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

[mjschabow]

Welp! After a lot of deliberation, I ordered a Renewed - Excellent Pixel 9 Pro on Amazon. I’m going to play with it for a week or so and see if I would dare change my E-Sim to it.

Curious if the Pixel Bud Pros are good. I think I’m just going to go without a watch from now on if I do switch.

 

[Ludatyk]

Welp! After a lot of deliberation, I ordered a Renewed - Excellent Pixel 9 Pro on Amazon. I’m going to play with it for a week or so and see if I would dare change my E-Sim to it.

Curious if the Pixel Bud Pros are good. I think I’m just going to go without a watch from now on if I do switch.

Ahhhh... was really looking forward to you trying out a foldable. But I'm surprised you didn't settle on the XL for the bigger size...

That's always been a thing for me... whatever device i have, I like using the OEM headphones to get the best compatibility out of them. With the Z Fold 6... I have the Galaxy Buds and the AirPods Max for my iPad Pro.

 

[mjschabow]

Ahhhh... was really looking forward to you trying out a foldable. But I'm surprised you didn't settle on the XL for the bigger size...

That's always been a thing for me... whatever device i have, I like using the OEM headphones to get the best compatibility out of them. With the Z Fold 6... I have the Galaxy Buds and the AirPods Max for my iPad Pro.

Oh whoops I did actually go with the XL.

I’m still not ruling out a Foldable. I’m not going to switch my sim and just play with the phone a bit. I have just had it in my head along that I really need to give the Pixel a shot.

Also, with being half in the Android door, I was nervous about buying a used one and hoping it doesn’t break for the next 6 months.

 

[Dave245]

Oh whoops I did actually go with the XL.

I’m still not ruling out a Foldable. I’m not going to switch my sim and just play with the phone a bit. I have just had it in my head along that I really need to give the Pixel a shot.

Also, with being half in the Android door, I was nervous about buying a used one and hoping it doesn’t break for the next 6 months.

Let me know what you think of the Pixel 9 XL, we share similar opinions and both heavy into the Apple ecosystem so it would be great to hear what you think. Especially since I thinking about going with Pixel if the S25 Ultra doesn't impress me.

 

[mjschabow]

Let me know what you think of the Pixel 9 XL, we share similar opinions and both heavy into the Apple ecosystem so it would be great to hear what you think. Especially since I thinking about going with Pixel if the S25 Ultra doesn't impress me.

My biggest fear is that I’m going to be underwhelmed. I understand the love for Pixels, but every time I’ve purchased one, I’ve been like “meh” after a couple of days. I also haven’t tried one in almost 5 years.

 

[Dave245]

My biggest fear is that I’m going to be underwhelmed. I understand the love for Pixels, but every time I’ve purchased one, I’ve been like “meh” after a couple of days. I also haven’t tried one in almost 5 years.

I get that, iPhone is the comfort blanket. While iPhone can be boring, they do “just work” as the old saying goes. But to be fair 5 years is a long time and Pixels have apparently changed a lot.

 

[mjschabow]

I get that, iPhone is the comfort blanket. While iPhone can be boring, they do “just work” as the old saying goes. But to be fair 5 years is a long time and Pixels have apparently changed a lot.

Yeah another big thing for me will be how the Pixel handles Reminders. I use Siri a ton for Reminders and it works really well. If Google can’t keep up with that, then it won’t be a good fit.

 

[aggie99]

My biggest fear is that I’m going to be underwhelmed. I understand the love for Pixels, but every time I’ve purchased one, I’ve been like “meh” after a couple of days. I also haven’t tried one in almost 5 years.

To me, using the Pixel is a similar experience to having iOS on Android but it is much smarter as a communication device and personal assistant. You are probably "meh" bc it's not that much different coming from an iPhone. I much prefer the Pixel and wish I could totally break free from Apple but as I've stated in previous posts it's just not that easy.

 

[Dave245]

Yeah another big thing for me will be how the Pixel handles Reminders. I use Siri a ton for Reminders and it works really well. If Google can’t keep up with that, then it won’t be a good fit.

I would say that Google handles that kind of stuff better. Siri is terrible as an assistant, I don’t even use it. Even on my iPhone I use Gemini including Gemini Live and it is miles ahead.
I wish it was a different story and that Siri was just as good if not better than Gemini but Apple have this obsession with controlling everything. Gemini Live is brilliant, try it on your Pixel when you receive it and I think you’ll see what I’m saying.

 

[Ludatyk]

I’ll never break free from Apple… due to the iPad.

And the Mac is such a great pairing with the iPad… Universal Control is the best. I know Windows and Samsung is trying to compete with their version of it.. but while owning an iPad, it would seem like an odd pairing with a Windows laptop. I thought about going with that S10 Tab Ultra… but I’ll have to part ways with not only the iPad, the Galaxy Fold as well and use an iPhone.

But I’d rather stay with what works for me… Android phone and iPad. I think one of these days… I’ll give the Pixel Fold a go. Waiting to see what they do for stylus support and better multitasking functionality. According to Android 16… Google is working on floating windows.

Yeah another big thing for me will be how the Pixel handles Reminders. I use Siri a ton for Reminders and it works really well. If Google can’t keep up with that, then it won’t be a good fit.

You should look into Google Tasks… supposedly that it’s pretty good. I’m more into Google Keep, one of my most used apps.

Capture your to-dos in Google Tasks with Gemini Apps - Android - Gemini Apps Help

You can ask Gemini Apps to add and show your tasks from Google Tasks. Important: The features related to Google Tasks aren’t available in Gemini in Google Messages. The features below are avail

support.google.com

 

[mjschabow]

I would say that Google handles that kind of stuff better. Siri is terrible as an assistant, I don’t even use it. Even on my iPhone I use Gemini including Gemini Live and it is miles ahead.
I wish it was a different story and that Siri was just as good if not better than Gemini but Apple have this obsession with controlling everything. Gemini Live is brilliant, try it on your Pixel when you receive is and I think you’ll see what I’m saying.

Must just be me so familiar with how Apple handles it, haha, because I am always under the impression that Siri does a great job at the simple things, like "Remind me to call my dad tomorrow at 10am" is something that's usually flawless.

 

[Dave245]

Must just be me so familiar with how Apple handles it, haha, because I am always under the impression that Siri does a great job at the simple things, like "Remind me to call my dad tomorrow at 10am" is something that's usually flawless.

Yea Google Gemini will be able to do that, give it a try when you receive your new Pro 9 XL. When is it due to be delivered? Hopefully you enjoy it, from what I’ve seen online Google have really stepped it up. I’m hoping they carry on doing so with the Pixel 10 later this year.

 

[mjschabow]

Yea Google Gemini will be able to do that, give it a try when you receive your new Pro 9 XL. When is it due to be delivered? Hopefully you enjoy it, from what I’ve seen online Google have really stepped it up. I’m hoping they carry on doing so with the Pixel 10 later this year.

It comes tomorrow! In all actuality, it's going to take a lot for me to keep it. LOL.

There are some things on iOS that I most likely can't live without, but we'll see.

The big things are:

- I really like Apple Music but will see what YT Music and/or Spotify has to offer. I know Apple Music is on Android obviously, but it's hard to beat its integration with Siri, especially in the car using CarPlay. Maybe YT or Spotify works just as well with voice commands, and I'll have an open mind.

- Speaking of CarPlay, I love CarPlay and when I had Android Auto, I thought it was decent, so we'll see if that's something I can live with.

- Live Activities. If there is one feature that will result in my staying put, it's this one. Sports scores, enough said. This feature is so good that I'm not sure it's worth me wasting my time trying another phone, period.

 

[Dave245]

It comes tomorrow! In all actuality, it's going to take a lot for me to keep it. LOL.

There are some things on iOS that I most likely can't live without, but we'll see.

The big things are:

- I really like Apple Music but will see what YT Music and/or Spotify has to offer. I know Apple Music is on Android obviously, but it's hard to beat its integration with Siri, especially in the car using CarPlay. Maybe YT or Spotify works just as well with voice commands, and I'll have an open mind.

- Speaking of CarPlay, I love CarPlay and when I had Android Auto, I thought it was decent, so we'll see if that's something I can live with.

- Live Activities. If there is one feature that will result in my staying put, it's this one. Sports scores, enough said. This feature is so good that I'm not sure it's worth me wasting my time trying another phone, period.

I can’t comment on CarPlay because I don’t drive. I’m not sure if Google has an equivalent to Live Activities. You wont lose anything by trying it out, give it a week or so and see what you think.

A lot of people say that Pixel is the iPhone of Android, I can’t say whether that’s true or not. All i can say is that if Samsung don’t impress with the S25 Ultra, i will be trading my S24 Ultra in and getting a Pixel 10 Pro later this year.

 

[MarkX]

It comes tomorrow! In all actuality, it's going to take a lot for me to keep it. LOL.

There are some things on iOS that I most likely can't live without, but we'll see.

The big things are:

- I really like Apple Music but will see what YT Music and/or Spotify has to offer. I know Apple Music is on Android obviously, but it's hard to beat its integration with Siri, especially in the car using CarPlay. Maybe YT or Spotify works just as well with voice commands, and I'll have an open mind.

- Speaking of CarPlay, I love CarPlay and when I had Android Auto, I thought it was decent, so we'll see if that's something I can live with.

- Live Activities. If there is one feature that will result in my staying put, it's this one. Sports scores, enough said. This feature is so good that I'm not sure it's worth me wasting my time trying another phone, period.

Not this dance again!

The Pixel will be on its way back before the week is out, you and we all know it!

 

[airbusking]

Oh whoops I did actually go with the XL.

I’m still not ruling out a Foldable. I’m not going to switch my sim and just play with the phone a bit. I have just had it in my head along that I really need to give the Pixel a shot.

Also, with being half in the Android door, I was nervous about buying a used one and hoping it doesn’t break for the next 6 months.

Following, considering the P9P XL

 

[mjschabow]

Not this dance again!

The Pixel will be on its way back before the week is out, you and we all know it!

I guess I really shouldn’t have said anything. I just bought it to try it out to see if there would be any interest in long-term use. I think I’ll just cancel the order if there’s going to be social pressure to keep it.

 

[aggie99]

I guess I really shouldn’t have said anything. I just bought it to try it out to see if there would be any interest in long-term use. I think I’ll just cancel the order if there’s going to be social pressure to keep it.

lol I don’t think there’s any social pressure. If it works for you, great, if not, that’s fine as well. Who cares what anyone else thinks? It is funny you go through this once a year or so. Hell I have a hard time trying to decide which I prefer on a daily basis. Makes me want to just sell off one and stick to one platform. I’m curious to see how you like the Pixel and if you stay on this side this time around.

 

[mjschabow]

lol I don’t think there’s any social pressure. If it works for you, great, if not, that’s fine as well. Who cares what anyone else thinks? It is funny you go through this once a year or so. Hell I have a hard time trying to decide which I prefer on a daily basis. Makes me want to just sell off one and stick to one platform. I’m curious to see how you like the Pixel and if you stay on this side this time around.

Right? I think you should all be celebrating progress. I’ve been on the same phone for a year and a half and last year was the first year that I did not even purchase a smart phone. 🤣

 

[aggie99]

Right? I think you should all be celebrating progress. I’ve been on the same phone for a year and a half and last year was the first year that I did not even purchase a smart phone. 🤣

Progress indeed. I’m trying to be better myself. The only thing that interests me now is a Pixel Fold successor.

Last couple times you went Samsung, right? I think the pixel will be a refreshing experience on the software side for you. I remember you hating the multiple photo apps, messaging apps, etc. If you game much the tensor chip may disappoint but this is definitely the most refined device Google has put out.

 

[mjschabow]

Progress indeed. I’m trying to be better myself. The only thing that interests me now is a Pixel Fold successor.

Last couple times you went Samsung, right? I think the pixel will be a refreshing experience on the software side for you. I remember you hating the multiple photo apps, messaging apps, etc. If you game much the tensor chip may disappoint but this is definitely the most refined device Google has put out.

Yeah I’ve been Samsung every time. Last time I used a Pixel was before Covid, I think it was the 4XL.

I’m not a gamer so that shouldn’t be an issue.

I think the only think I’m not liking already before I get it is that I read that you can’t cast to a Roku TV for some reason. I Airplay a lot.

 

[Ludatyk]

I think the only think I’m not liking already before I get it is that I read that you can’t cast to a Roku TV for some reason. I Airplay a lot.

Well, obviously you can’t use AirPlay with an Android phone… but you can cast to a smart TV. If your TV supports AirPlay functionality… more than likely it supports Google Cast.

 

[mjschabow]

Well, obviously you can’t use AirPlay with an Android phone… but you can cast to a smart TV. If your TV supports AirPlay functionality… more than likely it supports Google Cast.

I’ve read several people can’t cast to Roku TVs for some reason. Gonna test it out though.

 

[Dave245]

I guess I really shouldn’t have said anything. I just bought it to try it out to see if there would be any interest in long-term use. I think I’ll just cancel the order if there’s going to be social pressure to keep it.

Dude you do you, I've been the same over the years! I tried samsung phones, sent them back because it was easier to stay in Apples walled garden and IOS. Then I tried the S22 Ultra and really liked it, returned it, re-brought it and finally settled on keeping it.

I've flip flopped more times than a fish out of water! But in the end I found what works for me, that's having 2 phones. iPhone as my main phone, Samsung/Android as my second phone. Hell I'm thinking of trading in my Samsung if the S25 Ultra doesn't impress me, to try out a Pixel 10 when it's announced. You do you.

 

[Dave245]