Google Pixel 9 Review: A New Era for Flagship Smartphones

The Google Pixel 9 is officially here. As a flagship offering premium features without the steep price tag of its Pro sibling, the Pixel 9 sets a new standard for what a base model can deliver. This review dives into the design, performance, camera functions and more for the Pixel 9, and the reason it is different in an ever more competitive marketplace.

Design and Build: A Fresh Take on Pixel Aesthetics

Google has really made a bold step with the Pixel 9 design. Gone is the horizontal camera bar that defined the Pixel 6 and 7 series; instead, we have what some are calling a “camera pill” — a vertically aligned, pill-shaped camera module that brings a modern edge to the phone’s design. This design choice gives the Pixel 9 a sleek, clean look that also keeps it distinct among a sea of smartphones that all look too similar.

The Pixel 9 is almost identical in weight and size to the Pixel 9 Pro and features a bright 6.3 inch Actua display. Having a peak brightness of 2,700 nits it leaves nearly all competitors behind and provides exceptional visibility in direct sunlight. The build quality has also improved dramatically. Google has gone with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, making the device twice as tough as last year’s Pixel 8. This added strength makes the Pixel 9 more durable and a better investment for those looking for long-lasting devices.

This year colors are based on nature and include Wintergreen, Peony and the classic Obsidian. The phone’s matte glass back and polished metal frame feel premium, and that fits Google’s strategy of making the Pixel a premium smartphone.

Performance: AI at the Forefront with Google Tensor G4

Google’s most recent Tensor G4 chipset, which is tuned to perform best with Google’s AI features even though it isn’t the fastest in benchmark tests, powers the Pixel 9. This AI-centered focus is also evident in the Pixel 9’s user interface. The phone packs 12GB of RAM — less than the 16GB on the Pixel 9 Pro but plenty for most users given the AI optimizations Google has gone through with.

Google’s AI capabilities are at the core of the Pixel 9’s performance, with the new Gemini AI among the standouts. This multimodal AI could process voice, text, pictures and even video simultaneously. For example, the AI can analyze a photo of your refrigerator contents and suggest recipes based on what you have, or it can help you create more compelling images because of its new Magic Editor.

The AI features themselves are impressive but they take some time to get used to, and real-world utility will depend on how comfortable users are letting AI assist in their everyday lives. Some also worry about AI being embedded in an always-on device. But Google has added robust privacy controls and the Titan M2 security chip to help address those concerns.

Camera: Pro-Level Photography in a Base Model

Google has always been excellent at smartphone photography and the Pixel 9 continues the tradition with a camera setup that beats the very best in the business. Unlike other manufacturers that dedicate their best camera systems to their more expensive models, Google has fitted the Pixel 9 with the same 50MP main camera and 48MP ultra-wide camera that powers the Pixel 9 Pro. The largest distinction may be the absence of a telephoto lens that’s limited to the Pro model.

This move to bundle top-tier camera hardware in the base model is an innovative move that sets the Pixel 9 apart from rivals like the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24, which often stick their best tech in their Pro or Ultra variants. Google’s computational photography algorithms power the Pixel 9 cameras and produce stunning results in various lighting conditions.

The biggest and the most discussed feature is the new “Add Me” function, where the photographer can step into the frame after the initial photo is taken. This feature is especially attractive to parents or anyone who finds themselves behind the camera frequently. The AI helps the second photographer align the shot correctly and blends the images together to give the photo the effect that everyone was in the original shot.

Software and AI Features: A Glimpse into the Future

Another area where Google has made progress is the software of the Pixel 9. The phone is powered by Android 14 with bloatware-free Android geared for Google services. However, the real star of the show is Google Gemini, the AI engine behind many of the phone’s most innovative features.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Gemini is the ability to take screenshots with the new screenshots app that uses AI to make sense of them. The AI can answer questions based on what appears in your screenshots – potentially changing the way we use our devices. Imagine being able to screenshot a web page and then have your phone pull information from that image – that is the functionality that Gemini provides.

However, not all AI features are as universally appealing. For example, the reimagine tool in the Magic Editor lets users edit photos by adding elements that weren’t there before. This can be fun and creative but also pops up questions about the legitimacy of images and the potential uses of tools.

Battery Life and Charging: Fast and Efficient

The Pixel 9 has a 4,700 mAh battery that is somewhat lesser compared to the Pixel 9 Pro but more than adequate for a full day of average usage. Google says the Pixel 9 supports 45W fast charging, which was previously unavailable on earlier models, although a charger isn’t included. With a compatible charger, the Pixel 9 can top up quickly for those on the go.

Wireless charging is also available, as is reverse wireless charging, so you can charge other devices like headphones or a smartwatch from your cell phone. This versatility is welcome, particularly for users that are already invested in the Google ecosystem.

Upgrade to Pixel 9 and Sell Your Old Phone Today

The Google Pixel 9 is a great smartphone with flagship features that a wider audience can enjoy. Its top notch camera system, AI-driven performance, and durable design make it extremely value-driven at a price that beats many of its direct rivals. The Pixel 9 is a great option if you’re a photography enthusiast, a tech-savvy user, or someone searching for a dependable and potent smartphone.

But what about your old phone? Don’t place it in a drawer to collect dust. Instead, turn it into cash to fund your upgrade. GadgetPickup makes selling older Pixel models and other smartphones easy and stress-free. Make a fast quote today and make the most of our low pricing and free shipping. Whether you are upgrading from a Pixel 7, Pixel 8, or maybe another unit, selling your old device to GadgetPickup is a smart way to save room for the future. Visit us now and get started!