The standout feature of any Pixel smartphone is undoubtedly its software, and the Pixel 9 lineup continues this tradition. Packed with AI innovations, including generative photo editing tools, Gemini Nano, and the new Pixel Studio, I recently got my hands on a Pixel 9 Pro XL at the office. With that experience in mind, I decided to rank these AI features from least to most practical based on their utility and the accuracy of their results.
The purpose of this ranking is to evaluate whether the new AI enhancements that Google is promoting justify the Pixel 9’s starting price of $799, which is on par with new iPhones and flagship Samsung devices. Having enjoyed some of the AI capabilities of previous Pixel models, I’ve spent about a week with the Pixel 9 Pro and have gathered my thoughts on its latest features.
I’ll be omitting features that were newly introduced with the Pixel 8 series, but I will include Video Boost, which has received some updates. It’s also important to note that this feature is not available on the base Pixel 9.
8. AI in Weather and Screenshots App
The Pixel 9 series introduced a couple of new apps: the dedicated Screenshots app and an updated Weather app, both featuring AI-driven summaries. For instance, the Weather app provides a concise summary of upcoming weather conditions, so you won’t have to scroll through the app to decide if you need to grab an umbrella.
In a similar vein, the Screenshots app utilizes AI to summarize the content of images, whether they are regular photos or lengthy articles. While I can see myself using both features occasionally, I wouldn’t be too upset if they disappeared. In fact, the Weather summaries ceased functioning after just a few hours of use, and despite multiple attempts to set up the app again, I couldn’t get it to work. Overall, this seems like a rather last-minute addition.
7. Pixel Studio
Pixel Studio is a new standalone app that allows users to create images using prompts, similar to tools like DALL-E or Midjourney. It’s commendable that Google includes this free tool straight out of the box, but it does come with a catch: it requires an Internet connection and does not operate on-device. After giving it a try, I found the results to be consistent with current AI image generation standards.
The images produced range from appealing to downright bizarre, and there are certain restrictions in place, meaning you won’t be able to generate edgy content or depict public figures in extravagant outfits. However, with a bit of creativity, you can spend around 20 minutes navigating its limitations. The app even supports captions, allowing you to utilize it as a native meme generator. Beyond that, though, I didn’t find much practical value in it.
Perhaps it could be beneficial for content creators who occasionally need AI-generated images, but the novelty quickly wears off. By the second day of using the Pixel 9 Pro, I found myself reverting to my usual apps and nearly forgetting about Pixel Studio altogether.
6. Video Boost
Video Boost isn’t a new feature, but it deserves a quick recap. It enhances video quality by reducing blur, stabilizing footage, and improving color vibrancy. These capabilities were already present in the Pixel 8 Pro, but with the Pixel 9 Pro and XL, users can now record videos in up to 8K resolution.
To utilize Video Boost, you must enable the feature before recording. After capturing your footage, it is uploaded to the cloud, where Google’s AI algorithms enhance the video and return a higher-resolution version. In our testing, it took about two hours to receive the processed video, which exhibited improved clarity, greater detail, and enhanced stability.
However, this approach raises a question: why not allow direct 8K recording in the first place? It feels like a workaround for a problem that shouldn’t exist. Most smartphones in this price range allow users to shoot natively in 8K, making Video Boost seem less essential than it could be. Consequently, it ranks lower on this list than it might otherwise.
5. Zoom Enhance
Zoom Enhance was initially intended for the Pixel 8 Pro but has finally made its debut with the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. This feature allows users to crop into an image and then enhance it using AI, resulting in sharper and more detailed visuals. It evokes the classic trope from crime dramas where zooming into a photo magically clarifies the details.
After testing it out on a few pictures, I found the results to be quite mixed. Some images turned out impressively sharp, while others did not meet expectations. There were instances where the AI struggled to recognize objects in the image, leading to enhancements that simply smoothed the edges instead of recreating the subject with higher quality. If it had included robust object recognition capabilities, it would have ranked significantly higher on this list.
4. Reimagine
Reimagine is a new AI feature integrated into the Magic Editor on the Pixel 9, allowing users to recreate selected areas of an image based on custom prompts. For example, if you highlight a clear sky in a photo, you can instruct the AI to transform it into a heavy downpour or even get whimsical and type, “it’s raining meatballs.”
The capability to morph images is impressive, and there were instances where I preferred the reimagined versions over the originals. However, the feature isn’t without its flaws; it often struggles to grasp the subject accurately, requiring multiple attempts to select the area properly. There were times when it produced results that were random or unrelated to the intended prompt. While it’s a fun trick to showcase your new Pixel, the results can sometimes retain an artificial quality, particularly when you push the boundaries of your prompt.
3. Gemini Live
Gemini Live is a new conversational chatbot feature available on the Pixel 9 series, although it’s not exclusive to these devices, as Google has also showcased it on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. To use Gemini Live, you need a Gemini Advanced subscription. This chatbot is designed for more fluid and natural conversations, allowing for interruptions or pauses mid-discussion.
During my brief testing, Gemini Live felt quite fluid and natural. However, it did show signs of being in early development, as it lost context after just a few questions and required reminders to stay on track. There were also a couple of instances where it generated inaccurate information, but the response times were impressive. Overall, it’s an intriguing feature, and I’m excited to see how Google refines it further. Plus, the aura-like animation in Live mode adds a nice touch.
2. Auto Frame
The Magic Editor has received notable AI enhancements, including the Auto-Frame feature. This function ensures the subject is centered in images, intelligently zooming out and using generative fill to fill in the edges. It’s reminiscent of Snapchat’s Extend Snap feature but offers a more refined experience.
Auto-Frame does a commendable job of understanding the surrounding environment and generating appropriate backgrounds. As someone who often struggles with framing my shots, I can see myself relying on this feature frequently. While the AI may not deliver perfect results every time, it performed well during my testing and showed great potential.
1. Add Me
If you’ve ever hesitated to hand your phone to someone else for a group photo, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the Pixel 9’s new Add Me feature offers a clever solution by combining augmented reality and AI. The process is simple: first, you take a photo of your friends, then your friend steps in to take the shot with you. The Pixel will use AI to merge the two images, ensuring everyone is included in the final frame. And yes, this feature works for selfies as well!
I tested it with my colleague Sagnik at the Beebom office, and while it has its quirks—like occasionally superimposing one person over another or cropping off limbs—it can also produce impressive results. There were times I looked like I was floating in mid-air! The best part is that it works entirely on-device, meaning you don’t need an internet connection, making it a handy tool for vacations.
Overall, features like Add Me, Auto Frame, and Reimagine effectively showcase Google’s AI capabilities. However, some other features feel more like filler, seemingly added just for the sake of it. I doubt tools like Pixel Studio or the Screenshots app will see regular updates or long-term support, as they seem more like experiments to attract new users.
While I may not revisit many of these features, I’m curious to hear your thoughts if you’ve had the chance to try out the Pixel 9. Share your experiences below!
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