Pixel 9 Review: A Hidden Gem in Google’s Lineup

The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are undoubtedly at the top of Google’s smartphone lineup, boasting impressive camera features. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are undoubtedly at the top of Google’s smartphone lineup, boasting impressive camera features. In this article, Pixel 9 Review: A Hidden Gem in Google’s Lineup the Pixel 9. However, the Pixel 9 might just be the surprise standout of the series. It shares the same main and ultra-wide cameras as the Pro models, along with a similar design, processor, and overall user experience.

Although the Pixel 9 lacks some advanced features found in the Pro versions—like the telephoto lens and Video Boost—it still packs a punch with Google’s Pixel Studio for AI-generated images, Magic Editor for photo tweaks, and a unique feature called Add Me. Plus, it promises seven years of Android updates, making it a strong contender in its own right.

Pixel 9 Review: A Hidden Gem in Google’s Lineup

Despite lacking some advanced features of its Pro siblings, such as the telephoto lens and Video Boost, the Pixel 9 excels with its AI-powered Pixel Studio, Magic Editor, and the innovative Add Me feature. It promises seven years of Android updates, making it a compelling choice for those seeking reliability and longevity.

Design and Display :- The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro look almost identical. They have the same dimensions, flat sides, and can even use the same cases. Both feature a 6.3-inch display, a sleek glass and metal build, and IP68 dust and water resistance. The main difference is in the materials: the Pixel 9 Pro has a stainless steel frame, while the Pixel 9 uses matte aluminum. The back of the Pixel 9 is shiny glass compared to the Pro’s matte finish. For those who enjoy a splash of color, the Pixel 9 comes in Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Winter Green, and Peony (pink), with matching cases that are both stylish and comfortable.

Both phones have a USB-C port, loudspeaker, and SIM slot at the bottom, with buttons on the right side and a noticeable camera bump on the back. The Pixel 9’s design might remind you of an iPhone, but it’s familiar to anyone used to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9’s 6.3-inch screen is similar to the Pro model’s but slightly less sharp and bright, and with a less dynamic refresh rate. It’s an OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach up to 2700 nits of brightness for HDR content and 1800 nits in direct sunlight.

With a resolution of 1080 x 2424 and a pixel density of 422 pixels per inch, the Pixel 9’s display remains crisp and smooth. Although it doesn’t match the contrast and color depth of the Pro models or the OnePlus 12, it still delivers a vibrant viewing experience.

Camera Details :- The Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup on the back: a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 50MP primary camera. For selfies, there’s a 10.5MP front camera. The ultra-wide camera has an f/1.7 aperture, autofocus for close-ups, and an improved autofocus system compared to the Pixel 8. The primary camera, with its 50MP sensor and f/1.7 aperture lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), is unchanged from the Pixel 8 but remains competitive with other high-end smartphones.

The front camera has been toned down from the Pixel 9 Pro’s 42MP to a 10.5MP sensor with a f/2.2 aperture, but it still includes autofocus. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 lacks Video Boost, so it can’t capture 8K video like the Pro models.

Camera Performance :- The Pixel 9 benefits from Google’s advanced photo processing, which excels at bringing out detail in shadows and maintaining natural colors without oversaturation. While it might not produce the most striking shots compared to some competitors, it’s reliable and consistent. Night photography is a strong suit for the Pixel 9, balancing light and detail better than many rivals. The upgraded panorama mode allows for impressive night-time panoramic shots, capturing multiple stills and stitching them together seamlessly.

The Pixel 9 does fall short compared to the Pro models and rivals with dedicated zoom lenses in terms of telephoto reach. It supports up to 8x digital zoom, which performs well up to about 3-4x in good lighting but struggles beyond that. Selfies are sharp and vibrant, especially in good light, though the Pixel 9 Pro’s front camera offers slightly better quality. Video quality is another area where the Pixel 9 lags behind, especially without Video Boost. The Pro models’ enhanced video capabilities would be better for high-quality footage and zoomed-in shots.

Must Read: 

• 7 Powerful Android 15 Security Features You Must Know | Techefiy

• Discover One UI Update: Key Features and Benefits of One UI 6.1.1

• How to Enable Private Space and Hide Apps in Pixel Phone

AI Features and Performance :- Even without Video Boost and Zoom Enhancer, the Pixel 9 offers a suite of AI tools like Best Face, Magic Editor, and the new Add Me feature. Add Me composites images for group photos, while Magic Editor uses AI to adjust and reframe shots. The Pixel Studio feature allows for text-to-image generation, providing various artistic styles. While it’s not yet clear how this will impact the creative world, the results can be quite impressive, though Google doesn’t watermark its AI-generated images.

With the Tensor G4 chipset, the Pixel 9 shows marked improvements in performance, particularly in battery and heat management. While gaming performance lags behind competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, stability is significantly better. The Pixel 9 doesn’t overheat even during intense use.

Storage and Charging :- The Pixel 9 starts with 128GB of storage, which might feel limiting compared to the 256GB standard in some other phones. With no expandable storage, you might need to consider upgrading sooner if you frequently record 4K video or play large games.

On the plus side, the Pixel 9 supports fast 45W wired charging, reaching a full charge in about 80 minutes, and 15W wireless charging. However, it doesn’t have magnetic charging options like MagSafe or Qi2.

Final Words On Pixel 9 Review: A Hidden Gem in Google’s Lineup

The Google Pixel 9 is a solid choice with its attractive design, durable build, and a screen that performs well. It’s a great pick for those who value simplicity and long-term software support over cutting-edge hardware. While other phones like the OnePlus 12 offer more features for less, they can’t match the Pixel 9’s software reliability and support. The Pixel 9 is likely to be one of the best camera phones of 2024 at its price, especially if you opt for the 256GB model for extra storage.

The Pixel 9 and its Pro counterparts have made strides in addressing past issues with heat and power management, making them a better recommendation than previous generations.