Google Pixel 9 Pro Analysis: Google’s Big Bet

The idea that Google’s Pixel failed more than a fairground gun has long since disappeared; with issues with the fingerprint scanner or the screen. In fact, the company’s Mountain View smartphones have improved significantly over the years, becoming what Google unveiled a few weeks ago: the Pixel 9 and, especially, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.

Just because, Google has re-included the XL surnamealthough this time to launch an additional Pro version with a larger screen. So users who want a small Pixel don’t feel forced to choose the base version, which has, shall we say, a more modest camera. If you want a compact phone with a more versatile camera, you can simply choose the Pixel 9 Pro. On the other hand, if you want a larger screen, there’s an XL version.

Google also didn’t include any differences between the two smartphones, other than the obvious ones, of course. The only difference between them is the screen size. (6.3 inches for the Pixel 9 Pro and 6.8 inches for the XL model.) The battery is also different, of course, as the larger screen requires more capacity. This means that battery life, performance, photography results, and other functions are almost identical in the Pro model as in the Pro XL.

In any case, the new dimensions are not the only thing that is special about the new Pixel 9 Pro. In fact, it is only a very small part. Google’s new mobile phone comes with better cameras, a lot of additional AI features, a slightly updated design, and other innovations aimed at position it as the best on the market. But is it really so? Is this the pixel I’ve been waiting for?

It’s still a pixel

This gives me the freedom to delve into this review with a more personal approach and, frankly, to me, Pixels feels like a bit of a very good mobile phones. First of all, I love that Google is so different from others when it comes to the design of their smartphones, and at the same time they maintain that aesthetic that is so characteristic of the brand, with that camera module as the main character.

This time it’s the Pixel 9 Pro It has slightly changed its design compared to its predecessor. It has kept the same line and the same look that immediately identifies it as a Google Pixel, but with small improvements that make it more beautiful, more comfortable and, above all, more reliable.

First, the frames are now completely flat. They look very similar to the iPhone, as they have a glossy finish and the same button layout. Anyway, They make the Pixel feel more stable.and in the case of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, they’re not too thick, which also helps the phone fit comfortably in your hand.

These frames are combined with a completely flat glass back panel with a matte finish. The main character, I repeat, is the photo module. It remains in a horizontal position, although This time it doesn’t go from edge to edgebut leaves a little space between them. The front is also completely flat, with very small bezels and a camera located in the center of the screen.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Screen

The screen, by the way, is excellent in terms of sharpness, color rendering, and brightness. In the case of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, this is 6.8-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 344 x 2992 pixels.which provides a density of 486 pixels per inch.

The screen also features LTPO technology, which allows for adjustment refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hzdepending on what is being played on the screen. It also has a brightness of up to 2000 nits when playing HDR content and a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits.

This is, I repeat, a very good screen; one of the best on a smartphoneThe brightness is more than enough even for outdoors, the colors are displayed very well calibrated, but not too saturated.

AI is more relevant now than ever

Apart from the design, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also attracts attention with its design. AI functions. This is something the company has included in previous generations. However, this time they have gone a step further and made a major addition: Gemini, their language model that competes with ChatGPT.

Gemini is fully integrated into the device and replaces the classic Google Assistant that the company includes in Android. With the difference, of course, that the Gemini is much smarter. This allows us to answer almost any questions, as well as independently perform actions on the device itself. I used the latter a lot on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

For example, the other day I needed to know the tracking code for an Ikea order, and I simply had to ask Gemini, “What is the tracking code for my Ikea order?” Within seconds, he dictated it to me. Because Who knows where I had this letter?Another example of use: we can use the camera to ask Gemini what recipe to make with the ingredients we are focusing on, or give us a summary of a book we are showing him, etc.

Google AI is also present in the Pixel 9 Pro with features like Circle to searchwhich allows you to search for information about any element that appears on the screen by simply circling that area. It’s amazing how well it works and how accurate it is. Plus, this feature can be activated when the camera is in use.

Tensor G4: the brain of the Pixel 9 Pro XL

These AI features, as well as the ones Google has built into its Pixel 9 Pro camera that I’ll talk about later, work thanks to Tensioner G4a processor developed by Google itself, which, although it turned out not to be the most powerful on the market, is one of the most intelligent. It is also a great ally in the photography section.

In any case and despite the fact that It’s not as powerful as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple A17 Pro. The Tensor G4, equipped with 16 GB of RAM, does a great job of handling performance. The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs smoothly and lets you run any app without any problems. It also handles heat very well. Of course, there is a downside: its performance drops significantly for this reason.

By the way, the performance fingerprint scanner It has been significantly improved as it is now an ultrasonic sensor rather than an optical one. This makes it much faster and more accurate in recognizing your fingerprint, and the truth is that it finally works as it should.

As for autonomy, 5060mAh of this Pixel 9 Pro XL They do a great job, allowing you to get through the day without any problems with heavy use (cameras, social media, video) and without having to limit the refresh rate or activate battery saving mode. All this, in addition, with compatibility with 45W fast charging, which can refill the battery by 70% in about 30 minutes, according to Google. Of course, it also has wireless charging, as well as reverse charging.

This is how your cameras work

This is, without a doubt, the most important section of the Pixel 9 Pro. The truth is, this has always been the case with Pixel phones; not because of the quality of the sensors, but because of the results they can offer thanks to Google’s processing.

In any case, on a hardware level, the Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Main sensor 50 megapixelscamera 48MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera resolution and telephoto lensalso 48 megapixels, capable of taking photos with 5x optical zoom.

In all three cases The results are excellent. One of the best we can get with a smartphone. The Pixel 9 Pro camera maintains unrivaled detail and a very successful color tone. Even in low light conditions, you can get very good photos. What makes this camera even more special is its artificial intelligence features.

Google has kept all the features that were in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, including sleep mode. “Better take it”capable of changing the face of an object if it appeared, for example, with closed eyes. Now another function called “Turn me on”. This allows you to literally turn on the photographer who is taking a photo of the group, the group; without having to put the phone down somewhere or ask a stranger to take the photo.

Its operation is also extremely simple. It is accessed from a specific mode in the camera application. First, the photographer must take a photo and compose it using the prompt that appears on the screen. Meanwhile, The rest of the participants in the photograph have to leave the space so that he can take up his position later.

After the first photo is taken, the photographer must hand over the mobile phone to any other participant who appears in the frame, and stand next to the rest of the groupFinally, the second person takes the photo, and the AI ​​takes care of the rest. In most cases, especially if you have a little patience and leave enough space, the results are excellent.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL includes other AI functions for editingfor example, a magic eraser to remove unwanted elements from a photo, or a more advanced editing mode using artificial intelligence. Although yes, the latter is significantly limited. Basically, you can only delete or resize elements, since features such as changing the tone of the sky, adding objects that are not in the image, etc. are not available in all regions. Spain is one of them.

Special mention Pro mode, which includes the Pixel 9 Pro camera.and allows you to adjust settings such as ISO, white balance, etc. It works very well, although it is not very intuitive: the camera’s professional mode is accessed via a small button located at the bottom of the screen, and adjusting the controls is a bit tedious as they are very poorly distributed.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro worth the money?

To answer the question I asked in the introduction to this review, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, available for €1,199, as well as its little brother, which is priced at €1,099, This is without a doubt one of the best phones on the market.. In fact, this is the mobile phone with the best camera to date. Not only because of the results, but also because of the versatility it offers. No other smartphone has such useful camera AI features as this Pixel, and no other AI feature works as well.

It’s also the Pixel I’ve been waiting for. But the Pixel 9 Pro isn’t just an incredible photographic example. It’s also proved to be an excellent successoris the best example of what Google can improve in such a short time: fixing that poorly designed frame, that screen with so many bugs, or that fingerprint scanner that worked when it wanted to. It also makes the Pixel 9 Pro a perfect option for those looking for a premium smartphone.

Of course, the terminal Has some negative aspectsThe Tensor G4 processor isn’t the most powerful, and that can make a difference depending on the task. Google also needs to work on its camera app a bit, as the interface is quite confusing in some cases, especially in Pro mode.

Let’s not forget that the Pixel 9 Pro also faces some tough competition. Coming soon will have to face the very promising iPhone 16, and Samsung is introducing its Galaxy S24 Ultra, which also uses many AI features. Anyway, if you were thinking about buying a Pixel 9 Pro: the answer is yes, it is the perfect option.