Pixel 9 - August Launch this year - three model lineup

[MrSquished]

Google is saying 20% battery increase in the 9 with screen on, 25% screen off. Let's see what they do. looking forward to the refined and upgraded modem, the cooler temps with the vapor chamber and other efficiencies, the quality of the build (MKB said it was the most premium feeling one yet), the upgraded selfie cam, and especially the better one handed size, and also to try out the upgraded FPS.

I traded in my 8pro for $700 and got the regular 9pro 256GB, also traded in my watch 2 for a watch 3 45mm, the size was always pissing me off.

With the over $200 in credit I have to buy two nest protects - I have three smoke alarms in my condo. I upgraded one to the nest protect, but when the state came to do the code inspection, when he tested the nest to go off, it did not trigger the other two detectors to go off, I guess because they are not nest protect. So either I have to get rid of my nest protect and put in the old one, or upgrade the other two to nest protects. at 150 a pop, not cheap.

 

[Oyeve]

OK, pulled the trigger and got the pixel pro 9 pro xl 512 gb for just under 300 with tax and all. Gonna sell off my 8 Pro and probably make a little profit.

 

[MrSquished]

OK, pulled the trigger and got the pixel pro 9 pro xl 512 gb for just under 300 with tax and all. Gonna sell off my 8 Pro and probably make a little profit.

no brainer with a deal like that

 

[misuspita]

Did some camera reviews popped up? That's a big update this Gen, I'm curious

 

[MrSquished]

Did some camera reviews popped up? That's a big update this Gen, I'm curious

The rear cameras are pretty much the same hardware wise, the selfie camera is a nice upgrade. The rear cameras will benefit from software and AI related upgrades.

On another note, so far from folks that have tried the demos in store, even the skeptics are like the 9 series just feels really premium build-wise and overall. It's a next-level step for Google.

 

[spdfreak]

The rear cameras are pretty much the same hardware wise, the selfie camera is a nice upgrade. The rear cameras will benefit from software and AI related upgrades.

On another note, so far from folks that have tried the demos in store, even the skeptics are like the 9 series just feels really premium build-wise and overall. It's a next-level step for Google.

So, the rear cameras are basically the same as the 8 cameras?

 

[MrSquished]

So, the rear cameras are basically the same as the 8 cameras?

They are exactly the same except the 9 pro ultrawide has a slightly wider aperture for a bit more light

 

[misuspita]

Bummer. Before launch there were a few rumors that they would upgrade the main camera sensor, that would have been a good incentive for me to switch. AI generation doesn't impress me, Tensor G4 is lagging behind every other 2y old flagship CPU.... I would have liked a VIVO X00 Pro/Ultra kind of approach, but will have to wait for the next Pixel... Or actually buy the next Vivo instead, heard they are finally going global with the next gen

 

[MrSquished]

Bummer. Before launch there were a few rumors that they would upgrade the main camera sensor, that would have been a good incentive for me to switch. AI generation doesn't impress me, Tensor G4 is lagging behind every other 2y old flagship CPU.... I would have liked a VIVO X00 Pro/Ultra kind of approach, but will have to wait for the next Pixel... Or actually buy the next Vivo instead, heard they are finally going global with the next gen

Yeah I don't live by benchmarks - my phone is fast for everything I do (I don't play games, maybe puzzle games, but no intense graphical games) - from all my browsing, app usage, constant usage for work, watching videos, and the photos are excellent. I'm too old to chase benchmarks, I like phones based upon real world usage, and the newer Pixels are great for me.

 

[misuspita]

Yes, I don't play benchmarks (actually on the phone I almost never play games) but... I do like the best camera possible. And I don't think using the same hardware and trying to extract more quality by software is enough, they did that last time. Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Sony, they all use 1"/1" sensors. Ok, Google still has the better software but it's not enough, lately all of them bypassed the quality of pictures and video Google does. It's not bad, but not the best.

And all I need from the phone is to not stutter (for the lifetime), have best in class camera, and of course the rest, like battery, signal, etc...

So I agree, that while Tensor G4 is not bad NOW, how will it be in 3-4 years? I don't know... I have my phone for 2.5yrs now, probably gonna be 3 until I change it. It's already at the limit of what I want to see and feel in a phone.

 

[MrSquished]

Yes, I don't play benchmarks (actually on the phone I almost never play games) but... I do like the best camera possible. And I don't think using the same hardware and trying to extract more quality by software is enough, they did that last time. Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Sony, they all use 1"/1" sensors. Ok, Google still has the better software but it's not enough, lately all of them bypassed the quality of pictures and video Google does. It's not bad, but not the best.

And all I need from the phone is to not stutter (for the lifetime), have best in class camera, and of course the rest, like battery, signal, etc...

So I agree, that while Tensor G4 is not bad NOW, how will it be in 3-4 years? I don't know... I have my phone for 2.5yrs now, probably gonna be 3 until I change it. It's already at the limit of what I want to see and feel in a phone.

I will always agree I want a bigger sensor for cameras. But I'm quite happy with what the Pixels put out for my needs, and I am a passionate photographer. But yes, a bigger sensor is something I hope to see them do next year.

As far as my phone usage, it hasn't changed in many years, I use the same kinds of apps, same listening to music, take teh same kinds of photos, I simply have no need to use apps that are testing the limits of current gen smartphones. So odds are, it's not going to change much. But I usually do upgrade almost yearly, because the Pixel pre-order trade in values for the last years model are usually very very good, and getting 700 bucks for my 8 pro makes it an easy decision financially

 

[VincentClarke]

From what I’ve seen, it’s got a solid camera setup, which is always a plus for those of us who love snapping pics. The design is sleek, and it looks like it’s got some nice updates that keep it fresh without going overboard. I’ve heard that the software is smooth . If you’re looking for a reliable phone with a good camera and a clean Android experience, it seems like the Pixel 9 could be a great pick.Personally, I hate iOS and therefore I will probably buy a Pixel 9, simply because it is a worthy competitor for an iPhone with a good operating system for me personally. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I couldn't help but express it. The iPhone is overrated

 

[misuspita]

I will always agree I want a bigger sensor for cameras.

Yep. Hardware trounces software if all equal. I am very interested in Google's way of computational photography, but I will always favor physical sensor over software. Especially since they are allowing raw access. Ok, for 99%,not interested, but the fact you can use thst as a baseline or even accept the jpg, it's really great. I'm mentioning Vivo X100 Pro and Oppo X7 Ultra, cause they are using really best in class sensors, unlike what Google does.

 

[Oyeve]

Mine will in tomorrow. Already ordered a Spigen case.

 

[Oyeve]

Came in a little while ago. Still copying from my 8 Pro. Pretty much the same size.

 

[MrSquished]

From user reviews so far it seems the new modem is much better. Also the vapor chamber in the pros is doing something, as temps and also battery life are also making people happy. These are all folks coming from 7 or 8 Pixel series I've seen so far.

 

[MrSquished]

seen numerous users report the modem is killing it now in places they had poor signal, and still do with an iPhone or Samsung, but the P9 is doing quite good now.

also lots of positives about the battery life and heat.

 

[MrSquished]

Just got tracking for the 9 pro - they just started shipping, the XL's already shipped. Will arrive tomorrow or Thurs. Let's go.

 

[Oyeve]

I am digging the pro xl. The AI stuff needs much improvement but overall its fast and snappy and super bright. Cameras are similar to my 8 pro but those were frat cameras so its all good. I believe its rated second best on DXOMARK.

 

[VashHT]

I got my pro XL a couple weeks ago and it's been great so far, GPS is definitely better than the 8 which was really my only complaint.

I agree the camera puts out pretty similar photos as my 8, not surprising given the same hardware but it seems to process a little faster. It also seems to use night mode more often but I think I may have changed a setting that's causing that.