Calling Google’s Pixel smartphones the "iPhone of Android" might sound cliché, especially since Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long been considered the gold standard of Android. But the Pixel 9 Pro feels more like an iPhone than any other Android device, even more so than Samsung’s latest S24 lineup with their squared-off edges. So, what does this mean? Let’s dive in.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is their sturdy, robust build. These phones are chunky in the best possible way. Unlike the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series, which had some build quality issues—like volume rockers falling off or the camera bar getting scuffed easily—the Pixel 9 Pro feels solid and premium. Google has clearly made an effort to improve durability, using stronger metals for the chassis, which gives these phones an iPhone-like feel in hand. The squared-off edges, glossy finish on the rails, and flat screens all contribute to a polished, premium vibe. While the ergonomics might be slightly compromised, these phones feel special and well-made.
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro features the fourth-generation Tensor SoC, continuing Google’s push towards vertical integration, much like Apple. It also comes with 16GB of RAM—the most any Pixel smartphone has ever had, and significantly more than the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S24 models. While I didn’t have enough time to fully test the performance, Google’s keynote highlighted the chip’s capabilities, particularly for generative AI features like Gemini Live, the next-gen conversational assistant. It’s reminiscent of the early days of Siri and Google Now, which eventually evolved into Google Assistant with the first Pixel.
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro looks promising, both in terms of hardware and Google’s updated HDR pipeline. On paper, it has the potential to compete with the best in the market, like the Vivo X100 Pro. The new macro mode and "Add Me" feature stood out during the demos, and while features like Pixel Studio are interesting, we’ve seen similar capabilities on Galaxy smartphones.
The Pixel 9 Pro series also addresses past issues with overheating and poor battery life. The phones come with a vapor chamber and a massive 5,000mAh or 5,400mAh battery, depending on the model. The Tensor G4 chip is said to be 20 per cent more power-efficient and 17 per cent faster in app load times, with a mini TPU that can process 45 tokens per second. These specs suggest a promising performance, but they will need thorough testing to confirm.
The Pixel 9 Pro will ship with Android 14, and with Android 15 expected later this year, these devices hold immense promise. However, while these phones may not be ideal for gamers—a common trait shared with many iPhone users in India—they seem well-suited for other use cases.
That said, the Pixel is not an iPhone, nor is Google Apple. The Pixel isn’t even a Galaxy yet. Google still has a way to go in terms of flawless performance, peerless after-sales support, and broad availability—areas it’s aggressively working on. But this will take time, and in the meantime, the pricing for the Pro and Pro XL models at Rs 1,09,999 and Rs 1,24,999 respectively might be a bit steep.
