The Google Pixel 9 series has entered the spotlight, drawing attention from tech enthusiasts and casual users alike with its latest offerings, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro. This device makes quite the impression, touted as the “almost perfect premium small phone to date” by Anuj Bhatia of Indian Express.
Small-screen fans have been eagerly awaiting this release, especially after Apple left the market of compact flagship phones. Bhatia, who expressed his long-standing love for small devices, found himself pleasantly surprised by the Pixel 9 Pro’s snug design which caters perfectly to one-handed usage. He compares it favorably to the iPhone 13 Mini, citing the latter as beginning to show its age.
Google launched the Pixel 9 series earlier than its traditional October window, on August 13, leading to unprecedented sales. According to market research firm Counterpoint, Google accounted for 4% of the U.S. smartphone market share during Q3 2024, largely thanks to this new offering. The Pixel 9 Pro XL even ranked among the ten best-selling premium smartphones during this period, signaling significant market momentum.
The design of the Pixel 9 Pro stands out – it’s compact but far from feeling limited. While it boasts a 6.3-inch, 120 Hz, LTPO OLED display, Bhatia emphasizes how the device feels sturdy and visually appealing with its rounded corners and elegant Rose Quartz finish. This contrasts sharply with the trend toward larger screens, where the average smartphone display now hovers around 6.8 inches.
Equally impressive is the camera quality, which remains a hallmark of the Pixel series. The Pixel 9 Pro houses three impressive sensors: a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and another 48MP for telephoto shots, offering 5x optical zoom capabilities. Bhatia notes how the camera still provides superior image quality, particularly when highlighting skin tones and shadow details. The computational photography software seems to give Google phones the edge, producing photos less dramatized yet rich with clarity.
Battery life, often overlooked with high-end models, surprised Bhatia with its performance. Equipped with a 4,700mAh battery, the Pixel 9 Pro comfortably lasted throughout the day, even during heavy usage. He found it favorable compared to both the iPhone 13 Mini and other flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which he says might require multiple charges under similar conditions.
Transitioning to software, Android 15 introduced some new features, but Bhatia expressed disappointment over the limited updates. Among them, the “Private Space” option allows users to store apps and documents behind additional security, though it requires some cumbersome steps to set up. The Theft Detection feature, on the other hand, catches attention for locking the phone quickly when it senses it’s stolen.
Examining the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it seems Google is leaning heavily on innovation, but the aesthetic choices have attracted mixed reactions. This foldable variant presents itself as sleek—yet starkly limited with only two color options, Obsidian and Porcelain. Graphics and multimedia expectations are high, with pricing starting at $1,799—a steep leap from the average smartphone.
Despite the initial skepticism of color choices, some have praised the minimalist elegance of both blacks and beiges. For consumers considering their options, the market sees tremendous interest with rumors circulating about upcoming Black Friday sales. The hope is for substantial discounts as the holiday shopping season approaches.
The Pixel 9 series has evidently stirred up competition within the smartphone arena. Despite facing heavyweights like Apple and Samsung, Google’s Focused approach with thoughtfully small yet powerful devices seems aimed at recapturing old fans and winning new ones. The capabilities of the Pixel 9 series place it as one of the most exciting, albeit niche, offerings of the year.
To conclude, Google’s push with the Pixel 9 series, alive with innovation and consumer-favored design, is making waves. The response from users reflects the success of targeting both performance and ease of consumption, leaving tech reviewers and consumers alike eager for what’s next.
