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

[dk001]

Running into an issue with the 9 Pro fingerprint.
I am seeing a significant “fail” using the fingerprint scanner in the dark. I reset the fingerprint and it is better for a bit but then fades again.

The fingerprint scanner on the 9 Pro Fold however is a champ and has worked flawlessly for me.

Any suggestions for the 9 Pro or is anyone seeing the same?

 

[MarkX]

Running into an issue with the 9 Pro fingerprint.
I am seeing a significant “fail” using the fingerprint scanner in the dark. I reset the fingerprint and it is better for a bit but then fades again.

The fingerprint scanner on the 9 Pro Fold however is a champ and has worked flawlessly for me.

Any suggestions for the 9 Pro or is anyone seeing the same?

No issues here, still as good and reliable as it has always been - day or night!

 

[majkom]

Maaan, sales for Pixel 9 pro range are so good here in Czechia right now. You can buy pixel 9 pro base for less than base ip 16 nonori would cost you and you will get pixel buds 2 pro for free… if pwm wouldnt be 240 but at least 480, I would probably try it, just to try it, for that price point… pitty

 

[Aneres11]

Just noticed that the UK Google store is now allowing for trade in of the previous pixel watches when buying a Pixel Watch 3.

They only did this outside the UK to begin with, I believe, so now there is an actual incentive for me to "upgrade". I use the term loosely. They're offering £145 for the pixel watch 2, which is great considering I've had it over a year now and I paid nothing for it to begin with as it was a freebie with the Pixel 8's last year.

Now to just decide on colour, size / cellular or not etc.

 

[dk001]

Start of a new year 😁

Some end of year updates - 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold
9 Pro
Overall I really like this device. Size and general functionality is top rate. I set it up as new using my Gmail account I use for testing. It does have a few issues and some of this may be the fact I am testing two Pixel devices under the same ID. More on that.
1. The fingerprint reader has a high failure rate in low light or no light. I have tried resetting, registering the same finger multiple times, etc…. In the light it is spot on. In the dark, pretty poor.
2. Apps that require a login keep losing my login info. Banking apps, Gaming apps, etc…. I can count on the app acting as if this is my initial login at least once or twice a week.
3. I keep reading and hearing the 9 Pro is fast on WiFI and Mobile Data. Compared to my S24 Ultra and 15 ProMax (main devices), it is slow. It is fast but lags far behind my main devices. Using on Mint Mobile and WiFi 6
4. Once things settled down and I had a week plus on it, battery life is pretty good. It will usually last a full day plus. Some heavy days require a quick charge late afternoon or evening.
5. Camera is awesome! Balance, clarity, focus is among the best or the best I have in any device I have used.
6. Gemini and other AI features are great! I am really impressed with this feature and using Gemini for search works better than Google search in the browser.

9 Pro Fold
If this device could drop about 25% of its weight, it would be my main. Really like the folding option and the flexibility it gives me. Some of the same issues (more later) I am seeing on this Pixel devices also. Some of this may be the fact I am testing two Pixel devices under the same ID.
1. Fingerprint reader is smooth, fast, and damn near 100% all the time.
2. Apps that require a login keep losing my login info. Banking apps, Gaming apps, etc…. I can count on the app acting as if this is my initial login at least once or twice a week. Same as the 9 Pro.
3. Battery life is decent but most days using this as my main I need to top off late in the day.
4. Camera is okay but not as good as the 9 Pro.
5. Gemini and other AI features are great! I am really impressed with this feature and using Gemini for search works better than Google search in the browser. The fact I can open this in fold mode makes it even more useful.

Other issues
Now for the issues that I think may be caused by the fact I have two Pixel devices on the same ID. Device names are different.
Frequently I will open an app and it opens as if it was the other Pixel. Example: I’ll open a book in Kindle and it opens in fold-out size on the 9 Pro. Have seen the reverse on the fold if I open in foldout mode. I have had this happen with pretty much any app I put in stretch mode on the Fold.
Both devices put photos and video in the same Google Drive. However the photos from one may not always show when accessed via the Photos app. If I check via my Galaxy Book, all photos are always there. Odd.
Lastly, the same app with act as if I never logged in before or lose the login info usually on both devices at the same time. PITA!

Overall, I easily recommend either device. For now, I find myself using the 9 Pro more when I run around for the day, hiking, or taking a drive. I use a Pitaka case on both devices.

Welcome to 2025!! 🥂🍾

 

[mjschabow]

Quick question for folks with the Pixel that have used iPhones in the past.

Thoughts on Google Chrome vs Safari?

I would prefer to use Chrome because that's what I use on my work PC, so essentially my phone and PC would be synced up much like people use Safari on their phones and macs. I don't own a Mac but remember that being really nice.

I remember like 2 years ago when I had an Android, Chrome didn't have a bottom bar, which was annoying. Does it have that yet?

Any other concerns with Chrome on mobile?


I ask because I'm heavily considering becoming primarily a Pixel user. I've absolutely loved every Pixel I've owned but the hardware just wasn't quite there yet. Last one I had was the Pixel 4, lol so I know it's a lot better. The ecosystem looks improved too. Not sure if I'd even go with a watch, but the buds sound like they're pretty top notch.

 

[Dave245]

Quick question for folks with the Pixel that have used iPhones in the past.

Thoughts on Google Chrome vs Safari?

I would prefer to use Chrome because that's what I use on my work PC, so essentially my phone and PC would be synced up much like people use Safari on their phones and macs. I don't own a Mac but remember that being really nice.

I remember like 2 years ago when I had an Android, Chrome didn't have a bottom bar, which was annoying. Does it have that yet?

Any other concerns with Chrome on mobile?


I ask because I'm heavily considering becoming primarily a Pixel user. I've absolutely loved every Pixel I've owned but the hardware just wasn't quite there yet. Last one I had was the Pixel 4, lol so I know it's a lot better. The ecosystem looks improved too. Not sure if I'd even go with a watch, but the buds sound like they're pretty top notch.

Are you going to wait for the Pixel 10? That’s what I’m thinking of doing.

 

[mjschabow]

Are you going to wait for the Pixel 10? That’s what I’m thinking of doing.

I haven’t fully decided on that yet. I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a 9 Pro now but I’m also not in a huge rush either.

 

[Dave245]

I haven’t fully decided on that yet. I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a 9 Pro now but I’m also not in a huge rush either.

Makes sense, personally I’m waiting to see what Samsung announce with the S25 Ultra. If I’m not impressed, I’m going to wait for the Pixel 10 and trade in my S24 Ultra.

 

[mjschabow]

Makes sense, personally I’m waiting to see what Samsung announce with the S25 Ultra. If I’m not impressed, I’m going to wait for the Pixel 10 and trade in my S24 Ultra.

Yeah, I'm taking my time because I want to be 100% committed to my decision. One of the things that actually scares me about Android compared to iPhone is that I'm afraid that I'll be tempted to spend more money every time a new shiny object is released. With iPhone, I really only have 1 option once per year. Android has a lot of choice, which could also be a lot of bad decisions.

So I need to break everything down and make the right choice.

 

[HouseLannister]

I would prefer to use Chrome because that's what I use on my work PC, so essentially my phone and PC would be synced up much like people use Safari on their phones and macs.

If you have to use Chrome on your work PC, then Chrome on Android is a fine choice. You won't have extension support, so use Blokada or something similar to block ads at a device level: https://blokada.org/#download (version 5 is still free, version 6 is a subscription service)

Chrome has been testing bottom tab bars on and off for years, but it is currently not on the main release. You can get it by installing Chrome Canary and enabling a hidden flag: chrome://flags/#android-bottom-toolbar

If you want a bottom tab bar and extensions, I would go for Firefox if you are allowed to put Firefox on your work computer. It has uBlock Origin support and that's all I really need.

 

[mjschabow]

If you have to use Chrome on your work PC, then Chrome on Android is a fine choice. You won't have extension support, so use Blokada or something similar to block ads at a device level: https://blokada.org/#download (version 5 is still free, version 6 is a subscription service)

Chrome has been testing bottom tab bars on and off for years, but it is currently not on the main release. You can get it by installing Chrome Canary and enabling a hidden flag: chrome://flags/#android-bottom-toolbar

If you want a bottom tab bar and extensions, I would go for Firefox if you are allowed to put Firefox on your work computer. It has uBlock Origin support and that's all I really need.

Thanks! And yeah bottom bar isn't a huge deal, but I'm so used to it on iPhone right now that it would just be a bit jarring at first!

 

[Ludatyk]

Makes sense, personally I’m waiting to see what Samsung announce with the S25 Ultra. If I’m not impressed, I’m going to wait for the Pixel 10 and trade in my S24 Ultra.

At this point, we already know what the S25U will be… the specs have been leaked along with the look of it.

It’s going to be running OneUI 7 and that’s been in beta since early December, I don’t see what surprises Samsung has planned… unless you are big on AI and you curious about that.

Yeah, I'm taking my time because I want to be 100% committed to my decision. One of the things that actually scares me about Android compared to iPhone is that I'm afraid that I'll be tempted to spend more money every time a new shiny object is released. With iPhone, I really only have 1 option once per year. Android has a lot of choice, which could also be a lot of bad decisions.

So I need to break everything down and make the right choice.

You should really stay with the iPhone as they say “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

Android has a lot of choice, that’s true. But in the end, it’s all about preferences… similar to the iPhone. If you gravitate toward pure Android… you’ll go with Pixel, want more customization out of Android… you’ll choose Samsung.

 

[mjschabow]

At this point, we already know what the S25U will be… the specs have been leaked along with the look of it.

It’s going to be running OneUI 7 and that’s been in beta since early December, I don’t see what surprises Samsung has planned… unless you are big on AI and you curious about that.


You should really stay with the iPhone as they say “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

Android has a lot of choice, that’s true. But in the end, it’s all about preferences… similar to the iPhone. If you gravitate toward pure Android… you’ll go with Pixel, want more customization out of Android… you’ll choose Samsung.

That's why I've always dabbled with Samsung over Pixel, because I usually found the Pixel a bit boring.

 

[Dave245]

That's why I've always dabbled with Samsung over Pixel, because I usually found the Pixel a bit boring.

Samsung is more customisable that’s for sure. Pixel has better AI, although after Samsungs Unpacked event that could change. Gemini is really impressive tho.

 

[dk001]

Makes sense, personally I’m waiting to see what Samsung announce with the S25 Ultra. If I’m not impressed, I’m going to wait for the Pixel 10 and trade in my S24 Ultra.

Using the 9 Pro and S24U side by side. The 9 Pro is a great everyday device with a really good camera setup. Still I personally like my S24U - Good bit faster when used side by side. Either way, both are really good.

 

[dk001]

Samsung is more customisable that’s for sure. Pixel has better AI, although after Samsungs Unpacked event that could change. Gemini is really impressive tho.

Using Gemini and Grok on my Pixel. Wow!!

 

[Dave245]

Using Gemini and Grok on my Pixel. Wow!!

Gemini Live is what has REALLY impressed me, you can have an actual conversation with it and it understands, replies quick enough and is just very useful. The same can't be said for Siri or Samsungs Bixby. If Samsung are going to be introducing an AI assistant, they really need to have sorted out Bixby OR something new entirely, either way they will have a tall order to even match let alone beat Google's Gemini Live.

 

[dk001]

Gemini Live is what has REALLY impressed me, you can have an actual conversation with it and it understands, replies quick enough and is just very useful. The same can't be said for Siri or Samsungs Bixby. If Samsung are going to be introducing an AI assistant, they really need to have sorted out Bixby OR something new entirely, either way they will have a tall order to even match let alone beat Google's Gemini Live.

Be cool if Apple would drop ChatGPT and use Gemini instead.
Bixby and Siri are both pretty broke. Siri has the lowest IQ 😂

GL is being used on both my 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold - it really works well.

 

[Technerd108]

Be cool if Apple would drop ChatGPT and use Gemini instead.
Bixby and Siri are both pretty broke. Siri has the lowest IQ 😂

GL is being used on both my 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold - it really works well.

I don't know. Pixel can be used completely hands free which can be very handy at times.

However, I am not so hyped on AI and open source chat gpt or Gemini due to privacy concerns.

You think Google collects a ton of data as it is on all Android phones and specially so with Pixel.

What do you think the addition of an opaque AI always running in the background? Personally, AI has so far been a pretty big disappointment and raises some issues that didn't exist prior to it's inclusion.

I like my dump phone and Mac, lol.

 

[Dave245]

I don't know. Pixel can be used completely hands free which can be very handy at times.

However, I am not so hyped on AI and open source chat gpt or Gemini due to privacy concerns.

You think Google collects a ton of data as it is on all Android phones and specially so with Pixel.

What do you think the addition of an opaque AI always running in the background? Personally, AI has so far been a pretty big disappointment and raises some issues that didn't exist prior to it's inclusion.

I like my dump phone and Mac, lol.

At this point data is collected on us anyway, have Facebook? Data collected, any social media at all? Data collected. Ever signed up for a news letter or to get 10% off a product? Data collected. Ever used an Alexa, Google Home or Siri? Data is collected. Most of the time it’s just used for marketing purposes, i ignore all that nonsense anyway.

I use Gemini Live, the feature is by far the best AI assistant, Gemini isn’t designed to talk about anything personal anyway, it’s more for asking questions and so on.

 

[dk001]

I don't know. Pixel can be used completely hands free which can be very handy at times.

However, I am not so hyped on AI and open source chat gpt or Gemini due to privacy concerns.

You think Google collects a ton of data as it is on all Android phones and specially so with Pixel.

What do you think the addition of an opaque AI always running in the background? Personally, AI has so far been a pretty big disappointment and raises some issues that didn't exist prior to it's inclusion.

I like my dump phone and Mac, lol.

AI for … call it for the mobile world. None of them have been eye opening though we are being force fed this. If it is going to be included, wanted or not, it comes down to can I turn it off for sure, which one works better, and whether you want it on-device or off-device.

To your point, I only really use “AI” when I am doing searches.

 

[The Game 161]

Be cool if Apple would drop ChatGPT and use Gemini instead.
Bixby and Siri are both pretty broke. Siri has the lowest IQ 😂

GL is being used on both my 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold - it really works well.

bixby is being re-born with S25 series and will be basically al based improvements.

techinally apple does have gemini with the gemini app. there's certainly room for chatGPT and gemini.

 

[The Game 161]

That's why I've always dabbled with Samsung over Pixel, because I usually found the Pixel a bit boring.

i get that, going from iphone to pixel doesn't seem that different from finding something new and different. Samsung is great for people who want more from a device.

 

[jamezr]

Using Gemini and Grok on my Pixel. Wow!!

How do you like Grok? It is on my radar to try it out!