Google Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 8: There’s an unsurprising winner

Intro

Seems that the Pixel 9 is a really first rate improve over its predecessor in most areas. Apart from the plain design change, we have additionally obtained higher efficiency, higher battery life, barely improved digicam, and eventually, a ton of latest AI options which are dwelling within the uncanny valley between helpful and creepy. 

Nevertheless, are all these upgrades adequate to warrant upgrading from the Pixel 8? Must you stick along with your Pixel 8? Furthermore, do you have to even contemplate the Pixel 8 when the Pixel 9 is accessible? Let’s attempt to reply all of these questions on this comparability evaluation. 

Design and Measurement

The Pixel is getting a extra mature and snazzy type 

The Pixel 9 is bigger on all accounts (Picture by (PhoneArena)

The Pixel 9 has a matte aluminum body, whereas the glass on the rear employs a shiny look. That is totally completely different as compared with the marginally extra premium Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL, which have shiny frames and matte again glass on deck. 

The Pixel 9’s extra mature design (Picture by PhoneArena)

Every design has its professionals and cons: the Pixel 8 feels extra compact because of the total dimensions and form of the body, whereas the Pixel 9 has a extra premium construct, all issues thought-about. 

The Pixel 9 has inherited the Pixel 8‘s IP68 water and mud resistance, which was anticipated. This implies each units enable for submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater for as much as half-hour, and full safety towards mud. That is the flagship commonplace nowadays, so we anticipated nothing much less of Google. 

Colours-wise, the Pixel 9 is accessible in Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen, and Obsidian colours, when you may have the Pixel 8 in Mint, Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose. 

Show Variations

You get a a lot better show with the Pixel 9 (Picture by PhoneArena)

As per our show assessments, the Pixel 9 undoubtedly scores an enchancment. You get a a lot brighter display screen that reaches practically 2,000 nits of brightness, in addition to barely higher total show properties, like higher coloration accuracy because of a decrease Delta E. The minimal brightness of simply 1.8 nits is okay, however we have seen telephones with decrease than that. 

One main enchancment that has include the Pixel 9 collection is the usage of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. That one is way sooner and extra correct than the optical sensor embedded into the Pixel 8 show. That is an excellent change that we applaud, as earlier Pixels have been completely held again by the inferior fingerprint sensors that Google had put inside. 

Efficiency and Software program

Sooner and newer

The Pixel 9 collection all make use of the upcoming Google Tensor G4 chipset, which is predicated on a 4nm manufacturing node. It seems that Google will transition to 3nm with the Tensor G5 subsequent yr; it additionally seems like that chip will likely be absolutely customized as per Google’s necessities.

As a refresher, Tensor chips are constructed with AI in thoughts, so the uncooked efficiency ingredient is often secondary in significance. We won’t wait to check the brand new Pixels earlier than we are able to say for sure.

In our benchmark assessments, the Pixel 9 scores a small however notable efficiency bump. Each within the Geekbench 6 assessments, the Tensor G4 outpaces its predecessor; the identical applies to the graphics capabilities of the brand new Pixel, although the distinction is not that huge. 

Apart from the artificial benchmark outcomes, the brand new Pixel feels tremendous responsive and snappy in actual life, however admittedly, so does the Pixel 8; you possibly can’t actually understand any important distinction.

The Pixel 9 additionally options extra RAM than earlier than, some 12GB to be precise. This enhance was vital because of AI’s tasking necessities. The Pixel 8, then again, will get 8GB of RAM, which is not little, however is definitely much less spectacular as compared and hurts the future-proofness of the brand new Pixel 9.

Each units will take pleasure in a prolonged seven-year software program assist, together with main Android releases, safety patches, and have drops. The Pixel 8 will likely be supported till 2030, whereas the Pixel 9 till 2031. 

Digicam

New cameras for the brand new Pixel

New digicam island, who this? (Picture by PhoneArena)

The Pixel 9 comes together with a brand new ultra-wide digicam, which lastly improves on the usual 12MP snapper that has been round prior to now few Pixel generations. The brand new 48MP ultra-wide boasts an f/1.7 aperture, so it ought to have fairly first rate low-light capabilities, in addition to a relatively large 123-degree subject of view. 

The primary digicam stays the identical 50MP f/1.68 one with a 1/1.31″ sensor that was additionally discovered on the Pixel 8, however the ultra-wide is a much less spectacular 12MP one with an f/2.2 aperture, so much less light-sensitive. 

Nearly all of enhancements certainly are the courtesy of software program enhancements. AI additionally has quite a bit to play within the digicam app, giving customers a ton of latest options to play with, like Add Me, which can allow you to routinely add your self to a bunch picture utilizing AI. 

And simply as we suspected, there are simply minor high quality variations between the brand new and the outdated Pixel. Let’s discover these beneath.

Primary Digicam

Throughout the day, it is nigh unimaginable to note any important distinction between the principle cameras of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 8. We get related sharpness, dynamics, and coloration replica, which is definitely form of anticipated. Each take pretty photographs!

At evening, nevertheless, it is the Pixel 9 that does a greater job, largely because of its superior dynamics. Squint your eyes, and you may make out a tiny Ferris wheel within the Pixel 9 pattern, whereas the Pixel 8 has produced a light-weight smudge as an alternative. That is a small, however essential distinction that may make or break a low-light picture!

Extremely-wide Digicam

Throughout the day, the brand new ultrawide digicam does a reasonably good job, however the distinction is not that huge. Certain, we get extra element within the trickier areas, just like the foliage and the straws of the seaside umbrella. Nevertheless, the Pixel 8 does not lag behind, it is simply nearly as good at resolving element. 

At evening, the ultra-wide of the Pixel 9 additionally delivers higher element as compared with the Pixel 8, simply check out how sharp the stones are within the decrease left. The dynamics additionally appear to be improved, with barely extra info captured within the seawater, for instance. Aside from that, each carry out admirably. 

Selfies

The selfie digicam on the Pixel 9 is fairly much like the Pixel 8 when it comes to sharpness and total element, however it delivers lovelier and hotter colours, particularly within the facial space. That is a slight transfer away from the overly life like and dramatic type of the earlier Pixel, which is unquestionably an acquired style with its colder coloration palette. 

Battery Life and Charging

Adjustments are coming

No surprises on the backside (Picture by PhoneArena)

The Pixel 9 arrives with a stable 4,700mAh battery, which is marginally bigger than the 4,575mAh one on the Pixel 8. We must also keep in mind that the newer Tensor G4 chip must be extra environment friendly. This could ship a lot better battery life as compared with the brand new telephone, proper?

We’re happy to report that, sure, this assumption checks out. Based on the PhoneArena customized battery assessments, the Pixel 9 decidedly beats its predecessor. 

Within the PhoneArena internet searching take a look at, which simulates a daily searching expertise, the Pixel 9 outlasts the Pixel 8 by a stable two hours. In our video streaming take a look at, which goals to recreate a regular video playback session, the Pixel 9 achieves a high rating of practically 11 hours, whereas the Pixel 8 struggles previous 9 hours and a half.

Specs Comparability

Summary

The jury has decided––Pixel 9 is a major win (Image by PhoneArena)

Although the Pixel 9 mostly perfects the general formula behind the Pixel 8, the improvements are all pretty important. 

You get much better battery life, a better display, a slightly better camera setup with fine-tuned image quality, and better performance, as well as a much more future-proof device in the era of AI. 

That said, the Pixel 8 is still a mighty capable phone that doesn’t feel outdated. After all, it’s been less than a year since the Pixel 8 broke ground. 

If you’ve got one of those in your pocket, you’d probably gain little from upgrading, so your Pixel 8 will serve you just as good for many years to come.