Pixel 9 Review
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by Patrick O’Rourke (formerly of MobileSyrup but now part of PocketLint) to review the newly released Google Pixel 9. Patrick, who primarily uses an iPhone, shares his impressions of Google’s latest flagship, highlighting the design, AI-powered camera enhancements, and overall user experience.
“I’m a big fan of the base-level Pixel 9,” Patrick says. “It has a very iPhone feel to it, but in a tasteful way. It’s the best-feeling Pixel device I’ve ever used.” He praises Google’s clean version of Android, describing it as simple and refined. “It reminds me of the earlier days of iOS before things got overly complicated,” he adds.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 is its camera system. Patrick notes that while he was initially skeptical of AI-powered enhancements, he found them surprisingly useful. “The Zoom Enhance feature is incredible—it cleans up digitally zoomed-in photos to a degree I didn’t expect. It doesn’t always work, but when it does, the results are sharp and impressive.” He also highlights the improved video zoom, which enhances clarity without introducing excessive artifacts.
Discussing the Pixel’s photography style, Patrick compares it to competitors like Samsung and Apple. “Samsung images tend to be highly saturated, while Apple’s latest iPhones have started manipulating skies to the point that they look unrealistic. The Pixel, on the other hand, delivers a more natural, true-to-life image. Even with all the AI features, the photos still look authentic.”
The conversation also touches on Google’s foldable lineup, with Patrick hinting at an upcoming review of the new Pixel Fold. “This feels like a monumental leap from the previous model. The front screen is wide enough to use like a normal phone, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 6, which feels too top-heavy and uncomfortable to type on,” he shares.
Overall, Patrick’s verdict on the Pixel 9 is highly positive, especially for users who appreciate a clean Android experience and a powerful yet natural-looking camera. “Out of the box, it takes some of the best photos I’ve seen from a smartphone, even on the base model,” he concludes.