The new Pixel 9 smartphones offer powerful hardware and exciting new AI features. Not all of them can be tried out in the practical test, as Google made an early start in order to get ahead of the iPhones. But what is already working is very promising.
In order to get ahead of Apple, Google presented its new smartphones in August this year rather than in October. However, the software is still on the old schedule, which is why the devices are coming onto the market with Android 14 instead of 15. Some of the AI functions presented are not yet ready or are not available in Germany for the time being. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL left a strong impression in the practical test, which more than gives an idea of their true potential.
Successful design
The new ones are edgier than their predecessors.
(Photo: kwe)
The refreshed design of the devices is successful. The angular frame makes them easier to hold and the new pill-shaped camera unit on the back looks good. As before, it sticks out far, which can be a challenge for the hem of the trouser pocket.
For the first time, Google also has a small Pro on offer, which ntv.de has not yet been able to test. However, it will primarily be about the runtime, because apart from their size, the only difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL is their battery capacity.
Slightly larger display
The Pixel 9 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, which is because the display has grown from 6.2 to 6.3 inches. Nevertheless, the device is one of the most compact smartphones currently available. However, at 198 grams, it is not lightweight.
The OLED screen is very sharp with 422 pixels per inch (ppi) and can shine visibly brighter than its predecessor's panel if necessary. As before, it offers refresh rates from 60 to 120 Hertz (Hz), and the contrast and colors of the display are excellent.
Major camera update for the Pixel 9
A significant advance is that the standard Pixel now not only has the same main camera as the Pros, but also has their ultra wide-angle camera with 48 instead of 12 megapixels (MP). This means that the 9 can also take macro photos that make an excellent impression. Also good: The 10.5 MP front camera no longer focuses rigidly, but has been given autofocus.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also slightly larger than its predecessor and, at 221 grams, another 8 grams heavier. Otherwise not much has changed; the battery capacity has also remained practically unchanged.
Known high quality of photos and videos
The first group photo…
(Photo: kwe)
Photos and videos visibly have the same high quality as their predecessor, which can now also deliver the standard pixel with the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras. The two Pro models have the 48 MP telephoto camera, which does an excellent job with five times optical magnification.
The new devices still have more to offer than their predecessors, thanks to Google's new Tensor G4 chip, which can run even more sophisticated AI models than the 8 Series Pixel. And although the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL cannot yet show everything that was presented at their presentation, their new camera tricks have already been convincing and fun in the practical test.
No more group photos without a photographer
the second with photographers…
(Photo: kwe)
Top feature is “Add me”. If you want to have a group photo in which you can also be seen, you no longer need help from other people. You take a photo, give the smartphone to someone else in the group and then stand in your place.
Anyone who now takes the second shot will see visual instructions on the display so that they are inserted perfectly. The Pixel 9 then creates the perfect group photo from both photos. This worked so well in the test that it was almost impossible to detect the trick.
… and the end result.
(Photo: kwe)
Also fresh from Google's AI workshop is the ability to generate a new image section. There are even areas available that you didn't actually photograph, but that the Pixel still captured with its cameras.
For example, it is no longer a problem to bring “cropped” feet into the picture or to turn a landscape into a portrait format. This also worked well in the test. And of course you can move, delete or change the size of elements as before.
Prompts for beginners
If you tell Gemini that the remote control should look like a crusty baguette,…
(Photo: kwe)
It is now also possible to speed up AI image processing a bit. This means you can select an object or area of a photo and then describe what you want to change. It shouldn't be too complicated, but Gemini can easily replace a remote control with a wooden ruler, for example.
Speaking of Gemini. Google's ChatGPT alternative replaces the Assistant that previously supported users. But AI is still in its infancy, which is why the old digital assistant steps in for some tasks. A number of functions are only possible if you have a Gemini Live subscription. Pixel 9 buyers can try it out for free for a year and, among other things, speak almost naturally with the Assi and ChatGPT.
Screenshots are becoming more useful
…that's what comes out of it.
(Photo: kwe)
You can use some really useful AI features for free, but so far only in English. This includes the new Google Screenshots app. Here you can, among other things, search and organize all saved screenshots for content and create collections. This worked well in the test, especially when text can be seen on the screenshots.
You don't need the app to have what the text of a screenshot says read out to you. You open it in the photos gallery, then start Gemini by long pressing the on/off switch and ask the AI assistant what it says. He can also translate into another language. How practical!
Gemini is always ready
The list of ingredients can be scrolled through and shared directly.
(Photo: kwe)
In principle, you can always call up Gemini to request information about screen content, even while YouTube videos are running. In the test, for example, ntv.de was able to display the recipe list for cooking instructions in no time.
The 9 Pixels come with a revised weather app that not only looks good, is individually customizable and displays a lot of information. It also offers an AI-generated weather report with a daily overview. However, the additional benefit to normal summaries is manageable.
Unfortunately, there is not yet another new app in the German Play Store. With Pixel Studio you can generate images using text input (prompts). This is so complex that Gemini needs the help of a cloud-based model. Google has not yet announced when the app will be available in Germany.
Conclusion
Even if not all AI functions are available yet, Google is making a huge impact with the Pixel 9 devices. The features that already work are strong and give a glimpse of what's to come. It will be exciting to see how Apple can respond in a few weeks with its new iPhones, which will also initially come onto the market with stripped-down AI.
The hardware of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL is also strong, but offers little that is new compared to its predecessors. If you don't need a smartphone with a telephoto camera, you can save money with the Pixel 9, which is available for 900 euros. Because the upgrade to the ultra-wide-angle camera makes it almost equivalent to the Pixel 9 Pro, which costs 200 euros more. The XL, which costs at least 1200 euros, remains the first choice if you want a large display.
