2024-08-22 19:48:19
Google has introduced its new generation of smartphones. t-online was able to get a first impression of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google has presented the ninth Pixel generation with four new smartphones. At the “Made by Google” event on August 13, users were able to see an overview of the models along with specifications and some live demonstrations of the new features. While the Pixel 9 Pro and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will not be available until September, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are already available.
When we hold the new Pixel generation in our hands for the first time, we inevitably think of the iPhone – the similarity is clearly visible. This is primarily because the frame of the Google smartphones is more angular and less rounded than on the Pixel 8 models. The control buttons are also now positioned a little higher.
Thanks to the changes, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL fit better in the hand than the previous models, and the buttons are also a little easier and more intuitive to reach. In addition, the risk of the phone slipping out of your hand when used without a protective case seems to be significantly lower.
The biggest visual difference is the camera bar, which is no longer connected to the outer frame as it was on its predecessors. Instead, it looks more like a block that is attached to the outside. This means that the bar itself remains the most typical Pixel feature. However, the new design takes some getting used to.
The new Pixel smartphones are coming to market in two sizes: the Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch display and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL with a screen diagonal of 6.8 inches. Both models use the in-house Google Tensor G4 processor, which, according to measurements, does not make too much progress compared to its predecessor, the G3, but according to Google, has been optimized primarily for AI applications and everyday tasks.
There was also an upgrade in RAM compared to the previous models: The Pixel 9 has a total of 12 gigabytes, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL even has 16 gigabytes.
Google states that the battery capacity (4,700 or 5,060 mAh) will last at least 24 hours, and in extreme economy mode it should even last up to 100 hours. Even though we have only been using the smartphones for a few days, our impression confirms these values.
Both devices have an IP68 certification, which means they are dustproof and protected against submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for a maximum of 30 minutes. Another common feature is the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is used in both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google emphasizes that the new models are twice as robust as their predecessors.
New is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display, which the manufacturer says is 50 percent faster than its predecessor. After a direct comparison with the Pixel 8 Pro, we think this value is a bit high, even if the new models can be decrypted noticeably faster overall.
There are differences in the display: While the Pixel 9 has a variable refresh rate of 60 to 120 Hz with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, the Pro XL model offers an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. For comparison: The Pixel 8 Pro has a maximum of 2,400 nits. This difference was also visible in our test in direct sunlight.
The biggest differences between the two models are in the camera equipment. While the Pixel 9 uses a dual system with a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, the Pro XL model has an additional 48-megapixel lens and a telephoto lens.