Google announced its latest hardware lineup yesterday, introducing the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These devices come loaded with advanced features and highlight Google’s growing presence in the high-end smartphone market. One of the key features of these new releases is Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence that aims to transform the Android experience.
In addition to its AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 series is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, which brings a number of technical improvements. But beyond these upgrades, the Pixel 9 models include some subtle features that may influence your purchasing decision. These differences, while small, set the models apart from each other and previous versions.
Top 5 Hidden Gems in the New Google Pixel 9 Series
LTPO Displays: A Feature for Pro Models
High refresh rate displays have become commonplace on Android devices, with 120Hz being the norm for many. Some devices are pushing that limit even further. A key technology in this area is LTPO (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide), which allows the display to set its refresh rate from as low as 1Hz to its maximum. This feature helps save battery by lowering the refresh rate when full performance is not needed.
In the Pixel 9 series, only the Pro models—the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL—come with LTPO displays. These displays can change refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, making the device more energy efficient. The standard Pixel 9, on the other hand, uses a regular display that can be set between 60Hz and 120Hz. This difference could be important for users looking to get the most out of their battery.
Size No Longer Matters
Google has historically followed Apple’s approach of offering its Pro models with bigger screens and better specs. However, with the Pixel 9 series, that strategy has changed. Now, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the same specs, the only difference being the screen size. The XL model just has a bigger screen.
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Interestingly, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are now the same size, meaning they can use the same cases. This is a change from previous generations, where the displays were slightly different. This change suggests that Google can simplify its product lineup and offer different screen sizes without adding more complexity.
Advanced Camera Controls for Pro Models
Last year, Google introduced advanced camera controls on the Pixel 8 Pro, giving users more manual control over their photos. That feature continues on the Pixel 9 series, but it’s only available on the Pro models: the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The standard Pixel 9 doesn’t have those advanced controls, despite sharing the same main camera sensor as the Pro models.
The decision to keep the advanced camera features for the Pro models may surprise some, given that the camera hardware is the same. However, it does align with Google's strategy of offering premium features on higher-end devices, encouraging users to opt for the Pro versions.
8K Video Recording: For Pro Models Only
The ability to record at 8K resolution is another feature limited to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. While the Pixel 9 uses the same Tensor G4 processor and camera hardware, it doesn’t support 8K video recording. This seems like another way for Google to differentiate its Pro models, and it’s aimed at users who need the highest video quality.
Special Thermometer Feature
One of the unique features of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is the thermal sensor that can measure body temperature. This feature was first introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro and has proven to be accurate. However, Google has once again chosen to limit this feature to the Pro models. Even though it doesn’t add much to the cost of the standard model.
Solution
The differences between the new Google Pixel 9 models, while subtle, show Google’s approach to offering something for everyone. Whether these differences justify the higher price of the Pro models is up to each buyer, but they do add value to these versions. Overall, these upgrades represent a clear improvement over the previous generation, giving users more options and better technology.