Watch this: Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL Hands-On
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But the new camera feature that I found most intriguing was Add Me, which uses augmented reality to help you take a group photo. The process involves taking two photos: A first photo, and then a second shot in which the original photographer swaps with someone else to join in the group photo. When snapping the second photo, the second photographer will see an AR overlay guiding them to help position the new person (the first photographer) on where to stand so that the photo looks natural. The software then combines both of those photos together to create an image where everyone is in the picture.
I have to admit, I was surprised to see how well the AR functionality works when I tried this during a demo ahead of Google's event. As I held up the phone, I saw a digital overlay of myself positioned almost exactly where I was just standing a second ago. In most cases, it's probably still easier and less awkward to just ask someone to take the photo for you. But I do think Add Me is more practical and more genuine in its intention than Best Take, the feature introduced last year that can make it look like everyone is smiling in a photo.
Overall, the Pixel 9's new software features feel like a step toward making Google's Pixel software more intelligent. But I don't think these features alone are going to be enough to motivate those who are happy with their current phone to upgrade. However, I do think Google's approach, particularly the Pixel Screenshots app and the summarization features, are more practical on an everyday basis than some of Samsung's Galaxy AI features.
The first thing I noticed when picking up the Pixel 9 was its striking new design with flat edges and more pronounced camera bar. It's different enough to feel new without losing the signature Pixel look that Google has established in recent years. The camera isn't just an aesthetic change though; Google is bumping the ultrawide camera's resolution to 48 megapixels, up from 12 megapixels on last year's model.
Google's Pixel 9 phones also have satellite connectivity, a feature that's been present on iPhones since the iPhone 14 generation in 2022. That means the Pixel 9 series will be able to contact emergency services without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Battery life should also get a boost over the Pixel 8 since the Pixel 9 has a 4,700-mAh capacity compared with its predecessor's 4,575-mAh battery. But of course, there's a chance using those new AI features heavily could put more strain on the battery.
All of Google's new phones will get new versions of Android for seven years, just like the Pixel 8 family. The biggest differences between the Pixel 9 and the Pro models come down to size options (the Pro comes in 6.3- and 6.8-inch sizes), its triple camera setup that includes a telephoto camera in addition to the wide and ultrawide lenses, additional video features like Video Boost for enhancing video footage in the cloud up to 8K, a 42-megapixel selfie camera fand extra memory (16GB of RAM instead of 12GB). But you can learn more about the differences in the table below.
The Pixel 9 seems like it could be a promising step forward for those upgrading from an older Pixel phone. The biggest question will be whether Google will bring its new AI features to older Pixel devices as it's done in years past. The answer could be crucial in determining how big of an upgrade the Pixel 9 truly is.
Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | |
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424 x 1,080 pixels; 60 - 120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856 x 1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED; 2,992 x 1,344 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate |
Pixel density | 422 ppi | 495 ppi | 486 ppi |
Dimensions (inches) | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in |
Dimensions (millimeters) | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm |
Weight (grams, ounces) | 198g (7 oz.) | 199g (7 oz.) | 221g (7.8 oz) |
Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
Camera | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) |
Front-facing camera | 10.5-megapixel | 42-megapixel | 42-megapixel |
Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
RAM/storage | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Expandable storage | None | None | None |
Battery | 4,700 mAh | 4,700 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display | Under display |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
Headphone jack | None | None | None |
Special features | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor |
US price starts at | $799 (128GB) | $999 (128GB) | $1,099 (128GB) |
UK price starts at | Converts to £637 (128GB) | Converts to £783 (128GB) | Converts to £861 (128GB) |
Australia price starts at | Converts to AU$1,211 (128GB) | Converts to AU$1,514 (128GB) | Converts to AU$1,666 (128GB) |
Source: cnet.com