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Hands-on with the Pixel 9a: Google’s mid-range is looking better and better
by Florian Bodoky
How good is AI on the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro?
26/8/2024
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
The Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro (XL) are now available in stores. Here are the new feature highlights such as Add Me, zoom optimisation for pictures and the Super Res Zoom for night shots.
The Google Pixel 9 models boast exciting software features. I’ve tried out a few of them for you. I also go into hardware changes, such as the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Detailed reviews will follow as soon as fellow editor Lorenz and I have tested the devices in detail. You can see some of the features in the following video (for English subtitles, click the gear icon, «Subtitles/CC» and «Auto-translate»):
Software and AI: Add Me and zoom optimisation
It’s no secret that Google is fully committed to AI, and the Pixel 9 lineup’s software houses many important innovations.
One exciting new feature is Add Me. It allows you to retroactively add yourself into a group photo. How does it work? You take a group photo, then have someone else from the group take another group shot – this time with you in it. The phone’s AI then combines the two images to create a complete group photo. Unfortunately, this currently only works with the two Pro models of the Pixel 9.
With zoom optimisation, you can bring an object in a picture closer. The software processes the selected section in a way that maintains quality. In a nutshell, it sharpens the image and removes blurred pixels.
Hardware: ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and 42 MP selfies
In addition to a faster chip, the Tensor G4, there are other hardware innovations in the Pixel 9 lineup. Pixel users should be particularly pleased that there’s finally and ultrasound instead of an optical fingerprint sensor. While my phone doesn’t unlock noticeably faster, the ultrasound sensor is supposed to be more reliable.
The cameras have also received hardware updates. All models are equipped with a 48 MP ultra-wide angle lens, which allows for very detailed macro shots. Although the focus is strongly cantered, you can still see every little hair in the photographed wool.
The new 42 MP front camera is only found in the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. It now has autofocus and is supposed to shine in low light conditions. The predecessors as well as the standard Pixel 9 have a 10.5 MP selfie camera. I haven’t noticed a big improvement so far, but you do get more detail, and the Pixel 9 Pro’s photo looks less hazy.
New design, new size – you either like it or not
Google has listened to Pixel users in designing the new lineup – notably, people who buy a Pro model don’t necessarily want to lug around a huge device. The Google Pixel 8 launched last year with a 6.2-inch screen, the Pixel 8 Pro with 6.7 inches. The Pixel 9’s screen measures 6.3 inches. The Pro version comes in 6.3 inches, while the Pro XL measures 6.7 inches.
The design has changed. The camera module on the back is no longer reminiscent of Robocop, but of the robot Bender from Futurama. I like both looks. The casing has become much more angular, and the back of the glass has a new frosted finish.
How the new Tensor G4 chip performs, what the new cameras can do and whether the revised thermometer is useful are questions we’ll explore in our detailed reviews. Don’t want to miss out? Follow the «Smartphone» topic below!
What are you particularly interested in with the new Pixel phones? Which features should we absolutely test? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re itching to grab a Pixel 9, there’s a pre-order promotion on the lineup until 5 September 2024. You’ll find it here:
In my world, Super Mario chases Stormtroopers with a unicorn and Harley Quinn mixes cocktails for Eddie and Peter at the beach bar. Wherever I can live out my creativity, my fingers tingle. Or maybe it's because nothing flows through my veins but chocolate, glitter and coffee.
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