I’m terrible with my cell phone. I have a habit of updating to the latest and greatest, whether it’s the modern Pro Max for iPhone, the modern Samsung Ultra, or testing a foldable smartphone. I’ve always avoided Google due to my bad experience with the Pixel 3, but now I think I’ve found the one – Google Pixel 9. Well, at least until he slows down.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend their days testing games, phones, technology and services. We always share candid opinions to lend a hand you buy the best. Find out how we test.
Yes, that’s right. Despite my love for the powerful Samsung S23 Ultra and my love for Apple’s simplicity in the iPhone 13 Pro Max, my heart wandered. When it comes to the best Android phones and the best iPhones, I consistently switched them back and forth – a never-ending battle that swung like a pendulum. However, I came across Google Pixel completely by accident and I am delighted with it.
I won’t dwell too much on the text as my thoughts remain unchanged from my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review. As time went on, my eyesight failed, and even after the iPhone 16 was released – it was a threatening time when my cell phone carrier was afraid of me walking in the door – I shrugged.
I’m having some issues with the Pixel 9 series. The sinking tide of AI tools, even though I never employ them, constantly tries to take advantage of me, and there have been quite a few bugs during the Android 15 beta, including apps randomly shutting down or the keyboard not appearing. But these issues don’t really matter because the Pixel 9 Pro XL seems to be the best of both worlds. The freedom to customize Android with Apple’s design philosophy.
My problems with Google are well known. I don’t like their recent core updates and how they’ve impacted the publisher industry, as well as the fact that they shut down my beloved Stadia a few years ago. However, as someone who has never used suggested passwords on iPhone, I love how well Chrome on my computer connects to my Pixel, and being able to feel secure with my passwords without the stress of using a third-party app has made a huge improvement in my life.
While the price of the Pixel series has indeed increased over last year’s models, I’m cheerful to pay the modern full price (even though I got it from my mobile data provider). Fortunately, if you’re looking for a modern phone and are willing to take the electrifying risk of owning a Google Pixel 9 – well, Black Friday deals make it a worthwhile investment.
Thanks to Black Friday, you can save $150/£100 on all Pixel 9 models except the Pixel 9 Fold, which has a $300/£300 discount. I personally own a Pixel 9 Pro XL and love it, but I know huge cell phones aren’t for everyone – but all phones employ the same Tensor G4 chipset.
There are also discounts on accessories that will make your Google Pixel experience even better. From the Pixel Watch 3 to the modern Pixel Buds Pro 2, there are plenty of great Black Friday mobile deals. Even then, thanks to the open nature of Android, you can always opt for third-party accessories – for example, I employ Galaxy Buds 3 Pro from Samsung (which, spoiler – are also on sale).
Even though the chipset isn’t as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in many premium flagships, the Google Pixel 9 is still an excellent gaming smartphone – so I also recommend taking a look at the best phone controllers to improve your gaming experience. Alternatively, try to take advantage of the best headset and earbuds deals during Black Friday, because you’ll need something perfect for gaming or music.
