NEW YORK, Aug 25: Google has introduced its latest challenge to the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices at the company's Made by Google event, unveiling the Pixel 9 series. The new design language of the Pixel 9 series, featuring flat edges, aggressive rounded corners, a fresh naming scheme, and a strategic pricing approach, reveals Google's inspiration from its rival in Cupertino. However, when comparing the standard Pixel 9 model to the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro, Google offers a better deal for budget-conscious consumers, unlike Apple's more aggressive tactics.

The Pixel 9 series is powered by the Tensor G4, the same CPU used in the Pro models. This approach contrasts with Apple's strategy, where the company has recently differentiated its standard and Pro models by using different CPUs, starting with the iPhone 12 series. Samsung has adopted a similar approach, using different processors for standard and Ultra models in its S-series. Google's decision not to differentiate between the standard and Pro models in terms of processing power is beneficial for device longevity and ensures that all models receive software updates without performance issues.

Previously, Google equipped the base Pixel models with a 90Hz display. However, with the Pixel 8 series, Google unified the lineup by offering a 120Hz refresh rate on all models. Although there are differences in brightness, PPI, and resolution between the standard and Pro models, the 120Hz refresh rate on the entry-level models makes these differences less noticeable. In contrast, Apple continues to offer a 60Hz display on its standard iPhone models, a trend expected to continue with the iPhone 16.

Since the iPhone X, Apple has distinguished between standard and Pro models by using different frame materials, with the standard versions featuring aluminum and the Pro models using stainless steel or, more recently, titanium. Samsung has followed a similar trend with its S24 series. Google, however, uses the same aluminum frame for both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, differentiating them only by their finish—satin for the Pixel 9 and polished for the Pixel 9 Pro.

When Apple switched to a USB-C port with the iPhone 15, it introduced a slower USB 2.0 port on the standard models compared to the faster USB 3.0 on the Pro models. While this may not affect most users, it's a noticeable difference for professionals dealing with large files. Google avoids this bottleneck by providing the same high-speed USB-C 3.2 port across the entire Pixel 9 lineup.

Thanks to the Tensor G4 chip, all Pixel 9 users have access to the same AI features, including the Gemini AI capabilities, apart from a few camera-specific functions like Video Boost and Zoom Enhance. In contrast, Apple's latest AI features and the revamped Siri experience with ChatGPT integration are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro, with the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus missing out due to the older A16 CPU.

The main camera and ultra-wide sensor on the Pixel 9 are identical to those on the Pixel 9 Pro, with the same resolution, aperture, field of view, and image sensor size. The only significant difference is the absence of a telephoto lens on the standard model. In comparison, the iPhone 15's camera system shows subtle differences between the regular and Pro models, including a slight variation in aperture and the presence of second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the Pro models. The ability to switch between focal lengths is also exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro.

While Apple tends to push consumers towards its more expensive Pro models by limiting features on the standard iPhone, and Samsung follows a similar strategy with its S-series, Google offers a different proposition with the Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 provides an experience that is nearly on par with its Pro counterpart, making the additional $200 for the Pro version a more challenging decision.