Hey everyone, Charlie Mack here! It’s great to have you back. Today, we’re diving into the brand new Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL in our latest review. Now, I know, it’s not the most picturesque day here in Calgary—it’s smoky, cloudy, and the light is flat. But, let’s see what Google Magic Editor and the incredible power of AI can do for us. Tada! That’s… different, right?
For the best viewing experience, make sure you’re watching this episode on an HDR display because, trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Our Experience at the Google Launch Event
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s rewind a bit. We recently had the pleasure of attending Google’s launch event in sunny San Jose. You might have caught our preview video from the event. Just to clarify, while we love being there, Google didn’t fly us out—our team made it happen. They did, however, send us some phones to review, which is pretty standard. But once our long-term loan is done, these babies are going back.
I also want to address some buzz around the web. There’s been a bit of controversy about Google’s Team Pixel Ambassador program—what they can and can’t say, and how they compare other brands to Google’s. But here’s the deal: that’s for ambassadors and influencers. We’re Writters, and we’re not restricted in any way when it comes to sharing our honest opinions about these products.
Focused on Photography and Videography
When we review smartphones, we always focus on how they perform for photography and videography. Because of that, we’re sticking to the Pro Series—after all, it comes with the better camera suite. That’s what really unlocks the creative potential, right?
Interestingly, this year, both the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 XL have the exact same camera capabilities, screen brightness, and all that jazz. The only real difference? The size—the XL has a bigger battery, but otherwise, it’s the same. So, pick the size that suits you best!
Everyone here at Petapixel unanimously agrees—we love the new design of the lens bar and the overall look of the cameras. It’s just more handsome than the 8 series, don’t you think? Plus, the new screens are top-notch, boasting 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness and 3,000 nits of peak brightness for general viewing. Though, on a day like today, you might not need all that brightness.
Let’s Talk Cameras
Now, onto the cameras. Last year, when we did a photography roundup, we ranked the Google Pixel 8 Pro Series as having the best cameras in their class. So, what’s changed with the 9 Pro Series?
Well, the main 50-megapixel camera has the same sensor size, F1.68 aperture, and dual-pixel autofocus as before. The telephoto lens is also similar—a 48-megapixel, five-times zoom telephoto with an F2.8 aperture. The biggest upgrades? The ultrawide camera and the front-facing selfie camera.
The ultrawide camera is still 48 megapixels, but now with a brighter F1.7 aperture. However, the sensor is slightly smaller, which might balance out the brightness boost. The selfie camera, though—that’s where the magic happens. It’s been upgraded to a massive 42 megapixels, with a wider field of view and autofocus. Trust me, we’re going to have some fun with selfies now.
The Power of AI and Machine Learning
There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about the cameras, and of course, Google is all about saying everything is bigger, better, and more magical. But here’s the thing: as far as image quality goes, it might be pretty similar to what we saw with the Pixel 8 Series. The real difference lies in the rewritten pipeline architecture from sensor to final image. Where the real magic is going to happen is in the machine learning AI and the generative AI that’s now baked into these devices.
On-Device Features
Alright, now that we’re in a quieter part of town, let’s dig into the tools built right into the camera itself. We’re going to differentiate between tools that are already on the camera and those that require a cloud connection. Some tools are machine learning AI-based, while others are generative AI tools that create new pixels.
One cool feature is Add Me—a lifesaver when you want to get a shot with both you and a friend but have no one around to take the picture. The phone takes two shots, stitches them together, and voilà! You’ve got both of you in the frame, no photographer needed.
Next up is the revamped Panorama Mode. Instead of the old sweep method, the new interface is more powerful, allowing you to lock in multiple shots with better image quality. Plus, you can now combine Night Sight with Panorama, giving you stunning low-light panoramic shots.
Cloud-Based Features
By far, the biggest change in the Google Pixel 9 Pro Series is the Magic Editor and the new Generative Reimagine Prompts. This is where AI gets really fun. Remember that intro shot where we turned a dull Calgary day into a stunning sunset? That’s just the beginning.
With the Magic Editor, you can change skies, enlarge buildings, add elements like chairs, and more. It’s all done using generative fill, which gives you multiple options to choose from. If you don’t like what you see, just generate new options until you’re happy.
FAQs
What is the main difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL?
- The only real difference is the size. The XL has a larger battery, but both phones share the same camera capabilities and screen brightness.
How does the Pixel 9 Pro compare to the Pixel 8 Pro in terms of camera quality?
- The camera hardware is similar, but the real improvements come from the AI and machine learning enhancements, making the Pixel 9 Pro more powerful in terms of image processing.
What are the key features of the Magic Editor?
- The Magic Editor allows you to change skies, enlarge buildings, and add elements to your photos using generative AI, offering multiple customizable options.
Is the Add Me feature available on both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL?
- Yes, this feature is available on both models, allowing you to be in the frame with a friend without needing a third person to take the photo.
Are there any major design changes in the Pixel 9 Pro Series?
- Yes, the lens bar and overall design have been refreshed, giving the Pixel 9 Pro a more refined and handsome look compared to the previous series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL offer some exciting new features, especially in terms of AI and machine learning. While the camera hardware may not have changed drastically, the software enhancements and on-device tools make these phones stand out for photographers and videographers alike.
