(image source: Google)
Ah, the Google Pixel 9 series – a technological marvel that’s about as accessible to the average South African as a moon holiday. Sure, it looks slick, promises to take photos that would make a Pro photographer weep, and has AI smarts that would make even Elon Musk raise an eyebrow. Unfortunately for South African tech enthusiasts, this technological feast remains tantalizingly out of reach. It’s like watching a gourmet food show while munching on stale pap.
Google, ever the tease, has decided to bless the rest of the world with a quartet of Pixel phones – the standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL for those with pocket-sized black holes, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and as with previous generations, South Africans are left wanting.
Now, before you Pixel purists come at me with tales of parallel imports and the wonders of grey markets, ( which I’ve tried by the way, my current phone is a Pixel 8 )let’s first delve into this technological marvel that Google has so cruelly denied our shores.
Design-wise, Google has ditched the playful colours for a more grown-up vibe. Google seems to have taken a page out of Apple’s playbook, opting for a flat-edged aesthetic that exudes a sophisticated charm. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are available in a range of understated colours, a departure from the playful hues of previous generations, it’s like trading in your neon windbreaker for a charcoal suit. While the design might evoke comparisons to the iPhone, the Pixel series maintains a distinct personality. The phones look sleek and modern, but let’s be honest, they could be any colour as long as it’s not beige.
Under the hood, the new Tensor G4 chip promises a significant performance boost, ensuring seamless multitasking and effortless app launches. The Pixel 9 comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 9 Pro ups the ante with a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panel for a smoother visual experience. Both models are equipped with robust batteries, ensuring you can enjoy your device without constantly worrying about running out of juice.
The camera system is undoubtedly the star of the show. Google’s been waving its AI wand over the Pixel camera for years, and this time they’ve conjured up some serious photographic wizardry. You can say goodbye to photo-bombers with the improved Magic Eraser, and even your grandma’s old family photos will look like they were shot by a professional.
Pixel 9 boasts a 50MP main sensor that captures stunning photos with impressive detail. The Pixel 9 Pro takes things a step further with a triple-camera setup, including a 48MP telephoto lens for exceptional zoom capabilities.
However, it’s the AI magic that truly sets the Pixel 9 series apart. The Tensor G4 chip powers a suite of intelligent features,including an enhanced Magic Eraser tool capable of removing unwanted objects from photos with astonishing precision.Google’s Real Tone technology, which accurately represents skin tones, has been further refined, ensuring that everyone looks their best in pictures. And let’s not forget the revamped Google Assistant, which is becoming increasingly proactive and helpful.
But let’s get real for a moment. While the Pixel 9 series is undoubtedly impressive, it’s as relevant to most South Africans as a snow plough in the Kalahari. Parallel imports are an option , but it’s fraught with potential pitfalls such as hefty import duties, warranty issues, and the risk of encountering counterfeit devices.
While the rest of the world is drooling over their new Pixel phones, we’ll just be here, patiently waiting for Google to show us some love. Until then, we’ll make do with our current phones, and a touch of pixelated envy.
