Google Pixel 9: More AI, Brighter Display, But Is It Worth the Price Hike?
Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 9, has arrived earlier than expected, bringing with it a fresh design, upgraded hardware, and a new wave of AI features. Unlike previous years, Google has launched a four-pronged attack, unveiling not only the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but also a Pixel 9 Pro XL and a foldable Pixel Pro 9 Fold. For the first time, all four devices are available to consumers in India. I’ve been putting the Pixel 9, with its Rs. 79,999 price tag, through its paces, and here’s a glimpse into what makes it tick.
A Refined Design: Farewell to the Visor
The Pixel 9 boasts a bold design overhaul compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8. Its sides now feature a flat, iPhone-esque aesthetic, similar to what we see on the Samsung Galaxy S24. Gone is the familiar camera visor, replaced by a pill-shaped camera bar that stretches horizontally across the rear panel. Despite the new design, the Pixel’s signature look remains instantly recognizable.
This year, Google has opted for Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection both on the front and back, providing enhanced durability. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance remains intact.
Bigger and Brighter Display with Enhanced Security
Google has bumped up the Pixel 9’s display size to 6.3 inches, making it slightly taller than the Pixel 8. The OLED panel with full-HD+ resolution and a 60 to 120Hz refresh rate is now brighter, making it ideal for a vivid viewing experience. The integrated fingerprint reader has also received an upgrade, transitioning from optical to ultrasonic, resulting in improved responsiveness and security. Our review unit arrived in the Porcelain color variant, but you can also pick up the Pixel 9 in Obsidian, Peony, and Wintergreen hues.
Camera Evolution: An Upgraded Ultrawide Lens
The familiar camera visor may be gone, but the pill-shaped camera bar protrudes just as prominently on the back. Despite the design change, the camera setup remains a dual-lens system consisting of the same primary sensor as the previous generation. However, the ultrawide lens now boasts a 48-megapixel resolution. The pill-shaped glass housing within the camera bar has also gotten larger compared to last year. In the front, the 10.5-megapixel sensor from the Pixel 8 is retained, but now features automatic focus.
A Boost to Performance: Tensor G4 and AI Features Galore
Unlike past Pixel launches, the Pixel 9 series doesn’t come with the latest version of Android out of the box. This is due to the phones’ earlier-than-usual release. However, they run Android 14 thanks to the on-device Gemini Nano model, which also unlocks a vast array of AI features. Powering the device is the new 4nm Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This new SoC is designed to optimize the performance of AI features. I’ll be putting these advancements through the paces in my full review.
Google has also introduced new AI-powered apps, including Pixel Screenshot, which allows you to search through screenshots for specific content, and Pixel Studio, a tool for creating images from scratch. In addition to AI enhancements, Google claims that the Tensor G4 improves performance and efficiency. I’ll be putting these claims to the test in my full review.
Fueling the Experience: A Larger Battery and Fast Charging
The Pixel 9 features a slightly larger 4,700mAh battery, but fast charging remains at 27W. The phone also supports wireless charging.
Verdict: A Pixel with a Price to Match?
The Pixel 9 boasts several notable upgrades over its predecessor, including an improved ultrawide camera, a brighter display, and the powerful Tensor G4 chipset. The phone also benefits from a plethora of AI enhancements.
However, the question remains: are these enhancements sufficient to justify the price hike, and can the Pixel 9 compete with upcoming phones like the iPhone 16 series? Stay tuned for my full review to find out!
