Google Pixel 9 One Year Later: I Have Mixed Feelings
It’s been a little over a year since Google launched the Pixel 9, and as a tech enthusiast who always keeps an eye on flagship Android smartphones, I’ve spent plenty of time with this device. As the Pixel 9 enters its second year in the market, it’s critical to ask: How well does it stand up in 2024? Does it still offer value, or has it been eclipsed by newer competitors? In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the Google Pixel 9 one year later, including its performance, camera, design, and overall user experience.
Performance and Software: Still Snappy but Not Perfect
The Pixel 9 shines when it comes to software experience. Running the clean, stock version of Android 14, Google’s latest OS update, it offers smooth navigation, fast app launches, and timely security patches. The Tensor G3 chipset powering the Pixel 9 remains capable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
However, when pushed to handle graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking, the Pixel 9 occasionally shows its age compared to newer Snapdragon-powered flagships. There can be minor stutters and heat buildup under extended load sessions. Still, for most users, the Pixel 9’s performance will be more than sufficient.
Software Updates: A Major Strength
One of the biggest advantages of owning a Pixel device is Google’s commitment to software updates. The Pixel 9 continues to receive timely OS upgrades and security patches, ensuring it remains secure and gains new features like improved speech recognition and AI enhancements. This long-term support adds considerable value to the phone in 2024.
Camera Quality: Still Among the Best in Its Class
When the Pixel 9 launched, its camera system was widely praised for computational photography that delivers crisp, vibrant photos regardless of lighting conditions. One year later, the Pixel 9’s camera remains a highlight. The main 50MP sensor and improved image processing create outstanding shots with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range.
Low-light photography, a traditional Pixel strength, is still impressive, thanks to Night Sight improvements embedded in software updates. The ultra-wide lens, while good, doesn’t quite match competitors’ in sharpness and field of view, but it’s adequate for casual photography.
Video Recording and Front Camera Performance
Video capabilities on the Pixel 9 are solid with smooth stabilization and clear detail in 4K recording. The front-facing camera delivers sharp selfies and performs well in video calls, but some users might find it less impressive compared to newer flagship front cameras with ultra-wide or higher-resolution sensors.
Design and Build: Comfortable but Not Cutting Edge
Physically, the Pixel 9 features a sleek design with a matte finish and slightly curved edges that make it comfortable to hold. It retains the modest bezel size and punch-hole front camera characteristic of Google’s modern design language. The phone feels solid thanks to its aluminum frame and glass back, but it’s not notably flashy compared to competitors with edge-to-edge displays and glass finishes that scream premium.
At this point, the Pixel 9’s display still looks great: a 6.0-inch OLED panel with vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for media consumption. However, the 90Hz refresh rate might feel a little behind the curve in 2024 when 120Hz and above are becoming the norm.
Battery Life and Charging: Decent with Some Caveats
Battery life on the Pixel 9 is respectable but not outstanding. For average daily use-checking emails, social media, streaming video-you can expect around a full day of usage. Heavy users who game or record lots of video may find themselves reaching for the charger by late afternoon.
The device supports fast wired charging and wireless charging, which is a nice touch. Still, charging speeds aren’t the fastest available, and the battery size could feel cramped compared to newer smartphones boasting larger batteries and more efficient hardware.
Is the Google Pixel 9 Still Worth Buying in 2024?
After using the Pixel 9 for over a year, I have mixed feelings. The phone excels in software experience, timely updates, and camera quality-core areas where Google consistently delivers. If you value a clean, bloat-free Android interface and want reliable photography performance, the Pixel 9 still holds up well.
However, the hardware-especially in performance and refresh rate-begins to show its age next to newer flagship phones. If you’re looking for cutting-edge specs, super-fast charging, or a more modern design, the Pixel 9 might feel a bit underwhelming.
Final Thoughts
For users already invested in the Google ecosystem or those prioritizing clean Android software and excellent cameras, the Pixel 9 remains a compelling device in 2024. However, if you want the fastest, flashiest Android phone with all the bells and whistles, it may be time to look at the Pixel 8 Pro or alternatives from Samsung and OnePlus.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9’s blend of strengths and weaknesses makes it a solid, dependable phone with a few compromises. Whether it’s the right phone for you depends largely on what you value most in your smartphone experience.