The excitement was palpable at Google's recent Made by Google event, where they unveiled the highly anticipated Pixel 9 lineup alongside new wearables. During the event, the tech giant emphasized its ambitious vision for AI integration, showcasing the Pixel 9 series as a cornerstone of this strategy. Notably, all Pixel 9 Pro models will receive a year's subscription to Gemini Advanced AI features at no additional cost—a move that could significantly enhance user experiences.

Pixel 9: A New Era for Entry-Level Flagships

Google continues to refine its Pixel lineup, which now ranges from the base Pixel 9 to the premium Pixel 9 Pro and the unique Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With pricing spanning from $800 to $1,800, Google aims to cater to diverse consumers, though there's speculation about a more affordable Pixel 9a arriving in mid-2025, targeting budget-conscious users.

In this review, I'll be comparing the Pixel 9 against my daily drivers, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. While a fair match-up might involve the Pixel 9 Pro, I want to highlight its capabilities without exponentially increasing the gap in price and features. Nonetheless, the Pixel 9’s $800 price tag makes it an appealing choice for many.

Stunning Build Quality and Ingenious Design

When it comes to design, the Pixel 9 exudes a premium feel. Its signature visor-style camera bump distinguishes it from the competition, setting it apart from the iPhone. Interestingly, this iteration feels increasingly reminiscent of Apple's craftsmanship, which could sway potential iPhone users to consider switching to Android.

The camera's design builds on previous Pixel iterations while incorporating elements that prevent the device from wobbling when placed on flat surfaces. Remarkably, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro share the same physical dimensions, allowing manufacturers to create compatible cases without alteration. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's design hasn't received as much praise, with its bulky hinge and form factor drawing some criticism.

The Pixel 9 features Qualcomm's advanced ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a notable upgrade that enhances security and user experience. However, many might expect this feature to be universally applied, as it isn't present in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or utilized for unlock-to-wake functionality like in the Galaxy S24 lineup.

Powerful Specs that Hold Their Ground

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 stands tall with Google's Tensor G4 processor—it remains to be seen how it shapes the user experience. While Google’s approach to creating in-house chips allows smoother integration with AI functionalities, users might find its performance falls short compared to industry leaders like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The addition of 12GB of RAM, however, ensures sufficient multitasking capabilities, albeit the Pro series offers a bump to 16GB.

Equipped with 128GB of storage (expandable to 256GB), the Pixel 9's impressive display boasts a variable 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.3-inch OLED panel with peak brightness hitting 2700 nits. With a robust 4700mAh battery supporting 45-watt fast charging, it's engineered for daily endurance.

In terms of photography, the Pixel 9 houses a 50MP wide-angle camera alongside a 48MP ultra-wide lens. Although the front camera is a modest 10MP, the main sensors are exceptionally capable, especially with Google's computational photography techniques enhancing low-light performance.

Connectivity and Performance Insights

The Pixel 9 supports dual SIM and mmWave 5G, maximizing connectivity options for users, particularly on carriers like Verizon. Google's astute decision to integrate Wi-Fi 7 indicates a forward-thinking approach, preparing the device for future technological advancements. During testing, I experienced seamless connectivity, highlighting how well Google's networking capabilities hold up against competitors.

Unleashing Creative Potential: Software and AI

Leveraging AI, Google has redefined how users interact with photography tools on the Pixel 9. The inclusion of features like Gemini Live enhances the photography experience, revolutionizing the way users capture and edit images. Google’s innovative software ensures that every click—whether through the Magic Editor or the newly integrated Night Sight Panorama—results in stunning visuals.

My experiences with the Pixel 9’s camera have consistently yielded breathtaking images, particularly when capturing moments with my young child. Yet, while Portrait mode is reliable, finer details like hair texture sometimes suffer, signaling opportunities for further refinement.

Absence of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 9 is a letdown for photography enthusiasts, who can find this feature in the higher-end Pro variants. However, its capabilities remain impressive across various environments, although video recording might not reach 4K60 HDR quality due to hardware constraints.

In Conclusion: Is Pixel 9 the Best Yet?

In my opinion, the Pixel 9 stands as Google's finest smartphone to date. I've eagerly followed the Pixel journey since its inception, and it’s evident that Google is committed to growing its innovation and quality. While the smartphone delivers an incredible experience, it would benefit from improved AI utilities and the inclusion of more advanced hardware like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

As a keen user and reviewer, I anticipate exploring the capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in my next adventure, but for now, the Pixel 9 undoubtedly earns its place at the forefront of the smartphone market.