Google has just announced the date it will release the Pixel 10 in mid-August. But does that make the Pixel 9 unnecessary? Well, I don’t think so. And why am I saying that?
The reason is more than just an old and a new phone. Actually, rumors around the Pixel 10 suggest that there aren’t going to be major changes in the new phone when compared to Pixel 9. Especially, in the range of Pro and Pro XL of Pixel 10. So, seeing all of that, I consider the Pixel 9 a great value for money that you can get today. It has good performance, great cameras, and overall, a fine Android experience.
Having said that, there are some things that you need to know about the Pixel 9 before making a purchase. If you want to know about all of them, stick around for a bit, read a little more, and you will start to know as I unfold the details.
Pixel 9’s Performance
First things first, let us talk about how good the Pixel 9 is, performance-wise.
Starting with the specs, it is powered by the best Tensor G4 chipset that is custom-made for the Pixels. Now, pair that with at least 12 gigs of RAM, and you have a good performer.
Apart from the specs, how practical is it? I had the same question in mind, and to answer that question, I did a deep run to test its performance. I threw multiple tests at it to maximize the stress on it. Also, to give a fair front, I used my Spectrum Internet for such tests. It is one of the best internet service providers in the US, and major factors for its high rating are its wide availability, affordable plans, and, above all, top-notch Spectrum customer service.
Anyway, how was the performance of the Pixel 9? Did it hold up well in my tests? Well, yes. It did hold up just fine when it came to most tests. The only point where it showed some signs of struggle was gaming (as expected). Since it is powered by the Tensor chipset, and not the Snapdragon, it was expected that this chipset would just be an okay performer when it comes to gaming in the Pixel 9.
It might sound like it is terrible at gaming, but that’s not what I mean. In simple words, if you are into mobile gaming and usually play heavy multiplayer games, this is not the phone for you. But if you do casual gaming here and there, but use your mobile phone like a mobile phone (not a gaming machine but for purposes like social media, texting, calling, and other less intensive activities), you will be happy with it.
Pixel 9’s Camera Works
Frankly, I need a whole new article just to cover the camera experience on the Pixel. But let me try wrapping it up in a sub-section.
Keeping the tradition, let me start with the specs. At the back of the Pixel 9, we have two camera lenses fitted in a metal rail: one of them is a 50MP main shooter, and the other is a 48MP ultrawide lens. On the front, there is a 10.5MP selfie camera.
Leaving the specs aside, how does it perform in real life? If you were/are expecting something great, you won’t be disappointed. This is one of the best camera systems in any of the Android phones that come under the price tag of 500 bucks. This is genuinely great.
Since it is a bigger lens, the pictures/videos come out bright, vibrant, and have fantastic dynamic range. One of my most liked photos on Instagram was taken by the Pixel 9. The 48MP ultrawide lens is another great thing about the Pixel 9’s camera system. In the Pixel 8, the photos came out soft, and they didn’t have enough details. Google swapped that camera out with a 48MP ultrawide lens in the Pixel 9, and it worked great.
As for the selfie camera, it might look underwhelming, but it is fine too.
Pixel 9’s Battery Experience, Design, and Display
The battery in any phone is one of the most important aspects, and in the Pixel 9, it is better.
It is a small phone but packs a punch when it comes to battery usage. The phone gets its power from a 4700mAh battery that doesn’t struggle to provide energy for at least a day and a half on a full charge with medium usage.
Well, I am a power user, and if I unplug the charger at 95%, when I come back to my bed in the evening after using it for a whole day, the battery left is around 15-20% which is great for a small phone of its size. As for the charging speed, it is around 27W, which is not bad for a Pixel, but other manufacturers do offer better speeds.
If you have been looking forward to the release of the Google Pixel 10, you should definitely go ahead with its purchase. But if you want to get the best value for money, the specifications of Google Pixel 9 described above should be enough to let you know it holds up pretty well in terms of performance and specifications.
