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Google Pixel 9 Pro
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Specifications
Marques Brownlee
5/26/2025
Marques Brownlee
5/26/2025
Top 5 Android 16 Features: Big Visuals!
Pros
- New playful and reactive UI physics enhance interaction.
- Haptic feedback is significantly improved.
- The beta software demonstrates good stability.
Cons
- Android Auto was not functional in the beta.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro, running the Android 16 beta, showcases a notable enhancement in user interface interactions. The beta introduces playful and reactive physics, making UI elements feel more tangible, coupled with significantly improved haptic feedback for a more responsive experience. While the software has proven to be generally stable, it's noted that Android Auto was not functional during this beta phase.
“I've been running the Android 16 beta on my Pixel 9 Pro for the past couple days now.”
“It's the best expression of this Material 3 style in this whole phone.”
“I've been totally fine and pretty stable testing this beta 1 other than Android Auto not working.”
Android Authority
5/14/2025
Android Authority
5/14/2025
I love Pixels, but I am still JEALOUS of Galaxy Phones
Cons
- Lack of a wallpaper-based Always On Display feature on the screen.
- Limited lock screen customization options, including restricted colors and fonts.
- Inability to add widgets to the lock screen.
- Absence of the convenient double-tap to lock screen functionality.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is noted for significant feature deficiencies, particularly concerning its screen experience, when compared to Samsung Galaxy phones. It lacks advanced display functionalities such as a wallpaper-based Always On Display and the convenient double-tap to lock feature, though the necessary hardware is present.
Lock screen customization is also quite limited, restricting users to Google's preset options for colors, fonts, and shortcuts, and not supporting widgets. The reviewer, a Pixel user, expresses considerable frustration and envy towards Samsung users due to these shortcomings, which hinder the Pixel's appeal against competitors.
“I like that all of the major products in my life are from the same brand so that they all integrate together seamlessly. However, don't think that I'm a Google S. I understand that there are a lot of things lacking about the Google ecosystem, especially when it comes to Pixel phones.”
“In fact, when you compare the Pixel phones to Samsung Galaxy phones, you find that there are a lot of deficiencies within the Pixel ecosystem.”
“So, I want to talk about some of the things that make me, a Pixel user, supremely jealous of people out there who are using Samsung Galaxy phones.”