We’re getting the Pixel sooner than ever. With much less time within the oven can the Pixel 9 enhance over the Pixel 8? Right here are some things we expect could possibly be higher within the subsequent model of Google’s flagship smartphone lineup.
Affected by success: Pixels and issues
Virtually each single Google Pixel has had an issue, a trigger for concern, or a compromise. Over time, these have ranged in severity or complexity. From display screen tinting to display screen gaps, battery life to overheating, gradual modems to unreliable unlocks, we’ve seen a full gamut of issues dealing with the Pixel since 2016 the collection was unveiled.
Everyone knows 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 said that their work on the Tensor processor has “by no means been about speeds” and even “conventional efficiency 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 identical core Exynos design. Tensor G3 is definitely much less highly effective than final yr’s finest Qualcomm processor or MediaTek’s finest 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 simple to see why some hardcore {hardware} followers is perhaps disillusioned to date after three chip revisions.
Many individuals have referred to as the Tensor processor collection underwhelming because of this, and it’s not simply by way of the efficiency capabilities. Creating a brand new SoC is difficult, and the primary technology 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 primary in-display fingerprint scanner was nothing in need of a catastrophe. For many folks – myself included – it was completely superb. Sluggish, however superb. That mentioned, it was one of many greatest complaints, and Google even addressed the horrible scanning with a brand new in-display reader on the Pixel 6a. Potential CPU considerations may need been why the Pixel 6 Professional by no means acquired Face Unlock to mitigate the substantial biometric unlocking woes – one other unfavourable for the first-generation Tensor chip.
Battery drain was one thing I personally encountered quite a bit with the Pixel 6 and 6 Professional. I’m uncertain if that ever improved with software program updates and new Android variations. The rationale? Lifespan is commonly subjective, however it was one thing that was famous by a whole lot of house owners proper from launch. A degree of competition is that because the Pixel 6 Professional, the inner cell on the “Professional” tier stands at round 5,000mAh.
This isn’t a small inner cell. Many Snapdragon-powered telephones include related capacities however don’t have the identical longevity issues. The Pixel 7 helped enhance effectivity, and the Pixel 8 collection has added but extra boosts. The battery is now “dependable” however, in my very own expertise, nonetheless has an “off” day occasionally. It’ll die quicker sooner or later however be again to long-lasting the day after. I do know that this isn’t the case for everybody although.
Mobile connectivity and steady connections are nonetheless an issue regardless of quite a few updates to the 2021 flagship. 5G speeds are sometimes gradual when you will get a connection, which is likely one of the greatest points. It’s extra complicated, on condition that Samsung Exynos modems are used. Ordinarily, they’re among the many finest. The change to the Exynos 5300 from the Pixel 7 onwards has helped a ton, however it’s nonetheless not the quickest.
The place can the Pixel 9 enhance over the Pixel 8?
In the event you have been to learn that checklist of complaints and issues, you would possibly suppose that Google hasn’t made an honest machine up to now few years. That couldn’t be farther from the reality. The Pixel 8 and eight Professional are strong handsets which have improved in each single space the place issues are pronounced. We wish that to proceed this yr too.
One of many saving graces is that the Pixel 8 collection has a number of iterative adjustments which have addressed the obtrusive issues. Is it excellent? No, however it’s the finest start line for the Pixel 9 forward of launch.
Battery longevity and charging velocity
If the brand new Tensor G4 chip is yet one more revision with minor effectivity boosts, then we hope that the Pixel 9 can enhance on day by day lifespan. In need of slapping in a good larger battery it’s unlikely that we’ll see main longevity good points this yr. That’s to not say the Pixel 8 has “unhealthy” battery life, removed from it really, however it’s not fairly within the “glorious” class just like the OnePlus 12 or Galaxy S24 Extremely.
We’re additionally hoping to lastly see one other cost velocity improve. By trendy requirements, the 30W wired charging and 21-23W wi-fi charging are gradual. Even a bump to round 45W with a wired charger could be a pleasant enhance while you wish to cost your cellphone rapidly. Charging habits are completely different from individual to individual, so this would possibly decrease the checklist of enhancements you need from the Pixel 9 collection.
Zoom Improve
Regardless of guarantees it could come to the Pixel 8 Professional, we’ve been ready nearly a yr now for Google to disclose extra particulars about Zoom Improve. The radio silence and lack of additional data could possibly be an indication that Google is retaining the improved zoom choice for the Pixel 9 launch.
The digicam zoom has not modified all that a lot because the Pixel 6 Professional and understanding Google’s penchant for enhancing by way of software program, Zoom Improve 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 mostly strong. It’s simple to navigate, takes glorious photographs, and is dependable. Nonetheless, a persistent downside exists: The digicam UI can lag while you repeatedly press the shutter button.
Whereas taking photos at a sporting occasion lately, I seen when taking photos like this, the digicam can get slowed down and virtually freeze. There may be additionally some lag when switching lenses or zooming in. If the Pixel 9 can enhance this, the expertise can be infinitely higher than it’s at present. Autofocus will also be a bit finicky, it could be nice to see Google tackle this with the Pixel 9.
Higher fingerprint scanner
Whereas the Pixel 8 collection has nice scanners, a quicker and extra correct in-display fingerprint scanner will enhance the unlocking expertise of the Pixel 9 collection. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold ought to get a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner that’ll seemingly 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 might result in throttling and efficiency degradation. With improved warmth administration, the Pixel 9 might preserve peak efficiency for longer, providing a smoother and extra constant consumer expertise, particularly for customers who push their telephones to the restrict.
Constant cell information connections
A few issues are coming that we hope resolve among the connectivity woes that folks 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’d like higher connectivity as your cellphone remains to be, properly, a cellphone in any case.
Enhancements to the software program stack
We all know that Android 15 isn’t going to supply an enormous overhaul over Android 14. It’s a case of refinements and enhancements to the prevailing working system, however we would like the Pixel 9 to catalyze much more enhancements.
I’d like 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 within the early advertising, which we hope is a touch to extra AI-powered features and options. Perhaps we’ll lastly see Gemini higher built-in into the Pixel 9 and enhance the expertise of utilizing the improved voice assistant to regulate elements of your cellphone.
What enhancements would you like from the Pixel 9?
With the Pixel 9 on the horizon, many Pixel 8 customers are desirous to see Google tackle some ache factors. What enhancements are most necessary to you? Tell us within the feedback part.
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