Google’s current {hardware} and software program launches haven’t been too shy about the truth that they’re constructed to work with the corporate’s Gemini AI mannequin. Actually, the advertising and marketing for the Pixel 9 collection telephones revolved closely round AI-centric options, together with the likes of the Gemini app and Magic Editor, to call a pair.
After utilizing the Pixel 9 for 2 months after its launch, I’ve to say although that the gadget’s allure – and finally its strengths – aren’t with LLMs or AI typically. Sure these options are undoubtedly helpful, nevertheless it’s the small upgrades and total familiarity that make the Pixel 9 a pleasure to make use of. So how has it fared to date? Let’s have a look.
The Finest Bits
As a long-time Pixel person, one of many Pixel 9’s largest highlights is its digital camera. Google has made some much-welcome upgrades this yr, with the inclusion of a higher-resolution ultra-wide sensor, autofocus capabilities on the entrance digital camera, in addition to tweaks to computational images. Whereas it’s not excellent (particularly with regards to video), it delivers quite a bit on what followers have come to count on from the Pixel’s digital camera, with wealthy colors (with out going overboard on the saturation), spectacular low-light efficiency, and great-looking portrait pictures.
Efficiency has roughly remained the identical. In comparison with the Tensor G3 from final yr, the Tensor G4 (not less than on paper) doesn’t out-perform it by that a lot. Nonetheless, the 12GB of RAM on the Pixel 9 is one other welcome improve, and my basic utilization has been constant – no freezes or severe stutters, and my video games have largely ran easy. Moreover, the Tensor G4’s largest benefit is with higher thermal administration and battery longevity because of the brand new modem inside, not less than based mostly on my expertise.
…the Tensor G4’s largest benefit is with higher thermal administration and battery longevity
The brand new design can be one thing that I’ve come to understand. Like many others on the web, I used to be torn about Google’s new strategy to the Pixel 9 collection’ design, which had a extra iPhone-like look to it courtesy of the fully flat sides throughout. It does feel and appear a lot nicer in-hand although, and I’ve had zero issues with ill-fitting instances and display screen protectors, in contrast to on the Pixel 8.
The Android 15 replace has likewise been easy to date. It hasn’t dramatically elevated my battery life, and on the time of writing it’s nonetheless a bit too early to inform. What I can say to date although is that UI animations really feel a bit slicker with Android 15, and I haven’t skilled drastic battery drain (in contrast to with the Android 13 on my Pixel 7 a pair years again).
READ: Google Pixel 9: 10 Helpful Suggestions and Tips for You!
Small Imperfections
With all that being mentioned, it’s necessary to take into account that the Pixel 9 is under no circumstances an ideal smartphone. Efficiency limitations apart, the telephone likewise lacks the fast-charging capabilities of rival gadgets from Chinese language manufacturers reminiscent of OnePlus and Xiaomi, most of which function 80W charging speeds, out-pacing the Pixel 9’s measly 27W wired charging. I normally need to plan out my charging intervals in case I’ve to step out a bit and desire a fully-charged battery with me.
Whereas there have been enhancements to fingerprint biometrics on the Pixel 9, the newer ultrasonic sensor on the Pixel 9 nonetheless appears gradual at occasions. It’s much more correct than the older sensors on previous Pixel telephones, however nonetheless nowhere the identical speeds as what you’ll expertise on Samsung telephones, for instance. A minor gripe for positive, however one price noting nonetheless.
AI Options
As for AI, I’ve allowed the telephone to change to Gemini because the default assistant, largely out of curiosity. The expertise has been so-so – it has problem once I ask it to set reminders (one thing which the OG Assistant did seamlessly), and it gave me conflicting data when asking in regards to the present time in a unique nation once I was planning on doing a video name with my household overseas. For easy Q&A trivia periods it’s fairly helpful, however examples reminiscent of those I highlighted present that also has a methods to go earlier than being a full-on Google Assistant alternative.
Maybe the AI function that I’ve gotten probably the most use out of is Magic Editor. It’s good to have the ability to lastly do away with undesirable background objects and touch-up pictures from years in the past, in a extra seamless method than Magic Eraser, I’ll add. Auto-frame has labored properly as nicely, though I want I may say the identical for Add me, which frequently had bother correctly inserting me into pictures after the preliminary group shot.
Remaining Ideas
I suppose if I may sum up the Pixel 9 with one phrase, it might be “constant”. It delivers on the digital camera entrance as anticipated, supplies the identical software program expertise that I’ve come to like on earlier Pixel gadgets, and even packs some upgrades when it comes to effectivity. There are in fact drawbacks reminiscent of those talked about, and its AI options aren’t sufficient to behave as a significant promoting level, not less than at this cut-off date.
In case you’re coming from a a lot older Pixel handset then the Pixel 9 is a superb improve, though we’d suggest looking round for provider offers and promos on-line. It’s not an ideal Android telephone – it’s not even probably the most highly effective on the market – however its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
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