Every new Pixel feature TESTED. - Google Pixel 9 & 9 Pro XL

The new Google Pixels are here! With a fresh new design, a TON of new AI features, and a higher price tag, are the Pixel 9's new computerized cameras enough to convince James to upgrade from his Pixel 7?

Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group.

FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE
---------------------------------------------------

CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Is James ready for an upgrade?
0:34 Unboxing
1:22 Design impressions, camera and display specs
3:50 Sponsor - brand
4:53 Trying out the Add Me and Magic Editor AI features
6:40 Pixel Screenshots app and Keep Magic List
7:45 Clear Calling and Call Notes
8:56 5x video performance, 20x Video Boost feature, and other misc photos
9:59 LABS gaming performance and battery charge speed results
11:06 Pricing and overall thoughts
12:55 Outro

[alistairblaire]

I get that it costs money to keep the lights on in the data center but Google really needs to make super clear what features will be paywalled, and it should be clear before you even buy the phone.

[jessed]

7:58 The vacuuming test is not the one to do. That produces a constant noise. Easy to remove. You need loud inconsistent noises around you.

[just_rafaet]

crazy how this phone got more ram than my macbook 😭

[Nullpersona]

If it doesn't work offline, it isn't a device feature, it is an online app (with a subscription). Put it in airplane mode, and turn off wifi, then see how many of the "features" still exist.

[ArtForSwans]

I know that's rich coming from a person who uses Google products all the time (me) but the amount of data I have to send to Google to use the AI features is getting to the point that I feel like _they_ should be paying _me_ to help them train their AI and not charging me a sub fee. It almost feels like the NPU being on-device is a marketing thing rather than the actual truth.

[LifestyleShortz]

The back of the phone looks like bender from Futurama 😂

[BAAAAAAAAAAA]

Ackchually, a single "Hert" is still called "Hertz" because its named after Heinrich Hertz

[MichelBertrand]

The Pro XL is... $1500CAD !?!?!?! $1725 with tax 😮😮
Plus they want a subscription after a year to keep using Gemini Pro?
AB-SO-LU-TE-LY NOT

[rael_gc]

Next, you'll pay a subscription to opt out AI features.

[ZeroStako]

Probably the most grounded and realistic review of the Pixel 9 line I've seen thus far, honestly. I mean, how cold most reviewers miss the fact that the editor requires backup to work? That's insane. That's literally a paywall! If this were a game, the nerds would be all over it. Why does Google get a pass? As a Pixel fan, I'm sorely disappointed.

[NotAnAverageJoe]

4:31 - My sleep paralysis demon staring at me like

[sturdybutter]

Ummm akshually… 1 hertz is still just hertz. Put some respect on that German physicist’s name.

[YonatanAvhar]

Possibly unpopular opinion: back mounted fingerprint readers were the best design, with side mounted coming in second place

[durden]

This is probably one of the best reviews I've seen of the phone. Someone just trying the features in real time.

[HDscreenerX]

Regarding backup and other forced crap I wonder can anyone relate to this?

As a Pixel 7 Pro owner, there are a few things that really frustrate me about the device—specifically, the lack of customization options for small but important features.

I don't use the search bar at the bottom of the home screen at all, but I can't simply switch it off. The only way to remove it is by using Nova Launcher, which feels unnecessary.

The notification bar tiles are unnecessarily large. I frequently need to switch off my data connection during work, but this requires an extra, unnecessary step because the data toggle is hidden under the "Internet" subcategory. Why isn't there an option to switch to a regular notification bar layout, like the one Samsung and other brands offer, without subcategories?

In Google Photos, I'm constantly seeing the message, "Unlock the power of Google Photos by turning on Backup." What if I don't want to back up anything? The message keeps appearing on my screen, and there's no way to turn it off permanently.

I switched to the Pixel from the OnePlus series because I expected a clean Android experience with Google phones. However, I've found that some of the forced features and persistent messages that you can't disable are even more frustrating than what you'd encounter with other brands.

[Scarlet_Soul]

Well that thumbnail is mildly terrifying

[bgezal]

Jake was missing an arm because he placed it behind the chair.

[Haloruler]

Who measures charging speeds at 30W when the phones support 45W? What's the point?

[darrengreen]

0:07 Same. Pixel 7. Wanted to upgrade to 8 but was not worth it. Looking at 9. waiting for more reviews.

[mcrown]

ngl i rather have a telephoto than an ultrawide in the non pro. taking photos at the whiteboard in university is going to be hard