, ditching the optical ones that were a bit finicky in previous models. The camera visor, while polarizing, is also a design choice that adds to the unique Pixel aesthetic. The massive lens opening might not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly stands out.
Let’s talk specs. All the new Pixels are powered by the Tensor G4 chip, which Google claims is more powerful and efficient, with dramatically improved AI capabilities. Across the board, whether you choose the base Pixel 9 or the Pro models, you’re getting the same primary and ultrawide cameras. This might make the base model seem like a great deal, especially since there’s not a lot of hardware difference between it and the Pro models, aside from the additional telephoto lens, more RAM, and a slightly better selfie camera.
Google has made bold claims about the Tensor G4 chip, touting a 20% increase in web browsing speed and 17% faster app launching. While I haven’t had the chance to benchmark these claims, the phones certainly feel quick and responsive in everyday use.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Pixel 9 Pro is that it’s a “Pro” phone without being oversized. There are plenty of people who want the best features but don’t want to carry around a giant phone. The Pixel 9 Pro delivers on that front, offering all the benefits of a Pro model in a more compact form factor.
Google’s Pixel phones have always been known for their AI capabilities, and the Pixel 9 series is no exception. The new AI features include a redesigned Weather app, a new Screenshots app, and Pixel Studio.
The Weather app now has a more modern look, with a tile-based design and AI-generated comments at the top, potentially suggesting what to wear based on the weather. While I don’t often use stock weather apps, it’s a nice touch for those who do.
The new Screenshots app is designed to organize all your screenshots in one place and even scans them for information, making it easier to find what you’re looking for later. It’s a niche feature, but for those who take a lot of screenshots, it could be a game-changer.
Pixel Studio is perhaps the most intriguing of the new AI features. It’s an on-device app that allows you to create AI-generated art with simple text prompts. It’s fast—taking just a few seconds to generate an image—and because it’s all on-device, it works even when you’re offline or in areas with poor connectivity. This could be a fun tool for creating memes or other social media content on the fly.
Another impressive AI feature is the Magic Editor’s new Reimagine tool. This allows you to not only erase or reframe objects in your photos but also to highlight a section and “reimagine” it as something entirely different. It’s a bit like Samsung’s sketch-to-image feature, but with Google’s AI smarts behind it. While some might question the ethical implications of such powerful photo-editing tools, there’s no denying that it’s a fun feature to play with.
The Add Me feature is another standout. It allows you to take group photos even when you’re the one holding the camera. The process is simple: take a photo of everyone but yourself, then hand the camera to someone else who directs you to where you should stand. The camera then merges the two photos into one, creating a group photo with everyone in it. It’s a clever solution to a common problem, and the results are surprisingly good.
And then there’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Foldables have been gaining traction, but Google seems to have perfected the formula with this device. Priced at $1,799, it’s not cheap, but it feels worth the money. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold improves on last year’s Pixel Fold in almost every way.
The 6.3-inch cover screen is now the same size as the base Pixel 9, and it’s much brighter—80% brighter than the previous Fold. The interior 8-inch display mirrors the layout of the cover screen, making it seamless to switch between the two.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the thinnest foldables on the market, with each side barely thicker than a USB-C port. The flat sides and premium materials make it feel like a true flagship, even when compared to other foldables. While the camera bump is still present—and a bit awkward—it doesn’t detract from the overall design.
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features the same Tensor G4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and all the AI features found in the other Pixel 9 models. It’s also IPX8 rated, so it’s splash-resistant, making it a bit more durable than some of its competitors.
Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 at the event. The Pixel Watch 3 now comes in two sizes: the original 41mm and a new 45mm model, which offers 40% more screen real estate. The bezels are smaller, and the display is brighter, with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits.
The new Body Score feature aggregates all your health metrics into a single score, making it easier to track your fitness. The watch also features a dual-chip architecture, which extends battery life to up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have also received a significant update. They’re smaller, with a new design that includes a stabilizer fin to help keep them in place. The custom-designed A1 chip, based on Tensor, enhances active noise cancellation and sound quality. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also integrate with Gemini Live, allowing you to have back-and-forth conversations with Google’s AI assistant.
So, after all the hype and anticipation, has Google finally done it? Based on my first impressions, it seems like they have. The Pixel 9 series feels like the most complete, polished, and competitive lineup Google has ever released. From the solid build quality to the bright displays and the powerful AI features, these phones are ready to go toe-to-toe with the best in the market.
But the real test will come in the weeks and months ahead as these devices are put through their paces in real-world use. Will the Pixel 9 series live up to the promise? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s safe to say that Google has finally created a lineup of phones that can stand proud in the crowded smartphone market.
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