How good is AI on the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro?

The Google Pixel 9 models boast exciting software features. I’ve tried out a few of them for you. I also go into hardware changes, such as the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Detailed reviews will follow as soon as fellow editor Lorenz and I have tested the devices in detail. You can see some of the features in the following video (for English subtitles, click the gear icon, «Subtitles/CC» and «Auto-translate»):

Software and AI: Add Me and zoom optimisation

It’s no secret that Google is fully committed to AI, and the Pixel 9 lineup’s software houses many important innovations.

One exciting new feature is Add Me. It allows you to retroactively add yourself into a group photo. How does it work? You take a group photo, then have someone else from the group take another group shot – this time with you in it. The phone’s AI then combines the two images to create a complete group photo. Unfortunately, this currently only works with the two Pro models of the Pixel 9.

With zoom optimisation, you can bring an object in a picture closer. The software processes the selected section in a way that maintains quality. In a nutshell, it sharpens the image and removes blurred pixels.

In addition to many other optimisations in photo-taking, there are also improvements in video. Google has revised Super Res Zoom from the previous model. You can now also use it at night. In the video below, you can see me zoom from telephoto back to wide angle in one take. The colours remain constant, and there are hardly any jerks as the lenses switch. Only the 20x zoom at the beginning of the video lacks quality with a lot of noise. On a phone, this is less bothersome. But on a larger screen, it’s very in your face. Nevertheless, I find it impressive how close I can get to an object.

Hardware: ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and 42 MP selfies

In addition to a faster chip, the Tensor G4, there are other hardware innovations in the Pixel 9 lineup. Pixel users should be particularly pleased that there’s finally and ultrasound instead of an optical fingerprint sensor. While my phone doesn’t unlock noticeably faster, the ultrasound sensor is supposed to be more reliable.

The cameras have also received hardware updates. All models are equipped with a 48 MP ultra-wide angle lens, which allows for very detailed macro shots. Although the focus is strongly cantered, you can still see every little hair in the photographed wool.

The new 42 MP front camera is only found in the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. It now has autofocus and is supposed to shine in low light conditions. The predecessors as well as the standard Pixel 9 have a 10.5 MP selfie camera. I haven’t noticed a big improvement so far, but you do get more detail, and the Pixel 9 Pro’s photo looks less hazy.

New design, new size – you either like it or not

Google has listened to Pixel users in designing the new lineup – notably, people who buy a Pro model don’t necessarily want to lug around a huge device. The Google Pixel 8 launched last year with a 6.2-inch screen, the Pixel 8 Pro with 6.7 inches. The Pixel 9’s screen measures 6.3 inches. The Pro version comes in 6.3 inches, while the Pro XL measures 6.7 inches.

The design has changed. The camera module on the back is no longer reminiscent of Robocop, but of the robot Bender from Futurama. I like both looks. The casing has become much more angular, and the back of the glass has a new frosted finish.

How the new Tensor G4 chip performs, what the new cameras can do and whether the revised thermometer is useful are questions we’ll explore in our detailed reviews. Don’t want to miss out? Follow the «Smartphone» topic below!

What are you particularly interested in with the new Pixel phones? Which features should we absolutely test? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re itching to grab a Pixel 9, there’s a pre-order promotion on the lineup until 5 September 2024. You’ll find it here: