Google continues to invest in its Pixel phones even though they retain a unique market position. Just last week at the AI occasion, not only were the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro revealed, but Google also introduced a larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL, and a cutting-edge Pixel 9 Pro Fold device, demonstrating its ambition to instrumentalise the mobile phone sector.
These phones serve as an optimal platform to highlight the Android operating system and in particular the AI capabilities that it hopes will intrigue customers, convincing them of the technology’s worth.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL exhibits its capabilities commendably, while not delivering perfection in Gemini-backed experience, it does hint promisingly towards the possibilities of future technology. It presents itself in a reimagined design that, visually, could remind one of the iPhone 15 Pro Max at a cursory glance.
Google has superseded the curved edges and the front camera now appears as a small indentation on the screen. On the reverse, the distinctive camera protuberance remains, altering its shape from a longitudinal bar to an oval. This accommodates a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 48-megapixel broad-scale lens for meticulous zoom shots, while a 42-megapixel lens is chosen for selfies on the upgraded 9 Pro XL model.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display, a slight increase from the 6.3 inches of the base Pixel 9 Pro, apart from the display size, there isn’t much to distinguish between the two models.
The larger screen serves not just aesthetically but functionally too, offering a brighter, 3,000 nits at peak luminance, it’s easier to see under intense sunlight. This additional screen real estate will certainly come in handy for framing photos and editing videos. It also incorporates an adaptive refresh rate for a smoother user experience.
The latest Tensor G4 chip is packed inside with the promise of powering a host of new AI features, that Google is banking on to attract customers. This is supported by a substantial 16GB of RAM for the Pro models, though 12GB is allocated for Pixel 9.
Google has been endorsing the integration of AI in smartphones and with the functions touted for the Pixel 9 series, users may be persuaded that AI is not as gimmicky as previously perceived.
A host of functions is condensed into this device. Magic Editor is making a return, minimising undesirable distractions in your photos, diminishing audio noise in your videos, and presenting a new attribute that enables you to creatively “reimagine” a photo with AI components. An example of this is a photograph of a Waymo taxi in San Francisco being converted into a dystopian wasteland with a few text commands.
Innovative features will also adjust your shots for you, offering a broader perspective than initially captured, and rectifying any minor misalignments in your original photo. Hence, it’s almost impossible to capture a bad photo now, or at least one that a little AI editing feature can’t rectify. The software did encounter a few glitches that resulted in poor edits, but a swift refresh would generally rectify the error.
Video Boost technology has also been incorporated, which has been observed to significantly enhance live music event videos, making them more clear and vibrant than the original footage.
Pixel Studio, another AI feature, generates images in response to a few prompts. If one desires an AI-produced image of a campfire, it is entirely possible; additionally, one can build upon that to include more elements.
Numerous advanced elements are integrated into the handset camera application itself. For instance, the Add Me feature mitigates the dilemma of potential exclusion from group photos; it eliminates the risk of giving your phone to an untrusted person to take a photo. Simply take the first group photo, then click another picture of yourself, and the software will merge the two images into one, ensuring a perfect group photo.
The extent to which such photo editing techniques may distort reality is still a debatable matter, one that has been impacting the larger realm of photography for some time.
Some of the beneficial features include a selfie timer that activates by showing your palm to the cameras, providing ample time to get your face ready for the picture. Additionally, an enhanced panorama mode offers better guidance to avoid skewed shots, even performing well in dimly lit conditions.
The new Google assistant, Gemini Live, enables more natural interaction. You can converse with it in everyday language and it responds effectively 99% of the time. It has a slight unnatural feel, but it is more user-friendly than other digitally-aided interactions.
It once gave me outdated information, stating that Google’s chatbot was still named Bard – a label it abandoned earlier that year in favour of Gemini – it corrected the mistake when pointed out.
A key point to note is that while most AI features can be run on all Android devices, Google has reserved some exclusively for the Pixel. Notably, the Screenshots app, which automatically saves, analyses, and organises all screenshots, making them searchable and available for extracting vital data when needed.
For instance, I used it while planning an upcoming holiday, taking screenshots of numerous hotel and flight choices. Instead of inquiring Gemini, I made queries within the app to recall some information and the necessary details were available to me.
Although it’s slightly cumbersome at present, with it being at the nascent stage, there’s scope for enhancement. Also, it operates on the device instead of the cloud, alleviating any privacy-related fears.
Pixel Studio, another AI tool, generates images as per your suggestions. For instance, wanting an AI-created picture of a campfire? It will accommodate, also allowing you to make modifications. Though, it presently cannot generate images of humans, deeming such requests as unsuitable.
Overall, it’s great.
Whilst Google has fully embraced AI technology for its newest device, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it hasn’t ignored other important aspects such as the camera feature. It produces high-quality images, and the AI capabilities aid the editing process and make group photo-taking a breeze. However, these features aren’t the only selling point; the handset offers practical functionalities such as Video Boost and impressive low-light performance, even in panorama. The battery lifespan extends beyond a standard day.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL carries a higher price tag, particularly for Google’s product line. The fresh AI features, though promising, can be slightly awkward to use at times. Its fullest potential will be realised when the AI assistant Gemini can efficiently interact with all apps and provide necessary information. Presently, there’s a division of tasks between the Google Assistant, Gemini and unsupported functionalities, which may lead to a degree of confusion.
In terms of aesthetics, the new Pixel device exudes a similar vibe to an iPhone from the front. Nonetheless, the refashioned camera bump distinctly sets it apart as a Pixel model.
In conclusion, while the Google AI capabilities are beneficial, the Pixel 9 Pro XL transcends being simply a device of AI innovations. Its versatility and other valuable features significantly contribute to its appeal.