The annual Pixel release is upon us, and this year Google unveiled four new models – the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While these phones boast impressive specs and expected upgrades, they also come with a hefty price tag. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are a whopping $100 more expensive than their predecessors, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which themselves saw a $100 price increase over the Pixel 7 series. This makes the Pixel 9 series the most expensive yet, leading many to question if the new features are worth the hefty price jump.
My experience with the Pixel 7 Pro has given me a unique perspective on this debate. I purchased the Pixel 7 Pro last year, and while it had its share of software bugs, the phone itself proved to be a reliable and enjoyable device. The Tensor G2 processor was more than capable, the display was beautiful, and the camera was, as always, exceptional. Even though the battery life wasn’t its strong point, it was still acceptable. When I look back, I don’t dwell on the frustrating software glitches; instead, I remember the positive experience of using a great device.
This experience has made me hesitant about upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro. While the new models boast a slightly better processor, minor camera enhancements, and a tweaked design, they don’t offer a game-changing feature that compels me to upgrade. The new AI-powered features, like Magic Editor and Circle to Search, are undoubtedly impressive, but I’m not convinced they add enough value to warrant the price hike. I find myself questioning if I would even use these features regularly.
The fact that the Pixel 9 series feels like a slight iteration over the Pixel 7 Pro makes the price increase even more difficult to justify. Many reviewers have praised the new models, highlighting their excellent design and performance. However, for me, the incremental improvements don’t outweigh the cost. In a world where budget-friendly options like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G offer impressive performance at a much lower price, it’s hard to justify the premium for the Pixel 9 series.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade is a personal one. But for me, the Pixel 7 Pro remains a solid choice, especially considering the price difference. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the newest models, but it offers a great user experience at a much more affordable price point. While the Pixel 9 series might be the most powerful Pixel yet, it’s not necessarily the best value. And in a world where phones are constantly getting more expensive, making informed choices about your smartphone investments is crucial.
