Google Pixel 9 Pro Review
The Google Pixel series has always
comes with a bit of a paradox in the smartphone world. These phones offered some of the most advanced software experiences and integrated Google AI magic making it feel a step ahead of the competition in certain
aspects. On the other hand they have been troubled by a series of hardware
issues that have prevented them from reaching their full potential. With the
release of the Google Pixel 9 Pro and its larger siblings the Google 9 Pro XL,
the question on everyone mind is whether these devices finally deliver on the
promise that the Pixel series has always hinted at.
The Pixel Legacy: A History of Near-Misses
The Google Pixel series has had a
rocky history. While the phones have always comes out for their software offering
a clean and customizable Android experience, They Have been hampered by
significant hardware issues. Over the years, Pixel users have reported problems
with build quality, overheating, signal strength, inconsistent camera
performance and overall slower performance compared to competitors. These
issues have often cover with the brilliance of Google software and may leaving
many to wonder if the Pixel series would ever live up to its potential.
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL enter
the scene with a lot of improvement. Google has made substantial improvements
in various aspects of the phone. but are these enough to make up for stand for
other competitor Smart[hone?
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you notice
about the Pixel 9 Pro is its build quality. Without a doubt the best-built
Pixel phone ever. It feels solid and premium with a design that closely
resembles the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The dimensions and the flat sides with a
slight curve even the weight are almost identical to Apple flagship and leading
to speculation that Google is trying to iPhone users who may be on the fence
about switching.
The design improvements extend
beyond just aesthetics. The Pixel 9 Pro features gripper sides, thinner and
more even screen bezels and overall classy look and feel. The phone is also
more durable with no noticeable flex when handled. It even passed the rigorous
JerryRigEverything durability test, which is a testament to its durability.
Google focus on design also extends to the accessories. The official case for the Pixel 9 Pro is a standout offering a soft fingerprint-resistant finish. Perfect fit and thoughtful details like metal buttons that match the phone design. It is clear that Google has put a lot of thought into the physical experience of using the Pixel 9 Pro.
Hardware Improvements: A New Level of Stability
Fingerprint Scanner
One of the most significant upgrades
in the Pixel 9 Pro is the switch from an optical fingerprint scanner to an
ultrasonic one. This change results in a more reliable and faster unlocking
experience. as the ultrasonic scanner creates a 3D map of your fingerprint
making it harder to fool and more responsive in various conditions.
Signal Strength
The Pixel 9 Pro also addresses one of the most frustrating issues with previous models: signal strength. While signal quality can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, the Pixel 9 Pro has shown consistent performance even in areas with notoriously patchy coverage. The new modem inside the phone seems to be doing its job well, ensuring that you stay connected more reliably than before.
Battery Life and Performance: A Mixed Bag
Battery life on the Pixel 9 Pro and
9 Pro XL is enough but not outstanding. The smaller Pro model offers around
6.5 hours of screen-on time. while the XL version stretches that to about 7
hours. This is slightly less than what some competitors offer but still
enough to get most users through a day of typical use.
Heat Management
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro shows
marked improvement is heat management. Previous Pixels were famous for
overheating. which affected performance and even caused the screen dim
during long use. Google has addressed this issue by integrate a vapor
chamber into the Pixel 9 Pro. a feature that has been standard in many flagship
phones for years. This upgrade ensures that the phone remains cool and
maintains consistent performance and even during intensive tasks like gaming or
recording video.
Performance
Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro feels smooth and responsive. Every animation is accompanied by responsive haptic feedback. its enhancing the overall user experience. Perhaps most importantly, this is the most strong Pixel launch in history with no significant bugs reported during the review period. This is a low bar for most flagship devices but for the Pixel series it marks a notable improvement.
However, when we comes to raw performance. the Pixel 9 Pro still lags. The new Tensor G4 chip. while an improvement from previous noticeably slower than the processors found in flagship devices from Samsung, Apple and OnePlus. This is evident in tasks like loading high-resolution images or launching apps. where the Pixel 9 Pro takes just a split second longer than its rivals.
Storage : Read and Write Speed
The phone storage speed might be
contributing to this lag as well. Multiple tests have shown that the Pixel 9
Pro sequential read and write speeds are slower than those of competing
devices. This could explain why it takes longer to load apps and files. which
is particularly noticeable when compared to the lightning-fast speeds of the
latest Samsung and Apple devices.
AI and Software: A Double-Edged Sword
Google has always positioned its Pixel phones as showcases for its AI capabilities and the Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. The new Tensor G4 chip combined the power of 16 GB of RAM, significantly speeds up for AI tasks making a notable features like photo editing and voice recognition faster and more responsive.
However, not all of the new AI
features are hits. The Pixel 9 Pro introduces several new AI-driven tools, such
as "Ad Me," which allows you to merge separate shots of different
people into a single group photo. While impressive from a technical
perspective, it hard to see this feature becoming a must-have for most users.
In many situations, it is easier and more reliable to simply ask someone to take
the group photo.
Another new feature is the Pixel
Studio app, which offers image generation capabilities based on text prompts.
While the app can produce some impressive images, This is not significantly better
than existing tools and its functionality is limited when it comes to editing
photos you have already taken. The selection tool is particularly difficult and the
options for editing are basic at best.
The phone AI-powered assistant-Gemini is also a bit of a mixed bag. While it is smarter and more capable than
the previous Google Assistant, it does not yet fully replace it. Gemini still
has limitations in how it interacts with apps and performs some basic tasks,
which means you will find yourself switching back to the old Assistant for
certain functions. This dual-assistant setup feels awkward and unfinished making this user experience feel more like a beta tester than a polished product.
One of the most promising AI
features is the Magic Editor which allows user to zoom out of photos that have
already been taken and effectively expanding the frame by intelligently filling in
the missing details. This feature works remarkably well in some cases and producing convincing results that can transform your photos. However, it is usefulness is limited by the fact that it does not work with images of people. which significantly reduces its appeal.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Not Quite There
The Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL
represent a significant step forward for the Pixel series. it address many of
the hardware issues that have found in previous models, offering better build
quality, improved signal strength and more stable performance. The design is
sleek and modern and the new AI features. while not all hits show that Google
is still pushing.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro is not
without its flaws. The performance, while improved, still lags behind the
competition, and the battery life is merely adequate. The new AI features,
while impressive, don't yet feel fully realized, and the dual-assistant setup
is more of a hindrance than a help.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro is a
solid smartphone that offers a lot to like, but it still falls short of being a
true flagship contender. For those who love Google's software and AI
capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro is a worthy upgrade. But for those who prioritize
raw performance and battery life, there are better options available.
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