The Best Google Phone Yet, But Not Perfect
Smart Photography|September 2024
The 2024 Pixels mark a significant shift from their predecessors, as the Pixel 9 series positions itself as Google’s flagship for the AI era. Unlike compact AI devices such as the Humane Ai Pin or Rabbit r1, the new Pixels serve as an interface to Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model.
Abhishek Baxi
The Best Google Phone Yet, But Not Perfect

Pixel 9 Pro XL

₹1,24,999/- (store.google.com)

Inside the Box

✓ Handset

✓ 1 m USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 2.0)

✓ Sim Tool

The Pixel 9 series boasts a design that diverges from the Pixel 8’s more utilitarian approach. The new models sport a sleeker, more mainstream aesthetic with flattened edges and uniform bezels, reminiscent of the iPhone’s metal side rails. The signature camera visor remains prominent but stable, even with its noticeable protrusion.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and a new vapor chamber for enhanced thermal management—a welcome upgrade after last year’s heat issues. The display is noticeably brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.

For the first time, Google offers the Pro variant in two sizes: a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro and a 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both variants share the same camera capabilities, though they differ in battery size.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Smart Photography.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Smart Photography.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SMART PHOTOGRAPHYView All
SELECTING THE RIGHT SYSTEM
Smart Photography

SELECTING THE RIGHT SYSTEM

Buying a new mirrorless camera can be a daunting decision. Not only are cameras very expensive, but also choosing a brand with an exclusive mount can mean locking yourself into a system.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Capturing Momenta Folding Boundaries
Smart Photography

Capturing Momenta Folding Boundaries

With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google takes cues from its impressive line-up of Pixel smartphones and resolves some of the design oddities we’ve seen on foldable smartphones from more seasoned competitors in the category.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Super Sharp
Smart Photography

Super Sharp

Smart Photography reviewed the OM System OM 1 Mark II camera last month. If you haven’t read the review, please do so.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
HIDDEN FEATURES OF YOUR CAMERA
Smart Photography

HIDDEN FEATURES OF YOUR CAMERA

Ashok Kandimalla has been in the photographic field for over three decades and has extensive experience in both film and digital photography.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
Hahnemühle Hemp Paper at Olympics & Paralympics 2024
Smart Photography

Hahnemühle Hemp Paper at Olympics & Paralympics 2024

As the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics embraced sustainability, Hahnemühle’s Digital FineArt Hemp paper played a central role as the exclusive medium for the official Premium Posters. This eco-friendly, plant-based paper aligned with the Games’ commitment to sustainability and delivered exceptional print quality. From limited-edition posters to the Artistic Posters Programme, Hahnemühle’s innovative use of hemp fibres showcased how high-value print products continue to thrive in a rapidly digitizing world.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
The Lasting Power of Print: Preserving Memories Through Photobooks
Smart Photography

The Lasting Power of Print: Preserving Memories Through Photobooks

I am a software engineer turned photographer, and my journey in photography has been a constant companion throughout my life.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
The Wildlife of Eastern Mongolian Steppe
Smart Photography

The Wildlife of Eastern Mongolian Steppe

Mohit Ghatak is an engineer and a management postgraduate and works as a regional business leader in Singapore.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Abhishek Dey's Photo World
Smart Photography

Abhishek Dey's Photo World

I identify myself more as a travel photographer than a purely landscape photographer.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Manfrotto lithium ion batteries for cameras
Smart Photography

Manfrotto lithium ion batteries for cameras

Manfrotto has introduced its new MKII lithium-ion batteries, featuring a higher capacity of 2400mAh for Nikon, Sony, Canon, Fuji, and OM System cameras.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Canon to have EOS C80 with enhanced features
Smart Photography

Canon to have EOS C80 with enhanced features

Canon announced the launch of its latest Cinema EOS camera, the EOS C80, just ahead of the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2024.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024