Google Pixel 9 Series Review: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 series, featuring the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the innovative Pixel 9 Pro Fold, represents a major leap forward in smartphone technology. With cutting-edge hardware, AI-powered features, and a sleek design, these devices are designed to offer a premium user experience across the board. Whether you’re looking for a powerful flagship smartphone, a foldable device with versatile functionality, or a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Pixel 9 series has something to offer for every type of user.

In this detailed review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 9 series—from the state-of-the-art Tensor G4 chip and stunning Actua Display to the advanced camera system and foldable design. We’ll also explore how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sets a new standard in the foldable smartphone market, combining the best features of the Pixel 9 series with the added functionality of a foldable design.

Pixel 9 Series Overview

The Google Pixel 9 series includes four models:

• Pixel 9: The base model, offers a solid set of features at a more affordable price.
• Pixel 9 Pro: A step up from the Pixel 9, with enhanced camera capabilities and additional RAM.
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: The largest in the lineup, featuring a bigger screen and battery.
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google’s latest foldable device, combining innovation with practicality.

Let’s break down each model:

pixel 9 review

• Price: $799
• Screen Size: 6.3 inches
• Design: Flat matte metal sides, polished glass back
• Colors: Porcelain, Obsidian, Wintergreen, Peony

Pixel 9 Pro

• Price: $999
• Screen Size: 6.3 inches (same as Pixel 9)
• Design: Glossy rails with a soft-touch glass back
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz
• Key Features: Additional telephoto camera, more RAM, better selfie camera

Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Price: $1,099
• Screen Size: 6.8 inches
• Design: Similar to Pixel 9 Pro but larger
• Battery: Larger than the Pixel 9 Pro for extended use

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• Price: $1,799
• Screen Size: 6.3 inches (external), 8 inches (internal)
• Design: Thin, foldable with metal rails and soft-touch matte glass
• Colors: Porcelain, Obsidian
• Key Features: Dramatically improved foldable design, premium build, large displays

Key Highlights:

• Google Pixel 9: The standard model, offering a balanced mix of performance, camera quality, and affordability.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: A flagship device that brings premium features, including a higher refresh rate, better camera, and a larger battery.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google’s first foldable smartphone, offering a unique combination of versatility and cutting-edge technology.

Why Choose the Google Pixel 9 Series?

The Pixel 9 series is more than just a lineup of smartphones; it’s a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation and quality. Powered by the next-gen Tensor G4 chip, these devices are equipped to handle everything from AI-driven photography to immersive gaming experiences. With a refined design, improved battery life, and enhanced software features, the Pixel 9 series is built to meet the needs of modern users.

In this guide, we’ll cover the following:

1. Design and Build Quality: Discover the refined design and durable build that make the Pixel 9 series stand out.
2. Display Technology: Learn about the Actua Display, which offers vibrant colors and peak brightness for an exceptional visual experience.
3. Performance: Explore how the Tensor G4 chip and AI enhancements deliver lightning-fast performance and smarter user interactions.
4. Camera System: Get insights into the advanced camera features that make the Pixel 9 series a photographer’s dream.
5. Battery Life and Charging: Understand the improvements in battery life and the various charging options available.
6. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Find out what makes Google’s foldable device a game-changer in the smartphone market.
7. Additional Gadgets: Check out the latest updates to the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.
8. Pricing and Availability: Get the details on pricing, pre-orders, and where you can purchase the Pixel 9 series.

This comprehensive review is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which Pixel 9 series device is right for you. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or switching from another brand, the Google Pixel 9 series offers a range of options to suit your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel 9 series marks a significant shift in design, featuring a more refined and premium look that aligns with modern flagship standards. Each device in the series comes with a flat matte metal frame that offers both durability and a sleek appearance. The back of the phones is adorned with polished glass, available in four distinct colors—Porcelain (white), Obsidian (black), Wintergreen, and Peony. The introduction of these colors adds a fresh and vibrant aesthetic, catering to different style preferences.

The Pixel 9 series also embraces a more solid and premium feel, thanks to its slightly heavier build. This weight distribution enhances the in-hand experience, making the phones feel more substantial without being cumbersome. The devices maintain a slim profile with thin bezels, contributing to their modern and sleek appearance.

For those who prefer a larger device, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display, while the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models feature a 6.3-inch screen. Despite the size difference, all models share a consistent design language, ensuring that users can choose based on their size preference without compromising on style.

Design Elements

• Flat Sides: Following the current trend, all Pixel 9 models feature flat sides, contributing to a more premium and solid feel.
• Material Choices: The Pixel 9 series uses a combination of matte metal and polished glass, offering both durability and a sophisticated look.
• Color Options: Google has introduced new color options, including Porcelain (white), Obsidian (black), Wintergreen, Peony, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.

Table: Design and Build Comparison

Display Technology

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 series is its Actua Display, which sets a new standard for visual excellence. The Actua Display is 35% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 8, making it one of the brightest and most vibrant displays on the market. This improvement is particularly noticeable in outdoor settings, where the increased brightness ensures better visibility even in direct sunlight.

The display also features thinner bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL models come with a slightly better screen, offering higher refresh rates for smoother scrolling and enhanced responsiveness. This makes the devices ideal for gaming, video playback, and other media-rich activities.

The Pixel 9 series introduces an ultrasonic fingerprint reader embedded under the display, replacing the previous optical version. This upgrade offers faster and more reliable fingerprint recognition, enhancing both security and convenience.

Actua Display Technology

• Brightness: The Pixel 9’s Actua display is 35% brighter than its predecessor, making it easier to view in bright sunlight.
• Color Accuracy: The displays are calibrated for color accuracy, ensuring that photos and videos look true to life.
• Thinner Bezels: All models feature thinner bezels, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Table: Display Specifications

Performance

At the heart of the Google Pixel 9 series is the powerful Tensor G4 chip, which represents a significant leap in processing power and efficiency. The Tensor G4 chip is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease, from AI-driven photography to intensive gaming sessions. Google claims that the Tensor G4 is 20% faster in web browsing and 17% faster in app launching compared to its predecessor.

This chip also brings advanced AI capabilities to the Pixel 9 series, enabling smarter interactions and more personalized experiences. Features like Google Assistant, real-time translation, and enhanced voice recognition are all powered by the Tensor G4, making the devices more intuitive and responsive.

The Pixel 9 Pro models come with additional RAM, ensuring that multitasking is smooth and lag-free. Whether you’re switching between apps or running multiple processes simultaneously, the Pixel 9 series is built to handle it all with ease.

Tensor G4 Chip

• Performance: The Tensor G4 chip delivers snappy performance, making the Pixel 9 series one of the most responsive smartphones on the market.
• AI Capabilities: The chip’s AI enhancements allow for more advanced features, such as real-time photo editing and voice recognition.
• Efficiency: The chip is more efficient, contributing to better battery life across all models.

RAM and Storage Options

• Pixel 9: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Pixel 9 Pro: 12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage

Camera System

The Google Pixel 9 series continues Google’s tradition of offering some of the best smartphone cameras on the market. Both the base Pixel 9 and the Pro models share the same primary and ultra-wide cameras, ensuring that even the most affordable model delivers exceptional photo quality. The primary sensor is larger than before, allowing for better low-light performance and more pronounced depth of field in your shots.

One of the key differences between the base and Pro models is the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 9 Pro. This additional camera offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing you to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail. The Pro models also feature an upgraded selfie camera, delivering better performance in various lighting conditions.

Google has also introduced several AI-driven camera features in the Pixel 9 series. The Magic Editor, for example, allows you to reimagine and manipulate your photos in ways that were previously impossible. You can erase unwanted objects, reframe shots, and even generate entirely new scenes with just a few taps. The Add Me feature is another innovative addition, enabling you to take group photos and seamlessly add yourself to the picture even if you’re the one taking the shot.

Camera Specifications

• Primary Camera: 50 MP, f/1.9, 1.4μm pixel size
• Ultrawide Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.12μm pixel size
• Telephoto Camera (Pro models): 48 MP, f/3.5, 0.8μm pixel size
• Selfie Camera: 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 1.22μm pixel size (Pro models have a slightly better sensor)

AI-Driven Camera Features

• Magic Editor: Allows users to erase unwanted objects or reframe images with AI.
• Reimagine: Users can highlight a section of a photo and reimagine it as something completely different using AI.
• Add Me: A new feature that enables users to take group photos even when the photographer is part of the group. The AI stitches multiple photos together to include everyone.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life has always been a critical factor for smartphone users, and Google has made significant improvements in this area with the Pixel 9 series. The devices come with larger batteries compared to their predecessors, ensuring that you can get through a full day of use without needing to recharge.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its larger size, naturally houses the biggest battery in the series, making it an excellent choice for power users. All models in the Pixel 9 series support fast charging, and while Google has not yet adopted the Qi2 wireless charging standard, the devices still offer reliable and efficient charging options.

Google’s focus on power efficiency is also evident in the new Tensor G4 chip, which is designed to deliver high performance while consuming less power. This results in longer battery life, even during intensive tasks such as gaming or video streaming.

Battery Specifications

• Pixel 9: 4,600mAh
• Pixel 9 Pro: 4,800mAh
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 5,000mAh
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 4,700mAh (split across both halves)

Charging Options

• Fast Charging: All models support 30W wired fast charging, capable of reaching 50% battery in just 30 minutes.
• Wireless Charging: 20W wireless charging is available across the lineup, with the Pro models supporting reverse wireless charging as well.
• Battery Saver Mode: Enhanced AI-driven Battery Saver Mode, which can extend battery life by intelligently managing background processes and reducing power consumption.

AI Features

AI is at the heart of the Pixel 9 series, with several new features designed to make everyday tasks easier and more intuitive.

New AI-Powered Apps

• Weather App: Redesigned with a modern look, featuring AI-generated comments about the weather, including personalized suggestions based on the user’s schedule and preferences.
• AI Translator: Real-time translation with support for over 100 languages, now more accurate and faster thanks to the Tensor G4 chip.
• Health and Wellness: An AI-driven app that monitors your activity levels, sleep patterns, and provides personalized fitness recommendations.

Enhanced User Experience

• Voice Commands: Improved Google Assistant with more natural language processing, making interactions smoother and more intuitive.
• Smart Compose and Reply: Enhanced for better predictive typing across all apps, learning from your writing style.
• Contextual Awareness: The Pixel 9 series can now recognize your environment (e.g., if you’re driving or at the gym) and adjust settings accordingly, like activating Do Not Disturb or suggesting playlists.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A Game-Changer in the Foldable Market

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is perhaps the most exciting addition to the Pixel 9 series, as it marks Google’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. This device combines the best features of the Pixel 9 series with the added versatility of a foldable design, making it a unique offering in today’s smartphone landscape.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch external display, similar to the standard Pixel 9, but opens up to reveal a massive 8-inch internal display. This larger screen is perfect for multitasking, media consumption, and gaming, offering an experience that no traditional smartphone can match.

Despite its foldable nature, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold maintains a sleek and premium design. It’s one of the thinnest foldable phones on the market, with each side barely thicker than a USB-C port. The device is also equipped with the same Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM, ensuring that it delivers top-tier performance in both folded and unfolded states.

Google has made several improvements over its previous foldable model, including a brighter display, better hinge design, and more durable materials. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also comes with an IPX8 rating, making it resistant to water splashes.

Additional Gadgets: Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2

Alongside the Pixel 9 series, Google has also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, two accessories that complement the smartphones perfectly.

The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, with the larger 45mm model offering a 40% increase in screen size compared to the previous version. The watch features a brighter display, improved battery life, and a new dual-chip architecture that enhances its performance and power efficiency.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2, on the other hand, are designed to offer the best audio experience possible. They come with active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and improved call quality, making them ideal for both music lovers and professionals who need to take calls on the go.

Pricing and Availability

The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to hit the market in the coming months, with pre-orders already available on the Google Store and other major retailers. Pricing for the Pixel 9 starts at $799, while the Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $999. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its larger display and battery, is available for $1,099, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the most premium option, is priced at $1,799.

Pricing

• Pixel 9: Starting at $799 for 128GB.
• Pixel 9 Pro: Starting at $999 for 128GB.
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: Starting at $1,099 for 256GB.
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Starting at $1,799 for 512GB.

Availability

• Pre-Orders: Available starting September 14, 2024.
• Shipping Date: Devices will start shipping on October 2, 2024.
• Retailers: Available through Google Store, major carriers, and electronics retailers.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9 series is a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user experience. With the introduction of the Tensor G4 chip, advanced camera features, and the game-changing Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google has once again set a new standard in the smartphone market. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a power user, or someone who simply wants the best device money can buy, the Pixel 9 series offers something for everyone.

With its refined design, top-tier performance, and innovative features, the Pixel 9 series is poised to be one of the best smartphone lineups of the year. As you consider your next smartphone purchase, the Google Pixel 9 series should be at the top of your list.