Google Pixel 9 Pro Review - Redemption Time!?

Summary

The video script offers a detailed review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, highlighting the phone's impressive build quality, software, and camera capabilities while addressing past issues like overheating and performance lag. The reviewer praises the new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, improved AI features, and battery life, yet notes the phone's slower performance compared to competitors and the starting storage of only 128 GB as drawbacks. The script also features an introduction to the Anchor Prime charging station, setting a new standard for multi-device charging solutions.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL aim to address previous issues and prove their worth as potential favorite phones.
• 🎁 The packaging is minimalistic, with the phone, a cable, and a SIM ejector tool included.
• 📲 The new Pixel models feature the best build quality in the series, with a design and weight reminiscent of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• 🔄 Google's redesign signals a continued commitment to the smartphone market, despite past concerns about project cancellations.
• 🔍 The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner offers a more reliable and three-dimensional recognition of fingerprints.
• 📶 The new modem in the Pixel 9 Pro XL shows promise in improving signal reception, especially during long trips.
• 🔋 Battery life is adequate but not exceptional, with the smaller Pro model offering 6.5 hours and the XL offering 7 hours of screen-on time.
• 🌡️ The phone appears to have overcome previous overheating issues, thanks to the inclusion of a vapor chamber.
• 🏎️ Despite improvements, the Pixel 9 Pro still lags behind competitors in terms of raw performance, with a slower chip and storage speed.
• 📸 The camera system, while improved, still has some limitations, such as laggy zooming and grainy camera previews, but introduces impressive AI features like 'Magic Eraser' and 'Video Boost'.

Q & A

What are some of the issues the reviewer had with previous Google Pixel phones?

The reviewer had several issues with previous Google Pixel phones, including build quality problems, overheating, signal issues, inconsistent camera performance, and slower performance compared to the competition.

How does the build quality of the Pixel 9 Pro compare to previous Pixel models?

The Pixel 9 Pro is described as the best-built Pixel phone ever. It feels solid, does not flex, has similar dimensions to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and features flat sides with a slight curve. The construction is more refined and robust compared to previous models.

What are some design improvements noted in the Pixel 9 Pro?

The Pixel 9 Pro features grippier sides, thinner and evenly sized screen bezels, and a more solid construction. The design looks and feels classier than previous Pixel models.

What are the benefits of the new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner in the Pixel 9 Pro?

The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner in the Pixel 9 Pro uses sound waves instead of light to map out the ridges of the user's fingers, providing a more reliable and secure fingerprint recognition compared to the optical scanners used in previous models.

How does the Pixel 9 Pro handle signal reception during travel?

During a 2.5-hour trip from Nottingham to London, the Pixel 9 Pro managed to maintain a stable connection, switching between 4G and 5G with only two brief periods of no signal, indicating improved modem performance.

What is the performance of the Pixel 9 Pro’s battery life?

The battery life of the Pixel 9 Pro is adequate, offering around 6.5 hours of screen-on time for the smaller model and 7 hours for the XL model. While it is less than some competitors like Samsung, it is sufficient for most users.

How does the Pixel 9 Pro perform in gaming compared to other phones?

Despite not being the fastest phone, the Pixel 9 Pro performs well in gaming. It handled demanding games like Zen Zone Zero at max settings for extended periods without major issues, apart from slightly warm side rails.

What AI features does the Pixel 9 Pro offer?

The Pixel 9 Pro offers several AI features, including the Gemini live assistant for natural conversation, the Magic Editor for photo adjustments, and video boost for enhancing video quality post-capture using cloud processing.

What are the camera specifications and improvements in the Pixel 9 Pro?

The Pixel 9 Pro retains similar camera hardware to the previous model with a 50 MP main sensor, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP telephoto lens. Improvements include better video quality, a new front camera with a 42 MP sensor for wider shots, and enhanced AI features for photo editing.

What are the main drawbacks of the Pixel 9 Pro according to the reviewer?

The main drawbacks of the Pixel 9 Pro include its slower performance compared to competitors, especially at a higher price point of $1,100, and some limitations in AI features and camera functions.