Google Pixel 9/Pro Review: Gimmick or Good?
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Promos
Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are full of AI and wrapped in premium build. What a gift. Explore the full Anker Prime lineup and get the most advanced multi-device fast-charging experience: Amazon: ankerfast.club Anker: shop.anker.com MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phone provided by Google for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD 0:00 Intro 1:29 Hardware 5:49 Cameras 8:14 The Pixel Experience 11:00 Gemini 15:56 AI: Overrated or Underrated? 21:34 Conclusion
The video offers a thorough hardware-focused evaluation of the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, highlighting what actually feels flagship-worthy beyond the marketing talk. The reviewer notes brighter displays for both models, with the Pixel 9 hitting up to 2700 nits and the Pro up to 3000 nits, plus a refined edge-to-edge OLED panel and a new ultrasonic fingerprint reader that is faster and more reliable than before. He mentions that while the Tensor G4 chip brings a stronger AI capability, the overall everyday performance difference for most tasks may be modest compared to last year, though the AI components and RAM allocation promise meaningful improvements for on-device AI. The update to the camera hardware centers on a shared primary camera and ultrawide for both models, while the Pro gains a 5x telephoto lens; however, the reviewer observes the images retain the Pixel “processed” look with strong HDR, contrast, and sharpening, which some users may prefer for social sharing but may feel less natural to photographers seeking a neutral tone. Battery size is similar to last year, with the smaller model around 4700 mAh and the Pro around 5000 mAh, offering solid endurance but charging remains a point of critique with 37 W max charging in the XL and a bit slower performance on smaller variants. The overall hardware package is praised for its premium feel, including the new camera visor shelf, matte vs glossy side finishes, and the renewed emphasis on a cohesive flagship identity that fits alongside iPhones and Samsungs. The reviewer also raises practical gripes about pricing and base storage, noting that a 128 GB start is a missed opportunity in 2024, and he voices a preference for more generous base storage options. In sum, the Pixel 9 lineup is judged as some of Google's best work yet, blending thoughtful hardware with a robust software and AI experience, while acknowledging that some AI features are still evolving and may be optional or aped by other OEMs later in the product cycle.
Topics · technology · smartphones · android · cameras · ai_assistant · battery
Questions answered
- What are the standout hardware improvements on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro?
- Standout hardware improvements include brighter displays, an all-new edge design with a reinforced camera visor, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader, the Tensor G4 chip with a dedicated AI NPU, and more RAM allocated to AI tasks. The Pixel 9 Pro also adds a 5X telephoto lens while both phones share the same primary camera and an upgraded 48 MP ultrawide.
- How does the Pixel camera performance compare to previous Pixel generations?
- Cameras deliver quick and reliable focus with a familiar Pixel processing style featuring strong HDR, contrast, and sharpening. Images tend to look highly processed rather than natural, which can be ideal for social sharing but may feel less neutral to photographers seeking a more true-to-life look.
- What is Gemini and how does it integrate with the Pixel 9 series?
- Gemini is Google’s AI assistant integration that appears as the core AI system on the Pixel, capable of deep conversational interactions, context remember, and extensions that access apps like Docs, Drive, and Calendar. It runs alongside the traditional Google Assistant for now, offering tasks like reminders, timers, home controls, and on-device capabilities that improve over time.
- Are there any notable drawbacks or compromises mentioned for the Pixel 9 lineup?
- Notable drawbacks include the base model starting at 799 with limited storage, charging speeds that are slower than ideal, and some AI features that may be considered gimmicks or optional. The reviewer also notes that the more expensive Pro variant can feel bulky for some users and that the AI features’ usefulness will depend on user engagement.
- What is the overall takeaway about whether the Pixel 9/Pro is a gimmick or good?
- The consensus is that the Pixel 9/Pro deliver solid flagship hardware and a strong AI/software experience, making them compelling devices in Google's lineup. While some AI features feel optional or evolving, the phones represent some of Google's finest work to date, balancing premium hardware with meaningful software capabilities.