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The Justice Department and state attorneys general are discussing various scenarios to remedy Google’s dominance in online search, including a breakup of the company.

For the launch of its new Pixel phones, Google looked to YouTube stars to bring the heat. An online After Party breathed new life into the brand's snooze-y "Made by Google" keynote by featuring a who's who of YouTube talent.

Amelia Dimoldenberg (of "Chicken Shop Date" fame), drag superstars Trixie Mattel and Monét X Change, Hot Ones' Sean Evans, science guy Mark Rober, and more all showed up and out to hawk the brand's newest phone models and features.

SEE ALSO: Sam Soar just wanted free books. So she became an influencer.

Keke Palmer hosted the affair, making a quick appearance on stage during the keynote (dressed, cleverly, in two-piece Balmain suit that perfectly matched the brand new Peony-colored Pixel 9) to invite viewers to stream the After Show.

The first After Show act was a version of Evans' uber-popular Hot Ones series. Replacing A-list stars in the hot seat was Google SVP Rick Osterloh. Then Dimoldenberg interviewed the Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, who had jumped on stage during the keynote to demo the Pixel's Add Me feature. Ever the style icon, Butler wore the primary-colored Noogler hat given to new Google employees during their orientation as a rite of passage.

Then came Mattel and X Change, who tried out the Add Me feature over cocktails. Next, Dimoldenberg returned with an interview with tech enthusiast Taylor Lloyd. Google Product Manager Kenny Sulaimon played with puppies in a segment obviously based on Buzzfeed's long-running "Celebs Play With Puppies" series, though the brand was not credited.

And it went on from there: Jimmy Butler and Google Marketing VP Daryl Butler (of no relation) joined Complex's Joe La Puma on his Sneaker Shopping show, another YouTube hit. Back to Dimoldenberg, now interviewing science creator Mark Rober. Actor/influencer Joe Ando of "can I make you a dress" fame made Palmer a canary-yellow dress. The party ended with a performance by The Beaches.

All this transpired in a mere 30 minutes, a tightly orchestrated corporate parade that not only showed off Google's phones but showcased the modern stars and series YouTube would consider its modern greatest hits.

Throughout, Palmer played the perfect host. Clad in another chic two-piece set — this time matching the Pixel 9's Wintergreen hue — Palmer reminded viewers throughout the stream, "This event is sponsored by Google and all participants are paid for their endorsement."

Consumers and investors are sick of AI hype, and Google knows it.

"There have been so many promises, so many 'coming soon's, and not enough real-world helpfulness when it comes to AI," Google senior VP Rick Osterloh said at the "Made by Google" event that unveiled new Pixel phones in Mountain View Tuesday. "Which is why today, we're getting real ... we're going to answer the biggest question people have about AI, what can AI do for me?"

OK, so did Google live up to that promise? When you strip the keynote of all the bells and whistles — the celebrity appearances, the jargon about "Tensor Processing Units," the Pixel phone tech specs, the visions of what Gemini might be able to do in the long run — what was new about the Android experience here? And does any of it qualify as a must-have killer app?

SEE ALSO: Awkward! Google Gemini fails twice during a live demo

Here's a complete list of everything the 90-minute event offered in actual functioning demonstrations. Real-world helpfulness, in other words, as opposed to ads or promises.

1. Gemini can check your Google calendar to see if you're free for a future concert, based on a poster. Thanks, Gemini! Credit: Google

Poor Dave Citron. In the keynote's most awkward moment, this Google product lead had to invoke "the demo spirits" and switch phones before Gemini would actually display an answer to "check my calendar and see if I'm free when she's coming to San Francisco this year" ("she" being the artist Sabrina Carpenter; Citron had just sent Gemini a photo of her concert poster).

"Sabrina Carpenter is coming to San Francisco on November 9, 2024," Gemini eventually responded. "I don't see any events on your calendar during that time."

AI reading the text in an image and understanding the context isn't new. The calendar add is, and that's to Google's advantage. In theory, Apple Intelligence will do the same thing when it debuts.

Citron's next demos showed how Gemini could draft a letter to a landlord about a broken AC unit, or a professor about a class — well-trod ground for all AI assistants.

2. Gemini Live offers 'free-flowing conversation'

Next up, Google VP Jenny Blackburn showed off the Gemini Live voice assistant. They had a chat about science experiments her niece and nephew might like, and after some back-and-forth, settled on making invisible ink. The discussion had a conversational flow.

All well and good, except that OpenAI demonstrated its GPT-4o voice assistant, with similarly interruptible conversations, back in May. That feature is currently live for a small group of ChatGPT Plus users, but not all. So Google got there first, we guess?

3. Gemini Nano offers on-device summaries of your phone calls

Here's a feature that may be less creepy than it sounds: Call Notes, which "follows up on your phone calls with a completely private summary of the conversation." But don't worry, because it's using Gemini Nano, an AI service that is based entirely on the Pixel 9 phone without requiring cloud access. (The on-device part is not new; Samsung does the same with Galaxy AI.)

4. Screenshots are searchable.

Score one more success for Gemini Nano on what we're calling the most useful AI feature of 2024.

But after that, we got a lot of visual stuff we've seen AI assistants do a dozen times before. To wit: creating a party invite in Pixel Studios, auto-framing in Magic Editor, adding generative AI images to your image, inserting yourself into a family photo or a picture with a celebrity (the new and embarrassingly named "Add Me" feature). Plus stuff that was cute but not AI at all (the "Made You Look" feature that will point your child's attention at the Pixel's rear-facing screen).

So, will this feature set be enough to reverse the skepticism that has set in around the AI bubble? Don't count on Gemini to answer that one any time soon.

Where to pre-order the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Best Buy Google Pixel 9 starting at $799 (plus get a $100 Best Buy gift card) Get Deal Best Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro starting at $999 (plus get a free $200 Best Buy gift card) Get Deal Best Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro XL starting at $1,099 (plus get a free $200 Best Buy gift card) Get Deal Amazon Google Pixel 9 $799 at Amazon (plus get a free $100 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro Starting at $999 (plus get a free $200 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Starting at $1,099 (plus get a free $200 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Google Google Pixel 9 Starting at $799 (plus get a free $100 Google credit) Get Deal Google Google Pixel 9 Pro Starting at $999 (plus get a free $999 Google credit) Get Deal Google Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Starting at $1,099 (plus get a free $200 Google credit) Get Deal

Leo season's a big time for Gemini, apparently. Google debuted its latest Pixel 9 smartphones and its Made By Google event on August 13, and they're all infused with enhanced versions of Google's Gemini AI.

The Pixel 9 line has four members: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As you could probably guess, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a whole other beast. But if you're not in the market for a phone that can casually unfold into a tablet, you'll be choosing between the regular Pixel 9 or one of the Pro versions.

SEE ALSO: Gemini Live: I got to use it before you and it's the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now

First, let's start with pricing: The Pixel 9 starts at $799 with shipping starting on August 22. The 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 with shipping also starting on Sept. 4, and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 with shipping starting on August 22. Both Pro models offer four storage options between 128 GB and 1 TB while the non-Pro only comes in 128 GB and 256 GB.

You can preorder any of them now at Google (groundbreaking), Best Buy, and Amazon, with all three retailers offering between $100 and $200 in gift cards with your purchase — even without trading in. Specific phone carriers like Verizon and AT&T also have Pixel preorders available, though they don't have the sweet gift card situation.

All three phones come in four colors, though Google has reserved the Wintergreen shade and Barbie-esque Peony shade just for the Pixel 9. Note that the price hike between the Pro and Pro XL only has to do with physical screen size. For the first time, Google has made the Pro version available in two different sizes without sacrificing any tech specs for the smaller version.

Speaking of tech specs, all Pixel 9 phones wield Google's new Tensor G4 chip that should make internet browsing, app launching, and photo and video shooting speeds nearly 20% faster than they'd be on a Pixel 8. Google also says that the Pixel 9 line is twice as durable as the previous generation, though the chic new design definitely isn't screaming rugged.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: The winner may surprise you

Also built into this refreshed design is a completely refreshed AI experience. Even if you're not one to have AI write an email for you, Gemini will still come in clutch. Whip up a group photo that everyone likes with the Best Take feature, add yourself to a group picture that you took, pull meeting or party details from that Gmail invitation you just can't find, or find out what's wrong with your dying plant without franticly describing it into the search bar.

Aside from AI, camera quality and screen quality are probably the two biggest wins across all Pixel 9s. The base tier Pixel 9's display gets 35% brighter than its predecessor, which will be necessary for eyeing all the details captured in its new 48 MP ultrawide lens. The Pros get even brighter (including in direct sunlight) and rock Google's best camera system yet, which includes a 42 MP front camera, Super Res Zoom compatibility with video, and improved Night Sight.

When it comes to the new phones, going "Pro" also unlocks a Google One AI Premium Plan with one free year of Gemini Advanced. With this, you'll get 2TB of storage and access to the most interactive Gemini features.

Where to pre-order the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Google Store Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Starting at $1,799 Pre-order now Best Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Starting at $1,799 (Free $350 Best Buy gift card with purchase) Pre-order now Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Starting at $1,799 Pre-order now

Google may have leaked the design and some details for its latest foldable phone nearly a month ago, but after Made by Google 2024 it's official: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is here, and it's looking better than Google's first crack at a foldable.

The phone isn't due to ship out until Sept. 4, but you can pre-order it already at the Google Store, Best Buy, and Amazon at a starting price of $1,799. Mashable's Alex Perry got a hands-on preview of the Pro Fold prior to its launch, and from his initial impression writes Google "has improved the device in almost every way that one could possibly care about," from the Pixel Fold released last year.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Which foldable is best for you?

So what's different? Besides folding the phone into the Pixel 9 line, Google updated a few key design features. For starters, this phone is thin, which isn't exactly a given for a device that houses an internal and external display. Even though Google slimmed down the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, they sized up the displays: 2023's Pixel Fold had a 5.8-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. The 9 Pro Fold by comparison has a 6.3-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display with 2,700 nits of peak brightness, a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a 2076 x 2152 resolution — and the bezels are narrower than the older model.

The wide screen is a multitasker's dream. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

That translates to a phone that's less cramped and clunky to use when it's not unfolded, while still feeling lighter than the previous Pixel Fold. In other words, the innovative design is becoming more practical.

Of course, these design upgrades don't mean much if you don't have the software to support them. The 16GB of RAM and Tensor G4 chip help power the host of Gemini AI features, plus help you maximize the experience of having more screen space. For instance, when using the internal display, you can run up to four different video streams in each quadrant of the display — or if that sounds a tad too overstimulating, you can open your texts right next to the YouTube video you're watching. Other features bring together the foldable's external display with AI, including the new "Made You Look" feature which is designed to get the attention of your little ones so you can capture the perfect shot.

If Google's upgrades have you ready to shell out at least $1,799 for a foldable phone, you can grab it in the colors obsidian or porcelain, with either 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Google Pixel Watch 3 preorders Google Google Pixel Watch 3 starting at $349.99 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) $349.99 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, WiFi) $399.99 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, LTE) $449.99 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, LTE) $499.99 Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel Watch 3 starting at $349.99 Pre-Order Here

Now that Made by Google 2024 is officially wrapped up, you know what time it is: preorder time. The company announced the arrival of the brand-new Pixel 9 smartphones, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and the Pixel Watch 3 — all of which are now available for preorder. At the time of writing, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is available at the Google Store, Best Buy, and Amazon. Once your preorder is placed, your new bling should ship out by its release date on Sept. 10.

SEE ALSO: Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: What are the differences?

There's a lot that's new when it comes to the Pixel Watch 3, and the most obvious is that there's a new 45mm size that contains a bigger display, longer battery life, and better power efficiency than the 41mm version. Both can be purchased with WiFi or LTE configurations, but if you're an avid smartwatch user, we'd say just spring for the data so you can use your tech wherever you find yourself. You'll also have the ability to use maps while offline, take notes on the Recorder app, and use Call Assist, which answers and holds phone calls for you while you find a quiet place to talk.

The watch comes in a 41mm and 45mm size. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The fitness tracker capabilities have also gotten a decent upgrade, including more accurate heart rate tracking and advanced running features like form adjustments thanks to Fitbit's proprietary built-in tech. And speaking of heart rate tracking, the Google Pixel Watch 3 also introduces loss of pulse detection, which is exactly what it sounds like: If the watch detects a loss of pulse, it'll ask if you're OK. If you don't answer, it'll alert the proper emergency services to get you the help you need. So yeah, your Pixel Watch can now possibly save your life.

Where to pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Store Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Starting at $1,099 Pre-order now Best Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Starting at $1,099 (Free $200 Best Buy gift card with purchase) Pre-order now Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Starting at $1,099 Pre-order now

Fans of big phones, rejoice: Following the leaks, Google confirmed at Made by Google 2024 on Aug. 13 that the Pixel Pro is getting a size upgrade in the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The XL is nearly identical to the regular Pro, offering two main differences: a 6.8-inch display compared to the regular Pro's 6.3-inch display and a slightly larger battery. It'll run you $100 more, but if those two upgrades suit your phone preferences, you can already place your preorder for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with 128GB of storage starting at $1,099 at the Google Store, Best Buy, and Amazon. The phone is due to ship out in just over a week on Aug. 22.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the brand's first extra-large phone, but it's actually not all that bigger than the Pixel 8 Pro. Google downsized the standard Google Pixel 9 Pro to a 6.3-inch display compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro's 6.7-inch display. Yes, that means that the Pixel 9 Pro XL only offers 0.1 inches more display than the Pixel 8 Pro.

So how does this translate to the actual experience of using the display? The aspect ratio, peak brightness, and refresh rate are all the same, with the main difference lying in the resolution: the Pixel 9 Pro has a resolution of 1280 x 2856 while the Pixel 9 Pro XL sits at 1344 x 2992.

SEE ALSO: Awkward! Google Gemini fails twice during a live demo

Other than that, both phones offer the same 16GB of RAM (for those in between a Pro XL and an iPhone 15 Pro Max, the latter only offers 8GB RAM), a Tensor G4 chip, and options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage space. (The Pro Max starts at 256GB). The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL also both offer the best cameras you can find in the Pixel 9 line, with a 50-megapixel rear-wide lens and 42-megapixel selfie camera.

And as with the entire Pixel 9 line, you'll get access to a whole host of Gemini AI features.

If you're ready to live large with your display, you can pre-order the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in obsidian, hazel, rose quartz, or porcelain.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 preorders: Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $229 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $229 Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $229 Pre-Order Here

Made by Google 2024 just wrapped up, and the event featured a ton of exciting new announcements from the tech giant, including the new Pixel 9 smartphones, the Pixel Watch 3, and more. Also new to the mix are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are currently available to pre-order directly from Google, Best Buy, and Amazon.

If you pick up a pair at any of the retailers above, you'll also receive a $30 gift card to their respective storefront free of charge. As for the headphones, you'll get those when they officially release on Sept. 26.

SEE ALSO: Pixel Watch 3 announced at Made by Google event: It can detect a loss of pulse

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 promise to be better than their predecessor in just about every way. Most notably, Google's new Tensor A1 Chip allows for much better audio processing and active noise-cancellation (apparently it's two times stronger than the previous Pixel Buds). Battery life gets a boost, and a big emphasis has been placed on enhancing the overall comfort and fit of the earbuds. They're smaller, lighter, and more secure than ever thanks to their twist-to-adjust stabilizer. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also have more precise location tracking for those who always seem to misplace their case. Finally, the Buds Pro 2 have also been equipped with plenty of hands-free Google Gemini AI functions, including live conversations with the virtual assistant.

Google's AI-powered assistant, Gemini, is a bit of a diva.

During Tuesday's Made by Google event, Gemini AI's live demo failed twice in a row, resulting in the presenter, Dave Citron, saying, "Let's see the demo spirits are with us today." On the third attempt, Gemini completed the task at hand: checking his calendar to see if he's free for Sabrina Carpenter's upcoming show in San Francisco.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Made by Google 2024, including the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 3, and Gemini Live

The live demo aimed to demonstrate Gemini's new capabilities on Android to connect with Google Calendar, Tasks, and Keep.

Before the demo failed, Citron clearly stated, "All the demos we are doing today are live," with a smile. He took a photo of a Sabrina Carpenter poster held up by co-presenter Jess Carpenter and asked Gemini, "Check my calendar and see if I'm free when she's coming to San Francisco this year." But the Gemini briefly loaded and then reset. Citron tried again with the same result. It's only when he pulled out a different device and tried for the third time that Gemini informed him of his availability to see the "Espresso" singer live. It took Gemini 20 seconds to determine he didn't have anything on his schedule.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

After, he asked for a reminder to be set to check for tickets later today and to add espresso to his shopping lists, both of which Gemini completed without incident.

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are joined by Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria in Hulu's comedy hit.

The internet giant unveiled the next generation of Pixel phones, headphones and watches to stand out in a hardware market that has mostly ignored it.

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL price Pixel 9 Pro in a nice pink color. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999. The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099. One of those numbers is smaller than the other, so it wins.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL display Pixel 9 Pro XL's display is real nice. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

As you might imagine, the primary difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to physical size. Specifically, the display on one is substantially bigger than the other.

To be more specific, the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, which is exactly the same as the base Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's display is 6.8 inches, which is actually about the same as last year's non-XL Pixel 8 Pro. Google's naming conventions here are a little misleading, then, because you'd be inclined to believe the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an entirely new form factor.

However, it's the non-XL Pixel 9 Pro that's actually new, given that it's a premium Pixel at a base Pixel size. It's mostly a semantic difference, but still interesting nonetheless. Anyway, the two phones have the same aspect ratio, refresh rate, and peak brightness. The only difference besides size is resolution, with the Pixel 9 Pro at 1280 x 2856 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 1344 x 2992.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Xl

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL specs Pixel 9 Pro is no slouch, specs-wise. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Get ready to see the following sentiment a lot: This one's a tie.

Seriously, aside from the display, these two phones are more or less identical. Here are the basic internal specs for both:

• Tensor G4 chip

• 16GB RAM

• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options

These two phones, from a performance perspective, should be exactly the same. Maybe some differences will rear their heads during extensive product testing post-launch, but for now, this is a draw.

Winner: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL features Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same set of features as Pixel 9 Pro. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

Everything I wrote in the above category applies here, too.

Both phones will have all of the same software features, so people who don't feel like spending the extra $100 won't miss anything in terms of everyday utility. If you're enamored with the suite of Gemini-powered AI features on the new Pixels, for example, literally any of the four new Pixel 9 models will give you what you want, using a combination of on-device AI and cloud-based solutions.

Winner: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL camera Pixel 9 Pro has the same camera as its XL counterpart. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

Surprise! These two phones have the exact same camera specs:

• 50MP rear wide lens

• 48MP rear ultra-wide lens

• 48MP rear telephoto lens

• 42MP selfie cam

This is the best set of cameras you will get on a Pixel 9 phone, at least in terms of specs. The 42MP selfie cam is new this year, and while we haven't tested it yet, it should produce nice-looking shots for your IG page.

Winner: Tie

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life Pixel 9 Pro XL should have a better battery. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Heck yeah, here's a category that isn't a tie.

The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery. You will theoretically get more juice out of a full charge with Pixel 9 Pro XL. We don't know exactly how much yet, but it should be at least something.

Interestingly, another difference comes in the form of fast charging. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro can get up to 55 percent battery in 30 minutes using a 45W charger (sold separately, of course). The Pixel 9 Pro XL, meanwhile, can get up to 70 percent in the same amount of time under the same conditions.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is better for you? Small hands? Pixel 9 Pro is the one for you. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

There's really no loser here. Both phones have (on paper) impressive specs, a robust suite of software features, and beefy camera lenses — at least in terms of megapixel counts. The only differences come in the form of display and battery size. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL is technically a better phone due to its bigger battery alone, the choice should really come down to personal preference for a smaller or bigger phone.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL (unless you have small hands)

Here's the lowdown on the Pixel 9. It's got a totally different design from its predecessor, with a humongous camera bump on the back. The display is slightly bigger, brighter, and better than before. Plus, it has a much-improved ultrawide camera and a new Google Tensor G4 chip inside. It's a significant improvement over the Pixel 8 and a worthy competitor to the iPhone 15.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: What are the differences? Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 price

Both the new Pixel 9 and Apple's iPhone 15 start at the exact same price: $799. (You can purchase the iPhone 15 from Apple's official website and the Pixel 9 from Google's official product page.)

For the money, both phones offer 128GB of storage, so this is a total draw — so far.

Apple iPhone 15 $829.00 at Walmart
Get Deal Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 design

This will obviously depend on everyone's preferences. But the comparison will definitely a little unfair as the Pixel 9 is as new as they come, while the iPhone 15 has been around for nearly a year.

In any case, both phones have radical redesigns compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 15 has the Dynamic Island feature (first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro), giving it that characteristic black pill cutout that makes it stand out from most non-Apple phones. On the back, the two cameras easily betray that it is not, in fact, a Pro model because it lacks a third sensor (e.g., telephoto), but it still looks pretty fresh in our opinion. You can get it in Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, and Black.

Yes, the Pixel 9 is available in pink (but it's called peony). Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 is a pretty dull affair on the front, with a tiny, circular cutout for the selfie camera and round corners, making it look pretty much the same as any other Android phone. On the back, however, there's a massive pill-shaped camera bump, which is a nice departure from the Pixel 8's dull-ish design. Here are the Pixel 9's color options: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony.

Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 specs

The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch OLED display with the Dynamic Island cutout on top and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. It's powered by Apple's A16 Bionic chip, starts with 128GB of storage, and has a 48-megapixel camera on the back, coupled with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor.

iPhone 15 Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Battery is rated for 20 hours of video playback, and the phone is dust-and-water-resistant to IP68 specifications. Apple-specific features include Face ID, MagSafe accessories and charging, Siri digital assistant (about to get better with iOS 18), car crash detection, and sending emergency messages via satellite when there's no cell connectivity.

The Pixel 9 has a slightly larger, 6.3-inch Actua display with up to 2,700 nits brightness. It's powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of starting storage. Battery is good for 24+ hours of use per Google's specs, and the camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera.

The Google phone is also dust-and-water resistant to IP68 specs. It boasts similar safety features as the iPhone, including satellite SOS messages and car crash detection. Perhaps its most important traits are Google's software and AI smarts, which are typically top notch on Pixel phones, with access to features that trickle down to other Android phones much later.

Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 battery life

The way these two companies rate battery life for their phones could not be any more different. Google says the Pixel 9 has 24+ hours of battery life, which can be extended up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. Google also revealed that the typical battery capacity of the Pixel 9 is 4,700mAh.

iPhone 15 Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Apple does not say how big the iPhone 15's battery is (we know that its capacity is 3,349mAh from reports). And it does not have a rating for regular use. Instead, the company says you'll get up to 20 hours of video playback,16 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 80 hours of audio playback.

Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15 camera

We'll have to keep this one short, as we haven't had enough time to thoroughly experiment with the Pixel 9's cameras.

The specs are similar: The iPhone 15 has a 48-megapixel main camera with 2x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. We've found it to be pretty great, unless you really need more zoom.

That's one hefty camera bump on the back of the Pixel 9. Credit: Mashable

The Pixel 9 is slightly more powerful on paper: a 50-megapixel main camera with 2x optical zoom and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with macro mode. The megapixel count here isn't necessarily important. Image processing and software algorithms can step in to compensate for any hardware limitations — and do it well. For example, I've reviewed some horrible cameras with a high megapixel count. Still, the Pixel phones have a reputation of delivering excellent photos due to Google's AI enhancements.

We'll have to get the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 15 cameras in for review to really put them to the test.

Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: AI

Oh boy. This is a tough one. In broad terms, Google is ahead of Apple when it comes to AI, though it has had its share of issues. Apple's got big plans for the iPhone, some of which is coming with iOS 18 (but it will be applicable to the iPhone 15 as well), and some of it coming at a later date. To make matters even more complicated, Apple reportedly plans to incorporate Google Gemini into Apple Intelligence.

Apple's AI is not exactly here yet, but it's coming, and much of it should work on the iPhone 15. Credit: Apple

As such, it's difficult to say which phone will end up being better when it comes to AI-related features in the long-term. Right now, though, the iPhone 15 is very limited when it comes to AI, whereas Google Pixel 9 already has Gemini on board and boasts a number of AI-enhanced features integrated into Google services, including Gmail and Google Maps. Let's stay in the present and call this one a win for Google, for now.

Google Pixel 9 vs. Apple iPhone 15: Which one should you get?

For the vast majority of users, it's all about the ecosystem. You either prefer Android or iOS — and that's how you'll choose your next phone. (Among Android devices, though, the Google Pixel 9 is a top choice). For those who don't have an allegiance to either operating system, the Pixel 9 edges out the iPhone 15 by a narrow victory.

Sure, it matches the iPhone in most cases, but it's slightly larger with a brighter display. Plus, it has better AI integration.

Keep in mind, however, that all of this might change when the iPhone 16 comes out in a month.

Last year, Google's Pixel Fold was a solid first attempt at a foldable. This year, Google has not only changed the follow-up's name, but it has improved the device in almost every way that one could possibly care about.

At least, that’s the impression I got after spending just a few minutes hands-on with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google has altered the name to put the new foldable into the Pixel 9 family, but it's definitively a successor to the old Pixel Fold. With a gigantic inner display and a remarkably thin form factor, those with the cash lying around and the interest in having a giant phone may want to keep an eye on Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold hands-on: Thin is in The camera viewfinder is enormous, as you can imagine. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

As someone who has reviewed multiple foldables over the years, my brief hands-on time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold left me pretty impressed.

For starters, Google is touting the 8-inch inner display as "the largest ever on a smartphone." That's a pretty lofty superlative, but when you see it in action, you instantly understand the appeal. With up to 2,700 nits of peak brightness, a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a 2076 x 2152 resolution, everything looks vibrant, smooth, and sharp as heck. This has always been my favorite foldable form factor because the large inner screen is eminently useful for watching videos and reading books — and that hasn't changed here. This will undoubtedly be an excellent way to do those things on a phone.

But what might be an even more impressive achievement on Google's part is the outer display, the one you use when the phone is folded. Last year's Pixel Fold had a 5.8-inch outer screen that simply felt too condensed, too short when compared to a regular smartphone. This year, Google has upgraded it to a much taller 6.3-inch display that genuinely just kinda looks and feels like a Pixel 9 when you use it one-handed. You could conceivably go through a whole day without ever unfolding it if you wanted to.

Look at how thin it is. Credit: Kimberley Gedeon/Mashable

And that's still not the best thing Google did to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold! The foldable is super thin — like really thin. It's just 0.20 inches unfolded, beating the OG Google Pixel Fold's 0.22-inch height. At 257 grams, it's heavier than a single-screen phone would be, but still light enough to fit within acceptable parameters.

If you've been foldable-curious, and you have $1,700 lying around, maybe check this one out.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

Pixel Studio, revealed at Made by Google 2024, is one of the many new AI features coming to the newly announced Google phones, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

The search engine giant boasts that the Pixel Studio is users' new "creative assistant." Leveraging capabilities such as text-to-image, you can have a lot of fun with Pixel Studio creating funky AI-generated images. At a recent press event, I got to see the Pixel Studio in action as it competes with the likes of OpenAI's DALLE-3 and Midjourney.

SEE ALSO: Don’t like your DALL-E images? OpenAI now lets you edit them. This funky cat was created on Pixel Studio

With the prompt, "A cat wearing flat black pixel sunglasses in New York City," I watched the following AI-generated feline appear on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold:

Check out this AI-generated kitten on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I was most surprised by the low latency. The AI-generated kitty popped up in less than two seconds.

So what's underpinning the Pixel Studio's text-to-image capabilities? An AI model called Imagen 3, a DALLE-3 and Midjourney competitor.

Imagen 3, born out of the search engine giant's DeepMind AI lab, is capable of understanding natural-language prompts. It can deliver high quality images in a wide variety of styles, from photorealistic cityscapes to intricately textured oil paintings.

Imagen 3 is Google's newest, most capable model — and it runs on the cloud. Once it "lands" on your phone, you can edit and refine the image, which taps into the on-device AI (the Google Tensor G4 chip in the case of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold). So in other words, Pixel Studio combines both cloud and local processing.

I watched the Google rep revise his original prompt, which transformed the cool cat into a sign-holding kitty. The message said, "Oh yeah!" (This part is still happening in the cloud.)

Now, it's holding a sign. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can also alter the style of the image with any one of the suggested visual looks, including sketch, vintage, anime, 3D creation, cinematic, video game, cyberpunk, and more. Here's what the anime style looks like:

The "anime" version of the original kitty. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Next, you can fire up the in-app editing suite and make changes to your liking. This is where the on-device processing kicks in. You can, for example, isolate an unwanted object and remove it. You can also transform your AI-generated creation into a sticker, allowing you to share it with your friends.

Add some text and you've got a meme Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You can access Pixel Studio via the home screen.

Arrow pointing to the new Pixel Studio app Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel Studio will be available across the Pixel 9 smartphone family, starting with the $799 entry-level Pixel 9. It's available for pre-order today.

The Made by Google 2024 event on Tuesday brought major Pixel news. Chief among those headlines: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is here. It's exactly what it sounds like: a larger third edition to the Pixel 9 series.

It might not be, exactly, a major advancement but — hey — it's bigger than the other phones, as Mashable's Alex Perry pointed out.

Still, that was far from the only big announcement on Tuesday. There was even more Pixel news, AI advancements, and a new watch. We've got all the news you need to know.

Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro

Google dropped the Pixel 9 on Tuesday, a highly anticipated new version of its flagship phone. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, in short, are a bit smaller compared to the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, have great cameras, and impressive AI features, Mashable's Kim Gedeon noted after testing out the new phones.

From left to right: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Gedeon wrote: "Overall, this year's Pixel 9 series proves that Google is serious about competing against the major players in the mobile industry — and this bold move will challenge Samsung and Apple's dominance like never before."

Plus, the Pixel 9 comes in a rich shade of pink.

The entry-level Pixel 9 starts at $799 while the Pixel 9 Pro will run you $999.

Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 Pro XL was one of the biggest announcements of the day.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL in all of its glory. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Literally. It's the biggest device in the Pixel 9 lineup. But, as Mashable's Alex Perry pointed out, the display on the 9 Pro XL is actually about the same than that of a Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL's display. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

So, really, Google downsized the Pixel 9 Pro and made an "XL" phone that's basically the same as last year's Pixel 8 Pro. It starts at $1,099.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Pretty much every phone company not named after a fruit is experimenting with foldable phones. Google is no exception. It announced the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on Tuesday and it's the thinnest foldable yet.

Look at all that screen. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It unfolds into an 8-inch screen with fantastic resolution and features that allow users to make the most of that screen space. You can, for instance, stream up to four different videos in different quadrants of the screen.

It'll cost you, however, starting at $1,799.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs Pixel Watch 3

Google's Pixel Watch got it's latest update at the Made by Google event on Tuesday. And, since folks have different size wrists, it finally comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm.

Get to running with the Pixel Watch 3. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Mashable's Stan Schroeder broke down some of the upgrades over the Pixel Watch 2, including more display real estate, improved brightness, and better, more-detailed workout tracking.

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm size) will start at $349.99 for Wi-Fi and $449.99 for LTE. Pixel Watch 3 (45mm size) will start at $399.99 for Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE

Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google dropped its latest Pixel Buds model, and like plenty of tech in 2024, they're AI-powered. Google says its newly installed Tensor chip's AI capabilities should vastly improve the buds' noise cancellation features, create crisper sound on phone calls, and automatically detect an IRL conversation so you won't have to remove a bud to talk to someone.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As Mashable's Matt Binder wrote, another major feature is a twist-to-adjust stabilizer that Google says will keep your buds from falling out. If that really works, it'll be huge for runners and folks exercising with buds in. The buds are $229.99.

Gemini Live

Speaking of AI, it's 2024 and AI is everywhere, so of course Made by Google had AI announcements. Perhaps chief among those announcements was Gemini Live, which Mashable's Kim Gedeon called "the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now."

Gemini Live, in action. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Gemini Live, Google's AI chatbot, has an impressive voice and listening mode, Gedeon noted, and comes close to performing as well as ChatGPT.

Lots of AI features

Gemini Live is hardly the only new AI feature Google announced on Tuesday at the Made By Google event. Here are a few of the biggest and coolest features.

An AI-powered Pixel weather app

The new Pixel phones, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. got a new weather app with AI features.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Basically it has all the normal weather app features plus a an AI-powered summary that'll give you a rundown of the day's weather and any recommendations like to wear sunscreen.

Made You Look

This one's for all the parents out there.

A chicken animation from the Made You Look feature. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an AI-powered feature called Made You Look that displays an animation on the display facing the subject of a photo. The AI-powered feature can then detect when the subject is looking at the animation, draw their attention further, then snap a pic. Basically, it'll help folks get good snaps of their kids, which is pretty neat.

Add Me

Google dropped another neat AI-powered photography feature called Add Me.

You didn't see her, but now you do. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The idea is simple enough to understand. You can take a group pic, then snap a picture of the photographer, and then the AI will merge those pics and drop the photographer into the group picture. You no longer need to ask a stranger for help.

Pixel Screenshots

This is a big one for me, personally, a person who takes far too many screenshots.

Pixel Screenshots in action Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Google's new Pixel phones has a feature the creates a title and summary for screenshots, making them searchable. It'll be so much easier to find memes now.

This story is developing...

At the 2024 Made by Google event, the search engine giant announced the brand new Pixel Buds Pro 2. 

With all of the controversy surrounding Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 3 Series looking like Apple AirPods clones, we should address this: Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 do not look like replicas of the popular Apple earbuds. The design of the earbuds are different — unlike the AirPods Pro and the Galaxy Buds 3, there are no stems in sight.

With that out of the way, here are what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do offer.

Credit: Google The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google seems to be going all-in with the AI-powered aspect of its new wireless earbuds. The company says this is the first time its powerful Tensor chip has been used in earbuds. According to Google, the Tensor A1 chip, which was built specifically to power Google AI processing, is able to process audio "90 times faster than the speed of sound." 

With this, Pixel Buds Pro 2's Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0 feature is able to cancel "twice as much" noise as the first Pixel Buds Pro in order to deliver clearer audio for phone calls.  

Google's Tensor chip also comes in handy for another new AI-powered feature in the Pixel Buds Pro 2: Conversation Detection. Basically, Google says users won't have to remove the earbuds in order to have real-life conversations. Pixel Buds Pro 2 are able to detect when a user starts speaking and will automatically pause any music that's playing and switch to Transparency mode. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 can detect when the conversation is over, too, and resume the audio in the earbuds automatically, without the user having to do anything.

Switching audio in general will be much easier as Google said that the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be able to automatically switch between devices based on what the user is doing.

Credit: Google

Back to the design aspects of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google claims that these latest earbuds are "the most comfortable and secure-fitting earbuds." They're also 27 percent smaller than the previous generation. Google was able to make these earbuds lighter while increasing the battery life as well.

Sick of your earbuds popping out of your ear? The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also has a new twist-to-adjust stabilizer, which locks the earbuds in a user's ear in situations like running or other exercise.

There are some caveats here. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 do require a Google Account for some features, which shouldn't be a problem for most. However, an Android device (specifically a Pixel 7 or newer) is required for some of the specific AI-powered features. So, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are probably not the best choice for Pixel 6 and iPhone users, for example.

Pre-orders for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 drop tomorrow and have a price tag of $229.99. They're expected to hit store shelves on Sept. 26.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, introduced at the Made by Google event on Tuesday, is finally here. It's the thinnest foldable you can buy, according to Google. Thin has always been in when it comes to tech products, but tech giants have been really ramping up the competition lately to see which brand can deliver the slimmest, sleekest design to attract consumers.

A folded Google Pixel 9 Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, Apple called its latest iPad Pro "thinpossible" because the tablet is its slimmest product ever, even thinner than the iPod Nano, and sales for the iPad Pro have gotten a sizable boost year-over-year. There's no data that confirms that its compactness was the biggest draw for consumers, but the growing trend of ultra-thin devices in recent years indicates that this form factor likely resonates with a significant portion of the market.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the thinnest foldable you can buy. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The first-generation Google Pixel Fold launched last year, claiming to be the thinnest foldable on the market. However, some consumers reported issues with the screen, including dents and cracks. It's difficult to say whether this issue was widespread — and Mashable's Alex Perry didn't experience any problems with his Google Pixel Fold when he reviewed it last year.

Still, as someone who has reviewed the likes of ultra-thin foldables like the Microsoft Surface Duo that just couldn't overcome the compromises that come with a slim chassis, I can't help but feel a bit anxious about the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold announced at Made by Google 2024

Let's talk about some of the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features:

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

• It's got the largest display of any foldable

• Its 8-inch screen is now 80% brighter

• It's got a new-and-improved hinge made of stainless steel

• It's packed with a new suite of incredible AI features

• It's the thinnest foldable you can buy

It's the "thinnest foldable" part that's got me feeling a bit apprehensive. This is only because, as I mentioned at the outset, slimness means you'll have to make some compromises because you're packing powerful components into a razor-thin chassis. Don't underestimate the engineering expertise required to strike the perfect balance between sleekiness, durability, and satisfactory performance. It's quite challenging, to say the least.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This is why I wasn't surprised that the original Google Pixel Fold, which we heralded as a "quality-first swing at a foldable," had a few screen issues, according to some users. Last year, it was touted as the thinnest foldable (with the biggest battery) in the US. When the Surface Duo launched, Microsoft also boasted that its first foldable project had record-breaking thinness — it, too, suffered some design issues.

As such, as a tech reviewer who has had experience reviewing foldables, while everyone else thinks "compactness" and "pocketability" when they see the word "thinnest," I'm consumed with fears of fragility.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the other hand, I did a little scouring on the internet to determine a consensus of which new features Pixel Fold owners want to see on its successor — and the most common answer was lightness. So I'm not surprised Google went full force with the "slim is in" strategy. After all, they're just giving the people what they want.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is 257 grams, which is lighter than its predecessor (283 grams). The original Pixel Fold is 5.8mm thick unfolded. However, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now 5.1mm thick.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold display is a visual treat

My fears, however, could very well be unsound. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could launch and not have any issues with delicate hardware at all. And on the plus side, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the most exciting devices I got to play with this year.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I will always have a soft spot for a phone that can unfold into a stunning 8-inch, 2076 x 2152 OLED display. (The external screen has a 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424-pixel OLED display.) In the words of Brennan Huff from Step Brothers, "there's so much room for activities!"

I could see myself firing up the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for mobile gaming experiences that my narrow Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can't offer. Mashable's Alex Perry, our resident sports fan who has YouTube TV, was excited about a new multi-view feature that lets him set up four streams in each quadrant. He was fired up at the thought of running multiple Olympic games, a max of four, on a single 8-inch screen.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And not to mention that the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues to be one of the best for anyone seeking to facilitate their multitasking needs. You can run several apps on this bad boy simultaneously.

My favorite, however, was the massive viewfinder that pops up when I used the 10MP inner camera.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Other camera specs worth noting:

• 48MP wide camera

• 10.5MP ultra-wide camera

• 10.8MP telephoto camera

• 10MP front camera

Between the selfie camera and the massive display that's ideal for gaming and long-form articles, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is perfect for consumers who are tired of their limiting, mono-display smartphone.

This one AI feature is worth it for parents

The new "Made You Look" feature on the Google Pixel 9 Pro will pull your heart strings. Only available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the device takes advantage of its external display to run animations that are designed to attract the attention of children. Once the AI detects that the child is smiling, it will snap the picture without you needing to lift a finger.

"Add Me" in action Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 and it's available in Porcelain and Obsidian.

Just keep in mind that the foldable space is still nascent and it may not be the most durable, sturdiest device on the market, but if you're down for being a tech explorer of sorts, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is truly one of the most entertaining devices you can get.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

I got a chance to play around with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and man, it looks like we have to completely overhaul our understanding of the new Pixel family. First of all, Google no longer has a dual-phone strategy. It's a triple-phone deal now — well, four if you include the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, too.

You've got the Pixel 9 Pro XL at the top, the Pixel 9 as your entry-level option, and the Pixel 9 Pro smack-dab in the middle.

From left to right: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's as if Google is saying, "Hey, we want to be in the big leagues now with Samsung and Apple," which, by the way, also have at least three phones in their flagship lines. The Pixel 9 series also got a price hike. The starting price is now $799, up from $699, another signal that Google wants to compete with the big dogs.

With the last-generation Pixel 8 series, based on optics, a typical consumer will see that there's just a small phone and a big phone — and they'll choose accordingly.

The last-generation Pixel 8 series, with the Pixel 8 Pro (left) and Pixel 8 Pro (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Now, with the new Pixel 9 series, the average Joe will likely think, "Hm, I see two smaller phones and a giant third option."

Credit: Kimberly

Admittedly, it's a smart strategy from Google, as this visual lineup will goad many consumers to opt for most striking, salient phone: the Pixel 9 Pro XL. (And recent market trends, like Apple dropping the mini variant from the iPhone line, indicate that buyers gravitate toward larger phones.)

Now that you understand the new lay of the land for Google Pixel phones, let's dive into my first impressions of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and by extension, the Pixel 9 Pro since their feature set is wildly similar (save for their displays and battery capacities).

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: What are the differences? Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review

Can we talk about the incredible new Super Res Zoom? Featured on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it can zero in on subjects up to 30x, up from 20x on the Pixel 8 Pro. I tested it inside a building in Lower Manhattan that is about a mile, or 5,280 feet away, from The Edge (the tallest observation deck in the entire Western Hemisphere).

The Edge is circled in red in the far right corner. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

From a window inside a building near Pier 57, I could see The Edge from a distance. I used the Pixel 9 Pro XL to zoom in on The Edge, and suddenly, tiny figures came into view on the viewfinder.

Here's The Edge at 5x zoom (this is the max the Pixel 9 Pro XL can reach on the telephoto's optical zoom before digital zoom kicks in):

Pixel 9 Pro XL at 5x zoom Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Edge at 10x zoom:

Pixel 9 Pro XL at 5x zoom Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And finally, The Edge at 30x zoom:

Pixel 9 Pro XL at 30x zoom Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I zoomed in so close, I could make out the color of some visitors' lighter-colored shirts. Hell, I could even count how many people were standing on the deck if I had enough patience.

This is the phone you purchase if you attend a lot of concerts and you want to see your favorite artist from the nosebleed seats. I was blown away.

But wait 'til you hear this. Not only has Super Res Zoom gotten an improvement on camera, but it's also coming to video, too. Plus, you can enhance your videos up to 8K with a new feature called Video Boost. Google also says the Night Sight Video feature is better than ever, so you can take better captures in low light.

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro have the same camera system:

• 50MP wide camera

• 48MP ultrawide camera with a 123-degree field of view

• 48MP telephoto

• 42MP selfie camera

Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL's selfie camera jumped to 42MP from 10.5MP. I took selfies with both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, but we weren't able to secure them to show our readers.

Selfies with the Pixel 9 Pro XL Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But I will say, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I don't look like an ogre due to post-processing tweaks (looking at you, Apple.) Plus, the selfie camera camera now has autofocus.

New design that tweaks the camera bar

The Google Pixel series is known for its signature edge-to-edge camera bar. (I've always joked that the Google Pixel series looks like Star Trek's Geordi La Forge — or Roger Federer with a sweatband).

This is the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which has the edge-to-edge camera bar Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Now, Google transformed the feature from a bar to an island.

Pixel 9 Pro XL in Rose Quartz Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Also, unlike the Pixel 8 series, the new Google Pixel 9 series' camera bar is color matched with the chassis. Although the Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to be the largest of the trio, it didn't feel unwieldy in my hand. But it definitely won't fit in your pockets if they're of the smaller, tighter variety. Plus, I was impressed with the phone's silky matte glass finish, which didn't collect any grease nor fingerprints.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as the Pixel 9 Pro, comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz. I preferred all the colors but Porcelain simply because, all due to my own fault, I accidentally smudged a bit of my own makeup on it after touching my face. As such, I just know I'd want a color that hides stains better. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is very easy to clean, no matter which color you get.

Stunning display

Here's where the Pixel 9 Pro XL differs from the Pixel 9 Pro. It packs a 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992 display while the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch, 1280 x 2856 panel. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro, which is 6.7 inches.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It still has that attractive hole-punch design, and despite standing in a brightly lit room with sunlight pouring in, the screen was still punchy, clear, and well-illuminated. This is because the Pixel 9 Pro XL (and Pixel 9 Pro) has a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel 8 Pro's 2,400 nits.

Battery life

The rule of thumb is that a larger battery capacity should lead to more battery life. If the Pixel 9 Pro XL follows that rule, it should outpace the Pixel 9 Pro with its 5,060 mAh battery capacity compared to its smaller Pro sibling's 4,700 mAh battery.

Both phones are rated for over 24 hours of battery life and up to 100 hours of battery life with Extreme Battery Saver.

Mind-blowing AI

Thanks to the new Google tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as the other Pixel 9 phones, have arguably the best set of AI features I've ever seen on a phone.

For example, with the new Add Me feature, you can take a picture of a group of friends, have someone take a picture of yourself, and AI will merge that photo together as if you were in the original photo:

Add Me feature Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable / Canva

There's also a new AI feature called Reimagine, which lets you select an object in a photo, and with a prompt, you can transform it into anything you want.

With Reimagine, you can transform a road into a raging river. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable / Canva

For more AI features coming to the Google Pixel 9 series, check out our list on the cool new perks coming to the lineup.

Final thoughts

As I hinted at the outset, the new Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed to get people to grab the priciest option since consumers tend to gravitate towards either the most premium option or the entry-level model. Now, the Pixel 9 Pro is the middle child, making it less attractive to consumers.

Last year, the Pixel 8 Pro, the best Pixel phone you could get, set you back $1,000. Now, the best Pixel phone you can get, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, sets you back $1,100.

Again, it's a brilliant strategy on Google's part. Personally, I'd gravitate toward the Pixel 9 Pro XL myself because I always want the best-of-the-best. Plus, long battery runtime is important to me, so I'd opt for the device with the greatest capacity.

Overall, this year's Pixel 9 series proves that Google is serious about competing against the major players in the mobile industry — and this bold move will challenge Samsung and Apple's dominance like never before.

The Pixel Watch 3 proves that Google has been listening to at least some of the feedback users have been voicing about the last-generation Pixel Watch. Many Pixel Watch fans have been begging for a larger model. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a 44mm case size and the Apple Watch Series 9 has a 45mm case size, so why can't the Pixel Watch series offer a larger model, too?

For the first time ever, the Pixel Watch series has two models: the traditional 41mm size and a new, larger 45mm. At a recent Google press event, I got a chance to play around with the Pixel Watch 3, including the 45mm size. What are my thoughts? Allow me to delve into them.

SEE ALSO: My Samsung Galaxy Ring just called me out for going to sleep drunk — how is it so creepily accurate? Pixel Watch 3: My first impressions

I'm aware of the wishlist that Pixel Watch fans wanted from the Pixel Watch 3. In addition to a larger screen, users crossed their fingers for longer battery life, enhanced fitness tracking, a more fortified display, and more. I'll address each of these and discuss whether Google has improved them, but first, let's talk about the new 45mm Pixel Watch.

The new larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3

Personally, I have small wrists, so if I had a choice between the 41mm and 45mm case sizes, I'd go for the former. The 41mm case size is more than enough for me.

Pixel Watch 3 41mm case size Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Despite its compact size, the 41mm provided a display that was impressively easy to read without straining my eyes. I zipped and scrolled through numerous icons and swiped through some apps, and the screen was highly visible no matter what I did. This may have something to do with the fact that Google has shrunken the bezels. The Pixel Watch 3 has a 10 percent gen-over-gen reduction (for the 45mm size, it's 16 percent).

Although I was standing in a brightly lit room with sunlight pouring in, the smartwatch screen was still remarkably clear, thanks to being two times brighter than the Pixel Watch 2 (up to 2,000 nits of brightness). Also, I know some users were hoping for a stronger panel, but the Pixel Watch 3 still has the same Gorilla Glass 5 screen as its predecessor.

Pixel Watch 3 41mm case size Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is too large for my tastes, but it's still a visual stunner.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm case size Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Interestingly, for Mashable's Alex Perry, the 45mm was perfect for his more rotund wrist (though, as I'll explain later, a stretchier band would be best for him).

Pixel Watch 3 45mm case size Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Pixel Watch 3 battery life

We asked a Google rep whether battery life has improved for the Pixel Watch 3. After all, we noticed that better power efficiency is on the wishlists of many Pixel Watch users. Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch 3 is rated for the same runtime as its predecessor: 24 hours with always-on display and up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If there's any consolation, there may be a chance to squeeze just a little more battery life with the Pixel Watch 3's dynamic refresh rate, which adjusts from anywhere between 1Hz to 60Hz, depending on your task. There are two positives to this feature:

1. Scrolling and swiping through the apps is as smooth as butter. The Pixel Watch 2 had a 30Hz refresh rate, so this upgrade is welcomed for a more seamless, zippier experience.

2. Dynamic refresh rate typically benefits battery life. This is because it's not constantly refreshing at the same max refresh rate, which reduces energy consumption. This may give the Pixel Watch 3 a slight edge over the Pixel Watch 2 in terms of power efficiency (or maybe that's just wishful thinking), but we'll have to review it to know for sure.

In the end, however, I wouldn't expect a wildly significant gen-over-gen jump in runtime for the Pixel Watch 3.

New workout and health tracking features

There are no show-stopping hardware additions nor any new sensors on the Pixel Watch 3, however, Google made a lot of useful improvements to the software.

Running with the Pixel Watch 3 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here are some of them the Google rep told me about:

• Enhanced running features now help you design and follow customized run routines, surpass your personal bests, and refine your technique. You can incorporate timed warm-ups and cool-downs, and set specific goals for pace, heart rate, time, and distance.

• Execute your saved running routines with real-time guidance through audio and haptic alerts, which notify you if you fall off your pace or exceed your heart rate target.

• Receive alerts for your next sprint or when it’s time to cool down during your workout.

• Updated media controls let you adjust volume and skip songs without interrupting your workout.

• AI-driven form tracking with advanced motion sensors provides insights into your cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more.

• The new running dashboard in the Fitbit app displays your weekly mileage, personal records, detailed workout analyses, and additional metrics.

But my favorite has to be the Morning Brief feature via Fitbit.

Morning Brief on Pixel Watch 3 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Each morning, Morning Brief delivers a summary based on your health and workout metrics. For example, you'll get a daily digest of how you slept, your readiness score (how prepared your body is for physical exercise), weekly exercise progress, heart-rate variability, breathing rate, and blood-oxygen level.

Weather on Pixel Watch 3 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Plus, you'll also get information about the weather, which is a must-have for me so I can already envision what to wear before I hop out of bed.

Beware of this particular band

The Pixel Watch 3 ships with different band-and-case combinations depending on the case size.

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm):

• Matte Black Aluminum Case and Obsidian Band

• Polished Silver Aluminum Case and Porcelain Band

• Champagne Gold Aluminum Case and Hazel Band

• Polished Silver Aluminum Case and Rose Quartz Band

Pixel Watch 3 (45mm):

• Matte Black Aluminum Case and Obsidian Band

• Polished Silver Aluminum Case and Porcelain Band

• Matte Hazel Aluminum Case and Hazel Band

You can opt to purchase a Stretch Band for the Pixel Watch 3, but I recommend getting any other band (e.g., an Active Band, Leather Band, etc.) but the Stretch Band. I can already tell that it will lose its elasticity over time. It was also too large on me and there was nothing I could do to tighten it.

If you have a more rotund wrist, however, the Stretch Band may be your best bet. For my colleague, the sweat resistant, active bands with a more customizable fit were a bit too snug and did not fit him.

The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349.99 and it's available at the Google Store

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Pixel Watch 3 $349.99 at Google
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