Intro
Seems that the Pixel 9 is a really first rate improve over its predecessor in most areas. Except for the plain design change, we have additionally received higher efficiency, higher battery life, barely improved digital camera, and eventually, a ton of recent AI options which might be dwelling within the uncanny valley between helpful and creepy.
Nonetheless, are all these upgrades ok to warrant upgrading from the Pixel 8? Must you stick together with your Pixel 8? Furthermore, do you have to even think about the Pixel 8 when the Pixel 9 is out there? Let’s attempt to reply all of these questions on this comparability assessment.
Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8 variations:
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 8 |
|---|---|
| A flat new design, with a flatter type | A extra basic design, paying homage to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 |
| Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (sooner and extra correct) | Optical fingerprint scanner (arguably slower and fewer correct) |
| Tensor G4 (4nm) on board | Powered by the Tensor G3 (4nm) |
| 12GB RAM on board becasue of AI | 8GB of RAM |
| The identical 50MP principal however a brand new, higher-res 48MP ultra-wide digital camera | 50MP principal and 12MP ultra-wide cameras |
| Begins at $799 | $699 beginning worth |
Desk of Contents:
Design and Dimension
The Pixel is getting a extra mature and snazzy type
The Pixel 9 is bigger on all accounts (Picture by (PhoneArena)
The Pixel 9 has a matte aluminum body, whereas the glass on the rear employs a shiny look. That is completely completely different compared with the marginally extra premium Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL, which have shiny frames and matte again glass on deck.
The Pixel 9’s extra mature design (Picture by PhoneArena)
Every design has its execs and cons: the Pixel 8 feels extra compact as a result of total dimensions and form of the body, whereas the Pixel 9 has a extra premium construct, all issues thought-about.
The Pixel 9 has inherited the Pixel 8‘s IP68 water and dirt resistance, which was anticipated. This implies each units permit for submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater for as much as half-hour, and full safety in opposition to mud. That is the flagship customary as of late, so we anticipated nothing much less of Google.
Colours-wise, the Pixel 9 is out there in Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen, and Obsidian colours, whilst you might have the Pixel 8 in Mint, Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose.
Show Variations
You get a significantly better show with the Pixel 9 (Picture by PhoneArena)
As per our show assessments, the Pixel 9 undoubtedly scores an enchancment. You get a a lot brighter display that reaches almost 2,000 nits of brightness, in addition to barely higher total show properties, like higher colour accuracy due to a decrease Delta E. The minimal brightness of simply 1.8 nits is okay, however we have seen telephones with decrease than that.
One main enchancment that has include the Pixel 9 collection is using an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. That one is way sooner and extra correct than the optical sensor embedded into the Pixel 8 show. That is a terrific change that we applaud, as earlier Pixels have been completely held again by the inferior fingerprint sensors that Google had put inside.
Efficiency and Software program
Sooner and newer
The Pixel 9 collection all make use of the upcoming Google Tensor G4 chipset, which relies on a 4nm manufacturing node. It seems that Google will transition to 3nm with the Tensor G5 subsequent yr; it additionally seems to be like that chip might be absolutely customized as per Google’s necessities.
As a refresher, Tensor chips are constructed with AI in thoughts, so the uncooked efficiency component is normally secondary in significance. We won’t wait to check the brand new Pixels earlier than we are able to say for sure.
In our benchmark assessments, the Pixel 9 scores a small however notable efficiency bump. Each within the Geekbench 6 assessments, the Tensor G4 outpaces its predecessor; the identical applies to the graphics capabilities of the brand new Pixel, although the distinction is not that huge.
Except for the artificial benchmark outcomes, the brand new Pixel feels tremendous responsive and snappy in actual life, however admittedly, so does the Pixel 8; you’ll be able to’t actually understand any vital distinction.
The Pixel 9 additionally options extra RAM than earlier than, some 12GB to be precise. This enhance was crucial because of AI’s tasking necessities. The Pixel 8, alternatively, will get 8GB of RAM, which is not little, however is definitely much less spectacular compared and hurts the future-proofness of the brand new Pixel 9.
Each units will get pleasure from a prolonged seven-year software program assist, together with main Android releases, safety patches, and have drops. The Pixel 8 might be supported till 2030, whereas the Pixel 9 till 2031.
Digital camera
New cameras for the brand new Pixel
New digital camera island, who this? (Picture by PhoneArena)
The Pixel 9 comes together with a brand new ultra-wide digital camera, which lastly improves on the usual 12MP snapper that has been round previously few Pixel generations. The brand new 48MP ultra-wide boasts an f/1.7 aperture, so it ought to have fairly first rate low-light capabilities, in addition to a fairly vast 123-degree discipline of view.
The primary digital camera stays the identical 50MP f/1.68 one with a 1/1.31″ sensor that was additionally discovered on the Pixel 8, however the ultra-wide is a much less spectacular 12MP one with an f/2.2 aperture, so much less light-sensitive.
Nearly all of enhancements certainly are the courtesy of software program enhancements. AI additionally has lots to play within the digital camera app, giving customers a ton of recent options to play with, like Add Me, which is able to allow you to mechanically add your self to a bunch photograph utilizing AI.
And simply as we suspected, there are simply minor high quality variations between the brand new and the previous Pixel. Let’s discover these under.
Predominant Digital camera
Through the day, it is nigh inconceivable to note any vital distinction between the principle cameras of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 8. We get related sharpness, dynamics, and colour copy, which is definitely sort of anticipated. Each take pretty images!
At evening, nevertheless, it is the Pixel 9 that does a greater job, principally because of its superior dynamics. Squint your eyes, and you may make out a tiny Ferris wheel within the Pixel 9 pattern, whereas the Pixel 8 has produced a light-weight smudge as an alternative. That is a small, however essential distinction that may make or break a low-light photograph!
Extremely-wide Digital camera
Through the day, the brand new ultrawide digital camera does a fairly good job, however the distinction is not that huge. Certain, we get extra element within the trickier areas, just like the foliage and the straws of the seaside umbrella. Nonetheless, the Pixel 8 would not lag behind, it is simply pretty much as good at resolving element.
At evening, the ultra-wide of the Pixel 9 additionally delivers higher element compared with the Pixel 8, simply check out how sharp the stones are within the decrease left. The dynamics additionally appear to be improved, with barely extra info captured within the seawater, for instance. Apart from that, each carry out admirably.
Selfies
The selfie digital camera on the Pixel 9 is fairly much like the Pixel 8 by way of sharpness and total element, however it delivers lovelier and hotter colours, particularly within the facial space. That is a slight transfer away from the overly life like and dramatic type of the earlier Pixel, which is unquestionably an acquired style with its colder colour palette.
Battery Life and Charging
Adjustments are coming
No surprises on the backside (Picture by PhoneArena)
The Pixel 9 arrives with a strong 4,700mAh battery, which is marginally bigger than the 4,575mAh one on the Pixel 8. We also needs to do not forget that the newer Tensor G4 chip ought to be extra environment friendly. This could ship significantly better battery life compared with the brand new cellphone, proper?
We’re happy to report that, sure, this assumption checks out. In keeping with the PhoneArena customized battery assessments, the Pixel 9 decidedly beats its predecessor.
Within the PhoneArena internet searching check, which simulates an everyday searching expertise, the Pixel 9 outlasts the Pixel 8 by a strong two hours. In our video streaming check, which goals to recreate a typical video playback session, the Pixel 9 achieves a high rating of almost 11 hours, whereas the Pixel 8 struggles previous 9 hours and a half.
PhoneArena Battery Check Outcomes:
Surprisingly, the Pixel 9 fees slower than its predecessor, because it takes some quarter-hour additional to realize a full cost. That is not a dealbreaker by any means, however we’re ever-so-slightly disenchanted anyway. Google most likely dialed down on the charging pace to guard the battery’s chemistry from any excessive thermals. Each little bit helps.
PhoneArena Charging Check Outcomes:
Specs Comparability
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension, weight | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm, 198gr | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm, 187gr |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED Actua 60-120Hz Gorilla Glass Victus 2 2700 nits peak brightness |
6.2″ OLED 120Hz ProMotion 2400 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Tensor G4 4nm | Tensor G3 4nm |
| RAM, Storage | 12GB RAM 128GB, 256GB |
8GB RAM 128GB, 256GB |
| Cameras | 50MP principal, f/1.68, 1/1.31″ sensor 48MP extremely, f/1.7, 1/1.25″ sensor 10.5MP entrance |
50MP principal, f/1.68, 1/1.31″ sensor 12MP extremely, f/2.2 10MP entrance |
| Battery | 4,700mAh | 4,575mAh |
| Charging | USB-C 27W wired 18W wi-fi |
USB-C 27W wired 18W wi-fi |
Abstract
The jury has determined––Pixel 9 is a significant win (Picture by PhoneArena)
Though the Pixel 9 principally perfects the final method behind the Pixel 8, the enhancements are all fairly essential.
You get significantly better battery life, a greater show, a barely higher digital camera setup with fine-tuned picture high quality, and higher efficiency, in addition to a way more future-proof system within the period of AI.
That mentioned, the Pixel 8 remains to be a mighty succesful cellphone that does not really feel outdated. In spite of everything, it has been lower than a yr for the reason that Pixel 8 broke floor.
Should you’ve received a kind of in your pocket, you’d most likely achieve little from upgrading, so your Pixel 8 will serve you simply pretty much as good for a few years to come back.