Coming of age
The Google Pixel 9 has a brand-new look on the surface, together with a couple of notable adjustments on the within in comparison with the earlier mannequin. Nevertheless, it is nonetheless a Pixel by way of and thru with many of the magic being dealt with by software program.
For
Brighter and smoother show Bigger battery 12GB of RAM Seven years of updates Newest Tensor processor
Towards
Flatter design may not swimsuit everyoneHigher value than predecessor
Growing old rapidly
The Pixel 7 remains to be a stable cellphone in 2024 in case your use case is gentle, and also you need excellent cameras beneath $500. You get good ergonomics, a punchy show, and clear software program with loads of AI smarts.
For
Smooth design Vibrant OLED show Improbable cameras First rate battery lifeGood pricing
Towards
Three OS upgrades feels much less in the present day Barely boring colours Slower charging
The Google Pixel 9 is lastly right here, and will be yours for a beginning value of $799. It is greater than the Pixel 8 and positively pricier than the Pixel 7 from 2022, which remains to be being offered by Google. The 7 is trickier to search out in the present day within the coloration and storage choice that you may want, however must you nonetheless be bothering with it? Let’s attempt to reply two issues — must you improve to the Pixel 9 for those who at present have a 7, and is the older mannequin price getting in 2024?
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 7: Design
You may immediately inform the Pixel 9 aside from the Pixel 7 as a result of huge change within the design language. Gone are the gentle, sloping edges in favor of a flat body on the brand new mannequin. This makes the 9 look very iPhone-like, for higher or worse. Personally, I haven’t got an issue with it. I believe it appears good and extra grown up. The brand new colours additionally look nice, particularly the pink variant. The 4 corners of the show are additionally extra closely rounded, in comparison with the almost rectangular look of the 7.
The digicam band on the again of the Pixel 7 has been changed by a metallic island on the 9. Regardless of having the identical show measurement, the Pixel 9 is barely shorter and lighter than the 7. You will not be capable to reuse any of the 7’s circumstances, however fortunately there’s already a wide selection of Pixel 9 circumstances on-line.
Google has upgraded the show tech within the new mannequin. The Pixel 9 sports activities an ‘Actua’ show, with a dynamic refresh price of 60-120Hz. The decision has been bumped up only a bit to 2,424×1,080 however it’s not one thing you will discover even for those who evaluate each telephones facet by facet. The HDR brightness degree is now as much as 1,800 nits on the 9 (vs. 1,000 nits on the 7), and the show has a peak brightness of as much as 2,700 nits.
Not that we had a problem with the Pixel 7’s show, however having the next peak brightness by no means damage anybody. The scratch safety on the Pixel 9’s show sees an improve to Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Each telephones are IP68 rated for mud and water resistance.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 7: {Hardware} and specs
The processor is the most important change right here. The Google Pixel 9 makes use of the most recent Tensor G4 SoC, which is promised to have improved efficiency and energy effectivity. The Titan M2 safety chip can also be current on each, which supplies hardware-level encryption on your private info. The Tensor G2 within the Pixel 7 chugs alongside properly when utilizing widespread social and productiveness apps. This processor is not constructed for gaming, however it could actually deal with most informal titles simply high quality. Does the G4 change this? I assume you will have to attend for our full evaluate of the 9 to search out out.
The rise in RAM to 12GB (from 8GB) on the Pixel 9 is unquestionably going to be helpful in the long term. You may select between 128GB or 256GB of storage. The latter variant will set you again $899. In the meantime, the 128GB variant of the Pixel 7 goes for about $450 on Amazon, whereas the 256GB mannequin prices round $633. The value distinction between the 2 generations will solely widen because the 7 is slowly phased out.
The Pixel 9 manages to cram in a bigger 4,700mAh battery, regardless of being slimmer and lighter. We discovered the battery life on the Pixel 7’s 4,355mAh battery to be alright, however nothing nice. Hopefully, the 9 is ready to enhance on that in real-world use too. The 9 prices faster too, as much as 27W, in comparison with the 21W of the 7. Apparently, the Pixel 7 helps as much as 21W wi-fi charging, however the 9 can solely cost as much as 15W when utilizing the identical Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) wi-fi charger. Common Qi charging is restricted to 12W on each telephones.
The ultrawide digicam on the Pixel 9 will get a giant bump in decision, going from 12MP to 48MP. It has a wider area of view and positive aspects autofocus which suggests macro pictures is feasible. Each telephones have a 50MP most important digicam, however once more, the 9 has a wider f/1.68 aperture for higher low-light photographs. You continue to do not get a telephoto right here, so you will need to step as much as the Professional fashions for that. The selfie cameras are comparable on each too, however you get autofocus on the Pixel 9 now.
Digicam options are largely comparable on each, apart from a number of the new additions like ‘Add Me’ which is at present unique to the 9 sequence.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 7: Software program
The Pixel 9 has the most important benefit over the Pixel 7 with regards to software program. Google’s seven-year software program help dedication started with the Pixel 8, so the 7 is unfortunately restricted to simply three years of OS upgrades until 2025. It can proceed to obtain safety patches until 2027, however it almost certainly will not get new variations past Android 15 or 16 at finest.
The Pixel 9 launched with Android 14 slightly than 15, in all probability as a result of Google moved its {hardware} announcement earlier this 12 months. The 9 is roofed for seven years of OS and safety updates, which is a giant deal. When you’re paying full value for a brand new cellphone, it would as properly be supported for at the least the subsequent two to 3 years on the very least.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 7: Which one must you purchase?
If you’ll find a great early deal on the Pixel 9, I would say go for it. The bigger battery with faster charging, extra RAM, and newer processor are ok causes that justify paying the premium for the brand new mannequin, over the 7. To not point out the lengthy software program replace dedication will preserve your Pixel 9 related for years to come back.
If you cannot justify spending $800 or extra on the 9, ditch the Pixel 7 and search for a deal on the Pixel 8 as an alternative. It is almost pretty much as good as the most recent cellphone, and it is solely a matter of time earlier than it drops under the $600 mark, making it an excellent cut price. Evaluating the Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8, you are still getting seven years of software program help and many of the improved options which are on the 9.
The mature Pixel
Google appears to have lastly hit its stride with the brand new Pixel 9. The extra mature design, improved {hardware}, and new AI options make it one of the best Pixel but.
Ageing quickly
The Pixel 7 is an effective cellphone, however the restricted years of OS upgrades and weaker {hardware} means it is no spring rooster. Greatest to skip it and discover a deal on the Pixel 8 as an alternative.