Google Pixel 9 Series: A Hot Take with a Sizzling Twist

Google decided to shake things up this year, opting for an earlier, grander event. The Pixel 9 series, revealed this past week, has sparked plenty of conversation. So, let’s dive into the details without delay.

An August Reveal Changes Everything
Traditionally, Google’s Pixel events have graced us in October—Pixel 8 on October 4, 2023, and Pixel 7 on October 7, 2022. But this time, Google threw a curveball, launching the Pixel 9 series in mid-August. A bold move, and one that significantly alters the launch dynamics. Now, your summer vacation photos have a new companion in the Pixel 9 series. With Google’s phones hitting the market a full month before Apple’s latest iPhones, the timing couldn’t be more strategic.

We’re Loving the Fresh, Flat Look

It seems the trend is clear: flatter phones are in. Apple led the charge a few years back, Samsung followed suit with the Galaxy S23 series, and now, Google’s Pixels have embraced the flat aesthetic. We’re fans of this new design language—there’s something about the Pixels’ slightly rounded corners that just feels right in the hand. It’s a subtle change, but one that makes the phones more comfortable to hold, less rigid, more organic.

And let’s not forget the practical benefits. A flat design might just make your Pixel 9 more durable in the event of a drop. Glass protectors? Easier to apply, and the flat sides ensure you can fully utilize the phone’s volume.

Matte All the Way, Please

Now, a word of critique. The Pixel 9 Pro’s frame sports a polished metal finish, which, while stylish, is a magnet for fingerprints—think piano black plastic trim on a car. The Pixel 9’s glossy rear glass? A similar story. It doesn’t take long before it starts looking grimy.

Google, take note from the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 Ultra—matte finishes are the way to go. They look sleek, resist smudges, and maintain their appeal longer. Here’s hoping next year’s Pixels go full matte.

The Compact Pixel 9 Pro: A Bold Gamble

Perhaps the most intriguing reveal was the smaller Pixel 9 Pro. It’s rare to see a flagship phone in a compact form factor, and for those who prefer a smaller device, this is a dream come true. But will it catch on?

Looking at sales trends, it’s clear that most people gravitate towards larger displays, driven by our ever-growing appetite for multimedia consumption. This raises concerns about the Pixel 9 Pro’s market performance. Adding to the challenge, Google decided to stagger the release, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL arriving a week later. The timing could dampen enthusiasm for the smaller model.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A Surprisingly Mature Contender

The original Pixel Fold was a bit of a miss, but Google has come back strong with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’s impressive how much the device has matured in just one generation. Bigger screens, a natural 20:9 aspect cover screen, a thin profile, and a capable camera system—all these elements combine to make this foldable a serious competitor.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could very well give the Galaxy Z Fold6 a run for its money. With superior displays, cameras, and more RAM, Google’s foldable is poised to challenge Samsung’s dominance. For a company often criticized for playing it safe with hardware, this is a bold leap forward.

Pixel 9 Pro XL: The Family’s Reliable Breadwinner

In contrast to the adventurous Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a more measured update. It’s Google’s safest bet—the device that will likely see the most sales. And for good reason. With the biggest display and the best camera system, it’s the go-to choice for those who want the ultimate Pixel experience.

Google didn’t rest on its laurels here. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a brighter ultrawide lens, a new wide-angle selfie camera, and, of course, the annual chipset upgrade. The design tweaks, especially around the back, give it a fresh, modern look.

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner: Subtle but Significant

A change that might fly under the radar for some but is sure to be appreciated by those upgrading to the Pixel 9 is the switch to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

Previously, Pixel phones relied on optical scanners, which, while functional, often struggled with responsiveness, particularly when paired with screen protectors. The new ultrasonic tech, courtesy of Qualcomm, is a game-changer—faster, more reliable, and it even works in the dark.

Pixel 9: Not as Small as You’d Think

Lastly, a note on the Pixel 9 itself. Don’t let its smaller stature fool you—it’s not as compact as you might expect. Side-by-side with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 9 does feel smaller, but it lacks the impressive compactness of its predecessor, the Pixel 8. It’s 11 grams heavier, 1.2mm wider, and 2.3mm taller. Once you put a case on it, it starts to feel more like one of the larger Ultras than a truly compact device.

In conclusion, the Pixel 9 series is a mix of innovation and refinement, with each model offering something unique to the table. Whether it’s the bold compactness of the Pixel 9 Pro, the matured foldable, or the reliable XL, there’s plenty to be excited about—and a few things to nitpick, of cours