They really do. Like you, I'd like to completely get out of the Apple lock-in and the Pixel is definitely the closest experience to an iPhone on the android side of things. Can't go wrong with either device in my opinion.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Google Pixel 9 Series (9/9a/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold)
- Thread starter BMox81
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I enjoy my Pixel 9 more than my iPhone 16 pro. The issue I run into is that I think the Apple ecosystem is better. Blah, I know.
But my Apple Watch Series 9 is a better experience than my PW2. My iPad Pro does the trick for a tablet. My $500 Mac mini is great value and performance. And I really enjoy the first party apps like Notes and Reminders.
Notifications on iOS are still bad. The keyboard still stinks. iOS 18 has been a disaster IMO. If Google stays committed to its ecosystem, there’s a chance to break the lock. The Pixel is already there. The PW needs better performance, smaller bezels. And google needs to pick a strategy for its tablets and chromebooks. I had a Pixelbook back in the day and loved it.
But my Apple Watch Series 9 is a better experience than my PW2. My iPad Pro does the trick for a tablet. My $500 Mac mini is great value and performance. And I really enjoy the first party apps like Notes and Reminders.
Notifications on iOS are still bad. The keyboard still stinks. iOS 18 has been a disaster IMO. If Google stays committed to its ecosystem, there’s a chance to break the lock. The Pixel is already there. The PW needs better performance, smaller bezels. And google needs to pick a strategy for its tablets and chromebooks. I had a Pixelbook back in the day and loved it.
Many people complaining about the PWM on iphones too over in the iphones forum, how do you manage? Or are you using an Lcd model?
I would go with the Nothing 3a Pro for PWM sensitivity:
DC-like dimming above 50% brightness
2,160hz PWM at below 50% brightness
DC-like dimming above 50% brightness
2,160hz PWM at below 50% brightness
The 9 Pro XL 128gb is currently $699 on Amazon. That's a great deal for anyone still on the fence.
I do like the look of the 9a, but it went back to the Exynos 5300 modem series that plagued the 8-series. That's a non-starter.
Google briefly delays Pixel 9A release to investigate “component quality issue”
It sounds like Google aimed to ship the 9A this month.
www.theverge.com
Meager 8GB of RAM forces Pixel 9a to run “extra extra small” Gemini AI
Some of Google’s coolest AI features don’t work on the 9a.
arstechnica.com
Pixel 9a gets full unboxing and review videos early, showing downgraded modem
New Pixel 9a videos have hit the web, showing what's in the box and also seemingly confirming the lesser modem in Google's new device.
9to5google.com
9a for £499 or 9 is currently £649 in the UK, probably worth the extra £150 if you are looking to buy a pixel
Google briefly delays Pixel 9A release to investigate “component quality issue”
It sounds like Google aimed to ship the 9A this month.
Meager 8GB of RAM forces Pixel 9a to run “extra extra small” Gemini AI
Some of Google’s coolest AI features don’t work on the 9a.
Pixel 9a gets full unboxing and review videos early, showing downgraded modem
New Pixel 9a videos have hit the web, showing what's in the box and also seemingly confirming the lesser modem in Google's new device.
We are getting to a point where mid-range phones like the 9a or the A56 are so good that it's getting harder and harder to justify going for a flagship, specially when some of these devices are also getting 6/7 years worth of OS updates.
Yeah, I’m also considering getting 9a as a secondary device alongside my 16 Pro.
Pixel 9 is on clearance at target for 399.
I picked one up because I wanted a smaller phone over the ultra but the horror stories with pixel I don't know if this is a good idea and I should hand it back. Pixel seems to have hearing and hardware issues across the board.
I picked one up because I wanted a smaller phone over the ultra but the horror stories with pixel I don't know if this is a good idea and I should hand it back. Pixel seems to have hearing and hardware issues across the board.
My pixels have been ok. Having said that my 9 pro xl has just comeback from having the motherboard replaced as my Bluetooth audio kept pausing\stopping at certain places (outside local pub for example). I think it was a one off as I couldn't find anyone else with the same issues.
The processor isn't a18 level but it's more than good enough for me, and my 7 and 8 pros were rock solid.
Pixel 9 pro XL is my 4th Pixel device, and so far the most trouble free.
The battery life has degraded since new, but other than that I have very few complaints.
The only thing I am surprisingly underwhelmed by is the camera. I hate the way that Pixel processes photos now, and I have to edit them every time to add back any semblance of contrast.
Really hope that they are inspired by apple to allow you to choose a photographic style in their future software.
The battery life has degraded since new, but other than that I have very few complaints.
The only thing I am surprisingly underwhelmed by is the camera. I hate the way that Pixel processes photos now, and I have to edit them every time to add back any semblance of contrast.
Really hope that they are inspired by apple to allow you to choose a photographic style in their future software.
Has anyone else had issues with Bluetooth audio randomly pausing? Usually whilst walking (or traveling) past specific places?
today walking to the shops it paused twice on the way there, and twice on the way back in the same spots.
It used to do it more often (i.e. when walking past the pub next door), but I sent it to google for them to repair, and they replaced the motherboard, but whilst less bad, it's still an issue. today I was using my pixel buds pro 2's, but in the past it has done it with seinhesser (can't spell their name lol) over ears, and sony earbuds as well as pixel buds.
It's tempting me back to iphone land. or at least to the oneplus 13 as it's £850 atm and they will give me £819 for my iphone.
today walking to the shops it paused twice on the way there, and twice on the way back in the same spots.
It used to do it more often (i.e. when walking past the pub next door), but I sent it to google for them to repair, and they replaced the motherboard, but whilst less bad, it's still an issue. today I was using my pixel buds pro 2's, but in the past it has done it with seinhesser (can't spell their name lol) over ears, and sony earbuds as well as pixel buds.
It's tempting me back to iphone land. or at least to the oneplus 13 as it's £850 atm and they will give me £819 for my iphone.
I'm running Android 16 beta and I just went back today to my Pixel with no issues with Bluetooth at all connected to the car easily and I was at the gym for a good 2 hours no drops during any activity.
Last edited: