Pixel 9 Series: Google’s Triple-Phone Strategy Takes on Samsung and Apple
Google has made a bold move with its latest Pixel lineup, signaling its intention to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple. The new Pixel 9 series features three phones: the Pixel 9 Pro XL at the top, the Pixel 9 as the entry-level option, and the Pixel 9 Pro in the middle. This triple-phone strategy is a departure from Google’s previous dual-phone approach. The starting price for the Pixel 9 series has also been raised to $799, indicating Google’s desire to compete with the big players in the flagship smartphone market.
The visual lineup of the Pixel 9 series is designed to entice consumers to choose the most striking option, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Recent market trends, such as Apple dropping the mini variant from the iPhone line, suggest that buyers are gravitating towards larger phones. Google’s decision to focus on the Pixel 9 Pro XL aligns with this trend and is a smart strategy to capture consumer attention.
One standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the Super Res Zoom, which allows users to zoom in on subjects up to 30x. This is a significant improvement from the previous generation Pixel 8 Pro’s 20x zoom capability. During a hands-on review, the author tested the Super Res Zoom by zooming in on a building a mile away. The level of detail captured by the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera was impressive, with tiny figures becoming visible even at maximum zoom.
Not only does the Pixel 9 Pro XL excel in photography, but it also impresses in videography. The Super Res Zoom feature is now available for videos, allowing users to enhance their videos up to 8K resolution. Additionally, the Night Sight Video feature has been improved for better captures in low light conditions. These camera enhancements make the Pixel 9 Pro XL a great choice for those who enjoy capturing moments at concerts or in low-light environments.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro share the same camera system, which includes a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera with a 123-degree field of view, a 48MP telephoto lens, and a 42MP selfie camera. Compared to the previous generation Pixel 8 Pro, the selfie camera on the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro has been upgraded from 10.5MP to 42MP. The author took selfies with both phones and noted that the post-processing tweaks on the Pixel 9 Pro XL made for more flattering results compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In terms of design, the Pixel 9 series features a new camera bar design that has been transformed from a bar to an island shape. The camera bar now matches the color of the chassis, giving the phones a sleek and cohesive look. Despite being the largest phone in the series, the Pixel 9 Pro XL feels comfortable to hold and has a silky matte glass finish that is resistant to grease and fingerprints.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a stunning 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992, while the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 2856. Both displays feature a hole-punch design and offer vibrant colors and excellent brightness. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, surpassing the Pixel 8 Pro’s 2,400 nits.
Battery life is another area where the Pixel 9 Pro XL shines. With a larger 5,060 mAh battery capacity compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 4,700 mAh battery, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is expected to offer even longer battery life. Both phones are rated for over 24 hours of battery life and up to 100 hours of battery life with Extreme Battery Saver.
The Pixel 9 series is powered by the new Google tensor G4 chip, which enables a range of impressive AI features. One standout feature is the Add Me feature, which uses AI to merge a picture of a group of friends with a separate picture of yourself, creating the illusion that you were present in the original photo. Another AI feature called Reimagine allows users to select an object in a photo and transform it into something else with a simple prompt. These AI features make the Pixel 9 series stand out in terms of innovation and creativity.
In conclusion, Google’s Pixel 9 series demonstrates the company’s commitment to competing with industry giants like Samsung and Apple. By offering a triple-phone lineup and focusing on the premium Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google aims to capture consumer attention and challenge the dominance of its competitors. With impressive camera capabilities, stunning design, and powerful AI features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a compelling choice for those looking for the best-of-the-best in the smartphone market.
