Google Pixel 9 hands-on review: It’s secretly a ‘Pro’ Pixel
Introduction
Google Pixel 9 is set to make it big in the smartphone market with a competitive price and a marvelous specs sheet, which really closes close parallels with its premium cousins, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
This economically budgeted device comes with the super-powerful Tensor G4 chip, a 10.5 MP selfie camera with AF, and oodles of new AI features to enhance the user experience. Being a comparatively aggressively priced offer, the Pixel 9 never really pulls back the delivery of top-end specifications and features, hence making its bid for attention across the crowded Indian smartphone market of 2024.
The Pixel 9 runs into fierce competition with the iPhone 16, pegged as its closest competitor. In this in-depth hands-on review, let's break down the features and specifications in order to give users an idea of what they can look forward to in the new upcoming Pixel 9 that will be available in India for around a price tag of ₹65,000 rupees. We will also find out how that stacks against peers and if it justifies the price bump from its predecessor.
The Pixel 9 takes a rather confusing approach from Google in terms of quite blurring the line between flagship and mid-range devices by delivering nearly the same features as its Pro counterparts, only at more affordable price points.
Specifications and Pricing
• Google Pixel 9.
• Price : ₹65,000.
• Screen Size: 6.3 inches.
• CPU: Tensor G4.
• RAM: 12GB.
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB.
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide.
• Front Camera: 10.5MP.
• Battery Size: 4,700 mAh.
• Available Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony.
The Google Pixel 9 is available for pre-order in India at a price of ₹ 65,000, with sales and shipping starting from 22 August 2024. The flip comes in four pretty colors that include Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. Additional storage of 128GB and 256GB is made for the take, depending on how customers will need them.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 takes a cue from its predecessors to give users sleek and modern aesthetics that come with the addition of some pretty noticeable upgrades. The device is outlined with a matte metal trim that matches the titanium alloy in the iPhone 15 Pro for that classy finish and appeal. Much unluckily to its predecessor, though, Google has moved to a flatter-edge design from the more popular contoured edges seen with the Pixel 8.
Speaking of design, the Pixel 9 proves one clear point: its durability, thanks to the IP69 rating that lets it withstand dust and water. Again, providing better protection, the elongated pill-shaped cutout redesigned with the camera bar at the rear of the phone not only expands the phone's unique look but also toughens the paramount protection. While this polished glass cover can really be a smudge magnet, it somehow makes the phone feel even more premium.
Display
The Pixel 9 comes with a 6.3-inch display that sports an OLED panel for a screen resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels. It provides extremely clear quality while managing to maintain a pixel density of 422 ppi. The technology of OLED also provides colorful, great viewing angles, and quite a treat to use bright.
Of course, it's worth mentioning that Google claims that the display could even be cranked up to 2,700 nits, thereby making it one of the brightest displays if that turned out to be true. But, like many others, this will have to be tested and measured to apply for all kinds of scenarios.
Even if one takes this number lightly, it should still outshine brightness of the 1,349 nits currently boasted by the Pixel 8, making it this element one huge bump up in the Pixel 9.
Camera System
Where it truly excels, for the price tag, is in the camera system. On the back is a dual-camera setup that includes a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide — the same high-quality sensors found with the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.
The Pixel 9 loses the telephoto module, but it can already zoom remarkably well—with advanced algorithms for image processing and pixel binning tech—almost as much as any Pixel 9 Pro. The 10.5MP selfie camera is also backed by autofocus, proving that selfie pictures are punchy enough. Another commonality shared with the Pro siblings is that the Pixel 9 inherits some of their advanced photo editing features, so there is "Add Me," which admittedly uses some moderately engaging form of AR to insert the photographer back in the shot.
Performance
That's where the Pixel 9's performance is going to come from, powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor, with 12GB of RAM that handles multitasking, gaming, and pretty weighty applications smoothly. When we took it for hands-on testing, the Pixel 9 showed off the same smooth, immediately responsive performance as the pricier Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL versions do.
But one of the things that have most impressed me this far with the Pixel 9 is how fast it is in handling the many AI tasks said to require processing. For instance, in under three seconds, it rendered photos on Pixel Studio, proving the efficiency of the chip. Although synthetic benchmarks will be able to give an overall glimpse on the performance, what can be said in this first approach is that the Pixel 9 surely seems able at holding its own.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is the key make-or-break feature for most smartphone users, and it is something the Google Pixel 9 really delivers. The Pixel 9, with its bumper 4,700 mAh cell, promises serious gains over its predecessor, the Pixel 8. The predecessor just housed a 4,575 mAh cell.
This modest bump in battery size would be coupled with the more energy-efficient Tensor G4 chip to represent a new meaning behind daily "Engagement Time". From running graphically intensive games and daily video streaming to heavy multitasking and quick app-switching, the Pixel 9 battery would have you sorted for the day.
As well, Google has really flexed its muscles through fast charging on the Pixel 9. This gives them the ability to reach up to a 45W fast charge on this device, hugely surpassing the 30W that the Pixel 8 can accommodate. This would simply give users the possibility of getting 55% life in only 30 minutes while charging, very convenient for those on their feet most of the time.
Most probably, the Pixel 9 is also going to support wireless charging, which is being targeted as an added advantage that offers more convenience to users who prefer going least wired. These enhancements make the Pixel 9 genuinely the candidate for battery power and quick recharging, just in case anything goes amiss.
Software and AI Features
The Pixel 9 was positioned to headline Google Pixel's show of new Android-based software, with a particular focus on AI-driven features. The Pixel 9 runs on Android 14 and provides an intuitively smoother experience powered by new, remarkable AI maneuvers by Google. The product is not built for today; it is future-proofed with a guaranteed upgrade path all the way to Android 15, along with a commitment from us toward seven years of major software and security updates. It shows a lot of long-term support from Google side toward maintaining the importance and security of the device itself.
Well, the Pixel 9 is loaded with a number of artificial intelligence-centric features that make it just super-use. These include advanced photo editing tools, which let you work on images seamlessly and the Gemini-powered virtual assistant that offers contextual, person-specific help. The Pixel 9 does not blow our socks off when compared with these flagship features included in the Pro models, such as the Video Boost Mode and Zoom Enhance, but the toolset past the cut covers casual through to power users. The mix between bleeding-edge software and AI capabilities places Pixel 9 as a very strong device in the niche. It is an appeal to potential innovators and users who fear nothing on their smartphone.
Conclusion
In India, with prices starting at ₹65,000, the Google Pixel 9 pretty much makes an overwhelming case for itself as it joins the ranks of best-in-class flagship killers in the premium smartphone landscape—a near-flagship experience without the costliness normally associated with such an experience.
At its core, and similar in many aspects to the more expensive Pro models, there is an elegant design, vibrant display, and versatile camera system—a versatile device to fit a vast variety of consumers.
Further integration of AI functions and Google's stringent policy of software updating bring great added value and ensure the Pixel 9 remains a reliable, future-proofed option for years. Even with such massive competition, the Pixel 9 manages a good balance between descent pricing and a high-end feature set, much to the appeal of photography enthusiasts, power users, and regular consumers alike.
They continue to appeal to users across the spectrum who desire a device that delivers on all three levels of performance, aesthetics, and experience. The Pixel 9 is bound to be a unique offering for the market segment in Indians, where consumers are demanding high cost-benefit balance: a premium smartphone experience accessible, without compromise. You definitely want to have the Pixel 9 on your shortlist, whether you are upgrading from a model of a past time or switching from the brand.
FAQs
1. How much is Google Pixel 9 in India?
The Pixel 9 will be retailed in the country at a price of ₹65,000, thus making it much of a premium smartphone to grace us with its presence for those who are in want of flagship performance and all the innovations. At this price, it will put it near toe to toe with the flagships of Samsung and Apple. With top-of-the-game capabilities including the newest AI feature and a strong camera system, the value all adds up for a user who goes for the Pixel 9.
The price reflects Google's drive to provide quality, catering to the needs of both tech enthusiasts and ordinary users.
2. What are the storage options available for the Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 9 will come in two storage models to cater to the needs of users: 128GB and 256GB.
It's good to go for the 128 GB variant if most of your data is on cloud storage or you don't want broad local storage for management. The 256 GB model will be more useful for users with heavy usage who need more storage space for apps, photos, videos, and other files.
Both feature UFS 3.1 storage technology, ensuring great read and write speeds, which improve the overall performance of the device, making it smooth and responsive in daily use.
3. Can the Pixel 9 charge fast?
Yes, Google Pixel 9 supports 45W wired fast charging, whereby one can top their device at the shortest period. This can help your Pixel 9 to go up to a battery level of 55% within 30 minutes, which is virtually very helpful, especially for an individual consistently moving from one location to another. This ability to charge fast is also complemented by the strong battery management system of the phone, which is meant to not just charge quickly, but also healthily over time. This design feature is necessary for users who make heavy use of their phone all through the day.
4. What AI features are there on the Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 9 contains a lot of stuff that turns the device, and even the user himself, smarter and more intuitive through the use of AI. Singularly highlighted among these AI features is "Add Me," an advanced photo editing tool that will seamlessly insert a user in a photo. For this purpose, the Pixel 9 will leverage the capabilities of Google's Gemini AI, upon which a new virtual assistant that appreciates one's needs and is predictive more accurately according to the user will be built. Now, with such AI features that ease the process of it, make productivity excel, and the experience become personalized, Pixel 9 stands superior to other devices.
5. When can we expect to have the Pixel 9 launched in India?
Expect Google Pixel 9 in India from August 22, 2024. With this setting in place, Pixel 9 shall go down in quarters as one of the most sophisticated and anticipated smartphones at this time. This excitement will be shared with early adopters and tech enthusiasts acquiring them. The Indian launch is in continuation of its global release, whereby it closes in on extending freshness of technology in it and nothing too far behind. The device is expected to be made available in India, over both online and offline retailers, hence a wide range of consumers in the country could be able to purchase the device.
