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We’ve gotten used to seeing new Pixel flagships right before Halloween, but Google has surprised us with a summer 2024 launch.
And it was a great event, with no fewer than four Pixel 9 phones. This also applies to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a new successor to the original Pixel Fold.
However, in this article we’ll focus on the three non-foldable devices: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the brand new Pixel 9 Pro XL. There are a few differences between the two, including the 5x telephoto on Pro phones and different screen sizes, but they also have a lot in common.
That includes many of the most exciting upgrades from the Pixel 8 range. These are the improvements I’m most looking forward to.
Fast(er) charging
It’s hard to believe, but Pixel phones have never exceeded 30W charging speed. That figure only applies to the Pixel 8 Pro, while many other models are much slower (the Pixel 8a can’t go beyond 18W!).
However, Google has finally started to address this on the Pixel 9 range. All three models can reach 45W, even if the necessary charger is still available separately.
After half an hour, Google says the 9 and 9 Pro can go from 0-55%, while the 9 Pro XL can reach 70%.
It’s still miles away from the fastest charging phones out there (some of which have over 100W), but it’s at least on par with Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Nothing frustrates me more than slow charging, so this is a welcome step forward.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Redesign group photos
While the regular Pixel 9 gets a better 48MP ultrawide lens, Google hasn’t made any improvements to the rear camera hardware on the Pixel 9 Pro, with the 9 Pro XL having identical specs to its smaller sibling.
However, there are some exciting improvements on the software side, with ‘Add Me’ being my personal favorite. In theory, it eliminates the stress of group photos, avoiding the need to hand your phone to a stranger, balance it on a wall, or awkwardly take a selfie.
Instead, one person takes a regular photo of everyone else and then swaps it with someone else. The new photographer then takes another group photo, using AR (augmented reality) to position the original photographer in the best spot.
Google then merges the images using AI into a great realistic group photo, without everyone having to be in the picture. You can take a few and then use the existing Best Take feature to make sure everyone looks good.
Even better selfies
Of course, there are still times when you want to take a selfie, which Google recognizes.
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have solid front cameras, but they’re only 10.5MP lenses. While the regular Pixel 9 sticks to this, the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL both have a new 42Mp camera.
A higher megapixel count doesn’t guarantee better photos by any means, but it should still result in an improvement in selfie quality.
A big step for performance
Every Pixel 9 phone has been upgraded to the Tensor G4. Although based on Samsung’s Exynos line, this is in fact a Google chipset.
Compared to Tensor G3, which powers the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google says you can expect 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launches. In addition to at least 12 GB of RAM (16 GB on Pro and Pro XL), this should deliver very strong performance.
It remains to be seen if Tensor G4 can truly rival the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the upcoming 8 Gen 4. But it sounds like a big step forward, and that makes me excited.
A key selling point of previous Tensor chipsets has been their power efficiency (which helps battery life), and it’s also the driving force behind Google’s AI features.
They keep a cool head
However, that extra performance comes with the potential for more heat build-up. It’s especially concerning for the Pro models, given their larger displays and more RAM. The Pixel 8 Pro also got noticeably warm during testing.
With that in mind, Google has equipped the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL with a new vapor chamber cooling system. In a media briefing, the company said it was designed for “peak performance during the most demanding workloads.”
Performance of the highest level And good thermal management? That sounds very positive indeed.
Your cheapest route to the Pixel 9 series is the regular model, which starts at £799/$799. You’ll pay a minimum of £999/$999 for the Pro, while the brand new Pro XL starts at £1,099/$1,099.
All three models are available for pre-order now through the Google Store ahead of the August 22 release date.