I actually favored the Pixel 9 Professional XL once I reviewed it again in August. Its aggregate of design, forged cameras and a bunch of recent AI features made it a compelling choice to the likes of Apple or Samsung. I have spent a large number of time with the telephone within the months since, and it is gained a large number of tool updates for Android 15. So is it price bearing in mind? Briefly: sure. After checking out the intensity digital camera – together with preserving it towards its competition – I am very inspired with what it could possibly do. The brand new Android 15 tool brings vital enhancements in safety and privateness, and it is nonetheless a a laugh and easy-to-use telephone. However the telephone’s AI features had been a large a part of its release and truthfully did not galvanize me a lot and most definitely may not for you both. Here is what I discovered in my two months of the usage of the telephone. Spectacular cameras One of the vital spaces I sought after to spend extra time following the primary overview was once the digital camera. I discovered problems with the Pixel 8 Professional when it was once introduced, so I sought after to do an intensive check of my Pixel 9 Professional’s digital camera to verify there were not any identical problems. Thankfully, I did not to find this type of computer virus once I examined the Pixel 9 Professional for my first overview. In fresh weeks, I have additionally put the Pixel 9 Professional to difficult assessments towards the iPhone 16 Professional and Xiaomi 14 Extremely — each robust smartphone cameras — and the Pixel was once in a position to carry its personal.
The Pixel 9 Professional digital camera is able to taking pictures sharp and transparent pictures. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
A pint, captured amazingly by means of the Pixel 9 Professional. Andrew Lanxon/CNETOutdoor pictures stay shiny, crisp and sharp, with the 5x optical zoom continuously generating sharper pictures than its competition. Its low-light efficiency remains to be superb, however it is nonetheless no longer a super digital camera. The Pixel 9 Professional’s footage continuously be afflicted by a large number of tool processing, with its uncooked pictures having a look uninteresting in comparison to the iPhone 16 Professional’s uncooked information. It is nonetheless a just right digital camera for many on a regular basis shooters, however those that need skilled effects would possibly need to glance in other places. Android 15 and Personal House The Pixel 9 collection gained the Android 15 replace previous this month. Whilst it does carry some fascinating new options, it does not upload a lot to the entire enjoy. There are not any adjustments to the glance or really feel, so it is conceivable that you would be able to obtain the adjustments with out figuring out it.
Watch this: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL Evaluate: AI Regulations This Telephone 09:51 There are a couple of notable inventions, on the other hand. First, there may be the brand new Personal House, which helps you to create a safe personal house throughout the telephone for any apps or paperwork you need to cover. It is a helpful characteristic, however thus far I have not discovered it very user-friendly. You must log in one after the other and redownload any apps you place for your telephone’s “staff”, and it isn’t all the time transparent conceal sure information. I would like to look Google make Personal House more uncomplicated to make use of. Android 15 additionally introduced the Robbery Detection characteristic to the Pixel that objectives to locate in case your telephone has been stolen from you and lock your display instantly to forestall the thief from getting access to your data. I’ve no longer been in a position to check this, however any gear that toughen the protection are welcome individually.
Far flung Lock, Robbery Detection and Personal House on Android 15 on Pixel 9 Professional Andrew Lanxon/CNETGemini Are living and Pixel AII I used to be inspired with the brand new Pixel AI features once I reviewed the telephone, particularly the Pixel Studio symbol maker and more than a few gear. photograph editor. It labored smartly, however I suspected it could be odd, and I nonetheless assume it’s. I have not touched them since I posted the overview. Now not actually as a result of I am not , however as a result of I simply put out of your mind they exist. Perhaps it is simply me, however I do not see AI options like this as a important a part of my day-to-day existence, and it isn’t a part of my artwork as an artist. I additionally put out of your mind to make use of Gemini Complicated and communicate so much with Gemini Are living. As an alternative, I simply kind my questions right into a Google seek like I have been doing for years. Perhaps I am nonetheless within the transition section of welcoming AI assistants into my existence (I most effective ask Siri to set the timer when I am cooking, however I do not use it). However I additionally assume the AI gear are not providing sufficient to attract me in but. In truth that I will do the entirety I will the usage of the Pixel’s AI gear in the way in which I all the time have, so I am nonetheless no longer stunned by means of the brand new capability. Perhaps I will really feel otherwise this time subsequent yr — or in a couple of years.
The Pixel 9 Professional has so much going for it. Andrew Lanxon/CNETI Pixel 9 Professional nonetheless price purchasing? I am extra satisfied than ever that the Pixel 9 Professional is the most efficient telephone round. It is a excitement to make use of, and I am much more inspired with the digital camera now that I have been in a position to check it extensive. It wasn’t as robust as its competition, with benchmark assessments placing it a step underneath even remaining yr’s iPhone 15 Professional. Nevertheless it feels speedy in on a regular basis use, and I to find even fundamental video games like Genshin Have an effect on play smartly. If, like me, you are at the fence about AI for your telephone, then I don’t believe the Pixel will disappoint you come what may. However equipment do not detract from a telephone that is actually just right.
