The Google Pixel 9, unveiled at the Made by Google August event, has arrived with a suite of improvements, including a compelling upgrade to its camera system. Having had the opportunity to test the Pixel 9 at the event in Mountain View, California, I was eager to put its photography capabilities through their paces. While a full review is forthcoming, here’s an early glimpse into how Google has enhanced the camera experience on the base model Pixel 9.
Pixel 9 Camera Upgrades: More Than Meets the Eye
Before diving into the photographic results, let’s dissect the camera hardware upgrades Google has implemented this year. The Pixel 8, its predecessor, featured a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.7 aperture, a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 10.5MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. These specs were fairly standard for its time. However, the Pixel 9 marks a significant leap forward.
The main camera, while retaining the 50MP resolution, now boasts an f/1.68 aperture and an 82-degree field of view (FOV). Perhaps the most notable change is the addition of a 48MP ultrawide lens with an f/1.7 aperture and a 123-degree FOV. The selfie camera also receives an upgrade, retaining its 10.5MP resolution but gaining autofocus, a feature previously missing. These numbers are promising, but how do they translate into real-world performance?
Main Camera: A Reliable Performer
As an iPhone user, I find myself drawn to Pixel phones for their clean stock Android experience. The Pixel 9 hardware feels exceptional this year. My experience with Pixel cameras has consistently been positive, as they consistently deliver impressive results. I captured photos around the Google Bay View campus and the main Googleplex buildings, and even in the harsh midday sunlight (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), the Pixel 9 managed to make colors pop and appear vibrant without being overbearing. This contrasted with photos taken with the iPhone 15 Pro, which seemed darker and underexposed. The Pixel 9’s color balance and detail rendition were well-balanced. While the iPhone’s contrast levels might accentuate finer details, overall, the Pixel 9’s 50MP wide camera delivers detailed and color-rich images that are well-suited for social media sharing. It strikes a pleasing balance between the harshness of iPhone photos and the oversaturated nature of Samsung photos.
Ultrawide and Selfie Camera Improvements
The Pixel 9’s upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera was a welcome surprise. My previous experience with the OnePlus 12’s 48MP ultrawide lens left a lasting impression, particularly when comparing it to competitors. The Pixel 9 benefits significantly from this upgrade, producing ultrawide shots with excellent color balance and detail, surpassing its predecessor. While details may appear slightly soft upon close inspection, it’s a considerable improvement over the Pixel 8’s 12MP ultrawide lens.
While the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL received a substantial selfie camera upgrade with a new 42MP lens, the Pixel 9 features a 10.5MP selfie camera. However, it does gain a wider FOV, now at 95 degrees, making it ideal for capturing group selfies. During my visit to the Apple Park Visitor Center, I took a quick selfie with the Pixel 9. While suitable for a casual snapshot, the details in the background appeared somewhat muddled.
A Promising Start for the Pixel 9
For those who aren’t reliant on a telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 is shaping up to be a fantastic smartphone. The new hardware design feels modern and sleek. Coupled with the Tensor G4 chip and 12GB RAM, the Pixel 9 promises robust performance, even as the base model. The Pixel line has consistently excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 continues this tradition. The new 48MP ultrawide camera, alongside the 50MP main camera, enables the capture of stunning photographs. Additionally, the Pixel 9 is available in the beautiful Peony color, which is arguably the best pink shade seen on a phone to date. Stay tuned for our full review of the Pixel 9, coming soon!
