I’ve spent the last few weeks using Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL Android smartphones and I’m generally impressed. The two new high-end models are almost identical, except that XL stands for “extra-large.” It has a 6.8-inch screen compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch screen and is of course a bit heavier. The other significant difference is that the XL has a larger battery, which means a bit longer battery life, but both models are designed to run all day in most situations.
There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump on the back. The new devices have a nice metal frame and a well-designed matte finish, although many people put cases on their phones, so you may not see or feel these improvements. The screen is brighter and a bit nicer, although I have no complaints about the screens on last year’s model. Google added a faster, more power-efficient processor and increased RAM to 16MB. This increased RAM helps with multitasking and performance, as well as facilitating the AI features built into the new phones.
A small phone is as effective as a larger one
Until this year, if you wanted the most advanced Google Pixel phone, you had to get its larger model. The smaller ones were not only smaller, but had less memory, less available storage, a slightly worse camera, a smaller battery and, of course, a smaller screen compared to their larger “Pro” model . But this year, there are three versions of the Pixel. The standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The 9 and 9 Pro each have a 6.3-inch screen, measure 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches, and weigh 7 ounces. But if you want a larger model, the 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch screen, measures 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches, and weighs 7.8 ounces.
As I mentioned, the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have almost identical features and specifications, except for a larger battery and a bit longer battery life, minor differences in the charging times and very minor differences in screen resolution. Apple has a similar strategy when it comes to the iPhone 16 Pro and its almost identical big brother, the 16 Pro Max.
I’m used to larger phones and was a little disappointed when Google sent me the smaller 9 Pro for review. But after carrying the smaller one on a 10-day trip abroad, I realized I preferred it to the larger model, which I confirmed once I returned and started testing the larger one 9 Pro XL. Both are great phones and, yes, there are some benefits to a larger screen and battery, especially when viewing videos or slightly larger text or more text on a single screen and longer battery life. slightly higher. But after using both models, I realized that sometimes smaller and lighter can be better, at least for me right now. So thanks to Google for giving users a choice between sizes without having to sacrifice performance.
AI software
As you may have noticed, the entire tech industry is jumping on the AI bandwagon. Virtually every new product that comes out has AI capabilities. This is certainly true with the latest phones from Apple and Google.
You can configure the Pixel phone to let you hold the power button to bring up Google Assistant, but you can now replace the assistant with Google’s AI Gemini Assistant which has a more intuitive interface and lets you initiate a conversation with AI. By default you can use your voice and it will speak with its own voice. I especially find speaking responses annoying because not only are they quicker to read, but they won’t bother others like a voice coming out of my phone. I’m not sure this hardware integration is very useful since you can always open Gemini on any device by clicking on the app.
The other feature is Gemini Give which allows you to have a back and forth conversation with the AI assistant.
AI photo tools
A smart feature is “Add Me” which lets you add yourself to a group photo. You pick up the group phone, then switch places with someone in the photo and have another photographer take the photo. You can then use the Add Me function to stitch the two images together. Pretty clever but still a bit complicated.
Another photo tool is Auto Frame which allows you to change the framing of a photo after it is taken. One of the coolest tools is a reimage feature that lets you turn part of a photo into something else. I took a photo of my wife sitting next to a cardboard box and made it look like a dog was sitting in the box. This non-existent dog was created by AI.
Other good choices
Of course, there are plenty of other great phones out there, not only from Apple and Samsung, but also from lesser-known companies. What I like about Pixel phones and iPhones is that the hardware and operating system come from the same company. Apple and Google keep their phones up to date with the latest security patches and software updates. And both are careful not to overload their phones with too much unnecessary built-in software and a consistent user interface without unnecessary and sometimes confusing enhancements.
That said, I still feel like embedded AI is in its infancy and needs maturation. This does not bother and can sometimes be useful. The good news is that this will improve over time.
Larry Magid is a technology journalist and internet safety activist. Contact him at larry@larrymagid.com.
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