Google Pixel 9 Review: A Refined Android Experience Worth the Wait

The Pixel 9 is an Android flagship that perfectly embodies how consistent, incremental improvements can culminate into something exceptional.

Overview

The Pixel 9 showcases how steady enhancements can lead to a polished and complete device. Each year, Google introduces minor updates—a slightly quicker fingerprint sensor here, some uniform bezels there—that may not create waves in headlines but ultimately coalesce to produce a phone that feels just right. Holding the Pixel 9, you can sense this evolution, and it’s impressive.

This time around, the Pixel 9 comes equipped with 12GB of RAM instead of the Pro’s 16GB and lacks a telephoto lens. In terms of size, it’s smaller than the hefty Pixel 9 Pro XL but matches the standard Pixel 9 Pro. Unlike the foldable Pro variant, the Pixel 9 sticks to a straightforward design that emphasizes usability.

The best part? The Pixel 9 just works. Its display is bright and vivid, offering a fantastic viewing experience, while the battery comfortably lasts through a full day of use. The fingerprint sensor is remarkably quick and reliable. Although it carries a price tag of ₹79,999, it aligns well with flagship pricing for non-Pro models. This year, the Pixel line has arguably earned its place alongside industry titans like Samsung and Apple. It has taken Google some time, but they have finally solidified their standing.

The sleek design of the Pixel 9 exemplifies its refined feel.

Design, Build and Camera: Familiar, Yet Improved

From the front, the Pixel 9 bears a resemblance to an iPhone, characterized by rounded screen corners and flat sides. However, compared to recent Pixel models, this design feels secure in hand, minimizing the chance of slipping. The 6.3-inch screen is slightly larger than the Pixel 8’s, and while its 1080p resolution isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sharp enough for a satisfying viewing experience.

Regarding photography, the Pixel 9 shares its main and ultrawide cameras with the Pro models, although it notably lacks a telephoto lens. While this design choice might deter some, many flagship phones forgo the telephoto lens as well, making it a non-issue for most users. Google’s lossless 2x crop zoom performs admirably in various scenarios, even though it lacks the dramatic 5x zoom features of the Pixel 9 Pro or the 3x zoom ideal for portrait shots seen in rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24. This aspect was one of the few significant features I noticed missing when transitioning from the Pro model back to the standard Pixel 9.

Performance and Battery Life: Solid All-Rounder

Both the battery life and screen brightness stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup. Under moderate to heavy usage, the Pixel 9 easily lasts all day, with its screen remaining usable even in bright sunlight. Powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset, which is standard across the four Pixel 9 models, it handles daily tasks effortlessly without overheating—well, at least not to concerning temperatures even when running media-intensive applications.

The evolution of the Pixel line is evident as incremental updates have transformed the Pixel 9 into a polished device. Past models suffered from various issues like overheating chipsets, awkward shapes, and subpar displays. The non-Pro Pixel has now emerged from an upper mid-range option into a legitimate flagship, bolstered by enhancements like higher screen refresh rates and improved camera specs. Quality-of-life updates have also played a critical role, enabling features like face unlock for payments and a significantly enhanced fingerprint scanner, resulting in a reliable choice for both tech enthusiasts and casual users.

The Pixel 9’s enhanced fingerprint scanner represents Google’s focus on user experience.

Software and AI Features: A Mixed Bag

While Google has substantially refined the hardware, the software remains clean and intuitive. Yet, in 2024, any smartphone discussion naturally gravitates toward AI integration. The Pixel 9 does miss out on some AI-powered features reserved for the Pro models, such as Video Boost for enhancing low-light video captures. Still, it is enriched with plenty of AI tools, including Reimagine, Screenshots, and Pixel Studio. Although these features show promise, they feel somewhat fragmented in their current iteration. Managing AI-generated options—like integrating a birthday party invite into screenshots or using Google Assistant to schedule it—sometimes tends to be a cumbersome process rather than a seamless experience. Google’s AI capabilities are developing, but they haven’t yet reached the fluidity they aim for.

One of the standout characteristics of the Pixel 9 is its commitment to seven years of OS updates, a rarity in the current smartphone market. Although the phone ships with Android 14—an unusual choice since Pixels typically launch with the latest OS—it is poised to be among the first to receive Android 15 later this year. This promise of longevity ensures that the Pixel 9 remains relevant and secure well beyond its expected lifespan, positioning it as a wise investment for users keen on minimizing frequent upgrades.

The Bottom Line: A Compelling Android Choice

In conclusion, the Pixel 9 delivers exactly what many in the Android ecosystem have been waiting for: a straightforward, well-crafted phone designed for longevity. It may not include every advanced feature or boast the best camera hardware, but it possesses enough to stand out as a compelling alternative to Samsung’s base S-series models, which are commonly the go-to options for Android devices.

Samsung phones are undoubtedly strong contenders; however, they can appear bloated, loaded with features that the average user may never utilize. Pixels, however, provide a simpler, more user-friendly experience right out of the box. The Pixel line’s hardware has now finally matched its software finesse. The Pixel 9 exemplifies a phone suitable for users who want a reliable, hassle-free device without the burden of constant tweaks and updates.

For those in search of a solid, capable phone devoid of complex settings or unnecessary features, the Pixel 9 stands as an impressive choice. It’s a phone you’ll feel confident recommending to anyone, assured that it will serve them well for many years to come.

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