Google Pixel 9 Pro: Smartphone Design and AI Integration

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: A Fresh Take on Smartphone Design and AI Integration

The Google Pixel 9 Pro represents a significant leap as the first flagship AI-driven smartphone. But what exactly does that entail? It means AI is woven into every aspect of the device, far beyond just enhancing Photos or drafting WhatsApp messages. AI is the core and consistent theme of the Pixel 9 Pro. So, what’s it like to use this AI-centric phone daily? Imagine living next to Disney World—exciting, but sometimes overwhelming.

Starting with the design, the Pixel 9 Pro is as meticulously crafted as a premium theme park. Every detail is considered, right down to the curved SIM card lid that seamlessly follows the phone’s contours. The Pixel 9 Pro’s polished edges and high-quality materials make it feel more refined in hand than even the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Now, let’s dive into its features. When the Pixel 9 Pro shines, it’s truly exhilarating. The new multi-modal Google Gemini AI can analyze photos and answer questions about them. Gemini Live offers a conversational assistant that feels more natural than any computer interaction you’ve experienced. The AI-powered photography tools create stunning, creative, and nearly flawless images, whether real or imagined.

However, the AI can sometimes feel overwhelming, constantly offering assistance. Whether you’re jotting down a shopping list in Google Keep or reading emails in Gmail, Gemini is always there, eager to help. It’s like being in a theme park where every corner offers a new ride—exciting, but occasionally too much.

Once you’re immersed in the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s AI world, there’s no turning back, and it’s only going to expand. But don’t take this as a negative—like a well-designed theme park, the Pixel 9 Pro is thoughtfully crafted, intuitive, and simple enough for anyone to navigate.

However, like any theme park, the high cost of admission may give you pause. Starting at $999 with just 128GB of storage, it’s akin to visiting Disney World with only $128 in your pocket—you can make it work, but only with some cloud storage help. Fortunately, Google includes a year of Google One AI Premium with the Pixel 9 Pro, offering 2TB of cloud storage and access to Gemini Advanced, making it a compelling package.

Even when the Pixel 9 Pro’s AI features feel a bit artificial, they remain fun. Is it all real? It’s undeniably cool, though not always realistic, sometimes making quirky suggestions. But isn’t that part of the fun, like visiting an amusement park? We know it’s not all real, so maybe we should just enjoy the ride.

That’s not to say the Pixel 9 Pro is flawless. It has heat issues, which is concerning given the Pixel line’s history with overheating. On a mild sunny day, my Pixel 9 Pro warned of overheating and reduced photo resolution due to the heat.

Despite this, the Pixel 9 Pro is undeniably exciting. It’s a beautiful phone that I look forward to using each morning, and it consistently delivers great photos, making it a reliable travel companion.

Some AI features are so useful that it’s hard to imagine life without them. The Pixel Recorder app has replaced all other recording devices for meetings or interviews, and I’ve abandoned frustrating recipe websites in favor of the baked goods Gemini Advanced helps me create.

Moreover, some of the newest features on the Pixel 9 Pro offer more than just functionality—they hint at the future. Whether it’s chatting with Gemini Live or exploring the potential of the new Screenshots app, it feels like AI could one day revolutionize the mobile experience.

The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB, and you might want more storage if you plan on recording lots of videos. Google includes a year of Google One AI Premium with 2TB of cloud storage and Gemini Advanced access—a deal that could have been extended to Pixel 9 buyers as well.

The Pixel 9 Pro comes in a range of natural colors, including a charming Rose Quartz, an unexpectedly appealing gray Hazel, a sophisticated off-white Porcelain, and the more traditional black Obsidian, which was my review sample. While black is classic and suitable for business, I prefer more vibrant colors.

Interestingly, the Rose Quartz model is only available with 256GB or less of storage, while the 1TB version is limited to the US and only comes in Obsidian.

If the price is daunting, remember that the Pixel 8 Pro launched last October and saw significant discounts by November. The same could happen with the Pixel 9 Pro, but likely not until the end of the year.

The Pixel 9 Pro’s design is excellent, with the durability and software longevity to match. However, I’m not sure the performance and potential heat issues justify its price, which is nearly on par with the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. But with a good deal, like a free storage upgrade or a bundle with Pixel Buds Pro, I’d recommend the Pixel 9 Pro without hesitation.

While the Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t have the dazzling depth of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it matches Samsung’s attention to material quality, with great color options that complement the matte glass and polished metal. The most surprising feature of the Pixel 9 Pro is its size—is a 6.3-inch display really small? It is when you have small pockets or hands and have longed for a high-end phone that fits. The Pixel 9 Pro changes the game, offering top-tier specs in a more compact form.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro lacks some of the features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, like the zoom lens camera and 3-axis image stabilization (not to mention the larger screen and battery). The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands apart from the smaller Galaxy S24, which doesn’t match its camera prowess or include the S Pen.

The Pixel 9 Pro, however, is identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, except for size and battery. Same camera, same performance, same features—just in a smaller package. This is how it should be.

Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro is twice as durable as the Pixel 8 Pro, though I didn’t test this. I kept the phone in its matching silicone case to protect its beauty. With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and IP68 resistance against dust and water, it’s a tough device, but I didn’t want to risk any damage—it’s just too pretty.

Buy it if…

• You appreciate the new design: The Pixel 9 Pro delivers a premium experience with its fresh look and feel. You might have a love-hate relationship with the case you’ll need to protect it.
• You want exceptional photos: Whether capturing reality or creating artistic images, the Pixel 9 Pro excels in both areas.
• You’ve always wanted to talk to a computer: With Gemini Live, you can have real conversations with your phone, though it’s better at chatting than making recommendations.

Don’t buy it if…

• You’re waiting for the next iPhone: Apple’s new iPhones are on the horizon, launching in September. It might be worth waiting to see what they bring.
• You prefer to save money during the holidays: The Pixel 9 Pro, like its predecessors, will likely see discounts towards the end of the year. Waiting could save you a significant amount.

Links

• The new Pixel 9 phones bring you the best of Google AI – Google Blog
• Meet the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold with Gemini – Google Store
• Sell your pre-owned Google Pixel Phone online – iGotOffer

Google Pixel 9/Pro Review: Gimmick or Good? [Video]

Video uploaded by Marques Brownlee on August 21, 2024.