The Pixel 9 Pro XL: Challenging Samsung and Apple’s Dominance
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has entered the smartphone market with a set of impressive features that threaten the dominance of Samsung and Apple. With its Super Res Zoom feature that allows users to see objects over 5,000 feet away and its record-breaking battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is being hailed as the best Android phone on the market.
Adaptive Touch: A Game-Changer for the Pixel 9 Series?
But the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t stop there. Google has introduced a new display feature called “Adaptive Touch” in the Pixel 9 series. This touch sensitivity feature automatically adjusts to the user’s environment, activities, and even their screen protector. While the Pixel 9 series already has a similar feature called Screen Protector Mode, Adaptive Touch takes it a step further by compensating for users’ screen protectors.
Testing Adaptive Touch with Wet Fingers
One interesting aspect of Adaptive Touch is its rumored support for wet fingers. Although Google never explicitly stated this feature, some tech outlets put it to the test and received positive results. Android Authority reported that the Pixel 9 works much better with wet fingers compared to its predecessor, while Chrome Unboxed praised its smooth scrolling experience, even with water on the screen.
Putting Adaptive Touch to the Test: The Shower Scenario
To truly evaluate the Adaptive Touch feature, I decided to test it myself in a scenario that many people can relate to: using a smartphone with wet fingers in the shower. While I didn’t fully submerge the Pixel 9 Pro XL in water, I recreated a situation where I interacted with the device while playing music in the shower.
Mixed Results: Good and Terrible
The results were mixed. Tapping on apps and swiping left and right were smooth experiences. However, scrolling through long-form content proved to be challenging, with the screen jumping and phantom touches occurring. Swiping upward to exit apps was particularly frustrating, often requiring multiple attempts before the screen responded.
Ultrasonic In-Display Sensor: A Key Factor
Interestingly, the positive experience with fingerprint unlock using wet fingers can be attributed to the Pixel 9 series’ ultrasonic in-display sensor. This upgraded sensor can detect fingerprints even when fingers are wet, similar to the sensor found in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles simple taps without issue, it falls short in excelling at supporting wet fingers.
The Need for Wet-Finger Support
Considering the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro’s “Rain Water Touch” feature, it may be time for Google, Samsung, and Apple to seriously consider incorporating wet-finger support in their smartphones. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs well in the shower for certain gestures, there is room for improvement in this area.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has made a strong entry into the smartphone market, posing a threat to Samsung and Apple’s dominance. With its impressive features and the introduction of Adaptive Touch, Google has showcased its commitment to innovation. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles wet fingers to some extent, there is still room for improvement. The inclusion of wet-finger support in future smartphone models would undoubtedly enhance the user experience and set new standards for the industry.
