Google's latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, have hit the market with some impressive thermal management capabilities, but their battery performance may leave some users wanting more.
Keeping Cool Under Pressure
In a recent battery drain test conducted by YouTube channel TechDroider, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL showcased remarkable thermal efficiency. Both devices maintained the lowest temperatures among competitors, reaching only 40.9 degrees Celsius during intensive use. This is particularly noteworthy for the base Pixel 9 model, which achieves this feat without the inclusion of a vapor chamber cooling system.
The Pixel 9's cool performance stands in stark contrast to some of its rivals:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 50.4°C
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 44.6°C
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: 41.2°C
Battery Life: Room for Improvement
Despite the thermal efficiency, the Pixel 9 series falls short in overall battery endurance:
- Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL: 10 hours 25 minutes
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 10 hours 47 minutes
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 11 hours 44 minutes
Google has increased battery capacities (4,700mAh for Pixel 9, 5,060mAh for Pixel 9 Pro XL) and introduced the more efficient Tensor G4 chip. However, these improvements have not translated into class-leading battery life.
Charging Capabilities and Limitations
The Pixel 9 maintains the same 15W wireless charging cap as its predecessor, the Pixel 8. This maximum speed is only achievable with Google's proprietary Pixel Stand charger. When using third-party wireless chargers, the Pixel 9 is limited to 12W charging speeds.
For users looking to maximize charging convenience, several options are available:
- Peak Design Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand (requires a Qi2-compatible case)
- Mophie Wireless Charging Stand+ (dual device charging)
- Mooas Wireless Charging Nightlight (stylish bedside option)
- Spigen ArcField Wireless Charger (budget-friendly choice)
The Bigger Picture
While the Pixel 9 series demonstrates impressive thermal management, Google still has work to do in optimizing overall performance and battery life. The cool-running nature of these devices is promising, but it hasn't yet translated into tangible benefits in areas like gaming performance or extended battery life that consumers might expect.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, Google will need to focus on bridging the gap between its excellent thermal design and real-world performance metrics to stay competitive with industry leaders like Apple and Samsung.
