While probably best known for being the market leader in consumer drones, DJI also has a strong pedigree in content creation accessories. That includes smartphone stabilizers, of which the Osmo Mobile 6 is its current flagship model. Designed to keep your smartphone levelled and steady during video shooting, the Osmo Mobile 6 is basically a handle with a 3-axis gimbal (and extendable selfie stick) attached.
Some of the best phone gimbals feel too large and bulky, and therefore awkward to carry around, or too small and fiddly, and therefore hard to hold comfortably, but the OM 6 sits in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ for me: when folded down it’s almost pocketable, but when unfolded with a phone mounted it feels nicely balanced and pleasingly secure in my hand. It also comes with a mini tripod that threads into the standard tripod mount at the base of the handle. Also inside the box is a USB-A to USB-C cable for battery charging, a magnetic clamp, and a soft microfiber drawstring bag to keep everything together.
Whichever phone you're using (the OM 6 is compatible with a wide range of the best Android phones and best iPhones, although you'll want to check DJI's phone compatibility list) is fixed to the gimbal arm via the magnetic clamp: the clamp squeezes across the width of the phone tightly, and the powerful magnet in its center clicks into place on the arm with a reassuring thunk. I never had any reason to feel like my iPhone would detach while using the gimbal, no matter how much I waved it around, while the magnet meant I could quickly take it out of the clamp and use it if I received a call, or when I’d finished filming.
I found that unfolding and refolding the OM 6 took a bit of getting used to, but once I’d mastered the process I appreciated the fact that I could get the stabilizer functioning in seconds. The quick-launch function immediately turns on the power when the gimbal arm is unfolded, as well as automatically launching the Mimo companion app on your phone (assuming you use a MagSafe iPhone, and it’s been paired with the OM 6 via Bluetooth at least once before) when the magnetic clamp clicks into place. That meant I didn’t have to waste much time setting the thing up – I could pull it out of my bag, unfold it, mount my phone, and get filming in a matter of seconds.
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 key specs
Folded dimensions: 189 x 84.5 x 44mm
Unfolded dimensions: 276 x 111.5 x 99mm
Weight (including magnetic clamp): 330g
Grip tripod weight: 72g
Compatible phone weight: 170 to 290g
Compatible phone thickness: 6.9 to 10mm
Compatible phone width: 67 to 84mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C
Battery life: Approx 6.5 hours
The control scheme is refreshingly simple. The M button can be used to cycle between the gimbal modes, or held down to power the OM 6 on and off. Below it is a video and shutter button. Below that is the Switch button: hitting it once switches between the phone’s back and front cameras; twice flips between portrait and landscape mode; and three times switches between photo and video shooting. To the left of those buttons is a thumb stick, which is used to manually control the gimbal movement. On the left side of the handle is the zoom and focus wheel, new to the Osmo Mobile series; pushing this in enables manual focus, while twisting it zooms the camera view in and out. Finally, a trigger on the front can be tapped twice to reset the gimbal position, or held down to ‘lock’ the view in place.
It might sound like a lot to take in, but I found it easy to grasp while handling most of the most-used controls. Anything else that needs adjustment is covered by the Mimo app’s menus and camera controls.
The stabilization offered by the gimbal is excellent, or at least it was for my iPhone 13. The gimbal auto-levels the phone (it can be quickly recalibrated in the Mimo settings menu if you think it’s off, though), and moves it according to the currently selected gimbal mode. 'Follow' is the general-use mode, with the camera view following the gimbal’s movements while remaining level with the horizon. 'Tilt Locked' is similar, but the view won’t tilt up or down. 'FPV' will pan, tilt and roll the camera view according to the gimbal’s movement, and works well for dynamic moving shots. Finally, 'SpinShot' allows the user to rotate the camera view with the joystick while keeping it pointed in the same direction; it can create some dramatic effects, but probably won’t be anyone’s most-used option.
The gimbal movements feel smooth and, for want of a better word, ‘logical’. By which I mean they didn’t surprise me and, in general, went where I wanted them to go. Coupled with the comfortable, well-balanced grip (which can be extended by screwing in the folding mini tripod), it made for an intuitive, responsive and all-round pleasant experience.
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 with selfie stick extended (Image credit: Future)
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 control panel (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 trigger and zoom/focus wheel (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 on mini tripod (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
DJI’s Mimo camera app feels refined and intuitive. The UI layout is simple and easy to get to grips with, with the shooting modes displayed at the bottom and selectable via swipes to the left and right. As well as video and photo modes, Mimo allows the OM 6 to shoot auto-stitched panorama photos as well as slow-motion, hyper-lapse, time-lapse and ‘dyna-zoom’ videos (the latter being Hitchcockian dolly zooms, essentially). It also offers two special modes: Parents&Kids, for automatically capturing family interactions from a static position, and Story, for filming and editing (which includes transitions, music and color grading) short videos to be immediately shared to social media.
The OM 6 also offers ActiveTrack 6.0, DJI’s object-tracking system. This will recognize and track faces automatically, but any object can be tracked by drawing a box around it in the camera view. Then, as the object moves, the gimbal will adjust the camera view to keep it in frame. It’s something that’s great for vlogging, either while walking with the gimbal or with it set up on its tripod nearby, as the vlogger can move around without having to worry about moving out of frame. That being said, the Insta360 Flow Pro’s tracking is faster and smoother, and its design allows it to ‘infinitely’ track a subject as it moves around and around it; the OM 6 will spin to a certain extent but then hit its limit, and be unable to follow if its subject leaves the frame.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 price and availability
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is available now, costing from £125 on the DJI UK website and from $139 on Amazon US. It comes in two colour finishes (Slate Gray and Platinum Gray) and can be purchased in a bundle with the first-generation DJI Mic for £344.
In fact, there are a few other areas in which I found the newer, slightly pricier Insta360 Flow Pro a bit more impressive than the Osmo Mobile 6. The Flow Pro has longer battery life (about 10 hours to the OM 6’s 6.5), and a second USB-C port that allows it to act as a power bank, sharing its battery with a phone or other gadget. The Flow Pro also supports Apple’s DockKit framework for iPhones, which means it supports subject tracking not only via its companion app but through the iPhone’s native camera app and 200-plus camera-related apps (including TikTok, Zoom and Blackmagic Camera). For the OM 6, tracking only works through the Mimo app.
The OM 6 does feel more pleasant to use though, with better-placed physical controls and smoother gimbal stabilizer movement. So, it doesn’t feel like a distant runner-up to the Insta360 Flow Pro, but more like a worthy alternative that certain users might prefer.
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DJI Mimo app Stories shooting mode (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
DJI Osmo Mobile 6: Also consider
Insta360 Flow Pro Despite being a relative newcomer to the smartphone gimbal space, Insta360’s compact foldable gimbal feels like the current model to beat – on tech at least. With excellent battery life, a power bank function and the ability to subject track when using third-party iPhone apps (or the native iPhone camera), it’s an impressive all-rounder, and only slightly more expensive than the Osmo Mobile 6.
DJI Osmo Mobile SE Available for a significantly less than the Osmo Mobile 6, its DJI stablemate offers very similar features in a similar-sized product, including ActiveTrack 6.0 and the magnetic phone clamp. Interestingly, its battery life is slightly better than the Osmo Mobile 6’s, but it lacks the extendable selfie stick and doesn’t quick launch (i.e. immediately turn on when unfolded).
Should I buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 6?
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Buy it if...
You want the best smartphone stabilizer user experience Smartphone stabilizers can be fiddly – but not this one. The comfy grip, well-placed controls and intuitive gimbal movements make the OM 6 a joy to use.
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the DJI Osmo Mobile 6
One week of use
Tested with iPhone 13
Used for B-roll and vlogs
I spent a week using the Osmo Mobile 6 in a variety of situations with my iPhone 13. I tested out all of the video and photo modes available in the Mimo app in both outdoor and indoor situations, and found the OM 6’s compact size and lightweight build a great asset for on-the-go vlogging.
The JBL Clip 5 is reasonably priced at $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95 and is available in the US, the UK, and Australia. Considering that the JBL Go 4 costs $49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95, if your budget can stretch to the JBL Clip 5 the extra investment will return big gains in sound quality and volume levels.
From minute one I was impressed with what this compact Bluetooth speaker had to offer. The Clip 5 is a satisfying mix of durability, practicality, and enjoyable sound in a small package. Is it one of the best Bluetooth speakers around? All in good time.
The JBL Clip 5 is covered in woven fabric on the front and back, with a silicone mid-section. It has a large plastic carabiner on the top that's easy to open and clip onto things. I’ve had it hanging from door handles, the bathroom mirror, and shelving units amongst other places, and could easily change up its position to allow for the best listening experience.
There are silicone strips on the back of the speaker body for added stability when the speaker is placed face-up on a surface, and the JBL logo on the front of the speaker is also made from silicone. Above the logo are the play/pause button and the volume up and volume down buttons. These have icons that represent the respective functions – so, a triangular 'play' icon, and plus and minus signs – and I found them satisfying to press. Within the silicone area on the left-hand side of the speaker sit the power, Bluetooth and Auracast buttons.
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This pint-sized speaker measures just 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46mm, but at 10 ounces / 285g, it feels a little heavy for its size. It’s a shame that it's only possible to hang the Clip 5 or lie it on its back; there was many an occasion when it would have been more convenient to stand it on its base, but its pebble-like shape makes it unstable.
The speaker has IP67 water and dust protection, meaning I wasn’t limited to where I could listen to tunes. It quickly became my favorite bath-time companion, and the steam was no issue for it. We also did a dunk test in the TechRadar testing tank, after which the Clip 5 continued to function quite happily, so whether you want to listen to tunes on the beach or do karaoke in the shower, it looks like this speaker can handle it. JBL has adopted a sustainable approach with the Clip 5 by incorporating some post-consumer recycled materials in the design. Great stuff.
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If you’ve read my JBL Go 4 versus feature, you’ll already know I’m a fan of the JBL Portable app's user-friendly interface. It has an attractive, easy-to-use design that makes it a snap to view the battery level, use Stereo Group mode to play in stereo from two speakers, or use the PartyTogether mode to add other JBL speakers into the mix for amped-up sound.
Further features on the app include PlaytimeBoost, which is designed to boost the volume of the music without consuming more battery power, a Product Information section, and an EQ settings section. There are four equalizer profile presets: JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, as well as a customizable EQ profile.
I tested out the Clip 5’s Auracast capabilities by connecting it with a JBL Xtreme 4 and Go 4 speaker. The connection process was easy thanks to PartyTogether mode, and the resulting surround sound effect was impressive. I must admit that my colleague, audio expert Harry Padoan, and I couldn’t help but bop along to the tunes in our music testing room.
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The battery is said to last up to 12 hours on the JBL website. When I tested it by playing our TechRadar testing playlist non-stop at 50% volume, it lasted just under eleven-and-a-half hours, which isn’t bad considering how obnoxiously loud the Clip 5 is when playing at this volume level.
The sound quality of the JBL Clip 5 is pretty impressive considering its size and price. It’s capable of some surprisingly deep bass and delivers this without losing the detail, even when just using the default JBL Signature EQ setting.
When I laid the speaker down, I could feel the bass pounding through the surface it was on. Not only was the bass impactful and dynamic in tracks like Black Eye by Allie X, but it also delivered low-frequency bass impressively well when I listened to Angel by Massive Attack.
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Unfortunately, there was a shortcoming that became apparent when listening to Black Eye. The vocals came across slightly strained and overpowering when listening to the track at 75% volume. They were brought more into proportion when the volume was reduced to 50%; the bass continued to bounce dynamically across the track, and I could still hear the detail in the vocals. I changed to the Energetic EQ preset to see if this made any improvements. While it did what it said on the tin and added some energy to the instrumental element of the track, the vocals continued to have a sharp edge to them. As was also the case with the JBL Go 4, changing over to the Vocal EQ preset just results in all the elements sounding distorted, as if they were recorded underwater.
When listening to Hit the Road Jack by 2WEI and Bri Bryant, the delivery was satisfyingly atmospheric and immersive considering the size of the Clip 5. The different elements layered together well. The bass was dramatic and impactful, and I could hear the finer details in the background of the track as the beat was building up.
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Cheaper speakers can struggle with the treble and intensity of some vocal sections on this track, making them sound tinny and strained. The Clip 5 handled it well, but the tinniness did appear at around 75% volume, which seemed to be a running theme when I listened to various tracks. The song Boom Boom by the same artists sounded good at 75%, with plenty of detail and drama, but the highs again began to feel a little harsh; at 50% volume, everything blended together a bit better. So this definitely wouldn’t make a replacement for a party speaker if you wanted to blast out the tunes at a get-together.
Adagio Per Archi E Organo In Sol Minore by the London Philharmonic Orchestra was a satisfying listen with this speaker; there was a clear distinction between the different notes and instruments, but a slightly tinny edge to the sounds of the organ. This will likely only be noticed by audiophiles who are scrutinizing the sound quality, however. I don’t imagine anyone expects perfection at this price point but, actually, outside of the treble troubles, the Clip 5 is certainly reaching for it.
Another enjoyable listen was I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness. The guitar and vocals sounded great, and everything was well-proportioned. I could easily hear the detail and depth in Justin’s voice, and the instruments layered together well, with nothing stepping out of line or trying to steal the limelight when it shouldn’t have been.
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The difference between the sound quality of the Clip 5 and the cheaper JBL Go 4 is certainly noticeable. While there is of course a $30 price difference to consider, I'd say it’s worth it if you want deeper bass and the ability to blast out some tunes without lugging about a bigger speaker – though there's naturally some sacrifice when it comes to sound quality at the higher end of the volume scale.
If you're still undecided whether the JBL Clip 5 covers all your bases, we’ve curated a list of the best Bluetooth speakers with alternatives suitable for varied budgets and requirements. We also keep track of the best cheap Bluetooth speaker deals, so it's worth checking back now and then to see if there’s money to be saved.
JBL Clip 5 review: Price & release date
List price: $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95
Available now in the US, UK, and Australia
The JBL Clip 5 was released in June 2024 and is one of JBL’s first speakers to include Auracast capabilities, along with the Xtreme 4 and Go 4. It’s available directly from the JBL website in the US, UK, and Australia for $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95.
JBL Clip 5 review: Specs
Should I buy the JBL Clip 5?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
JBL Clip 5 review: Also consider
How I tested the JBL Clip 5
I tested the speaker over several months
I listened to a variety of music genres and podcasts
I played music continuously to determine battery usage
I tested the JBL Clip 5 over a few months. I listened to a variety of music genres, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist that includes tracks ranging from complex and layered instrumentals to deep bass and delicate vocals. This enabled me to determine the speaker's ability to handle different frequencies.
I played our TechRadar playlist on Tidal continuously at 50% volume using the default JBL signature EQ preset to test whether the battery could last up to 12 hours.
I used it to listen to music and podcasts in the TechRadar office, our music testing room, and at home, using Spotify and Tidal from an iPhone 12 Pro and a OnePlus Pad Go.
I never thought I’d be knocking a set of good budget earbuds having too many features, or excluding a set of earbuds from our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide for offering too many ANC profiles. But this Earfun Air Pro 4 review changes that.
If you’ve ever heard of Earfun before, you’ll know it as a brand well versed in putting out low-cost but competitive earbuds. You'll also know that its naming conventions can be quite baffling.
The Air Pro 4 are the successors to 2023’s Air Pro 3 (which we gave a near-perfect review to), and their main difference from the same-priced Free Pro 3 from late 2023 is that they have stems, rather than being purely in-ear beans. They’re also more premium alternatives to the Earfun Air 2, released earlier in 2024, which (like all those other Earfun options) offered some great features at really low prices. But that's a lot of Frees, Airs and graces Pros to get your head around.
Suffice to say that Earfun has a bustling product suite, perhaps an overwhelming number for people who don’t know which to opt for, and ‘too much’ is the theme of this review too.
In its quest to offer buyers on a budget a wide range of options, Earfun has gone a bit too far, and I found some elements of the experience a little too overwhelming. There are five different ANC modes (not counting ‘off’ and ‘ambient’) and I couldn’t get my head around the differences; there are a whopping 30 equalizer presets and scrolling through the list to find the right option for certain songs or genres was more work than it was worth.
So testing the Earfun Air Pro 4 was initially a bit exhausting – until I gave up, and just stuck to the same modes. I think that's what you'll do too. Do that, and you'll reveal great low-budget earbuds that offer loads of options and fairly respectable, robust audio quality for the price. It's just that wading through the extraneous options becomes a little wearying.
They feel premium enough too, with a lightweight minimalist design that remains comfortably in the ear, and the case is lovely and small enough to slip into little pockets even though it packs a few premium features like wireless charging.
The sound quality is perfectly acceptable for the price (though if your budget breaches the $/£100 barrier, you’ll have a few more tempting options) and definitely matches the ‘cheap’ with the ‘cheerful’ for most songs.
I also appreciated how the Earfun Air Pro 4’s battery life outstrips most competitors, with 7.5 hours per bud with ANC on and 11 hours with it off. That’s a fair few songs more than you’ll get on most earbuds in this price bracket.
So if you’re happy to ignore a few too many superfluous and potentially confusing features, or are willing to try and get your head around them, then the Earfun Air Pro 4 are good picks for people on a budget. But if not, then the company has loads more options for you – as do its competitors (more on that later).
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Unveiled in July 2024
Cost $89.99 / £79.99 (roughly AU$140)
The Earfun Air Pro 4 were announced right at the end of July 2024, and became available to purchase shortly afterwards. The company sells them in certain regions but also has a global option on its website, listed in USD, which is why we don’t have an AUD price.
The buds cost $89.99 / £79.99 (roughly AU$140) which is notably a lower price than the $99.99 / £99.99 (roughly AU$160) Air Pro 3 – those earbuds got price cuts almost immediately after launch, so it's possible that the Air Pro 4 could too.
Earfun has a busy line-up of earbuds and the Air Pro 4 slot in just ahead of most of the others in terms of price; the Air Pro 3, Free Pro 3 and Air Pro SV all cost just a small amount less. The company specializes in low-cost earbuds and these new models are no different.
So yes, the Earfun Air Pro 4 definitely count as cheap earbuds; they won’t break the bank and that fact helps set expectations with the sound quality and features.
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Specs
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Many (many) equalizer presets
ANC is good but too many modes
Good battery life compared to rivals
One of my favorite things about Earfun’s other earbuds is that they often trump the competition in terms of battery life, and that’s certainly the case with the Air Pro 4.
With ANC turned on, the buds last for roughly seven and a half hours before you need to return them to the case to power back up; turn ANC off and that figure is even longer at 11 hours. Most same-price rivals go for about 6 and 9 hours respectively, so the Pro 4 is, ahem, Pro-4-ming well here.
Earfun has said that the case can provide up the 52 hours of music playback between all its charges; the website doesn’t state whether that’s with ANC on or off, but I’d imagine it’s with it off. At an estimate, I’d give you 35 and a half hours of listening time from the case if you only listen with ANC on.
On the topic of ANC: it has potential on the Air Pro 4, but an annoying abundance of choice makes it hard for you to make the most of it.
The standard ANC is pretty heavy-duty, cutting out annoying background noises to help you enjoy your music without the chattering of keyboards or whine of noisy trains that you’re working on (at least, those are my favorite uses of it!).
The thing is, in the app there’s no one noise cancellation mode. Instead, there are seven.
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These include ambient mode and no ANC (pretty self-explanatory) but five different versions of ANC: strong, balance, AI environment adaptive, AI ear adaptive, and wind noise cancellation. These five all have descriptions about how they’re different but it’s all very vague and I couldn’t hear much of a difference between them, especially the adaptive one. After a few listening sessions of confused testing, I decided just to stick to ‘strong’ and hope for the best.
Beyond this confusing ANC situation, the Earfun app offers the basic features that most companion apps do: a few toggle-able features such as wear detection and low-latency mode for gaming, the ability to customize the controls and a ‘find my headphones’ feature.
There’s an equalizer too and I really took to it: you can customize your sound yourself, or rely on a sound profile mode that tests your hearing (I didn’t find this mode quite as accurate or useful as other companies’ equivalents though, like Nothing’s in the Nothing Ear (a) and Nothing Ear). But the best part is the presets: there are 30 in all, and lots of them make marked differences on the sound profile, so it’s useful if you want to tailor your mix to what you’re listening to.
Frankly, 30 is far too many, and I didn’t want to scroll through a whole list of ‘Bass Reducer 1, 2 and 3’s in order to find specific ones. Instead I stick to a core 15 based on genres of music, and that seemed enough – in situations like this, less is definitely more. I’m just surprised that there can be 30 without any for spoken word or podcasts!
Features score: 3.5/5
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
AirPods-style stem earbuds
Fairly small charging case
IPX5 rating against limited showers
The Air Pro 4 aren’t the smallest earbuds I’ve ever seen, even within Earfun's lineup, but they’re still pretty slender. The buds weigh roughly 5g each (according to my kitchen scales; no official weight is listed) and consist of an eartip, a small body and an AirPods-style stem.
The default tip fit in my ear comfortably and stayed nice and secure through the entire testing process, but Earfun has packed four extra sizes into the box, which is at least one more than you normally see in earbuds – and two more at this budget level. These range from extra-small to extra-large and I commend Earfun on it.
Each bud has a small button, which is the round indentation at the top of the stem that you can see in the images. This only required a gentle touch and so I found them easy to use, although there was a noticeable delay between the press and the desired action being triggered.
(Image credit: Future)
The buds have an IPX5 rating, making them protected from streams of water but not immersion in liquid, so you can wear them in the rain or even in the shower, but not in the bath (or pool).
Keeping the Air Pro 4 cozy and safe when you’re not using them is their charging case; from product listing images and the size of the box, you’d imagine this would be quite big, but it was a lot smaller than I expected. It weighs 56g (when the buds are in) and measures 62.4 x 46.6 x 29.2mm.
Said case, which opens in a clamshell style, has a USB-C port for charging but also supports wireless powering. Despite being a small plastic pebble that’s smaller than the average size of a field mouse, it felt sturdy enough to protect the buds well.
Design score: 3.5/5
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Good sound, rather than great
Equalizer gives you customization over sound
Several upgrades over predecessor
It’s good that the Earfun equalizer is so in depth in letting you customize your music, because in default mode the buds are good, but not great. For the price, they are better than lots of rivals, but you’d definitely get better audio by paying more.
Unless you boost the treble in the app, it’s a little lacking by default, falling in the mix behind the relatively meaty bass. Mid is also hiding in the back, but I found it susceptible to peaking and distortion at times, with instruments like hi-hats and acoustic guitars getting mushy.
However once you turn to the equalizer, and push the music to its limits, you can get a lot more legroom for enjoying your music. Bass, which is already pretty meaty by default, can gain even more prominence, though it’ll never turn as forceful as on something like the Nothing Buds.
I enjoyed rescuing the treble, with certain presets pulling it further forward, and the mid to a certain extent – though this put both at higher risk of peaking in songs. And while the presets let you play around with how the different sounds interact, I rarely felt that sounds found energetic.
A few additions to the Air Pro 4 over the Pro 3 is support for a new audio codic, LDAC, allowing for 24-bit/96kbps streaming from supported files or apps, as well as Bluetooth 5.4 for a more reliable connection. This offsets what might, on paper, look like a downgrade in the driver size to 10mm from 11mm.
Sound quality: 3.5/5
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Good feature set for price
More cash will get you better audio
If you know low-cost earbuds, you’ll know that Earfun always gives you good value for money, and that’s no different here.
The Air Pro 4 give you decent music quality, a long-lasting battery and admirable noise cancellation, and the only thing more slender than the easily-pocketable charging case is the price.
Sure, the Earfun Air Pro 4 isn’t quite as feature-packed as some of the biggest names on the market, but it also costs a third of its big Bose, Apple and Samsung alternatives.
Value: 4/5
Should I buy the Earfun Air Pro 4?
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
Earfun Air Pro 4 review: Also consider
How I tested the Earfun Air Pro 4
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks
Tested at home, in the office and on trips
I tested the Earfun Air Pro 4 for two weeks to write this review, which is the standard testing time for earbuds like this. I mainly used them connected to my Android phone, but also paired them to my Windows laptop and iPad during testing.
The listening for this review was done at home, in the office, at the gym, on walks around my neighborhood and also on a couple of long train journeys, so their ANC was really put to the test. I listened to music, podcasts and audio books on Spotify and also watched YouTube videos, streamed Netflix movies, caught lots of the Olympics on Discovery Plus and partook in phone and video calls, all using the buds.
I've been testing gadgets at TechRadar for over five years now, and in that time have used plenty of budget earbuds including previous Earfun options.
The name of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini appears to be a slapdash assortment of buzzwords, but it at least signals its intentions of being a rapid gaming mouse. HyperX claims it’s 16% smaller than the Pulsefire Haste 2, as well as being a few grams lighter (59g rather than 61g).
As with other HyperX peripherals, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini keeps to a minimal aesthetic, with only two small logos present. There is also an RGB light around the rim of the scroll wheel, but again, this is reasonably understated compared to other gaming peripherals. The chassis has a more textured feel than you might expect from a gaming mouse, which should help players maintain their grip when things get sweaty.
This isn’t the lightest mini gaming mouse out there, with numerous other examples managing to keep the grams down to the low 50s. What’s more, the weight doesn’t feel evenly distributed, with most of it appearing to be concentrated around the center, making the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini feel heavier than it is.
Immediately apparent when you first grip the mouse is the steep rake of the two main buttons. I found this comfortable as it was conducive to the natural bend in my fingers and knuckles – something I can’t say about other compact gaming mice I’ve experienced. Their deep indentations also help to keep your fingers in place, while the concave sides help secure your overall grip on the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini.
Clicks are more weighted than you might expect compared to some of the best gaming mouse options in this size category, which means rapid firing isn’t as easy to pull off as you might expect, quite ironic given its name. That sloping angle does help to facilitate spamming somewhat, letting you hammer down on the buttons more emphatically, but they’re still not as snappy as I would’ve liked.
The back and forward buttons are quite large for a miniature mouse. They feel firm but are easy to actuate and pleasingly responsive. The scroll wheel is well-notched, and the scroll button offers a secure push for the most part, although I did struggle to actuate it consistently: if you don’t hit the wheel square in the middle, then you’ll encounter a surprising amount of resistance, which can lead to failures in registering your inputs.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite only having four small PTFE skates in each corner and one around the optical sensor, they’re quite thick, which makes the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini glide smoothly, even over hard surfaces. It’s one of the mouse’s standout features, one that will be sure to please the accuracy-craving FPS sect.
The DPI button is located on the top and can be used to cycle through up to five predefined settings. It can also be customized to perform other functions. I should mention I did experience a strange bug on one of the Windows 10 machines I tested the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini with, where the DPI kept reverting to 800 when left idle for a couple of minutes. This could’ve merely been a quirk of my particular system, and on my main gaming rig – which also uses Windows 10 – I didn’t have this issue.
What might deter some gamers is the maximum polling rate of 1,000Hz, who might not deem this high enough for esports-grade performance. Those who use the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini for casual gaming will most likely not even notice the difference, but the higher polling rate should reduce that all-important latency figure, making movements smoother and therefore more accurate.
Ngenuity is HyperX’s software for customizing the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini, but it is quite limited in what it can do. There are options to change the polling rate, lift-off distance (a binary choice between 1mm and 2mm), and RGB lighting, but there is a distinct lack of system-level and media shortcuts available for binding. Admittedly, this is probably less of a concern for mice than it is for keyboards, but worth mentioning nonetheless. If top-level customization is what you’re after, then Razer provides its peripherals with many more options via its Synapse suite.
(Image credit: Future)
Battery life is a claimed 100 hours, and during my testing, this does appear to hold true. After using the mouse for around three weeks, I didn’t need to recharge it once.
As well as a wireless 2.4GHz dongle, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini also has the ability to connect via Bluetooth, handy if you want to switch between two devices quickly by using the selector switch underneath. The connection works well, although be warned that if you do connect via Bluetooth, you won’t be able to use it with the Ngenuity software, so your customization options are limited. You can still cycle through your DPI settings with the DPI button, though.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini can also be used in wired mode while charging. The included USB-C to USB-A cable is very light and malleable, which means there is next to no drag to disrupt the experience.
As a gaming tool, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is a solid choice, but it ultimately won’t blow you away. It glides excellently and has good ergonomics to offer a secure grip and operation. But the lack of an 8K polling rate will likely irk some potential users, and the clicks are a little too on the heavy side when ultra-quick spamming is called for. This is fast becoming a saturated market, and the fact is there are plenty of high-polling lightweight mice out there from the likes of Razer and other big hitters.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is available now for $79 / £89 (about AU$119) and comes in two colorways: black or white. It’s marginally cheaper than its bigger sibling, the Pulsefire Haste 2, which comes in at $89 / £94 / AU$149.
Confusingly, there’s also the Pulsefire Haste 2 Core, which is even less at $49 / £49 / about AU$73. It looks nearly identical to the standard edition, but there are various differences, including a heavier weight (70g), no inbuilt battery (it uses a single AAA instead), and a lower maximum DPI rate of 12,000.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini has a lower price tag than many of its rivals in the lightweight wireless gaming mice market. There are others in this segment that are over £100, but then there’s the Cooler Master MM311, a bargain pick that undercuts many competitors at $39.99 (about £30 / AU$59) while still offering a very competent package. It is heavier at 77g, though.
The Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, a similarly lightweight wireless gaming mouse tipping the scales at 55g, is slightly more expensive at $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95, and it’s full-size. However, it can be upgraded to an 8KHz polling rate with the additional Razer HyperPolling wireless dongle, which costs an extra $29.99 / £29.99 / AU$54.95.
If lightness is a priority for you, then the Pulsar X2v2 commands a similar price but weighs less at 52-54g, and it’s also wireless. There’s also the Razer Viper V3 Pro, which is a full-size mouse but still lighter at 54g, although it is considerably more expensive than the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini. It does have a maximum polling rate of 8KHz, though – an important feature for those who prize smoothness above all else.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini: Specs
Should you buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini?
Buy it if...
You want secure mouse clicks The indented mouse buttons make clicks nice and secure, and the drop-off angle makes them ideal for all claw grippers.
You want good ergonomics The front slope of the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini, coupled with the concave design and the aforementioned indented buttons make it feel better in the hand than many other mini gaming mice I’ve used.
You want multiple connectivity options The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini allows for both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity – useful if you want to switch quickly between two devices. And since it comes with an inbuilt battery, you can play and charge simultaneously with the included USB-C to USB-A cable too.
Don't buy it if...
You want a mouse to fill your palms Unsurprisingly, HyperX specifically aims the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini at those with smaller hands, so those with a larger palm and want something to fill it won’t be catered for here.
You want a pro-level mouse With a maximum polling rate of 1KHz, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini might not be smooth enough for those who value this aspect above all else.
You want plenty of functionality As a stripped-back gaming mouse, there aren’t many extras on the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini. At least the bindable DPI button is on top rather than underneath, as is the case with many other pro-level gaming mice.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini: Also consider
How I tested the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini
Tested for 3 weeks
Played a variety of games
10+ years of PC gaming experience
I used the Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini for around 3 weeks. During that time, I used it for gaming, casual PC use, and productivity.
I played various FPS titles, including the ever-popular Counter-Strike 2 and the open-world Generation Zero. I also played sedate exploration games, including Botany Manor and Dimhaven, both of which are pretty much the antithesis of competitive shooters.
I used it in both the 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth modes, as well as wired. I used it on a variety of machines, including desktop and laptop PCs.
The Zvox AV157 soundbar is a tough little sucker to review. That’s because it has one main purpose and doesn’t do much else compared to other soundbars, though it does that one thing well.
If you’re in the market for one of the best soundbars to enhance your TV viewing, the Zvox AV157 soundbar is not the one. However, if you need something to simply accentuate voices in your favorite shows or movies because they seem to get buried in the mix, then the Zvox AV157 is for you. People who are experiencing hearing loss will appreciate this small soundbar the most.
Similar to the Soundfun Mirai I recently reviewed, I found the Zvox AV157’s price a bit off-putting given that it's mostly a one-trick pony. But if you can’t hear what the heck Robert Pattinson is saying in Tenet, you’ll probably be willing to spend for it, though you could get a good mid-range soundbar such as the Sony HT-S2000 for not too much more money.
The Zvox AV157’s design is about as unobtrusive as it gets. It’s a small, black rectangular unit measuring just 17 x 3.3 x 2.9 inches with a front grille that indicates volume, input (indicated by the puzzling “In1d” and “In2A”) and Accuvoice and PhaseCue virtual surround (aka virtual surround sound) levels using an orange alphanumeric LED display.
Port-wise, the Zvox AV157 is very basic, offering just 3.5mm analog and optical digital audio inputs and a subwoofer/headphone output. It would have been nice for Zvox to also include an HDMI port with ARC capability since optical connections can be finicky.
For instance, I’ve had issues where I had to turn on a TV and connected speakers or soundbar in a particular order when using an optical connection. Considering this soundbar is aimed at older people who might find it difficult to troubleshoot connection issues, including an HDMI port would have been a good idea.
The Zvox has three 3-inch full-range drivers being fed 24 watts from a Class-D amplifier under the hood, so it will get loud enough for most people in a small to medium-sized room. Since this is a smaller unit, I wouldn’t recommend it for larger rooms, even if you need the dialogue-boosting capability.
I appreciate the AV157’s remote control, which is straightforward with large buttons that don’t require a hard press to register changes. Its size is substantial enough that you shouldn’t have issues losing it, at least not more than any other remote.
The Zvox AV157's alphanumeric LED display provides visual feedback to remote commands. (Image credit: Future)
As far as the soundbar’s performance goes, different people are going to feel differently about it. Again, that 24 watts offers more than enough power for smaller setups. And it provides an upgrade to normal budget flat-panel TVs that typically sport small, downward-firing speakers (a big reason why modern TVs sound worse than ones from a few decades ago) even without any special boosting or surround sound mode activated.
Since the AV157 is small, there’s not much in the way of bass and the high-end is nothing special. You have six levels at your fingertips when using the AccuVoice dialogue boosting feature, with each one pushing up the mid-range where voices sit, while six levels of SuperVoice tech simultaneously minimize background sounds.
The Zvox AV157 does a good job doing what it advertises. However, the more accentuated that mid-range gets, the more unnatural the audio sounds. In fact, voices end up sounding boxy. In a way, it’s kind of like a hearing aid in that they don’t make things sound better, just more audible.
Another Zvox feature, “PhaseCue virtual surround,” uses processing to, as its name suggests, deliver virtual surround sound. It has three levels and, like most virtual surround sound, it makes the sound just a bit more spacious. Still, it might be something you appreciate, since it gives a bit of depth to the AV157’s very mid-range-forward sound. An additional feature, Output Leveling, is used to modulate overall volume levels so TV commercials don't sound blaringly loud, for example.
If you have issues hearing dialogue, the AV157 can improve your TV viewing experience. Keep in mind, though, that TV speakers generally are subpar, so, if you wish you could hear dialogue a little bit clearer (and don’t have serious problems with your hearing), just upgrading to any decent soundbar will help.
The Zvox AV157's remote contains a full set of control buttons. (Image credit: Future)
Zvox AV157 Soundbar review: Price and release date
Price: $249 / £159 / AU$458
Released May 2020
The Zvox AV157 is on the pricey side for a diminutive soundbar, listing for $249 / £159 / AU$458. Just like the Soundfun Mirai ($299) which fills a similar need, I find the price a bit much for a soundbar that mainly boosts the frequencies where dialogue resides. But at least the Zvox also comes with virtual spatial audio to spice things up. It also can frequently be found on sale for less than $249.
Of course, there are cheaper soundbars out there that have a dialogue mode or the ability to boost mid-range frequencies such as the Roku Streambar, which costs $130 / £130. The Streambar has a whole host of extra functionality including the built-in Roku platform and HDMI ARC support, but not the Zvox’s precision voice boosting, which is something people who are hard of hearing will appreciate.
Both optical digital and analog audio inputs are provided, but no HDMI. (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Zvox AV157 soundbar?
Buy it if...
You want something easy to use Navigating its features is easy thanks to a remote with big buttons and clear labeling. You won’t have issues adjusting the various features to your liking.
You want something compact The Zvox AV157 is petite. If you’re tight on space, you won’t have to worry about fitting it into your setup.
Don't buy it if...
You want natural-sounding dialogue While its dialogue-boosting feature works well, it doesn’t retain the natural timbre of your media’s audio. If you’re even something of an audiophile (even with some hearing loss), you’ll have trouble enjoying the sound.
You need an HDMI port It’s unfortunate that there’s no HDMI port, especially since optical connections can be finicky to deal with.
Zvox AV157 Soundbar review: Also consider
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Zvox AV157 Soundbar
I used the Zvox AV157 Soundbar for a week
Tested with both TV and movies
I used the Zvox AV157 Soundbar regularly for a week, viewing TV, movies, and Youtube videos. I compared it to just my TV’s speakers to see what kind of improvement it offers and found that, as I’ve stated in the review, it’s good at what it’s designed for. If you’re hard of hearing, this is a good but slightly pricey option. I
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
Google first introduced the inaugural Pixel Buds Pro back in 2022, so it’s about time we had a new model, and the technology giant has unveiled just that, alongside the third-generation Pixel Watch and four phones under the Pixel 9 umbrella.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 might look a bit similar to their older siblings, but the portion that rests in your ear is slimmer and delivers a more comfortable fit, at least from my first impressions. Under the hood, these are the first earbuds with a Google Tensor chip to power some Pixel Buds-only features like ‘Clear Calling’ and promise improvements to both noise cancellation and battery life.
Now, ahead of a full-fat review, I’m sharing my very early first impressions. How early are we talking? I got to wear them in my ears with a medium-sized ear tip, but I didn’t get to listen to music or test out the new features. So I’ll share my opinions on fit and also run through the latest promised enhancements. And of course, I'll go hands-on as soon as possible and fully test them for a review as well.
Pricing and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Regardless of which color you choose, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will cost $229.99 / £219 / around AU$379. You can pick between Hazel, Porcelain, Wintergreen, or Peony – and having seen 'em all, those last two are my favorite and the most fun.
If you’re already sold, preorders are open. However, Google isn’t shipping the Pixel Buds Pro 2 until September 26, 2024, so you’ll have to wait a bit – in fact, that’s after the Pixel 9 family, including Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 3.
The wait to jam might very well be worth it, though.
The earbuds still have a friendly circle that sticks out of your ear to the world with a “G” Google logo and capacitive touch controls, but it’s no longer attached to a longer, ovular piece that goes in the ear and attached to the ear tip.
It’s now a molded, black, circular piece of plastic with an ear tip attached to the end. You’ll still get several sizes in the box, but the real significance is that each Pixel Bud Pro 2 weighs in at just 4.7 grams, which is 27% lighter than the original.
In my short first impressions, I slid the Pixel Buds Pro 2 into my ears and immediately noticed a more nestled, cozy fit that didn’t weigh down my ears as much. They also protrude far less and have a new twist-to-adjust stabilizer, which is not a wing tip but, like Studio Buds Plus from Beats, kind of like a corkscrew that you can turn to the left or right to stabilize these in your ear.
It aims to ensure the Pixel Buds Pro 2 won’t fall out, but the added bonus is a better seal in your ear. This way, whatever you’re listening to sounds better, and you can passively block out environmental sounds around you. This refreshed design and the onboard Google-made Tensor A1 chip also promises up to two times more effective active noise cancellation. Google is calling this Silent Seal 2.0, and I’m really keen to try it out, especially considering how good of a passive seal these provide.
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
Much like AirPods Pro 2, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a conversation detection feature that allows you to have a conversation with someone without removing the earbuds. The device switches into a listening mode that lets environmental sound in.
Powering the audio in each Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be a new 11-millimeter driver with a high-frequency chamber that works with the Tensor A1 chip for audio processing. These also still offer support for ‘Spatial Audio with Head Tracking’ with the right tracks.
Aside from music playback and noise cancellation, like other listening modes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also pair and connect seamlessly between other Pixel devices –be it a Pixel phone, Tablet, or Watch. Similar to how Google Gemini is unashamedly front-and-center within its latest phones, you will be able to use Gemini on Pixel Buds Pro 2, and it will effectively be the smart assistant here. I hope it yields some improvements with the live translation features of the past.
Regarding battery life, Google says that Pixel Buds Pro 2 can last for up to 12 hours with active noise cancellation off or 8 hours with that listening mode enabled. That’s pretty much in line with other similarly priced earbuds, and I’m eager to see how this claim runs in our testing. When you factor in recharges in the case, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 should last for up to 30 hours. Here's the rub: the older set will serve up to 11 hours from the buds, or up to 31 hours total listening time with the wireless charging case… so a minor downgrade there.
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
As I was hoping to see, just like the AirPods Pro 2, Google added a speaker to the Pixel Buds case. This means that when you misplace the Pro 2, you can still see the location but can also ping the case, and make it emit a sound so you can hear it.
Considering the improved design – and the lovely shades of Peony and Wintergreen – plus the more comfortable design, I have high hopes for the audio playback and noise cancellation chops here.
Most importantly, though they stick out less and aren’t as cumbersome. So, let’s just hope the other aspects live up to the hype.
The Google Pixel Watch has always been a sleek, modern – maybe even beautiful – smartwatch. It's stuck out from an incredibly crowded market with a build that looks like a polished pebble, simple controls, and a comfortable feel on the wrist.
However, it’s only be available in one size for two generations, and has always been far from a full-on Fitbit replacement. That changes with the third-generation Pixel Watch, and after strapping both the 41mm and 45mm Pixel Watch 3 to my wrist, I can say that it’s a pretty big leap.
That’s right: the Pixel Watch now comes in two sizes: there's still the 41mm model which was the only option with the Pixel Watch 1 and 2, and a much larger 45mm model, which has been dubbed the Pixel Watch 3 XL.
I’ve spent some hands-on time with both the 41mm and the 45mm watches, so I’m sharing my first impressions and briefly discussing the trove of new health and fitness features that are headed to your wrist.
Google Pixel Watch 3: Specifications
Google Pixel Watch 3: Price and Availability
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
With two sizes of the Pixel Watch 3, pricing is a bit more complex than in years past. Like the previous Pixel Watch 2, the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579, while you’ll pay more at $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 will start at $399 / £399 / AU$669, and jump to $499 / £499 / AU$839 for the advanced connectivity.
Both sizes come in Matte Black or Polished Silver; the 41mm is also available in Champagne Gold, and the 45mm in Matte Hazel. Whichever size and model you go for you’ll also get six months of Fitbit Premium for free. All variants of the Pixel Watch 3 are up for preorder now, with a shipping and on-sale date September 10.
Watch our Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on review on TikTok:
Like the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Apple Watch Series 9, Google is now letting you choose between two sizes. There’s a smaller 41mm Pixel Watch and a larger 45mm Pixel Watch, both with the same circular design and a dial on the right edge. It’s the classic Pixel Watch design, including the band mechanism on the box, which makes removing and replacing watch bands harder than it needs to be.
The Actua Display now stretches closer to the very edge, even on the smaller 41mm, so it can show you more. It’s also brighter, which makes reading text on a screen much easier – the same goes for hitting touch buttons like numbers on the calculator or buttons on a widget, for example to select a workout type to track. Both displays are LTPO AMOLED, which allows the display to refresh at a rate anywhere between 1Hz and 60Hz.
I think I still prefer the 41mm size, but Google didn’t just make a larger watch for the sake of it. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 might have more super users or those who want to do more from their wrist, and it will be interesting to see how developers optimize for the extra screen real estate.
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
Regardless of size, the Pixel Watch 3 is built from 100% recycled aluminum, and colors vary slightly based on size. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 comes in Matte Black, Polished Silver, or Champagne Gold, while the 45mm will be available in Matte Hazel, Matte Black, or Polished Silver.
The Pixel Watch 3 is powered by Qualcomm SW5100, which has a Cortex co-processor and 2GB of RAM. That’s a lot of jargon, but the main takeaway is that while the watch doesn't use Google's powerful Tensor processor, either size felt pretty snappy in my quick demo. You also get a clean version of WearOS 5 out of the box.
In terms of health and fitness features, there is still a sensor stack on the back that looks sleek and powers all the expected features: daily activity and workout tracking, sleep tracking, Blood Oxygen or Sp02 tracking, heart rate, and the ability to take an electrocardiogram among others.
A few features are made possible through the integration with Fitbit. It seems that Google wants to compete with the run-tracking chops of a Garmin or a Galaxy Watch, so now (specifically for this workout type), you can create several routines with custom metrics you want to hit such as heart rate, pace, distances, and intervals. As you go through the workout, it will alert you if you’re ahead or behind on a metric. That’s pretty cool. After your run, your workout data goes through an AI to give specifics, including your vertical oscillation, cadence, and stride length. You can view this on your wrist or in the companion app on your Android phone.
Fitbit Premium members will also be able to compete against past workouts and the metrics you set, just like a Galaxy Watch. The watch will also consider this data when recommending your daily activities. All Pixel Watch buyers have this option for at least the first six months, and you can cancel the subscription before the free trial ends if you find yourself not using Premium features like this.
Not just for Premium members, your Daily Readiness Score – delivered each day – will be more accurate as it takes more into account beyond just workouts and activity goals. It will now use sleep, heart rate (active and resting), and variability in all this to paint a better picture. Along with this score, you’ll get a daily recommended cardio load, which can help you decide what workouts to embark on or when to take it easier.
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
I’m eager to try Fitbit’s Morning Brief, which reminds me of the Oura Ring or Samsung Health. Essentially, you’ll get a notification with your most important activity metrics on your wrist. It just groups everything in one place, flags issues – maybe too little sleep or a change in heart rate – and tosses in topical information like the weather or an important meeting.
Of course, beyond health and activity from Fitbit, Google is also putting more work into its first-party applications. There will be a new interface with Nest devices, specifically letting you view a feed from your doorbell when it’s rung or if activity is detected on a connected camera.
Last but not least, there is always the question of battery life. With the 41mm or 45mm Pixel Watch 3, Google promises 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled or up to 36 hours in extreme battery saver, which shuts off always-on but keeps other features like health tracking active. We’ll need to put this to the test and see how long it lasts, as well as a new bedtime detection mode that automatically shuts the always-on feature off.
The original Pixel Fold is on the left, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold is in the middle, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is on the right (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Forget everything you knew about the Google Pixel Fold. The new – deep breath – Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shares perhaps one thing with its predecessor: the 'Fold' in the name, and that is for the better.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold renders the original Fold a prototype at best. The aspect ratio that didn't work for some popular apps like Instagram, too-large black bezel around the main screen (all to accommodate the selfie camera), and the phone's inability to lie completely flat when unfolded are mercifully gone.
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Google's new Fold is taller, much thinner, and noticeably lighter than its first attempt. Where the Pixel Fold reminded me – and not necessarily in a good way – of Microsoft's failed Duo device, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold reminds me of a Pixel 8 flagship. In fact, the 6.3-inch cover screen is a duplicate of the one you'll find on the new Google Pixel 9.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
It's not just the screen. Folded and turned on its side, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is just 2mm thicker than the Pixel 9. Unfolded, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is 5.1 mm thick, which matches the iPad Pro 13-inch's thinness, and beats the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by 0.5mm. It weighs just 257 grams, which is 27 grams less than the Pixel Fold (but still heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6).
If there's one compromise with that lovely touch-and-hold frame, it's that you lose a little bit of battery, with the capacity reduced from the Pixel Fold's 4727mAh to 4650mAh. I won't know the impact of that loss until I've tested the Pixel 9 Pro Fold over an extended period.
The buttons are all clean, brushed aluminum, and the power button also houses a fingerprint reader. The mobile phone now also supports unlocking with facial recognition. Face Unlock was unavailable on the original Google Pixel Fold.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: price and availability
Google announced the Pixel 9 Fold Pro alongside the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL on August 13. It's on pre-sale now and arrives on store shelves on September 4, 2024.
It starts at $1,799 / £1,749 for a 256GB model with 16GB of RAM, and is available in Obsidian and Porcelain (off-white). I prefer the Obsidian which offers a deep, inky black that could only be described as sexy.
Those prices make Google's new foldable cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, although not by much. A multi-purpose foldable phone will remain a considered purchase for some time to come.
The main screen camera is now a drill-through (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Clearly, Google got the message: it's not just specs that win the game, it's eye-popping, delightful design. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has that in spades. If the original Fold had a slightly plasticky look and feel, the new model favors premium materials, flat surfaces, and understated design cues. The clear and sharp look is a winning combination of recycled aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and that multi-alloy steel hinge.
It's not just the look of it. I could tell from the moment I unfolded the Pixel 9 Pro Fold that Google had completely re-engineered the hinge system. Folded, the two halves of the phone sit flat against each other with barely a gap between them. I could open the phone at almost any angle, and when I opened the phone completely it snapped satisfyingly flat. If you're familiar with foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, you might say, "That's nice." But if you remember the Pixel Fold and its inability to lie flat, you know it's a big deal.
As for durability, the phone has an IPX8 rating, which means it can handle being dropped into a few feet of water for 30 minutes. There's no mention of a dust or debris rating, so I would be extra careful if you plan to bring it to the beach.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold opened, left, and closed with the cover screen active (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The flexible, Actua (a marketing term for Google's bright OLED screen tech) display unfolds as cleanly and surely as you'd hope. When the large 8-inch display is flat it looks as if it might have the best crease in the business. By that I mean it's very close to unnoticeable. Still, I'll need to see it side-by-side with the other best foldable phones to know if that initial impression holds up.
Eight inches stands as the largest folding phone screen on the market, and Google has achieved this by putting the camera behind the screen (with an uncovered punch hole) and by switching back to an aspect ratio (20:9) that more closely matches competitors from Samsung and OnePlus. The original Fold had a 6:5 aspect ratio that didn't play nice with some major apps. The more squarish aspect ratio means that standard apps will look more normal and not be cut off on the main display, but that larger main screen size also pays a dividend with the cover display. At 6.3 inches, it's full-flagship size and, for as much as I like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 which also has a 6.3-inch screen but one that is taller and narrower, having the extra cover display width makes using the screen more pleasurable to use, and I expect it will make it easier to type. It also makes the Fold 9 Pro look almost indistinguishable from a regular smartphone.
Looking at the screen front-on, the only giveaway that this is a foldable is the squared-off left side, which accommodates the hinge, where the right side is curved; it's a bit of interesting asymmetry. I also noticed that the bezel around the Pixel Fold 9 Pro's cover screen is slightly thicker than that of the Pixel 9, but without making the screen size any smaller.
In my brief hands-on session with the phone I only spent a little time exploring each core feature, but I did hold onto and play with the device for over an hour, and I didn't want to put it down.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold rear camera array (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
If there's a downside to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's new look, it's the new camera array. I've never loved the Google Pixel Fold's metallic camera band, but I like the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold brushed metal camera array box less. The curved rectangle is too big, and lacks the elegance of the rest of the device, although this is a minor niggle.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: cameras
Speaking of cameras, I used all five (!) of them, but not enough to draw any conclusions. Here's what you get with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
Main wide: 48 MP f/1.7 Quad PD
Ultra-wide: 10.5MP f/2.2 Dual PD 127 FoV
Telephoto: 10.8MP f/3.1
Front camera: 10MPf/2.2
Inner camera: 10MP Dual PD
I know, that's a lot of cameras. I do like that Google didn't skimp on the main-screen camera – 10MP is more than double the megapixels you'll get with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6's main-screen camera. As for why we have such odd telephoto and ultra-wide pixel counts, Google would only say that it made some allowances for fitting the cameras into what is admittedly a very thin system.
Still, none of these numbers are huge upgrades over the previous camera array. The cover and main-screen cameras got a small MP upgrade. The Ultra-wide jumps from a 121-degree FoV to 127 degrees. I'm also glad Google didn't downgrade from the 5x optical zoom to 3x zoom.
I briefly tried all these lenses, and the photos looked fine, but I'll have more to say when I conduct a full review.
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Main camera (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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2x camera (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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5x camera (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Ultrawide camera (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Camera on cover screen (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
We did, by the way, get a chance to try one of the new photo-editing tricks Google's touting for the entire Pixel line: 'Add me'. It let me take a photo of two fellow TechRadar team members, and then add myself. All I had to do was walk into the frame after taking the initial photo and, with guidance from someone taking the photo (and an on-screen augmented reality guide), position myself appropriately. The final result makes it look as if I was in the original shot – I think Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners are going to love this.
I also saw a demonstration of a Fold-specific camera feature called 'Made you look.' The concept is simple: you display on the cover screen something distracting or entertaining for your subject (typically a child) to look at while you try to take a picture of them. You choose this setting in the camera app, and on the cover screen, an animation appears of, for instance, smiling cartoon birds. Yes, the image makes you smile – and that's the point. A child will look at it and laugh, and you'll get a great photo of them. Meanwhile, the main screen on the other side is still a big, unobstructed viewfinder. It's a small but clever and fun little photography feature.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: specs and performance
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's main screen is a whopping 8 inches (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
As with most other core features, I don't have much to say about performance at this stage. Inside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google's new Tensor G4 chip. Google claims the chip is capable of 45 ToPs or Tokens Per Second, and that it's 20% faster for web browsing and 17% faster on app launching. Benchmarks will help me see how it compares to Apple's A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
I am pleased that Google has squeezed in 16MP of RAM, especially because a chunk of that is apparently devoted to handling onboard AI tasks.
One of those AI tasks will be powering Google Gemini, and especially features like Gemini Live (available with the Gemini Advanced subscription). This adds a conversational AI chatbot that can answer questions in a natural-sounding voice, and handles interruptions better than some people I know. In my chat, I asked Gemini about getting better sleep, and how caffeine intake might impact my sleep. As it answered, I interrupted and asked if I could drink Coke. It told me I could, but warned me that Coke has caffeine and drinking it might impact my sleep. As it droned on, I interrupted and said I had to go. It paused and said. 'Okay, goodbye." Pretty impressive.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold ships with Android 14 and a promised seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. That's quite a commitment, especially for a phone with moving parts. If your phone holds up, the updates will be there to support it.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Battery life is rated for 25 hours, which would be considerably more than you could expect from the Pixel Fold (15 hours). That's surprising considering the battery is slightly smaller, but Google is claiming that its Tensor G4 mobile CPU is more efficient – I'll know better once we run some tests. The phone ships with a USB-C cable, but you'll need to supply your own adapter. The device also supports Qi-based wireless charging.
The dual-SIM (nano and eSIM) 5G phone supports Bluetooth 5.3 and, notably, up to WiFi 7 for some future-proofing,
What a difference a generation makes. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, left, and the Pixel Fold (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The name of this phone might seem long and less than memorable, but I think it's accurate. This is a folding premium or Pro phone. Instead of standing apart from all the Pixel 9 phones, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold fits in well with the rest of the lineup.
Overall, this is a redo done right. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks like a regular smartphone when closed, and opens into a mini tablet. The screens are sharp and bright (2,700 nits for the pair), and appeared responsive. The cameras are decent if not ground-breaking, but as an overall dual-purpose package with a lot of baked-in AI, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will, even at $1,799 / £1,749, probably appeal to a lot of would-be foldable phone buyers, who should keep an eye out for trade-ins and other deals that will lower the price-barrier to entry. I would not be surprised if it ends up near the top of our best foldables list.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold preview: also consider
OnePlus Open The OnePlus Open has a cover display that looks more like a normal smartphone than any other tablet foldable phone. The inner display is also bigger as a result.
Google Pixel Fold The Google Pixel Fold is an excellent, multidimensional handset that feels equally at home as a beefy smartphone or a pint-sized tablet, and it marries that versatility with strong performance and stellar photography. If you think of the Pixel Fold as two devices in one, the high price almost makes sense. Read our full Google Pixel Fold review
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available for pre-order now for $1,099 / £1,099, and it will be on shelves August 22, the same day as the Pixel 9. Google is holding the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Fold a bit longer, until September 4, so if you want a new Pixel as soon as possible, the XL is the best phone you can choose.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is 99% the same phone as the Google Pixel 9 Pro. If you think that makes sense, you haven't been following the world of smartphones, because phone makers like Apple and Samsung always save one or two special tricks for the biggest phones they make. If you want the best cameras, or all of the hidden features, you must buy the biggest phones.
Not so with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Every feature that you'll find on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available on the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, even (especially!) the 5x zoom camera. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has two distinct hardware advantages over the Pixel 9, but neither of them are completely clear, and both are related to the larger size.
First of all, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gets a larger, 6.8-inch Super Actua display. It's much bigger than the 6.3-inch screen on the Pixel 9 Pro, and it packs more pixels, offering a higher resolution.
So, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL screen better? Not exactly. Both displays can reach the same eye-burning 3,000 nits peak brightness. Both displays use LTPO technology for a low-power, always-on display that runs at an astonishing 1Hz. Both offer 24-bit color, and the same contrast ratio and other specs.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has more pixels, but with a larger screen area the pixels get a bit more room to spread out. Because the Pixel 9 Pro packs its pixels more densely, we'd say that screen is marginally sharper, with a higher pixel density.
In truth, the difference is probably invisible to human eyes, and both phones are more sharp than any iPhone or Galaxy phone you can buy right now. Google makes the best displays for a smartphone, whether you get the big one or the small one.
The cameras are the same on the Pixel 9 Pro... no, really
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
And this is the entire point of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The only choice to make is big one or small one. You don't have to wonder whether you really need a 5x zoom camera, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers, instead of only 3x zoom, as you get with the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple is being kind to Pro buyers. With Samsung, if you want the best cameras, you can't just buy the larger Galaxy S24 Plus (Samsung has no Pro models). That phone has the same cameras as the Galaxy S24. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the real step up, and it's a huge step up to 200MP on the main sensor, a 5x zoom lens (instead of 3x), larger sensors all around, and more.
Oh, and if you buy the Galaxy Ultra phone you have to take the S Pen. Samsung doesn't make a phone with the best cameras and no pen for those who don't want or need it.
Besides the screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has better 'power'
(Image credit: Philip Berne/ Future)
When I asked Google to spell out clearly the differences between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, I got two answers. The first was the display, as mentioned. The second was a more cryptic "power." I assumed Google meant a larger battery inside, but there's something else going on.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL does indeed have a larger battery. The XL phone comes with a battery that's around 5,060mAh, while the Pixel 9 Pro uses a cell that's only 4,700mAh, the same capacity as the battery in the Pixel 9.
Charging speed has been improved to 45W, and Google says these phones charge faster than any Pixel that came before. That's not a very lofty claim, but I do appreciate fast charging. Unfortunately, you'll have to find a fast charger, because Google doesn't include a new-fangled plug in the box.
Here's where things get weird. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro can both use a 45W charger, just like the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google says the smaller phones will charge up to 55% in about 30 minutes. So, they will fill around 2,600mAh of battery in 30 minutes.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL will reach up to 70% charge in about 30 minutes, using the same 45W charger. Google claims that it will charge more than 3,500mAh in the same time the Pixel 9 Pro takes to charge 2,600 mAh, with the same 45W charger. I'm very curious about this, and I'll investigate during my full review.
The bottom line, below the screen and power
The Pixel 8 Pro next to a Pixel 9 Pro XL (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Other than the larger screen and the apparent power differences, there really is no other difference between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro. This is an unusual development, but quite welcome, as I think it will make the Pixel 9 family as a whole much easier to explain to potential buyers.
You can read about all of the features coming to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL in my hands-on look at the former two phones. The Pixel 9 misses out on some new AI video enhancement features, in addition to the 5x zoom lens found on the Pro models. Google's new Gemini Live Conversation tool also won't be coming to the Pixel 9, so far as we've heard.
If you're considering the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it's an easier choice this year. You don't have to pay more just because you wanted the best cameras. If that's all you needed, you can save money and order the smaller Pixel 9 Pro without hesitation. If you mostly wanted a larger display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you the best big display you'll find on a smartphone today. It's bright and colorful, a real winner with great low-power LTPO features as well.
There was no XL model last year, but I should note that the Pixel 8 Pro went on sale within a month of launch, to coincide with the end-of-year shopping season. This year's Pixel 9 family launches months earlier, but I'd still anticipate aggressive sales to come before the year ends. If you don't need this phone right away, it wouldn't hurt to wait for a deal.
Pixel 9 Pro, clockwise from top-left: Porcelain; Hazel; Obsidian; Rose Quartz (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the phone I’ve been asking for… I just forgot to ask Google. With the new Pixel 9 Pro, Google is the only company offering all of its best features on a smaller phone. You can buy an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S24, but if you want the best you need to pay more and accept the biggest phones Apple and Samsung make. Not so with Google’s latest Pro Pixel.
I’m a big fan of great camera phones, but all the great camera phones are really big. If you want the best iPhone or Galaxy camera, you have to buy an iPhone 15 Pro Max or a Galaxy S24 Ultra. Anything less would be a compromise. You get a less powerful zoom lens if you choose the iPhone 15 Pro. You get less powerful everything if you choose a cheaper Galaxy.
The Pixel 9 Pro has the exact same camera specs as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. There are no changes and no compromises. It’s silly that this is a big deal, but as phones grew larger over the years, phone makers gave up on making the smaller phones just as capable as the larger phones. With the Pixel 9 Pro you get the exact same sensors with the same megapixels, and the same lenses with the same aperture, including the 5x telephoto camera.
What do you forego if you pick the smaller Pixel 9 Pro over the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL? There’s the screen size, obviously. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, versus the 6.8-inch display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google didn’t just expand the same resolution on the larger phone, either – the Pro XL phone has a higher resolution, although it’s a tiny bit less sharp in terms of pixel density. Like the Pro XL, the Pixel 9 Pro is incredibly bright, with average brightness around 2,000 nits and peak possibility of up to 3,000 nits. That’s enough to take photos in bright sunlight, and maybe even hurt your eyes if you stare closely for too long.
I’ll need to spend time with the cameras to see if they truly offer an improvement over last year's Pro, but the Pixel 9 Pro will likely attract attention more for its AI capabilities than for its photo prowess. Even the cameras and photo-editing tools have been boosted by the latest Google Gemini AI, and the most exciting new Gemini AI feature is a Pixel 9 Pro exclusive – it won’t be available on the Pixel 9.
That feature is Gemini Live, the new conversational tool that Google is offering with Google Gemini. You’ll be able to talk to Google Gemini in a more natural way, and Google is staring down ChatGPT by making a chat-friendly AI tool that runs natively on a mobile phone.
Google Gemini is going to understand and interact with us in many new ways once the Pixel 9 Pro arrives. It will be a multimodal AI, which means it'll be able to look at photos or listen to audio and answer questions about what it sees and hears. Google says you’ll be able to take a photo of the plant that’s dying on your window sill and ask for advice on how to save it.
Gemini will also be able to listen to your phone calls. It won’t just listen, it will take notes and send you a summary of the call after you hang up. Google says this feature will alert both parties that the call is being summarized by AI. I’ve seen that similar features are coming soon from Apple and Motorola, so it seems that an AI will soon be monitoring phone calls no matter what phone brand you choose. That’s kind of alarming.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The Pixel 9 Pro will get seven years of Android OS updates, including Pixel feature drops and security patches. If you plan on holding onto your phone for that long, I’d suggest looking at the Pixel 9 Pro over the Pixel 9, which gets the same seven-year promise – the slight hardware upgrade may be important over the long term.
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with 16GB of RAM inside, compared to 12GB in the Pixel 9. Those are massive amounts of memory for a mobile device, no matter which Pixel you choose. Samsung’s most powerful phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, only has 12GB of RAM, and you’d need to buy a gaming phone like an Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro to get 16GB or more (up to 24GB in the Asus phone) before the Pixel 9 Pro comes along.
My guess is that all that RAM isn’t for today – it’s for what’s to come. I’ve been very skeptical that today’s Pixel phones, like the Pixel 8, will really last through the seven years of updates that Google is promising. Google can’t make a processor that is future-proof, but adding more RAM that is needed at launch is a way to make sure that the phone will have spare headroom for whatever AI vehicles get parked in the Pixel garage.
With all that in mind, the Pixel 9 Pro is the most exciting Pixel phone I’ve seen in years, and I haven’t even mentioned the new design (and check out my Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on for more on the new look). It’s a pleasantly smaller phone that doesn’t skimp on features like every other smaller phone. It’s got exciting camera features and AI tools today, with more on the way, and the right hardware to stay up to date when the future arrives.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: Price and availability
The Pixel 9 Pro XL (left) and Pixel 9 (right) will launch a couple weeks earlier (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Costs $999 / £999 with 128GB of storage
Preorders are open now
Available on September 4, after the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL
You can pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro today, but the phone won’t be available until after the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL have hit store shelves. The latter two phones will be available on August 22, but the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can’t be yours until September 4.
The Pixel 9 Pro costs $999 / £999, and comes with only 128GB of storage for that price, which is shameful. You can upgrade the storage up to 1TB, and surely Google and others will have periodic deals that give you more storage for the same price. Every model comes with 16GB of RAM.
You can buy the Pixel 9 Pro in black Obsidian, off-white Porcelain, gray Hazel and pink Rose Quartz. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in the exact same color options.
If you’re considering a pre-order, you should know that Google Pixel phones tend to go on sale early and often. For instance, the Pixel 8 Pro was launched in mid-October, 2024, for $999 and by the middle of November it was already on sale with a $200 discount on Amazon in the US. It’s probably been discounted more than half of the year it has been on sale, and the lowest price has been almost 30% off the launch price.
How does the Pixel 9 stack up against competitors? The best comparison is the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched at the beginning of this year. Samsung is using the fastest processor on any Android phone, so there’s no contest with raw processing power. On other specs, however, the Pixel 9 is very impressive.
The Pixel 9 has a better display than Samsung’s Galaxy S24, according to DXO Labs and Google. It’s brighter, with a higher resolution. The Pixel 9 may also have better cameras. The Ultrawide camera specs are the same on both phones, but the Pixel 9 has a larger sensor for its main camera, with a wider aperture lens that should bring more light to the sensor. We’ll have to test the phone thoroughly to be sure.
The Pixel 9 has faster charging than the Galaxy S24, according to Google, but we’ll have to test those claims in Future Labs. The battery size is the same, but the Pixel 9 charges at 45W, while the Galaxy S24 charges at 25W. To Samsung’s credit, the Galaxy S24 is a thinner and lighter phone than the Pixel 9. Both phones use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front glass, and both phones are rated to IP68 water and dust resistance.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: Design and display
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Super-bright display is also razor sharp
Cool new design evolves the camera bar
Google is not messing around when it comes to the Pixel 9 Pro display. If you’re wondering how the Pixel is better than other Pro phones from Apple and Samsung, this is it. Google is winning on smartphone screens. The so-called Super Actua display on the Pixel 9 Pro is brighter than competing phones from Apple and Samsung, and it has a higher resolution as well. It looks fantastic, and it’s easy to read under any lighting conditions.
If you’re deciding between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the 9 Pro doesn’t have as many pixels overall, but it packs those pixels tighter for a higher pixel density, making it slightly more sharp. Both Pro Pixel models have a display that's more pixel dense than any iPhone available now.
I wasn’t sure about the Pixel 9 Pro design after seeing the leaks, then the early preview images from Google. I’ve been a fan of the Pixel camera bar since the Pixel 6 launched. I especially liked the multicolor design of the Pixel 6a, but Google has been mostly monochromatic recently. That’s fine, because the Pixel 9 Pro looks fantastic, and it comes in some very snazzy colors that are unique but not too loud.
The Hazel grey has been growing on me ever since I laid eyes on it. It’s a very pleasant shade, more like wet granite than dark clouds. The porcelain is a nice alternative to a stark white model, and the Rose Quartz is a pleasant shade of blossom pink, more mature than the Peony pink available on the Pixel 9. If you’re boring you can also get the Pixel 9 Pro in black Obsidian.
Google chooses excellent materials and finish options to complement the colors. The matte glass back has depth to it, especially on the porcelain and hazel devices. The polished metal frame is more refined than the satin finish on the Pixel 9; it catches the light and sparkles.
I even like the camera bar, possibly because of how dated it’s going to look in a few years. It’s unique and very à la mode, with bold, almost cartoonish lines and curves. I like the look, and I’m curious to see how it evolves over the next few generations.
I hope it doesn’t become a boring old bump like every other phone. Like the camera bar of old, the new camera pill shape remains symmetrical and clean, and the phone didn’t rock when I placed it face up, like some Samsung phones do with their corner-situated camera bumps.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: Software
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Lot of AI features will get to know you
Screenshots sounds useful, but will take some adjustment
Do you like AI? I hope you do, because the Pixel 9 Pro is going to push AI to a level we haven’t seen before in a smartphone. You’re going to talk to the Gemini AI on the Pixel 9 Pro like it’s a person. You’ll be able to show it things with the camera and ask questions about what you see. It’s going to organize and keep track of the things on your phone, and it will be able to answer questions in a normal, conversational style.
At least, that’s what Google promises. Some of it is very cool and immediately useful, like the Add Me feature in the camera. I’ll get to that next, but it works well and I can imagine using it; I just wish it had been around 10 years ago when I was chasing my toddler with a camera.
Some of the new AI features are a bit worrisome, though. You can ask the AI to listen to your phone calls and take notes. It will summarize calls and answer questions about what was said. Google says that your callers will get a warning when you use this feature, but it still feels strange to have the phone listening to calls and keeping track. I’ll need to test this feature thoroughly.
There's also a new Screenshots app that's exclusive to the Pixel 9 range, at least for now. If you take a lot of screenshots to help you remember, well, everything, the Pixel 9 Pro will be able to use its AI powers to read and understand your screenshots. It will be able to answer questions about the things you've saved, in a natural, conversational way, according to Google.
It’s hard for me to imagine how useful this might be, but I have to admit that after I spent time with the Pixel 9 Pro, I took a look at my other phones and realized I have far more screenshots than I ever imagined – and not all of them were taken just because I accidentally pressed the power and volume buttons at the same time.
If you buy the Pixel 9 Pro, Google will give you a year of its Google One AI Premium plan, which comes with 2TB of cloud storage. With the Premium plan, you can use Google Gemini Advanced, which is the, um, advanced model of Gemini. I’ve been a subscriber since it launched, so I can’t compare Gemini Advanced to the regular old Gemini, but I’m happy with the results I’ve been getting so far.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: Cameras
The older Pixel 8 Pro next to the Pixel 9 Pro (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Same 5x zoom lens as the Pixel 9 Pro XL
AI offers Improvements to video zoom and night video
Apple take note: you don’t need to make the 5x zoom lens exclusive to the big phone. Some people want a smaller phone, and those people shouldn’t have to sacrifice camera quality or capabilities. It’s strange that both Samsung and Apple, to varying degrees, make you settle for second-best cameras if you want their smaller phone, but the Pixel 9 Pro does not have the same constraint. Whether you buy the Pro of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you get the exact same cameras, including the 5x zoom lens.
When I say the exact same cameras, I mean it. The sensors and lenses are the same. There isn’t some special image stabilization that you only get on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as there is with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It’s all the same. In fact, the main camera and ultra-wide cameras are the same kit found on the Pixel 9, but that cheaper phone doesn’t have a zoom lens. If you’re serious about taking photos, you need the zoom.
The new Add Me feature on the camera seems genuinely useful, though I am a bit hesitant. The TechRadar team gave it a try in our hands-on time with the Pixel phones, and it did a great job adding our Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff to a photo after I’d left him out. It was easy to line up the shot and tell Lance where to stand, and the end results were flawless.
Is that a good thing, that the Pixel 9 Pro can create a flawless image of a group photo that never happened? I haven’t decided, but I can easily imagine this feature catching on, especially with new parents.
The Pixel 9 Pro also gets new video capabilities, thanks to Google’s AI enhancements. The camera can already use AI for what Google calls a 'Super Res Zoom' photo that can zoom in up to 30x. Now the video camera can also use 'Super Res Zoom' for up to 20x zoom on video recordings.
If you’re recording at night, Google’s Video Boost feature has been improved to process dark videos twice as fast, once the video has been uploaded. Also, Google has improved low-light handling for panorama shots, and it says the Pixel 9 Pro can create the best panoramas in low light of any camera.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: Performance and battery
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Tons of RAM should help with AI features today and to come
Fastest battery charging on a Pixel, but no charger in the box
Pixel fans don’t fret about performance and benchmarks, because Pixel phones aren’t built for power, they're built for Google. You won’t win benchmark weightlifting competitions with the Pixel 9 Pro, but Google has given the phone some interesting hardware to keep it current with the latest Android software and Pixel feature drops for the next seven years.
The Pixel 9 Pro has 16GB of RAM, which is truly mind-blowing in a mobile device. My first laptop had only… never mind, it doesn’t matter. Let’s just say that 16GB is more than any other phone most people have heard of. You’d need to buy an Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro gaming phone and spend extra on RAM to top the Pixel 9 Pro.
Why so much RAM? Probably AI. Across the board, on laptops and mobile phones, our testing has shown that RAM makes a big difference with AI features. Is it more important than having the fastest Snapdragon processor? Time will tell, but if I buy a Pixel hoping to make it to the end of the seven-year promise, I want that Pixel to be stuffed with RAM.
The Pixel 9 Pro should charge faster than any previous Pixel, according to Google, but that claim isn’t very impressive. You’ll need to buy a 45W charger to get the full charging speed, and it’s worth the investment. Google should have included one with this Pro phone, since presumably most buyers won’t already have a charger this fast.
Oddly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger battery, but it also charges faster, according to Google’s charging-time estimates. It has the same 45W charging capability, but Google says it charges faster. When you ask Google about the spec differences between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, it tells you the only differences are the screen and the ‘power,’ which seems to mean more than just battery size. We’ll have to test these claims to see what’s really happening.
Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on: The bottom line
A Pixel 9 Pro (right) next to a Pixel 8 Pro (left) (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The Pixel 9 Pro is an exciting phone, and I hope Apple and Samsung pay attention. It’s a smaller phone that doesn’t skimp on performance or memory, and especially not on cameras. If you’ve been pining for a smaller phone that doesn’t make you feel left out, the Pixel 9 Pro is worth a look.
Is it better than other phones at this price? I’ll need to test the phone thoroughly, but it seems promising. The display alone is a winning feature, and it’s a wonder that Google hasn’t earned a stronger reputation for its spectacular Super Actua screens.
With cameras, however, everybody knows Google Pixel phones are among the best, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the most promising camera system yet on a Pixel phone. I like the new AI features, even if I’m nervous about relying on AI to change images. I’m very interested to see how the AI improves photography as I’m shooting, especially the low-light improvements to video shooting and panoramas.
The Pixel 9 Pro is going to require a lot of trust. I’m going to turn over my screenshots, all of those dozens of random, unsorted images, and let the AI read everything. I’m going to let it listen to my phone calls, and I’m going to rely on its interpretation of what was said. I’m going to have conversations with this phone like a normal person. I just hope it acts normal. I’m not sure I’m ready for my phone to be this much of a person.
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