Google Pixel 9 - A Long Term User Review

Summary

This hands-on review of Google’s Pixel 9 lineup—focusing on the Pixel 9—breaks down design, performance, camera, and AI features after five months of use. The Pixel 9 offers a refined, comfortable design, excellent primary and front cameras, strong battery life, and useful AI tools like Magic Editor and Add Me. However, Tensor G4 underwhelms versus Qualcomm flagships, app stability and UI lag persist (especially in certain apps and Android Auto), and Gemini/AI features feel unfinished compared with competitors. Overall: superb camera and value if discounted, but avoid at full price unless you prioritize Google’s software and camera strengths.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google Pixel 9 lineup focuses on superb camera experience and unique software features, but the new Tensor G4 chip struggles to compete with other flagship processors.
• 😀 The Pixel 9 offers 95% of the features of the 9 Pro at 20% less cost, making it a more affordable option for those seeking a similar experience.
• 😀 The design of the Pixel 9 is praised for its flatter edges, soft-touch matte rails, and well-rounded camera bump, providing a more premium feel.
• 😀 There's inconsistency in the materials used across the Pixel 9 lineup, with the 9 Pro having a more premium finish than the Pixel 9, which has a glossy and fingerprint-prone back.
• 😀 Setting up the Pixel 9 can be frustrating, with issues like slow setup and unresponsive inputs at first.
• 😀 The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in the Pixel 9 is much faster and more accurate than the optical reader in the Pixel 8, though face unlock has limitations.
• 😀 The non-LTPO OLED display on the Pixel 9 offers a fixed 120Hz refresh rate, but struggles with outdoor brightness and ambient sensor issues.
• 😀 App stability has improved in the Pixel 9 compared to the Pixel 8, but some third-party apps still experience performance issues, including lag in banking apps, YouTube Studio, and Instagram.
• 😀 Tensor G4, while energy-efficient, cannot compete with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips in terms of raw performance, impacting the overall experience, especially for the Pro models.
• 😀 The Pixel 9 excels in battery life, providing up to two full days of usage on light workdays, but charging speeds remain slow, with a maximum of 27W wired and 12W wireless charging.
• 😀 The camera system on the Pixel 9 delivers excellent photo quality with clean, well-exposed images, especially for a non-Pro model, though the video and low-light performance still has room for improvement.

Q & A

What is the main selling point of the Pixel lineup, according to the review?

The main selling point of the Pixel lineup has traditionally been its superb camera performance combined with Google's unique software features, rather than cutting-edge hardware.

How does the Pixel 9 compare to the Pixel 9 Pro in terms of value?

The Pixel 9 offers about 95% of what the Pixel 9 Pro does, but at a 20% lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option for most users.

What are the issues with app stability on the Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9 has improved app stability compared to the Pixel 8, with third-party apps like Reddit, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams working smoothly. However, some apps, such as banking apps, YouTube Studio, and Instagram, still experience issues like lag, UI glitches, and performance problems.

How does the Tensor G4 chip perform on the Pixel 9?

The Tensor G4 chip offers power efficiency but does not deliver flagship-level performance. It struggles to compete with other processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, leading to performance issues, especially with demanding apps and a consistent 120Hz experience.

What improvements does the Pixel 9 bring in terms of design?

The Pixel 9 features a refreshingly modern design with flatter edges, soft-touch matte rails, and a well-rounded camera bump. The design is considered one of Google's best yet, offering a comfortable and premium feel.

What are the camera improvements on the Pixel 9 compared to the Pixel 8?

The Pixel 9 boasts a 50MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultrawide sensor, with better dynamic range, OIS, and AI processing. The selfie camera is also much improved, offering one of the best front-facing cameras in the market.

What are the main drawbacks of the Pixel 9's camera performance?

The main drawbacks are the sluggish camera app and prolonged processing times, which can hinder quick photo captures. Despite these issues, the photo quality remains excellent when the camera functions properly.

What are the charging speeds like on the Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9 supports a maximum of 27W wired charging and 12W wireless charging. While the charging speeds are decent, they are slower compared to some other flagship devices.

How does the Pixel 9 perform in terms of battery life?

The Pixel 9 offers good battery life, lasting nearly two full days with moderate usage. The increase in battery capacity from the Pixel 8 only results in a modest improvement, but it's still sufficient for light to moderate use.

What role does AI play in the Pixel 9, and how effective is it?

AI plays a significant role in the Pixel 9, with features like Magic Eraser, Add Me, and Google's Gemini AI. While some AI features, like image editing and group photo generation, are fun and functional, others, like Gemini Live, still have room for improvement, especially when compared to competing AI models.