And probably, in the big leagues with the brand new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold, released at the end of August 2024. And which DH was able to test at length. Spoiler alert: the iPhone has never had such a solid Google competitor in front of it…
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The era of mobile artificial intelligence begins, but this time for real
Who is the number 1 player in AI? Around you, 99% will answer Chat GPT (or rather OpenAI). And they won’t be wrong. But Google, the world’s most knowledgeable company about you and your environment, which manages petaflops of relevant data and dozens of must-have software, has everything it needs to stand up to ChatGPT, which left earlier, but who still has to demonstrate that he can go the distance. Gemini will be Google’s vehicle for this AI fight.
Integrated end-to-end into the Pixel 9 range, it provides a user experience that is not completely redesigned, but much more efficient. With Gemini, Google is pushing the capabilities of AI into concrete, everyday uses. It’s no longer just image recognition or automatic message correction: we’re talking about a real assistant that learns from your habits, adapts to your needs and anticipates your actions. Imagine a smartphone that better understands your priorities over time, automatically adjusts the interface according to the time of day, or proactively optimizes your tasks. This is Google’s bet with this new generation of Pixel. And it is rather well maintained, especially since Apple AI, restricted in Europe, is trailing behind.
Two examples particularly amazed us, in photography: “magic retouching”, which allows you to modify or add an element (that you just have to write) to the photo (in our case, a plane in the sky). Then, the “group photo” function. You take a photo of your family, then you ask the lady to take the same one, adding you to it. The AI will “match” the two images to create a stunningly realistic group photo…
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: the uncompromising foldable
Google continues its adventure in the field of foldable smartphones with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the second mobile of this type from the Big G. And it is a success in many ways. Its foldable screen is fluid and robust, a real technological feat that could give Samsung and its Galaxy Fold a cold sweat.
Where the Pixel Fold really stands out is in the integration of AI: Gemini optimizes the use of both screens in multitasking mode, suggesting the most relevant applications to you based on your habits. You can write an email while watching a video, or use the exterior screen for quick notifications. However, the format of the deployed screen (in book mode), rather square, is far from suitable for all apps (not optimized for) and even for the consumption of a bunch of videos, the ratio of which remains poorly suited .
In closed mode, however, the Pixel Pro Fold 9 manages to be barely thicker (and heavier) than a traditional smartphone. And its finesse, once opened, is astonishing and even disturbing. However, in one month of use, we have not seen the slightest tangible confirmation of this impression of fragility!
Performance that has nothing to envy of the competition
With next-generation Tensor G4 processors, the Pixel 9 has everything you need in terms of power and speed. 3D games, video editing and demanding applications: everything works. With decent autonomy and very little overheating noticed. What’s more, the benchmark tests place the Pixel 9 Pro at the same level as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, an achievement for Google, which has long been criticized in this area…
A design finally achieved
On the design side, Google has made notable progress with the Pixel 9 range. Which was a bit of a guilty pleasure for the predecessors of this iteration. Gone are the lines sometimes considered too bland of old models, make way for a more assertive and above all high-end aesthetic. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro feature a sleek matte glass back, enhanced by metal edges that provide a comfortable and secure grip.
The photo module, long criticized for its massive appearance, has been more subtly integrated into the overall design, although it retains its (very) prominent identity. If Google is following Apple in terms of integration, this is also true in terms of conception and design, the Pixel 9 being certainly well-born smartphones.
Rather high prices, in line with the positioning of rivals in the crosshairs
Price-wise, the Pixel 9 range is rather greedy. The Pixel 9 starts at €899, while the Pro models start their auctions at €1,099 and €1,199 for the XL version. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, for its part, costs an exorbitant price of €1,899, but that places it in the same range as other high-end foldable smartphones on the market.
The financial effort to be made is significant, but Google wants to compete with the best premium offerings from Samsung or Apple. Including in terms of pricing. To reduce the barrier to purchasing, particularly in Belgium, Google does not hide its ambitions. With its massive advertising campaign and its partnerships with local operators, the firm clearly wants to position itself as a key player in the market. Thanks to the contribution of the historic operator, Proximus, Pixels have never been so visible, supported and present in Belgium.
Conclusion: Google, finally at the top?
With its Pixel 9 range, Google is approaching a form of winning recipe both to compete with Apple on all fronts (design, performance, AI and innovation) and to establish itself as a choice of premium smartphone that is becoming difficult not to consider. Fans of the Android ecosystem have never had so much reason to rejoice, while iPhone users could well be tempted by this serious new rival…
What are the differences between Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold?
Google Pixel 9
- Screen : 6,3 pouces OLED, 1080p, 90 Hz
- Processor : Google Tensor G4
- RAM : 12 Go
- Storage : 128/256 Go
- Cameras : 50 MP main sensor + 12 MP ultra wide-angle
- Battery : 4700 mAh
- Prix : 899 €
Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Screen : 6,7 pouces OLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution : 1440p
- Processor : Google Tensor G4
- RAM : 16 Go
- Storage : 128/256/512 Go
- Cameras : 50 MP main sensor + 12 MP ultra-wide-angle + 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
- Battery : 5000 mAh
- Prix : 1099 €
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Screen : 6,9 pouces OLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution : 1440p
- Processor : Google Tensor G4
- RAM : 16 Go
- Storage : 256/512 Go
- Cameras : Same as Pixel 9 Pro
- Battery : 5300 mAh (improved battery life)
- Prix : 1 199 €
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Screen : 7.6-inch OLED foldable screen (interior), 120 Hz + 5.8-inch exterior screen
- Processor : Google Tensor G4
- RAM : 16 Go
- Storage : 256/512 Go
- Cameras : Similar configuration to the Pro with some adjustments for the foldable design
- Battery : 4800 mAh
- Prix : 1 899 €
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