Many reviewers have hailed the Pixel 9 as the best phone, stating they couldn’t imagine going back to other devices after using it.
But is that really true? Is the Google Pixel 9 as good as it seems? Upon closer analysis, we’ve identified several problems with Pixel 9.
While our focus here is specifically on the Pixel 9, some of these problems also apply to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, which we’ll address accordingly.
Performance
The Google Pixel 9 series is positioned as a flagship lineup, and as such, it should undoubtedly deliver flagship-level performance.
Unfortunately, the raw performance of the Pixel 9 series falls short, not just compared to current flagship devices, but even to some from the previous year.
We fully understand that Pixel smartphones are typically not aimed at performance-focused users, but does that justify delivering subpar performance to loyal customers, relying solely on software and AI to carry the device’s reputation?
As Pixel enthusiasts, we were disappointed by the performance of the Tensor G4 processor and the choice of UFS 3.1 storage. While Google’s focus on AI-driven features and camera innovations is impressive, the raw power of the processor leaves much to be desired, especially in comparison to chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple’s A17 Bionic.
Even if you’re not a heavy user, there may come a time when more power is necessary, whether for future-proofing or handling more demanding applications. A phone that can meet those needs will keep you satisfied, but if it doesn’t, it could become a limiting factor, even if you only occasionally perform resource-heavy tasks like gaming or video editing.
The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL all excel in day-to-day tasks, but, none of these devices are built for power users who frequently engage in activities such as video editing, gaming, or other performance-intensive tasks.
Throttling and Overheating
We observed that when recording 4K video at 60fps or even 30fps in direct sunlight, the Pixel 9 series tends to heat up significantly. The side frames become warm, and the back panel near the camera module gets noticeably hot.
If this happens during video recording, you will receive a warning stating, ‘Recording may end suddenly. Device is hot.’ Even if the recording doesn’t stop, there is often a noticeable drop in video quality due to the heat.
As for throttling, the standard Pixel 9 can throttle down to 50% of its original performance under heavy load, which is quite disappointing. We had hoped for better results from the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, but even that model throttles to around 65% of its peak performance.
This brings up a crucial point: the Tensor G4 chip isn’t the most powerful processor to begin with, and when throttling causes it to lose 50-65% of its power, you’re left with far less performance than you’d expect from a flagship device.
Additionally, we noticed that the Pixel 9 series phones become significantly warmer during wireless charging. While it’s common for smartphones to heat up slightly during wireless charging, the Pixel 9 series seems to go a step further in terms of heat generation, which could impact the phone’s longevity and day-to-day usage comfort.
It’s disappointing to see that, despite incorporating a vapor chamber in the Pixel 9 series, Google hasn’t fully optimized its potential to manage heat and prevent throttling.
You might also like the Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 comparison.
Fingerprint Sensor
Google has finally upgraded to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner in the Pixel 9 series, replacing the previous optical one. The new scanner is notably faster.
When it works, the fingerprint scanner is incredibly fast, but there are occasional instances where it fails to detect fingerprints.
To put it into perspective, if the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 90% success rate, the Pixel 9’s scanner performs at around 80%.
It is still acceptable for most users, but issues arise when you apply a screen protector. A slightly thicker screen protector can reduce the success rate to 70%, and if it’s anti-glare, it can drop even further to around 65%.
Google is expected to release a software update to improve this, but at the time of writing, no such update has been made available to address the issue.
Connectivity
The modem in the Tensor G4, the Exynos 5400, is definitely an improvement over the previous Exynos 5300i, which was widely criticized for poor signal reception and frequent call drops.
With the Exynos 5400 in the Tensor G4, you’re less likely to encounter those issues, as connectivity has improved significantly.
However, the main problem lies with mobile data speeds, which are quite inconsistent. At times, you’ll experience excellent download and upload speeds, but these can suddenly drop without warning.
A casual user may not notice this inconsistency, as they might assume slow download speeds are due to server issues, poor network coverage, or other external factors. However, if you were to compare it side-by-side with a device like the Galaxy S24 Ultra in the exact same conditions, you’d notice that the Pixel 9 series struggles with slower and less reliable data speeds.
This inconsistency might not be apparent unless you’re directly comparing the Pixel 9 with other flagship devices, but it’s certainly there.
While we haven’t personally encountered these issues, some users have also reported experiencing frequent drops in Wi-Fi signals. Additionally, some have noted that their Bluetooth devices, such as earbuds or headphones, disconnect automatically without warning.
Is the Google Pixel 8a still a good choice? Click here to find out.
Pricing
If you’re considering purchasing a Pixel 9 phone, we strongly recommend waiting for a price drop.
Why? The Pixel 9 series is significantly overpriced compared to market expectations.
In the USA and UK, the pricing is somewhat more manageable, with the standard Pixel 9 starting at $799 / £799, the Pixel 9 Pro at $999 / £999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1,099 / £1,099. While these prices are in line with other high-end smartphones, they still represent a significant investment.
However, in markets like India, the pricing is considerably higher. The Pixel 9 starts at INR 80,000 (approximately $950), while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced at INR 1,25,000 (about $1,490). For the top-tier Pixel 9 Pro XL variant, the price escalates to INR 1,39,999 (around $1,668).
This pricing is notably higher and does not align with the phone’s performance and features.
The good news is that Pixel smartphones typically see faster price reductions compared to other flagship devices. Google often offers discounts and deals within a few months of release, making it wise to wait if you want to save on your purchase.
Overall, whether in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, or India, the Pixel 9 series is positioned at a premium price point, with particularly steep pricing in markets like India.
You can also check the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs 7 Gen 3 comparison.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 series represents a significant upgrade over the Pixel 8 series in several areas. However, the most notable issue has been the choice of CPU, which has contributed to various problems.
If the Pixel 9 series had been equipped with a Snapdragon processor, many of these issues might have been avoided. Snapdragon CPUs are known for their superior performance, power efficiency, reduced throttling, lower heat generation, and more advanced modems.
A switch to a Snapdragon processor could have fundamentally improved the Pixel 9’s performance and user experience.
Google has announced that the next-generation Tensor G5 chip will be manufactured by TSMC, the same company that produces Snapdragon CPUs. If this proves to be true, it could be a game-changer for the Google Pixel series, potentially addressing many of the performance issues currently faced by Pixel 9 users.
While the Pixel 9 smartphones perform well for everyday tasks, the issues related to the current Tensor G4 processor have led many consumers to consider other options.
However, if you find that these issues and problems don’t affect your usage, you might still consider the Pixel 9 phones, as they excel in many areas.
You might find the comparison between Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 7+ Gen 3 interesting.
FAQs
1. Does the Pixel 9 have any major issues with performance or overheating?
Yes, the Pixel 9 has faced issues with performance throttling and overheating, particularly during intensive tasks like 4K video recording. The Tensor G4 processor can lead to significant heat buildup and reduced performance under heavy use.
2. How is the battery life on the Pixel 9 series?
The battery life on the Pixel 9 series is adequate for typical daily use, with the standard Pixel 9 offering nearly a full day of battery life under normal conditions. However, heavy users will find the battery life insufficient, especially during prolonged use of high-demand applications.
3. Will there be software updates to fix the issues with the Pixel 9?
Google is expected to release updates to address some of the issues, such as performance and connectivity problems. However, as of now, there is no specific timeline for these updates.
4. Is it worth buying the Pixel 9 series now or should I wait for a price drop?
Given the current pricing and performance issues, it is wise to wait for a price drop. Pixel smartphones typically see discounts relatively quickly, which could make them a better value in the near future.
5. Can the Pixel 9 series be used with other carriers besides Google Fi?
Yes, the Pixel 9 series is unlocked and compatible with major carriers in most regions, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others.
These are the issues and problems with the Google Pixel 9 smartphones. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask us in the comments section.
Additionally, we’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree or disagree with the points mentioned here?
