Google's latest hardware is on sale. No spectacular surprises, but the new flagship devices Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have some interesting things to offer. A test shows how the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro perform in everyday use.
After Google began to focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning in its mobile phones with its Tensor chips starting with the Pixel 6, the differences between the smartphone generations are becoming increasingly less apparent. A year and a half old Pixel 7a, for example, hardly differs in terms of functions from the current generation thanks to feature drops and software updates. Why it is still worth taking a look at the new generation is explained in a “hands-on”.
For the first time, Google has offered the Pro version of a new generation in the same size as the basic version. In the case of the Pixel 9, this is a screen diagonal of 6.3 inches. The weight is also almost the same: the Pro mobile device is only one gram heavier than the basic model (199 instead of 198 grams). If you prefer a larger display, choose the 221 gram Pixel 9 Pro XL. At 6.8 inches, it is even larger than the 6.7 inches that all Pro devices have had since the Pixel 6.
All models have OLED screens in common, which ensure razor-sharp images and exceptionally good contrast. The fact that the displays of the current generation are considerably brighter than those of the previous models also benefits users in everyday life. The Pixel 9 achieves a maximum brightness of 2,700 nits, making it around 35 percent brighter than the previous model Pixel 8 (2,000 nits). With 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL compared to 2,400 nits on the Pixel 8 Pro, all of the 16 million possible colors that the devices can display can be seen even in the brightest summer sun.
The various built-in cameras can capture just as many colors: Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have a 50 megapixel (MP) wide-angle camera and a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera under the typical camera bar. However, there are differences in the front camera. The Pro device has a 48 MP camera with a 103-degree field of view, while the basic version has to make do with a 10.5 MP camera and a 95-degree field of view. However, both devices can create high-quality photos and videos as usual with Pixel smartphones, even the standard model in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
Google Pixel 9: Bigger battery, more RAM and better processor
The heart of the Pixel smartphones are Google's fourth-generation Tensor processors. They work reliably and effectively and have proven to be extremely capable of learning in many areas. In particular, established AI applications such as the “Magic Eraser” (image editing), the “Audio Eraser” (video editing) or the “Text to Speech” function running on the respective device itself work excellently right out of the box and they constantly improve with use.
There is also a significant leap in performance in terms of RAM. The Pixel 8 and 8a devices each had eight gigabytes of RAM and the Pixel 8 Pro had twelve gigabytes. Now the mobile phones have either 12 GB of RAM (Pixel 9) or 16 GB of RAM (Pixel 9 Pro). The more powerful displays and processors as well as the larger RAM noticeably reduce the load on the battery, which according to the manufacturer is 4,700 mAh. This performance applies to both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro. Only the Pixel 9 Pro XL has an even larger battery (5,060 mAh). Unfortunately, the internal storage space in the basic configuration is always limited to 128 gigabytes. Customers can expand the Pixel 9 to 256 GB and the Pixel 9 Pro to up to one terabyte.
Since the battery power has increased slightly compared to the 8 series, the increased efficiency has the pleasant effect that with intensive use the power only runs out in the evening. However, if you want to recharge your Pixel 9 with a maximum of 48 watts, you will have to buy a charger yourself, as nothing is included in the delivery except a USB-C cable and a pin for opening the SIM card tray.
A fingerprint sensor that makes a difference
Completely new to the Pixel 9 devices is an apparently small detail that makes a huge difference in practice: the fingerprint sensor mounted under the display is no longer an optical recognition sensor; instead, ultrasonic technology is used. Compared to previous generations, this speeds up the process of unlocking the display using a fingerprint and also makes it more reliable.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Expensive technical gimmick
Such an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is also used in the power button of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is new to the Pixel 9 lineup. Google has modified the form factor a little and installed the same 6.3-inch displays as external screens that are already in the basic version of the Pixel 9. There is also an internal 8-inch screen, which is also 2,700 nits bright at peak values, supports HDR and – like the screens of all other current Pixel models – can be freely adjusted between 1 and 120 Hertz refresh rate. In practice, the latter ensures an exceptionally “smooth” user experience.
Compared to its siblings, the foldable Pixel 9 is unfortunately weaker in two areas: Firstly, Google even specifies the battery capacity slightly lower at 4,650 mAh, but this potentially means it has to ensure operation on a larger display designed for multitasking. Secondly, all 9 devices use the same “Tensor G4” chip, which pushes the processor to its limits when multitasking with computationally intensive apps and drains the battery at the same time. This is probably also the reason why the useful “battery sharing” function is not on board, unlike the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro.
Prices and conclusion
Google has been able to set itself apart from the rest over numerous Pixel generations with an excellent price-performance ratio. That time is over, because with an entry-level price of 899 euros for the Pixel 9, the smallest device is already in the upper price range. All other Pixel 9 devices, i.e. the 9 Pro (1,099 euros), the 9 Pro XL (1,199 euros) and the 9 Pro Fold (1,899 euros) cost well over a thousand euros.
In return, Google is sticking to its seven-year update guarantee and offering users very robust devices (the smartphones mentioned are IP68 or IPX8 certified, meaning they are dust and waterproof). Therefore, purchasing a new Pixel 9 is particularly beneficial for people who need a new device anyway, one that will leave little to be desired over the years.
By (fski/spot)
