Google’s iPhone
The Pixel 9 has appreciable upgrades over its predecessor; the OLED panel is barely greater and brighter, the gadget is a smidgen quicker, and it has a much bigger battery. The all-new cameras take really unbelievable photographs in any scenario, and that’s one thing Pixels have at all times exceled at. You get a ton of latest AI-focused options and 7 years of updates, and there is 45W charging as properly. The design has been overhauled as properly, and the Pixel 9 appears to be like nearer than even to the iPhone 15, with Google additionally deciding to make use of flat sides with this technology.
For
Brighter OLED panelBetter internalsNew cameras are even betterBigger battery with 45W chargingSeven years of software program updatesUnique AI-focused software program extras
In opposition to
Larger and heavier than final yearDesign does not look as goodCostlierAndroid 14 out of the field
Nonetheless nice
The Pixel 8 remains to be an excellent telephone, but it surely has been overshadowed by the Pixel 8a — and now the Pixel 9. That doesn’t imply it’s inferior; you get a vibrant 120Hz OLED panel, respectable {hardware}, identical variety of software program updates, and equivalent software program. The cameras are sensible, they usually’re an enormous a part of the Pixel 8’s attract. I like that the gadget is smaller than the Pixel 9, and if you will get it at an honest deal, it is smart to seize it over the Pixel 9 and even the 8a.
For
Good OLED panelDecent hardwareGreat camerasClean software program with distinctive extrasSeven years of software program updates
In opposition to
Sluggish chargingThermal limitations
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Design
Google has among the best flagship designs, and the change to the extensive digital camera housing beginning with the Pixel 6 collection gave its units a particular look. With the Pixel 9, Google is tweaking the design; there’s nonetheless a large digital camera bar, but it surely does not prolong to the perimeters — you as an alternative get an elongated housing with the modules to at least one facet.
The design does not look fairly as elegant, however to Google’s credit score, it’s providing color-matched digital camera housings, in order that’s a begin. The again of the Pixel 9 does not look too busy because it has two cameras, however the identical design does not translate almost as properly on the Pixel 9 Professional — it simply finally ends up wanting too busy and cluttered.
I nonetheless desire the design of the Pixel 8, and the best way the digital camera bar easily flows into the mid-frame is beautiful. One other design change that I am not onboard with is the flat sides; I’ve at all times preferred Pixel telephones due to the curvy sides, however like most different producers, Google is utilizing flat sides with the Pixel 9 technology.
Similar to the digital camera design, I do not see the necessity for Google to alter what’s a longtime design. Final 12 months’s resolution to supply flat panels on each telephones whereas nonetheless having a design that curved on the again was completely the best transfer, and with the Pixel 9, it appears to be like like Google is tweaking the design only for the sake of it. It’s objectively tougher to carry and use the Pixel 9 than its predecessor, and you may want to make use of the telephone with a case.
The Pixel 8 does not have these shortcomings, and it’s shorter and lighter than the Pixel 9. Of those two units, the Pixel 8 clearly will get my vote, and it is annoying that Google is now making its telephones look nearer to iPhones.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8:Â Show
You do not see as many small telephones as of late, however the Pixel 8 is shorter and simpler than use than most units round. That is all the way down to its 6.2-inch panel, and whereas it’s small, you continue to get numerous usable actual property. The 120Hz OLED panel additionally has vibrant colours and nice distinction, and having used it extensively over the course of the final 12 months, I did not run into any points in any respect.
Google is marginally growing the display screen measurement to six.3 inches this time round, and whereas that makes the Pixel 9 a little bit taller and wider, it’s nonetheless on the smaller finish of the size. Whereas Google does not have the perfect OLED panels within the enterprise — the Chinese language flagships I used this 12 months have been a lot better — the model is constantly delivering higher screens yearly, and the Pixel 9 is brighter and has higher colours than its predecessor.
That stated, the Pixel 8 nonetheless holds its personal on this space, and I by no means had any points utilizing the telephone in harsh daylight.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: {Hardware} and cameras
Google is not the perfect in the case of {hardware}, and the model has completely different priorities, specializing in its AI engine as an alternative of the most recent Arm designs. Which means the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9 is not as quick because the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and if you need the best possible {hardware}, you really want to think about one thing just like the OnePlus 12.
Having stated that, the Tensor G4 does sufficient to make sure you will not see any slowdowns in day by day use. I used the Tensor G3 on the Pixel 8 extensively over the course of the final 12 months, and the one drawback I bumped into is thermal administration; Google does not use any efficient means to handle warmth on its units, so if you play a recreation, the chip tends to throttle ahead of its rivals.
I will have to check that on the Pixel 9, however I am optimistic Google hasn’t modified something on this space. One other concern with Google’s units is that they proceed to return with simply 128GB of storage; this was an enormous concern final 12 months, and nothing’s modified on the Pixel 9. Whereas each different model now has 256GB of storage as normal on this class, Google nonetheless provides a paltry 128GB variant, and that simply is not sufficient in 2024.
Sure, there’s a 256GB mannequin of the Pixel 9, however you may have to pay a further $100 to select that up. Fortunately, Google managed to alter one factor this technology: battery life. The Pixel 9 has a much bigger battery that ought to last more, and it now expenses at 45W. That could be a large deal, and the truth that Google makes use of the usual USB PD 3.0 normal means you should use any of the perfect GaN chargers with the gadget — you may want to purchase one, as you will not discover it within the bundle.
There is not a lot to fault with the Pixel 8 on this regard, however the greater battery and 45W charging tech provides the Pixel 9 an edge. On that observe, the Pixel 9 additionally will get a brand new 48MP wide-angle lens on the again, and that ought to take higher images. Cameras have at all times been the largest motive to purchase Pixels prior to now, and I will replace this submit as soon as I’ve pitted the Pixel 9 in opposition to final 12 months’s providing.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Software program
All Pixels up till this level debuted in This autumn, and that allowed Google to bundle its units with the most recent model of Android. That was true of the Pixel 8 collection as properly, however as a result of Google moved up the launch window of the Pixel 9 up by two months, the telephone is debuting with Android 14 — the identical as its predecessor.
Which means the Pixel 9 will get the identical variety of software program updates because the Pixel 8, and there will not be any distinction between the 2 on this regard. Each telephones are assured to obtain seven years of Android OS and safety updates, and that’s the finest within the business.
I believe Google will rethink its Android launch technique to raised coincide with the Pixel launches beginning in 2025, however this time, the Pixel 9 is in an ungainly place the place it does not run a more recent model of Android. That stated, Google is providing a slate of latest options, together with Pixel Studio, an on-device picture technology engine that is nothing in need of astounding.
Google has the perfect on-device AI feature-set of any model, and it’s extending that lead with the Pixel 9. Additions like Pixel Screenshots mean you can take screenshots of any content material on the display screen, with all of it saved in a single location — and searchable. Magic Editor is now in a position to reframe images, and there is a nifty addition referred to as Add Me that allows you to add your self to photographs after the actual fact.
The software program itself is clear and uncluttered, and I am an enormous fan of what Google has accomplished with the interface on its units. There is not as a lot customizability as different Android skins, however the Materials You design is quirky in its personal proper, and there is a lot to love.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Which must you purchase?
The Pixel 9 begins at $799, however you may ideally have to get the 256GB mannequin, and that can set you again to the tune of $899. As of writing, the Pixel 8 is offered at $699, with the 256GB mannequin at $799. So that you’re shelling $100 extra to get the most recent telephone, and there are just a few new options that justify the value.
What I like probably the most is that the Pixel 9 expenses at 45W; after limiting its units to 27W, Google is lastly being smart about charging tech, and that is nice to see. The brand new wide-angle lens on the again ought to take higher images as properly, and there is extra reminiscence; that will not make a distinction proper now, but it surely completely will just a few years down the road.
That is how I see it: if you need the most recent that Google has to supply, get the Pixel 9. The telephone does sufficient to warrant a suggestion, however if you need a superb deal or are concerned about maximizing worth, I might counsel ready just a few weeks to see if the Pixel 8 goes all the way down to across the $500 determine — that will make it a a lot better alternative than the Pixel 9.
Google’s iPhone
The Pixel 9 has a brand new design, greater battery, brighter OLED panel, and higher cameras on the again. These are all significant modifications, and if you need Google’s newest AI options and 45W charging, it’s best to get the telephone.
Nonetheless niceÂ
I nonetheless just like the Pixel 8 fairly a bit, and it has aged properly — despite the introduction of the Pixel 8a. For those who’re within the gadget, I might suggest ready a bit to see if it will get a greater deal.