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

[mjschabow]

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.

For sure, haha. I just got annoyed by the whole "we know what you're going to do" comments. Like I think I've been clear all along that I'm going to try it, not even put my sim in it and that most likely I'm not switching. But no harm in trying a refurbished phone on Amazon. Not like I'm taking someone's preorder away, lol.

Should be here late morning. I'll probably spend a week with it and unless it just completely floors me and I can't part with it, it's going back. If I like it enough but not enough to actually switch, then I might pick up like an 8a or 7a just to experience Google software when I get the itch!

 

[Expos of 1969]

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.

Looking forward to seeing your comments once you have used it for a few days.

 

[aggie99]

For sure, haha. I just got annoyed by the whole "we know what you're going to do" comments. Like I think I've been clear all along that I'm going to try it, not even put my sim in it and that most likely I'm not switching. But no harm in trying a refurbished phone on Amazon. Not like I'm taking someone's preorder away, lol.

Should be here late morning. I'll probably spend a week with it and unless it just completely floors me and I can't part with it, it's going back. If I like it enough but not enough to actually switch, then I might pick up like an 8a or 7a just to experience Google software when I get the itch!

Go big or go home. If you like it go for a 9 Pro Fold

 

[mjschabow]

Just got it about an hour ago. First feeling is that there's nothing really special. Going to keep it around for a week and play with some of the features, but nothing that really wows me immediately.

But I'm guessing it's one of those phones where you have to experience the day to day features.

 

[Dave245]

Just got it about an hour ago. First feeling is that there's nothing really special. Going to keep it around for a week and play with some of the features, but nothing that really wows me immediately.

But I'm guessing it's one of those phones where you have to experience the day to day features.

Did you also get the Pixel Watch 3? If I don't like the S25 Ultra, when Samsung announce it, I think I'm going to wait until the Pixel 10 later this year and trade in my S24 Ultra towards it. I will give the watch 4 a try as well, I've never owned a Pixel Watch and not sure if they are better than the Galaxy Watch.

 

[mjschabow]

Did you also get the Pixel Watch 3? If I don't like the S25 Ultra, when Samsung announce it, I think I'm going to wait until the Pixel 10 later this year and trade in my S24 Ultra towards it. I will give the watch 4 a try as well, I've never owned a Pixel Watch and not sure if they are better than the Galaxy Watch.

Oh no. I think if I were to ever switch to Android, I'd probably go without a watch. I do love my Apple Watch Ultra 2 but I sometimes feel too connected, if that makes sense.

 

[mjschabow]

Another odd thing. When I do app theming, it only changes the icons on my homescreen and not the app drawer. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

 

[Dave245]

Oh no. I think if I were to ever switch to Android, I'd probably go without a watch. I do love my Apple Watch Ultra 2 but I sometimes feel too connected, if that makes sense.

Yea I get what you mean, it's why I turn certain notifications off or put into do not disturb mode when I'm busy or out with friends. I do like having a smartwatch tho, I run a lot and like to have it all tracked.

 

[mjschabow]

Yea I get what you mean, it's why I turn certain notifications off or put into do not disturb mode when I'm busy or out with friends. I do like having a smartwatch tho, I run a lot and like to have it all tracked.

If I got my ass off the couch and actually ran, I'd probably like my watch a lot more. Haha.

 

[mjschabow]

I'll sleep on it but I'm most likely sending this back tomorrow. I got busy at work so set it aside for a bit and just didn't really have any ambition to pick it back up.

I think the S25 Ultra or a Foldable would be more exciting. Everyone that says the Pixel feels like an iPhone is absolutely right. Except the iPhone actually seems to have more customization that actually matters to me. iPhones are dumb, that's for sure, so maybe in the morning, I'll try a couple of Gemini features just to do some due diligence, but yeah I don't see this one sticking for me at all.

If anyone who came from iPhone to Pixel that had the same feeling I have after a couple of hours and actually kept their Pixel and fell for it, please feel free to chime in though.

 

[Dave245]

I'll sleep on it but I'm most likely sending this back tomorrow. I got busy at work so set it aside for a bit and just didn't really have any ambition to pick it back up.

I think the S25 Ultra or a Foldable would be more exciting. Everyone that says the Pixel feels like an iPhone is absolutely right. Except the iPhone actually seems to have more customization that actually matters to me. iPhones are dumb, that's for sure, so maybe in the morning, I'll try a couple of Gemini features just to do some due diligence, but yeah I don't see this one sticking for me at all.

If anyone who came from iPhone to Pixel that had the same feeling I have after a couple of hours and actually kept their Pixel and fell for it, please feel free to chime in though.

Try Gemini Live, it's a great feature! I even use it on my iPhone over Siri which compared to Gemini Live is a joke.

 

[aggie99]

Try Gemini Live, it's a great feature! I even use it on my iPhone over Siri which compared to Gemini Live is a joke.

Yea I have been using Gemini quite a bit on my iPhone. Crazy that even with apple intelligence introduced Gemini is still much better on the iPhone than Siri and ChatGPT

 

[mjschabow]

Ok I was being a bit douchy earlier. I’m going to fully set the phone up with all of my apps in the morning and use it for everything other than texts and calls and see if it’s something I’d really enjoy using. Might actually try that for a couple of days and go from there.

 

[mjschabow]

Alright, had a good early start to the morning and got right to it with the Pixel, so I'm about 4 hours in of using it exclusively other than text messages and calls.

Verdict - It's going back today.

Overall I actually really like it, and I can see why people absolutely love Pixels. It's just not for me. And what I mean is that it's not the right Android for me. After a couple hours, I was already bored with it. Gemini was cool but I don't really feel like I HAVE to have it in my life. I can easily Google search the same stuff.

The deal breaker still for me is Live Activities/Dynamic Island on iOS. There's nothing that compares to it on the Android side. If Android could come up with an equivalent that has more customization options, now we're talking. But that is the one feature I can't live without...and having it on the Apple Watch makes it even better.

 

[aggie99]

Alright, had a good early start to the morning and got right to it with the Pixel, so I'm about 4 hours in of using it exclusively other than text messages and calls.

Verdict - It's going back today.

Overall I actually really like it, and I can see why people absolutely love Pixels. It's just not for me. And what I mean is that it's not the right Android for me. After a couple hours, I was already bored with it. Gemini was cool but I don't really feel like I HAVE to have it in my life. I can easily Google search the same stuff.

The deal breaker still for me is Live Activities/Dynamic Island on iOS. There's nothing that compares to it on the Android side. If Android could come up with an equivalent that has more customization options, now we're talking. But that is the one feature I can't live without...and having it on the Apple Watch makes it even better.

Live activities is one of the few things the iPhone has that it's hard for me to give up. Like I said earlier, the Pixel is like an iPhone, with a few differences. Some in favor of the iPhone, some in favor of the Pixel. I think Samsung in OneUI 7 has something like Live Activities. Alot of the things the Pixel does better you are not going to appreciate without fully using the phone. Call screening, direct my call, hold for me, call notes, the much superior voice to text, the keyboard is much better for texting, especially if you swipe to text, notifications in general are much better, Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio are great, Circle to Search, Gemini Live. Lots of things I prefer on the Pixel and as I'm mostly using my Pixel Fold over the 9 Pro XL, it has the foldable aspect over the iPhone as well. That said, I still haven't broke free of the iPhone on my personal line as it is just a more effective communications device for me overall with all of my family and most of my friends and coworkers also on iPhones. Another thing I love about the iPhone is being able to use FaceID to lock down apps such as my photo albums or notes and passwords. I know there are some workarounds you can do on a Pixel but nothing near as effortless to use. Both great devices but if you are already with a newer iPhone its hard to want to switch to a Pixel if you are content with your current device and value the few things it does better than the Pixel like Live Activities.

 

[mjschabow]

Live activities is one of the few things the iPhone has that it's hard for me to give up. Like I said earlier, the Pixel is like an iPhone, with a few differences. Some in favor of the iPhone, some in favor of the Pixel. I think Samsung in OneUI 7 has something like Live Activities. Alot of the things the Pixel does better you are not going to appreciate without fully using the phone. Call screening, direct my call, hold for me, call notes, the much superior voice to text, the keyboard is much better for texting, especially if you swipe to text, notifications in general are much better, Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio are great, Circle to Search, Gemini Live. Lots of things I prefer on the Pixel and as I'm mostly using my Pixel Fold over the 9 Pro XL, it has the foldable aspect over the iPhone as well. That said, I still haven't broke free of the iPhone on my personal line as it is just a more effective communications device for me overall with all of my family and most of my friends and coworkers also on iPhones. Another thing I love about the iPhone is being able to use FaceID to lock down apps such as my photo albums or notes and passwords. I know there are some workarounds you can do on a Pixel but nothing near as effortless to use. Both great devices but if you are already with a newer iPhone its hard to want to switch to a Pixel if you are content with your current device and value the few things it does better than the Pixel like Live Activities.

100%. Totally realize there are some things that I just simply didn't get to expereince without switching my SIM, but man, especially during NBA/MLB season it's so nice to just glance at my phone without picking it up and know the score. Great for Fantasy Football too. Just a feature that locks you to Apple (in a good way).

Still absolutely hate typing on my iPhone though. Hopefully they get their **** together on some things.

 

[Dave245]

Alright, had a good early start to the morning and got right to it with the Pixel, so I'm about 4 hours in of using it exclusively other than text messages and calls.

Verdict - It's going back today.

Overall I actually really like it, and I can see why people absolutely love Pixels. It's just not for me. And what I mean is that it's not the right Android for me. After a couple hours, I was already bored with it. Gemini was cool but I don't really feel like I HAVE to have it in my life. I can easily Google search the same stuff.

The deal breaker still for me is Live Activities/Dynamic Island on iOS. There's nothing that compares to it on the Android side. If Android could come up with an equivalent that has more customization options, now we're talking. But that is the one feature I can't live without...and having it on the Apple Watch makes it even better.

Maybe give it a bit longer to settle in, 24 hours isn’t really that long.

 

[mjschabow]

Maybe give it a bit longer to settle in, 24 hours isn’t really that long.

Oh it's already boxed up, haha. Definitely just not for me and as much as I'm not really loving Apple right now, I don't want to try to force myself to like a device (and then go through the trouble of selling).

 

[Dave245]

Oh it's already boxed up, haha. Definitely just not for me and as much as I'm not really loving Apple right now, I don't want to try to force myself to like a device (and then go through the trouble of selling).

Sounds like you are better off sticking with Apple. personally I’m waiting to see what improvements are made with the S25 Ultra, if I’m not impressed i will be trading in my S24 Ultra towards a Pixel 10 when they are announced later this year.

 

[mjschabow]

Sounds like you are better off sticking with Apple. personally I’m waiting to see what improvements are made with the S25 Ultra, if I’m not impressed i will be trading in my S24 Ultra towards a Pixel 10 when they are announced later this year.

Yeah I'm going to do the same, see what the S25 Ultra has to offer. I looooooved my S23 Ultra and regretted getting rid of it in favor of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but just kind of stuck around Apple.

 

[Dave245]

Yeah I'm going to do the same, see what the S25 Ultra has to offer. I looooooved my S23 Ultra and regretted getting rid of it in favor of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but just kind of stuck around Apple.

I get it, Apple kind of sucks you in and they are very good at keeping you there. I’ve been with Apple since the iPhone 3GS, do I regret it, no! Do I want something different at times, hell yes, that is why I also have an android phone. At the moment I have a S24 Ultra, that may change to a Pixel 10 later this year.

The heavier you are in the Apple ecosystem the more difficult it is. I have an iPad Pro, iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, MacBook, iMac in the home office. I totally get being entrenched in the Apple ecosystem.
That being said, over the last couple of years Android has gotten a lot better, companies like Google have invested more into their devices, while Apple seem to have been resting on their laurels.

 

[mjschabow]

I get it, Apple kind of sucks you in and they are very good at keeping you there. I’ve been with Apple since the iPhone 3GS, do I regret it, no! Do I want something different at times, hell yes, that is why I also have an android phone. At the moment I have a S24 Ultra, that may change to a Pixel 10 later this year.

The heavier you are in the Apple ecosystem the more difficult it is. I have an iPad Pro, iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, MacBook, iMac in the home office. I totally get being entrenched in the Apple ecosystem.
That being said, over the last couple of years Android has gotten a lot better, companies like Google have invested more into their devices, while Apple seem to have been resting on their laurels.

Yeah, I'm actually pretty happy with the other Apple products I have but I could also easily leave the ecosystem. I love my Watch and Airpods, but I could easily do without a watch and get other buds. I don't have an iPad or Macbook.

I just wish Apple would really focus on making certain things like typing better. And focus on adding some of the really smart features that Google has. It's unfortunate and probably unfair on how I judged the Pixel in like the 5 hours I used it, mostly because some of those features only would have come into play if I fully switched my sim over.

 

[Dave245]

Yeah, I'm actually pretty happy with the other Apple products I have but I could also easily leave the ecosystem. I love my Watch and Airpods, but I could easily do without a watch and get other buds. I don't have an iPad or Macbook.

I just wish Apple would really focus on making certain things like typing better. And focus on adding some of the really smart features that Google has. It's unfortunate and probably unfair on how I judged the Pixel in like the 5 hours I used it, mostly because some of those features only would have come into play if I fully switched my sim over.

Oh I love my MacBook, it’s one of the areas I think Apple is still the best. I hate Windows, in my opinion it’s trash compared to the Mac. I also love my Apple Watch Ultra, although I would like to try a Pixel Watch at some point and see how it compares in things like fitness, I run marathons and so I need a watch that can keep up and track accurately. So far that has been the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Pixel 9 lineup is the most improved, I’ve even seen a few YouTube videos that mention this. Google really worked hard to improve the Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9. Sales have even improved with Google taking more market share.

 

[mjschabow]

Oh I love my MacBook, it’s one of the areas I think Apple is still the best. I hate Windows, in my opinion it’s trash compared to the Mac. I also love my Apple Watch Ultra, although I would like to try a Pixel Watch at some point and see how it compares in things like fitness, I run marathons and so I need a watch that can keep up and track accurately. So far that has been the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Pixel 9 lineup is the most improved, I’ve even seen a few YouTube videos that mention this. Google really worked hard to improve the Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9. Sales have even improved with Google taking more market share.

For sure, that makes it tough! The only computer I use is my work PC and then I have a really low budget windows laptop just to update my Line 6 Helix with software updates since my work PC blocks it. That's the one thing that makes Android a bit tempting, is that all of my Google Chrome bookmarks would sync.

The Pixel is an awesome device! I know it seems weird that I'm saying that since I already returned it haha. I was really impressed.

 

[aggie99]

Oh I love my MacBook, it’s one of the areas I think Apple is still the best. I hate Windows, in my opinion it’s trash compared to the Mac. I also love my Apple Watch Ultra, although I would like to try a Pixel Watch at some point and see how it compares in things like fitness, I run marathons and so I need a watch that can keep up and track accurately. So far that has been the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Pixel 9 lineup is the most improved, I’ve even seen a few YouTube videos that mention this. Google really worked hard to improve the Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9. Sales have even improved with Google taking more market share.

Agree on the Macbook. Absolutely love my Macbook Pro and hate using anything else.
Pixel Watch, I'm just kinda meh on it. The best thing it has going for it is how well it integrates with the Pixel. It does a good job at tracking runs/walks, etc and that shouldn't be an issue but the battery life is just so so and the device build is a huge step below the AW Ultra or Galaxy Watch Ultra (which is my personal favorite watch). I always stick with my Apple Watch Ultra 2 just because I prefer Apple Health to Samsung Health or any of the others but the GW Ultra does a great job of fitness tracking as well.