The prayers of Team Pixel were answered early this morning with the official launch of Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL in Malaysia. For the first time in the Pixel's history it was marketed in Malaysia ending the eight-year wait. What is good what is lacking? Here's my first look at all three Pixel 9 series devices.
Specifications
Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.3″ OLED, 120Hz
Actua Display, HDR10+ 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz
Actua Display, HDR10+ 6.8″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz
Active Display, HDR10+
Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
1 X 3.1 GHz Cortex X4
3 X 2.6 GHz Cortex A720
4 X 1.95 GHz Cortex A720 Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
1 X 3.1 GHz Cortex X4
3 X 2.6 GHz Cortex A720
4 X 1.95 GHz Cortex A720 Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
1 X 3.1 GHz Cortex X4
3 X 2.6 GHz Cortex A720
4 X 1.95 GHz Cortex A720
Mali G-715 MC7 Adreno 750 Adreno 750
12 GB LPDRR5X 16 GB LPDRR5X 16 GB LPDRR5X
128/256/512/1000 GB UFS 3.1 128/256/512 GB UFS 3.1 128/256/512/1000 GB UFS 3.1
Primary Camera
50MP f/1.7, OIS (Primary)
48MP f/1.7 (Ultra Wide) Primary Camera
50MP f/1.7, OIS (Primary)
48MP f/1.7 (Ultra Wide)
48MP f/2.8, OIS (Telephoto) Primary Camera
50MP f/1.7, OIS (Primary)
48MP f/1.7 (Ultra Wide)
48MP f/2.8, OIS (Telephoto)
Front Camera
10.5MP f/2.2 Front Camera
42MP f/2.2 Front Camera
42MP f/2.2
IP68 IP68 IP68
No audio jack No audio jack No audio jack
Stereo Audio Stereo Audio Stereo Audio
4700 mAh (Wired 27W) 4700 mAh (Wired 27W) 5060 mAh (Wired 37W)
RM 3999 (12/128GB)
RM 4499 (12/256GB) RM 5199 (16/128GB)
RM 5699 (16/256GB)
RM 6299 (16/512GB) RM 5699 (12/128GB)
RM 6199 (16/256GB)
RM 6799 (16/512GB)
RM 7999 (16/1000GB)
Screen
The Pixel 9 screen is a 6.3″ OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate with Actua Dislay support. It is flat and has rounded corners. Meanwhile, on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the 6.3″ and 6.8″ LTPO OLED 120Hz screens are also used from the Actua Display type which is smooth when used. The screen resolution is improved compared to the Pixel 8 series and more importantly it supports HDR10+ display. Sorry Dolby Vision fans but this feature is not included on Google released devices.
With all three screens of the flat type, there is no issue of content overflowing to the sides. View milk is also good even on the base Pixel 9 model. It feels like a well-detected touch is helped by the Android 14 software that is not contaminated by third-party launchers or fat applications. Unfortunately I wasn't able to test the Pixel 9 under the scorching Malaysian sun to see if it could beat the S24 Ultra panel which I think is the best this year.
Biometrics
The biometric system on all three Pixels is of the under-screen ultrasonic fingerprint scanner type. The advantage is that the scan is faster, accurate and can be used even when the user's fingers are wet. I didn't get to try it yet because the demo unit didn't allow it to be tried today. In a full review later I will see if what is promised compares to real world reality. There is also a face scan system for those who are more comfortable with this biometric system but it is not of the 3D scan type.
Design
The Google Pixel 3a was the last device I used and it has a plastic body that makes it feel like a toy device. Before that the Google Pixel 1 I reviewed in Japan also had the same issue. All three Pixel 9s have a body that feels sturdy and premium in the hand.
The shiny metal frame gives it a finish that looks as luxurious as the iPhone 15 Pro Max frame. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that the quality of the finish and body of the Pixel 9 series is at the same level as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is not a negative thing as Apple devices are known for their excellent finishes.
The power button and audio adjustment are placed on the right side. Below is a USB-C charging port with an audio grille groove on the left and a SIM tray on the right. Moving up there is a microphone hole. On the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL models there is an oval-shaped window for the 5G mmWave network.
The flat side of the body makes the device look a little thick but I'm not the type of user who appreciates a little thick device. It's not a big issue. Because it is thick and flat, the device can "stand" like the Nokia 3310.
This thick body is due to the battery capacity of 4700 mAh on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro and 5000 mAh on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The only drawback is that the battery is charged at 27W on the two Pixel 9 and 9 Pro models, while the 9 Pro XL only charges at 37W, which is slow.
The back panel is made of non-glossy glass and does not trap dirt easily. It also enables the device to support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The oval-shaped camera bump dominates the rear design. It is quite large and thick so the device cannot be placed flat on the table.
On the Pixel 9 it replaces a 50MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens. On the Pro model, there is an additional 48MP telephoto lens that can perform optical zoom up to 5X. It is easy to distinguish from other lenses because of its square shape.
Personally, I prefer the camera bar design used on the previous Pixel 6 to Pixel 8 series because it looks more stylish and neat. The hump that protrudes from the body is quite strange. However when the Pixel 6 was launched some said the device's camera bump was ugly but over time it became iconic. Maybe after a few years the Pixel 9 bump will also become iconic after this design was pioneered by the Google Nexus 6P nine years ago. Finally, the bodies of all three models pass IP68 waterproof and dustproof standards.
Software – Most Original Google Android
Software is the reason why many want to use the Pixel. It's the purest version of Android 14 without fat apps and unappealing third-party launchers. This software runs quite smoothly on all three models because it uses the latest Google Tensor G4 chip. The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM while the Pixel 9 Pro series comes with 16GB of RAM. The high amount of processing power matched with the large size of RAM ensures that the issue of "Pixel not having enough memory" can be thrown away this year.
In addition to the lightest software, it still comes with Pixel exclusive features. Any new features will be received first by the device via Pixel Drop. No more waiting for manufacturers to offer it months after it's launched. Then it received 7 Android version update support and 7 years of security patches. Only Samsung is able to offer support comparable to that offered by Google.
Reimagine
Another interesting feature is that Gemini Nano runs directly on the device for various AI tasks such as the Reimagine feature in Photos. Through it the picture can be modified by inserting prom. For example you might want to change a blue sky to a red sky like a sunset. Turn the road into a fast flowing river. Photos can also be re-composed with parts not generated by Gemini.
There is also a new Screenshot feature that saves all screenshots in a special app. The AI then reads all the information in the screenshot such as phone number, WiFi password, plane reservation number and event venue address. From within the application the user only needs to ask the question they want to know the answer to and Screenshot will provide it based on the information that has been collected.
Generate Generative AI Images
Lastly is the Add Me feature that adds a user's photo to a captured photo. The dilemma of people missing out on group photos because no one can take photos is solved by Add Me with the help of AI. Of all the features above, this is the feature that I feel is the most innovative and unique.
Add Me – Before
Add Me – After
All previous Gemini Nano features such as writing messages, and email are still included as well as Circle to Search which I feel is the best creation of Google in the last 5 years and there is no product close to it. Buyers of the Pixel 9 Pro series also receive a one-year subscription to Gemini Pro with more powerful AI capabilities for free. The strength of the Pixel has always been in the software and this tradition continues with the Pixel 9 series.
Conclusion
Was the 8-year wait for the Google Pixel worth it? Based on a short experience yesterday two hours this morning I can say yes. This is what you most wanted all along. A device with the most “native” Android software without extra flavors, best-in-class camera capabilities, a solid premium finish, interesting AI features and seven years of software update support. Stay tuned for our full review of these devices next August 22.
Pro
Premium design that feels good in the hand.
The most original Android software.
Pixel camera capabilities are well known.
Software support for 7 years.
IP68 waterproof and dustproof.
Interesting AI features are missing on other devices so far.
Cons
The price is quite expensive.
The Tensor G4 on paper is no match for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Charging is only 27W and 37W which is slow for modern devices.