I upgraded from a Google Pixel 5 to a 9 Professional, and the distinction was immense

The Pixel 5 has all the time been thought-about the odd duck of Google’s fashionable smartphone endeavors. In contrast to its predecessors or its successors, the 5 lacked things like a flagship-tier processor or a larger-screened variant, and it was seemingly devoid of any ‘it’ issue that may in any other case present it with its personal robust identification as a handset.

The cellphone was launched within the fall of 2020, at a time when the world was nonetheless within the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic — provide chain uncertainty, chip shortages, and extra had been taking maintain, and Google was nonetheless very a lot within the strategy of finding its footing throughout the broader shopper {hardware} market.

With all these elements at play, the Pixel 5 by no means obtained the fanfare or love that it in all probability deserved. Personally, I bought a unit and have spent the higher a part of the previous 4 years utilizing it frequently. I really like the Pixel 5, quirks and all, which is why it took me till just lately to lastly improve to a newer-generation Pixel mannequin.

For the previous couple of months, I have been rocking a shiny new Pixel 9 Pro. It was with blended feelings that I retired my trusty Pixel 5, however I wished to expertise the much-hyped delights of a extra fashionable Google handset. Upgrading to a Pixel that is 4 generations newer has been an fascinating expertise for me — here is the nice, the dangerous, and the ugly of my cross-Pixel journey.

• Pixel 5

  The Pixel 5 serves as Google’s flagship smartphone mannequin for 2020, releasing simply earlier than the main Pixel reboot and the in-house Tensor chip collection.

• 

  Pixel 9 Professional

  The Pixel 9 Professional brings a brand new squared-off design, the Tensor G4 chip, and new AI options like Pixel Screenshots to Google’s flagship smartphone line.

The Pixel 9 Professional exhibits how far Google has come up to now couple years

My transition from a Google Pixel 5 to a Pixel 9 Professional got here with tons of advantages, but in addition a few downsides

Once I first unboxed my new Pixel 9 Professional, I had a number of instant impressions. Externally, I am amazed at simply how bodily refined the cellphone seems to be and feels compared to my current Pixel 5. The mixture of matte rear glass, tight tolerances, and a weighted-in-hand really feel make the 9 Professional an undeniably premium object.

In contrast, my Pixel 5’s bio-resin (learn: plastic) chassis materials and lightweightness are completely advantageous attributes, however they definitely do not come collectively to type an expensive or substantial-feeling match and end.

The Pixel 5 additionally lacks a serious design language to name its personal, which the Pixel 9 Professional has in spades. The latter’s signature rear digital camera bar and huge central Google ‘G’ emblem make for a assured and distinct aesthetic — my Pixel 5’s nondescript square-shaped digital camera module feels uninspired by comparability.

Once I booted up my Pixel 9 Professional, I used to be amazed at how a lot progress Google has made on the show entrance. The 9 Professional’s adaptive 120Hz OLED panel is way brighter and snappier than the 90Hz panel of my Pixel 5, and I discovered myself appreciating the change from 2.5D curved display screen glass over to a flat panel.

I used to be much less enthused by the bodily measurement distinction between the 2 Pixel units. I sprang for the non-XL Pixel 9 Professional, which gives a 6.3-inch show, as it is the closest equal to my Pixel 5’s 6-inch measurement class. I favor telephones with smaller footprints general, and the Pixel 9 Professional is only a bit too massive for my liking, regardless of it being the smallest of Google’s present flagship choices.

Associated

Here’s how the Pixel launcher turns me into a productivity pro

You may have all of the instruments you might want to flip your cellphone from one thing that distracts you into one thing that works for you.

It additionally took me a while to acclimate to the wholly different biometric setup employed on the Pixel 9 Professional. I have been a giant fan of the rear-mounted Pixel Imprint sensor ever since its debut on each the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P.

The location is good, with my index finger naturally resting on the sensor when pulling the cellphone out of my pocket, and its capacitive nature and recessed design make for a tactile expertise. The 9 Pro’s ultrasonic sensor is fast and correct, however I discover myself working in opposition to my very own muscle reminiscence.

I ought to be aware that I am not an enormous cell gamer, photographer, or videographer. So, whereas it is evident that the Pixel 9 Professional is way extra succesful on all these fronts than my Pixel 5 may ever dream of being, I’ve but to push the newer handset to its limits.

Lastly, on the software program entrance, Google’s excellent Android support throughout its total Pixel portfolio implies that my improve expertise wasn’t precisely evening and day. My Pixel 5 solely just lately stopped receiving function updates, and the Pixel 9 Professional’s suite of AI instruments — which I by no means had entry to on the 5 — have not blown my socks off in any significant approach.

Associated

The Pixel 9 Pro is great, but here are 5 reasons why I’m waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro

Google’s Pixel 9 Professional is a slam-dunk success, however I am nonetheless not satisfied it is time to take the Pixel plunge.

Single and even 2-year improve cycles not make sense

Cellphone innovation has plateaued, and individuals are holding onto their devices for longer than ever earlier than

It is no secret that innovation has plateaued throughout the smartphone area, each by way of {hardware} and software program developments. That is not a nasty factor, per se, because it indicated a mature and well-refined handset market phase. The dangerous information — not less than for {hardware} makers — is that there is less incentive than ever for customers to upgrade on an annual and even bi-annual foundation.

In my expertise, leaping from the Google Pixel 5 on to the Pixel 9 Professional has confirmed to be a reasonably substantial improve by way of each {hardware} and person expertise. I am joyful to have determined to carry off for 4 generations earlier than upgrading to a brand new Pixel — small year-over-year upgrades are minor on their very own, however they add up over the course of a number of product generations.

Had I upgraded from the Pixel 5 to the Pixel 6 or 7 within the interim, then I would not have skilled the delights that include multi-year gadget enhancements all in a single, potent bundle. I am loving each second of utilizing my 9 Professional, and I do not intend on upgrading to a brand new Pixel for not less than one other 4 years. Someplace sooner or later, there is a Pixel 13 with my identify on it — I am unable to look forward to that fateful day to reach.

Associated

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro has one of the best smartphone cameras I’ve ever used

Should you’re an avid smartphone photographer, the Pixel 9 Professional is the gadget you want in your life.