Pixel 9: 10 Months Later - I Was VERY Wrong! (HONEST Review)

Summary

The Pixel 9, after 10 months of use, still impresses with its clean software, smart AI features, and strong camera performance, especially for photography. However, it faces issues like inconsistent fingerprint sensor performance, a glossy back that attracts smudges, and subpar gaming capabilities. The battery life is decent but not exceptional, and charging speed lags behind competitors. Despite these flaws, the Pixel 9 remains an excellent choice for those seeking a minimal, efficient Android experience and top-tier camera functionality in 2025.

Takeaways

• 😀 After 10 months of use, the Pixel 9 remains one of the smartest, cleanest phones available, but it’s not without its flaws.
• 😀 While minor bugs like keyboard freezes and app crashes exist, they don't significantly detract from the overall experience.
• 😀 The glossy back of the Pixel 9 attracts fingerprints quickly, making it frustrating for those who prefer a case-free experience.
• 😀 The fingerprint sensor is inconsistent, sometimes fast and other times unreliable, which can be inconvenient in fast-paced situations.
• 😀 Gaming performance on the Pixel 9 lags behind Snapdragon-powered phones, with stuttering and overheating issues during demanding games.
• 😀 Despite its flaws, the Pixel 9’s OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides sharp, vibrant visuals and smooth performance for daily tasks.
• 😀 The Tensor G4 chip handles general tasks smoothly, but it struggles during intensive activities like long gaming or editing sessions, leading to thermal throttling.
• 😀 Battery life on the Pixel 9 is decent, offering around 5 to 6 hours of screen time, but heavy users may need to charge twice a day.
• 😀 Charging speed is slower than its competitors, with a full charge taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 27 watts.
• 😀 The software experience on the Pixel 9 is one of its strongest points, offering clean, smart features like Gemini AI, photo editing tools, and regular updates.
• 😀 The camera still excels in photography, delivering accurate skin tones and dynamic range, but it falls short in video stabilization and zoom performance compared to newer flagships.

Q & A

What makes the Pixel 9 still stand out after 10 months of use?

The Pixel 9 remains impressive due to its clean software, smart AI features, and consistent camera performance, making it one of the most enjoyable phones to use in 2025 despite some flaws.

What are some of the key issues the reviewer faced with the Pixel 9?

The main issues include inconsistent fingerprint sensor performance, a glossy back that attracts fingerprints, occasional UI glitches, and subpar gaming performance. The charging speed is also slower compared to some competitors.

How does the Pixel 9 handle everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and messaging?

The Pixel 9 performs excellently for everyday tasks, with smooth app switching, responsive scrolling, and solid UI optimization. It delivers a lag-free experience for general use.

What are the pros and cons of the Pixel 9's camera performance?

The Pixel 9 excels in still photography with accurate skin tones, dynamic range, and realistic colors. However, its video performance and zoom capabilities are less impressive, especially in low light and long-distance shots.

How does the Pixel 9 perform for gaming?

The gaming performance of the Pixel 9 is underwhelming. The Tensor G4 chip struggles with demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, resulting in stuttering, heating issues, and reduced performance over time.

Is the Pixel 9's display still competitive in 2025?

Yes, the 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is still vibrant and smooth for most uses, offering sharp visuals and good color balance. However, it is not the brightest, especially under direct sunlight.

What has the reviewer said about the battery life on the Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9's battery life is decent, offering 5-6 hours of screen time under moderate usage. The phone shows improved standby performance with recent updates, losing only 2-3% overnight. However, heavy users may need to charge it twice a day.

What about the charging speed of the Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9 charges at 27 watts, which is slower compared to competitors that offer faster charging speeds. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes for a full charge from 0 to 100%, which is adequate but not cutting-edge in 2025.

What sets the Pixel 9 apart in terms of software?

The Pixel 9 offers one of the cleanest, most user-friendly Android experiences with minimal bloatware. Features like Gemini AI, live transcription, and call screening are standout functionalities, alongside regular, fast updates.

Who would benefit most from using the Pixel 9 in 2025?

The Pixel 9 is ideal for those who prioritize photography, enjoy a minimal Android experience with smart AI features, and don't mind the occasional hardware limitations. It's particularly suited for users who prefer a reliable, efficient phone for daily tasks and media consumption.