New pink Google Pixel 9: hands-on experience

Google hasn’t changed the Pixel 9 much from the previous model, but who cares? It’s pink now!

it is only Here’s the biggest takeaway from the entry-level Pixel 9, which was announced alongside three other models at Tuesday’s Made by Google event: Almost all of the Pixel 9’s improvements are under the hood. — And many of these features are software-based rather than hardware enhancements. I was able to play around with the Pixel 9 briefly at a pre-launch press event. — This is what I think.

Pixel 9 hands-on: Say hello to bubblegum pink

The screen is very bright.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Our time with the Pixel 9 was very brief, as this was the most basic, run-of-the-mill Pixel 9 experience, and the demo session was mainly focused on the features of the Pro device.

That said, there are a few small improvements worth noting. First, the display is brighter than before, up to 1,800 nits in HDR (versus 1,400 on the Pixel 8) and 2,700 nits at peak brightness (versus 2,000 on the Pixel 8). The battery has also been slightly upgraded from 4,575mAh last year to 4,700mAh on the Pixel 9. And while storage on the Pixel 9 is still maxed out at 256GB, unfortunately, RAM has been bumped up from 8GB to 12GB.

Google is equipping all four Pixel 9 models with its new Tensor G4 chip, which, along with increased RAM, will give users a Should The Pixel 9 performs better than the Pixel 8. The main rear camera lens remains the same 50MP as a year ago, but the ultra-wide lens has been significantly upgraded from 12MP to 48MP. The Pixel 9 still doesn’t have a telephoto lens like the Pro, but it should still be able to take good photos.

Sorry to those who prefer a matte finish on their phones.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I didn’t have time to really try out the Pixel 9, so I can’t tell you exactly how it “feels” different to the Pixel 8, but I can say for sure that the size and weight are near-perfect for an entry-level phone. The display certainly looks better, with improved brightness and a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate that beats most Apple devices.

The rear camera bar has been redesigned slightly so it doesn’t extend all the way from one side to the other – a change that doesn’t bother me personally, but it might bother some. There’s also a new pink colorway this year, which is much prettier than what Google offered a year ago.

The new pink Google Pixel 9
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Finally, the Tensor G4 chip gives the base Pixel 9 access to most of the same AI features as other Pixel 9 phones: you can chat with conversations in Gemini, edit photos with more control than before in Magic Editor, use AI to find a specific screenshot you took years ago, and much more. In fact, the only thing the Pixel 9 is missing compared to other options is a third camera lens, or a second screen.