Yesterday was a big day for Google hardware: the new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL were launched alongside the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With a string of top-level specifications, the Mountain View company begins its assault on the high-end with Gemini as its main attraction, its AI that is changing Android forever.
Apart from a lot of artificial intelligence, a lot of new features with the Tensor G4 and a long list of technical features, the Google Pixel 9 hides some secrets that set them apart. Both among themselves and with small details that improve on what was seen in past generations: These five invisible details can make the difference.
LTPO displays, again, only for the ‘Pro’
Since high refresh rate displays flooded the Android scene, we’ve seen the figure stabilize around 120 Hz, with permission from some who have dared to reach 144 Hz. However, in this regard, there is one very important element: the acronym LTPO.
What does it mean for a panel to be LTPO? That its refresh rate is variable from 1 to the maximum. In the case of the Pixel 9, they all have screens that refresh at 120 hertz but the two ‘Pro’ models have this subtle but important difference.
The Google Pixel 9 sticks with a standard panel, so it will be able to vary its refresh rate between 60 and 120 hertz. Its older siblings will be able to save energy and therefore last a little longer each day, thanks to the fact that when it is not necessary, they can lower it at will.
It’s no longer a question of size
Google has crept closer to Apple’s launch model: Until now, the Pixel Pro models have increased the screen diagonal and focused not only on users looking for the most complete specifications, but also a larger screen. With the Pixel 9 family, this changes completely, with a Pixel 9 Pro with premium features and an identical Pixel 9 Pro XL that only grows its screen.
It’s not that this detail went unnoticed as such, but it does leave us with an interesting fact: the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have exactly the same size and they can use the same covers. This is surprising after Google made a slight difference between the screens of these two phones.
Advanced camera controls
Last year, the native camera of the Google Pixel embraced the new advanced mode, with which to change photographic parameters and get the most out of the Pixel 8 Pro sensors. Because yes, The cheapest model was left out of the equation.
And it has happened again: both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL add these ‘Pro’ controls on the Pixel CameraIt is a rather curious way of segmenting mobile phones, but it does not make much sense considering that the main camera is identical in the three smartphones.
8K video recording
Image: Ivan Linares for Xataka
Which brings us to the next point: 8K resolution is in its infancy, although the Pixel 9 is prepared for a future in which this resolution is the norm. All of them… except the base model. Again, as in the previous section, it is a strategy by Google to give more “hook” to the premium models of the family.
Since the Pixel 9 is powered by the same processor as its older siblings, the newly released Tensor G4, it can perfectly handle the 8K video recording. What’s more, not only is the main camera identical, but also the ultra-wide-angle one.
The thermometer remains exclusive
Image by Ivan Linares for Xataka Android
A minor but still curious feature is the inclusion of a thermal sensorcapable of measuring our temperature. We tested it on its debut on the Pixel 8 Pro and were surprised by its accuracy. It is certainly a minor but distinctive feature that Google could have added to the entire family.
History repeats itself: the thermal sensor is exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. And we are not talking about a feature that implies a considerable increase in price.
Have you noticed these differences between the three new Google smartphones? Do they justify paying more for the Pixel 9 Pro? Aside from these minor details, the truth is that they represent a significant improvement compared to the previous generation.
Cover image | Google