We’re getting the Pixel sooner than ever. With much less time in the oven can the Pixel 9 improve over the Pixel 8? Here are some things we predict could possibly be higher in the subsequent model of Google’s flagship smartphone lineup.
Suffering from success: Pixels and issues
Almost each single Google Pixel has had an issue, a trigger for concern, or a compromise. Over the years, these have ranged in severity or complexity. From display tinting to display gaps, battery life to overheating, sluggish modems to unreliable unlocks, we’ve seen a full gamut of issues dealing with the Pixel since 2016 the series was unveiled.
We all know that the Pixel was softly relaunched with the Pixel 6, and for anybody with a current handset (circa 2021 onwards), many frequent complaints stem from the transfer to the internally developed and Samsung-produced Tensor processor. For higher or worse, Google has publicly stated that their work on the Tensor processor has “never been about speeds” and even “traditional performance metrics.”
Our work with Tensor has by no means been about speeds and feeds, or conventional efficiency metrics. It’s about pushing the cell computing expertise ahead.
All three variations of the Tensor processor have been low on the flagship totem and based mostly on the similar core Exynos design. Tensor G3 is definitely much less highly effective than final yr’s greatest Qualcomm processor or MediaTek’s greatest from 2023. AI capabilities have at all times been a key promoting level of Tensor, however these aforementioned chips are greater than highly effective sufficient to do a number of their very own AI tips. It’s straightforward to see why some hardcore {hardware} followers could be upset up to now after three chip revisions.
Many individuals have known as the Tensor processor series underwhelming in consequence, and it’s not simply by way of the efficiency capabilities. Creating a brand new SoC is difficult, and the first era had a litany of complaints, from overheating to the modem merely not working because it ought to. Recording 4K video for longer than a couple of minutes was sufficient to trigger the Pixel 6 to overheat and shut down in some instances.
The first in-display fingerprint scanner was nothing wanting a catastrophe. For a number of individuals – myself included – it was completely high-quality. Slow, however high-quality. That stated, it was certainly one of the largest complaints, and Google even addressed the horrible scanning with a brand new in-display reader on the Pixel 6a. Potential CPU issues may need been why the Pixel 6 Pro by no means obtained Face Unlock to mitigate the substantial biometric unlocking woes – one other unfavorable for the first-generation Tensor chip.
Battery drain was one thing I personally encountered loads with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. I’m uncertain if that ever improved with software program updates and new Android variations. The motive? Lifespan is usually subjective, nevertheless it was one thing that was famous by a whole lot of homeowners proper from launch. A degree of rivalry is that since the Pixel 6 Pro, the inside cell on the “Pro” tier stands at round 5,000mAh.
This isn’t a small inside cell. Many Snapdragon-powered telephones include comparable capacities however don’t have the similar longevity issues. The Pixel 7 helped improve effectivity, and the Pixel 8 series has added but extra boosts. The battery is now “reliable” however, in my very own expertise, nonetheless has an “off” day occasionally. It’ll die quicker in the future however be again to long-lasting the day after. I do know that this isn’t the case for everybody although.
Cellular connectivity and secure connections are nonetheless an issue regardless of quite a few updates to the 2021 flagship. 5G speeds are sometimes sluggish when you may get a connection, which is certainly one of the largest points. It’s extra complicated, provided that Samsung Exynos modems are used. Ordinarily, they’re amongst the greatest. The swap to the Exynos 5300 from the Pixel 7 onwards has helped a ton, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not the quickest.
Where can the Pixel 9 improve over the Pixel 8?
If you had been to learn that record of complaints and issues, you may assume that Google hasn’t made a good machine in the previous few years. That couldn’t be farther from the fact. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are stable handsets which have improved in each single space the place issues are pronounced. We need that to proceed this yr too.
One of the saving graces is that the Pixel 8 series has a number of iterative modifications which have addressed the evident issues. Is it good? No, however it’s the greatest place to begin for the Pixel 9 forward of launch.
Battery longevity and charging velocity
If the new Tensor G4 chip is one more revision with minor effectivity boosts, then we hope that the Pixel 9 can improve on each day lifespan. Short of slapping in an excellent larger battery it’s unlikely that we’ll see main longevity features this yr. That’s not to say the Pixel 8 has “bad” battery life, removed from it really, nevertheless it’s not fairly in the “excellent” class like the OnePlus 12 or Galaxy S24 Ultra.
We’re additionally hoping to lastly see one other cost velocity enhance. By fashionable requirements, the 30W wired charging and 21-23W wi-fi charging are sluggish. Even a bump to round 45W with a wired charger could be a pleasant increase once you need to cost your cellphone rapidly. Charging habits are completely different from particular person to particular person, so this may decrease the record of enhancements you need from the Pixel 9 series.
Zoom Enhance
Despite guarantees it might come to the Pixel 8 Pro, we’ve been ready nearly a yr now for Google to reveal extra particulars about Zoom Enhance. The radio silence and lack of additional data could possibly be an indication that Google is conserving the improved zoom choice for the Pixel 9 launch.
The digicam zoom has not modified all that a lot since the Pixel 6 Pro and figuring out Google’s penchant for enhancing by way of software program, Zoom Enhance could possibly be a really massive addition to the Pixel 9’s images arsenal.
Improved digicam efficiency
The digicam on the Pixel 8 (and older) is usually stable. It’s straightforward to navigate, takes glorious pictures, and is dependable. However, a persistent downside exists: The digicam UI can lag once you repeatedly press the shutter button.
While taking photos at a sporting occasion lately, I observed when taking photos like this, the digicam can get slowed down and virtually freeze. There can also be some lag when switching lenses or zooming in. If the Pixel 9 can improve this, the expertise will likely be infinitely higher than it’s in the present day. Autofocus will also be a bit finicky, it might be nice to see Google tackle this with the Pixel 9.
Better fingerprint scanner
While the Pixel 8 series has nice scanners, a quicker and extra correct in-display fingerprint scanner will improve the unlocking expertise of the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold ought to get a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner that’ll probably have fewer points and extra consistency…
Improved machine thermals
The Pixel 8 has struggled with warmth dissipation and administration. Gaming and video modifying exacerbate this which may lead to throttling and efficiency degradation. With improved warmth administration, the Pixel 9 may preserve peak efficiency for longer, providing a smoother and extra constant consumer expertise, particularly for customers who push their telephones to the restrict.
Consistent cell information connections
A few issues are coming that we hope resolve a few of the connectivity woes that individuals have had with earlier Pixels. The Pixel 9 is predicted to get an improved modem. The Samsung Exynos 5400 is touted as being built-in into the Tensor G4 chip, and satellite tv for pc connectivity can also be coming for emergency connections in distant areas. Even with a fallback, we want higher connectivity as your cellphone remains to be, effectively, a cellphone in spite of everything.
Enhancements to the software program stack
We know that Android 15 isn’t going to present an enormous overhaul over Android 14. It’s a case of refinements and enhancements to the current working system, however we wish the Pixel 9 to catalyze much more enhancements.
I’d love to see higher protection of themed icons as a result of this has been in beta for nearly three years. Google has teased “Magic” a ton in the early advertising, which we hope is a touch to extra AI-powered features and options. Maybe we’ll lastly see Gemini higher built-in into the Pixel 9 and improve the expertise of utilizing the enhanced voice assistant to management points of your cellphone.
What enhancements would you like from the Pixel 9?
With the Pixel 9 on the horizon, many Pixel 8 customers are keen to see Google tackle some ache factors. What enhancements are most vital to you? Let us know in the feedback part.
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.
