Google Pixel 9 Series (9/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold)

[mjschabow]

I think many brands upped their game this year. I said in January that the S24+ was the best Android I'd used, then tried the Xiaomi 14 which is also incredible (and would be my daily if WiFi calling worked and it had band 71).

The Pixel 9XL feels very different in daily use than prior Pixels. The build quality is the best of any Pixel, as is the screen. I don't perceive any stutter which plagued the Pixels 7 and 8 in my case, the 6 is too long ago and I can't remember. Battery life has been on par with my S24+, definitely not worse. The speakers have gotten a massive upgrade compared to the 8 Pro. I said earlier maybe my 8 Pro was just defective, as the speakers were very muddy and not good. The ultrasonic fps works for me 100% of the time and is lightning quick.

The only issue I've run into is it doesn't play nice with all of my wireless chargers, so I needed to order a different one.

I get there's still a newness factor here, but this phone is very different from prior Pixels. Have to use it to feel it.

So what you're saying is I should request a self ban from this forum so I no longer see these comments?

 

[Harthag]

So what you're saying is I should request a self ban from this forum so I no longer see these comments?

Been there tried that 😂.

Here's another good "daily / normal use" video, I typically enjoy his videos.

 

[mjschabow]

Dammit

 

[Harthag]

Dammit

I recall you loving Android but had to return to iOS this past year? If you're considering jumping back (to Android) maybe wait until the iPhone 16 is revealed? I've said all along September will be the real test for me, as I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 4. It will feel very strange not getting it in a few weeks. I've been Android only since the S24 launch, this is by far the longest I've ever gone without using an iPhone at all.

 

[mg51015bb]

For people with the P9 (XL pro or normal), how’s the performance in apps like Reddit or Twitter? I’ve found the last few Pixel generations were pretty “stuttery” using Reddit and Twitter, and even apps like Instagram weren’t quite as smooth when scrolling. All of this is compared to the iPhone, which has been pretty good performance wise.

 

[mjschabow]

I recall you loving Android but had to return to iOS this past year? If you're considering jumping back (to Android) maybe wait until the iPhone 16 is revealed? I've said all along September will be the real test for me, as I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 4. It will feel very strange not getting it in a few weeks. I've been Android only since the S24 launch, this is by far the longest I've ever gone without using an iPhone at all.

Haha yeah a lot of it was tied to my kid and tracking what apps she's downloading but now we're at that point where she's a sophmore in High School and what more can I really do, haha. The other side of me thinks that switching again would be really annoying. The one thing that keeps my eyes peeled about Android is that I absolutely love using Google services for pretty much everything. All in all, both ecosystems are pretty much the same now. I have an Apple Watch but I'm also not tied to it. Like I could not use a watch and be ok. And now that RCS is on iOS, that helps too.

It's more of the not wanting to take the leap and then regret it and lose money thing at this point.

And no I'll never use 2 phones haha.

 

[Mellofello808]

I think that this years pixel is the first time I could seriously recommend one to someone thinking about switching from iPhone. There has always been one glaring caveat to every pixel, but they have really managed to iron out most of the rough edges.

You do feel the lack of power in the chip, but then again it is reaching the speed of flagships from a couple years ago, and they weren’t slow phones.

 

[tbayrgs]

Anyone here using a Galaxy Watch Ultra with a Pixel 9 device…how’s the experience been? Any limitations vs. the Pixel Watch (other than the look and feel of the hardware)? How does the experience compare to the iPhone/Apple Watch Ultra combo? Things you can do on one that you can’t on the other?

I’m looking to pair a Wear OS smartwatch with my new Pixel 9 Pro Fold when it comes, have the $350 credit at the Google Store but love my APU2 and like the build/aesthetic of the GWU quite a bit more.

 

[noobinator]

This is the first Pixel where I have (on multiple occasions now) picked up the phone and then after looking at the screen realizing it wasn't my iPhone. The feel in hand and look from above is so similar now that I honestly can't quickly tell which phone I'm grabbing until I see the OS.

 

[jamezr]

I am super impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro XL so far. The overall user experience has bee spectacular.
This is the best build quality so far on a Pixel. It is a joy to hold in the hand.
Fantastic battery life, right up there with my battery king 15 PM! Pixel software and user experience is always amazing!
Great camera with AI editing built in. Amazing AI experiences so far!

I switched my main line to the P9PXL from my 15 PM and have not picked up my iPhone since I got the Pixel.
Big step for me as I always have my main line as my iPhone and my Android phone as my second line.
I am down to carrying ONE phone now!

 

[aggie99]

Haha yeah a lot of it was tied to my kid and tracking what apps she's downloading but now we're at that point where she's a sophmore in High School and what more can I really do, haha. The other side of me thinks that switching again would be really annoying. The one thing that keeps my eyes peeled about Android is that I absolutely love using Google services for pretty much everything. All in all, both ecosystems are pretty much the same now. I have an Apple Watch but I'm also not tied to it. Like I could not use a watch and be ok. And now that RCS is on iOS, that helps too.

It's more of the not wanting to take the leap and then regret it and lose money thing at this point.

And no I'll never use 2 phones haha.

You have a return period, ya know? For tracking I've pretty much added everyone to Life360. Hate that I have to pay for it but it works well. And like you said, with RCS coming to Apple, cross platform messaging is going to be much improved. I'll hold onto my 15PM, but doubtful I'll activate the esim again. I like to use iOS from time to time and fine using it on wifi only, but I always end up making my way back to Android, and specifically, the Pixel line. I'd wait for the iOS18 rollout before switching since you seem to be on the fence.

 

[aggie99]

Anyone here using a Galaxy Watch Ultra with a Pixel 9 device…how’s the experience been? Any limitations vs. the Pixel Watch (other than the look and feel of the hardware)? How does the experience compare to the iPhone/Apple Watch Ultra combo? Things you can do on one that you can’t on the other?

I’m looking to pair a Wear OS smartwatch with my new Pixel 9 Pro Fold when it comes, have the $350 credit at the Google Store but love my APU2 and like the build/aesthetic of the GWU quite a bit more.

I'm using the AWU with my P9PXL and was using it with my OP Open before that. I have not experienced any limitations that I can tell. Samsung Health is giving me all of my sleep tracking, workout tracking, and health info. All message and call notifications are coming through just fine. Favorite watch I've had so far. My AW Ultra is sitting in my desk drawer and hasn't moved since I got it.

 

[DJLAXL]

Anyone here using a Galaxy Watch Ultra with a Pixel 9 device…how’s the experience been? Any limitations vs. the Pixel Watch (other than the look and feel of the hardware)? How does the experience compare to the iPhone/Apple Watch Ultra combo? Things you can do on one that you can’t on the other?

I’m looking to pair a Wear OS smartwatch with my new Pixel 9 Pro Fold when it comes, have the $350 credit at the Google Store but love my APU2 and like the build/aesthetic of the GWU quite a bit more.

This is my new daily combo. I feel like I don't receive notifications at all lol. Then again I had this problem on my S24U.

The 45mm PW3 I saw and tried on at Best Buy looks way too small on my wrist after having an AWU2 and a SGWU. Will have to wait for the Pixel Watch Pro XL in 2026 I suppose.

 

[Harthag]

For people with the P9 (XL pro or normal), how’s the performance in apps like Reddit or Twitter? I’ve found the last few Pixel generations were pretty “stuttery” using Reddit and Twitter, and even apps like Instagram weren’t quite as smooth when scrolling. All of this is compared to the iPhone, which has been pretty good performance wise.

Reddit is very smooth now. There is some stutter when first opening a thread for all of the messages to load, but once that's done there's no stutter. I don't use Twitter so can't comment on that.

Haha yeah a lot of it was tied to my kid and tracking what apps she's downloading but now we're at that point where she's a sophmore in High School and what more can I really do, haha. The other side of me thinks that switching again would be really annoying. The one thing that keeps my eyes peeled about Android is that I absolutely love using Google services for pretty much everything. All in all, both ecosystems are pretty much the same now. I have an Apple Watch but I'm also not tied to it. Like I could not use a watch and be ok. And now that RCS is on iOS, that helps too.

It's more of the not wanting to take the leap and then regret it and lose money thing at this point.

And no I'll never use 2 phones haha.

You can always try one and return it, but yes that makes sense re: the financial burden.

 

[jamezr]

Google was super smart releasing the Pixel 9 models before the iPhone event next month.
This way it would get the attention it deserves and not get lost in all the iPhone hysteria that happens every year.
I have had every iPhone since the first one in 2007. But i might not get the 16. I don't see a compelling reason to ditch my 15 PM for the 16 PM and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just that good too!

 

[mjschabow]

Google was super smart releasing the Pixel 9 models before the iPhone event next month.
This way it would get the attention it deserves and not get lost in all the iPhone hysteria that happens every year.
I have had every iPhone since the first one in 2007. But i might not get the 16. I don't see a compelling reason to ditch my 15 PM for the 16 PM and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just that good too!

100%. I was doing the math, and there's no reason for me to spend the money to upgrade to the 16PM this year.

 

[Ludatyk]

Google was super smart releasing the Pixel 9 models before the iPhone event next month.
This way it would get the attention it deserves and not get lost in all the iPhone hysteria that happens every year.
I have had every iPhone since the first one in 2007. But i might not get the 16. I don't see a compelling reason to ditch my 15 PM for the 16 PM and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just that good too!

100%. I was doing the math, and there's no reason for me to spend the money to upgrade to the 16PM this year.

It’s not out yet. Once iPhone 16 officially launch… the hype begins, and it’s tough to resist the hype train!

I’m just sitting back… because the S24U came and the focus was on that, Pixel launched (smart on them doing a staggered release) and it’s getting well deserved praise. Apple will come and take some of that attention away. It’s the smartphone cycle Lol.

 

[jamezr]

100%. I was doing the math, and there's no reason for me to spend the money to upgrade to the 16PM this year.

then their whole AI features won't be available until next year? It is essentially ChatGPT and I already have that on my 15PM

 

[tbayrgs]

I'm using the AWU with my P9PXL and was using it with my OP Open before that. I have not experienced any limitations that I can tell. Samsung Health is giving me all of my sleep tracking, workout tracking, and health info. All message and call notifications are coming through just fine. Favorite watch I've had so far. My AW Ultra is sitting in my desk drawer and hasn't moved since I got it.

Don’t really want to use Samsung Health but that’s not as important as I can use other third parties and synchonize with Google’s Health Connect or have it sync back to Apple Health via their apps on my iPhone. I’m gonna be the weirdo that wears both watch for some initial workout tracking to see how they compare. 😂

 

[Mellofello808]

Anyone here using a Galaxy Watch Ultra with a Pixel 9 device…how’s the experience been? Any limitations vs. the Pixel Watch (other than the look and feel of the hardware)? How does the experience compare to the iPhone/Apple Watch Ultra combo? Things you can do on one that you can’t on the other?

I’m looking to pair a Wear OS smartwatch with my new Pixel 9 Pro Fold when it comes, have the $350 credit at the Google Store but love my APU2 and like the build/aesthetic of the GWU quite a bit more.

I am wearing the Galaxy 6 classic with the pixel 9 xl. It works just fine. During the launch of the ultra there were some very tempting deals, but I decided I prefer the rotating bezel, and sleeker looks of the classic.

I believe that you do lose out on some of the more advanced health features like EKG , BP etc using a non Samsung phone, but to be honest I never use any of that stuff anyway.

One of the really nice features they have added to Galaxy watch in the past few years is the ability to transfer the watch between phones without a wipe, so you can switch phones pretty easily now.

 

[tbayrgs]

Google was super smart releasing the Pixel 9 models before the iPhone event next month.
This way it would get the attention it deserves and not get lost in all the iPhone hysteria that happens every year.
I have had every iPhone since the first one in 2007. But i might not get the 16. I don't see a compelling reason to ditch my 15 PM for the 16 PM and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just that good too!

This logic is certainly sound….but we know how this will eventually all play out, for all of us chronic gadgetheads.

I get the new iPhone every year because, 1) I have no will power and must have whatever is new, and 2) I have three kids between the ages of 16 and 20 and it helps spread out the upgrades. And if anyone is getting the new phone, it’s me. They’ll live just fine with a year old Pro iPhone.

If it was about me upgrading my personal phone, I don’t think I’d be upgrading either…just don’t see the compelling improvements over the 15 PM.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Luckily the iPhone hype doesn't penetrate to me. I wouldn't take one for free, or I would and immediately sell it LOL. Why would I want to go backwards in time with the iPhone. I want to be in the future where the Pixel is.

Pixel releases are my kryptonite.

 

[danb1979]

I am wearing the Galaxy 6 classic with the pixel 9 xl. It works just fine. During the launch of the ultra there were some very tempting deals, but I decided I prefer the rotating bezel, and sleeker looks of the classic.

I believe that you do lose out on some of the more advanced health features like EKG , BP etc using a non Samsung phone, but to be honest I never use any of that stuff anyway.

One of the really nice features they have added to Galaxy watch in the past few years is the ability to transfer the watch between phones without a wipe, so you can switch phones pretty easily now.

Exactly the same here; what I need my SWU to do, it'll do just fine on a Pixel

 

[danb1979]

Ordered the obsidian 512GB Pixel 9 Pro Fold via the superb offer EE have sent me here in the UK

£56 a month for 24 months and can 'upgrade' again after 6 months 😂

Says delivery is 04th Sept onwards; will see what happens...

I'll definitely be selling on my immaculate/as new Pixel Fold; unsure what I'll do with the S24U as I've only just got that; but it'd be huge overkill for it to be sat on my desk all day being used for calls/texts etc...

I'll partner my Samsung Watch Ultra with the 9 Pro Fold; it'll do what I need of it very well; there's so much of its capabilities that I don't use, that it doesn't need to be paired with a Samsung watch

Looking forward to it landing...

Spigen Slim Armor Pro case and EZFit screen protector to be ordered (and the camera lens protector too)...

In 2 minds whether to fit the Spigen Magsafe sticker to it as I have done for my Pixel Fold...

 

[aggie99]

I am wearing the Galaxy 6 classic with the pixel 9 xl. It works just fine. During the launch of the ultra there were some very tempting deals, but I decided I prefer the rotating bezel, and sleeker looks of the classic.

I believe that you do lose out on some of the more advanced health features like EKG , BP etc using a non Samsung phone, but to be honest I never use any of that stuff anyway.

One of the really nice features they have added to Galaxy watch in the past few years is the ability to transfer the watch between phones without a wipe, so you can switch phones pretty easily now.

I had not tried to do an EKG yet but sure enough it won't work without a Samsung phone. That really is silly since it shouldn't be dependent on the phone to take the reading.