Last week saw the big launch of the Pixel 9 series. Pre-orders have now closed for the regular Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro XL and they are now available for purchase. The free storage upgrade offer is still available on Google's online store and Amazon. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are still up for pre-order, with their launch scheduled for early next month.
Here are the two models available this week, the Google Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
This week, we wanted to focus on what you can get instead of a Pixel 9. Starting off, a Samsung Galaxy S24 model. All three of these models will get 7 years of software support, just like the Pixels, and they have a slew of AI features that are often powered by Google itself. Still, One UI does offer some perks (e.g. DeX, Good Lock) and you can get more storage for less money. That said, the Galaxy S24 phones are lacking RAM compared to their Pixel counterparts, but that shouldn't be a problem for AI. The S24 series is currently discounted by up to $170.
It’s a tough time to buy a new iPhone — the iPhone 16 series is just weeks away from release, and once it arrives, prices for current models will drop. We’ll revisit the Pixel vs. iPhone question in about a month.
Sony phones are usually very expensive, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t exactly cheap either. The Xperia 1 VI combines a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with a single camera that has smooth optical zoom in the 85mm to 170mm range. The sensor is only 12MP, but it’s not asked to do digital zoom like on the Pixel. Plus, there’s a microSD slot, so extra storage isn’t an issue. Audiophiles might also appreciate the 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, the Mark 6 posted stellar battery life scores. Its only downside is that Sony has committed to just 3 OS updates, which is pretty bad for a phone this expensive.
It's certainly not a flagship, not even as premium as the regular Pixel 9, but the Sony Xperia 10 VI is quite small compared to Android phones, so we thought we'd mention that. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is far from ideal, and battery life isn't as impressive as the Mark 5's (it should still last longer than the Pixel 9, though). Like its 1-series sibling, this phone has a microSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a disappointingly short software support window (three OS updates is easier to swallow when the 10 VI is three times cheaper than the 1 VI).
The Moto Edge 50 Pro is based on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which is a bit slower than the Tensor G4, but it's quite efficient. With the 4,500mAh battery, it gets almost the same endurance as the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its 5,060mAh battery. And that one charges much faster – 125W wired and 50W wireless. The 10MP 3x telephoto camera doesn't match the XL's 48MP 5x periscope, but it's better than the regular Pixel 9 (no tele at all) and this phone is considerably cheaper. Keep that in mind when we tell you that the software support situation isn't as good – Motorola promises 3 OS updates, but they won't be as quick to arrive as Google's.
Is there much in common between people who love the Pixel experience and Realme UI? Probably not. But for less than $600, you can get a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 phone with a large 6.78-inch LTPO display and a pretty decent camera – 50MP main (1/1.4″), 50MP 47mm portrait, and 8MP ultra-wide. The 5,500mAh battery offers very good endurance and charges very quickly at 120W – it takes less than half an hour (note that this deal includes a 120W adapter). This phone is also promised 3 OS updates.
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