Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL faces early troubles: design and performance issues highlight need for improvement
Top 3 Key Points:
- Wireless Charging Problems: Inconsistent wireless charging, even with Google’s Pixel Stand.
- Camera and Build Quality Issues: Problems with the telephoto lens and build inconsistencies, such as gaps in the camera bar.
- Difficult Disassembly: The new design makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery hard to remove, complicating repairs.
Google’s latest smartphones, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, have been released with features that sound straight out of a tech fantasy. These devices promise to make everyday tasks easier, from organizing your photos and screenshots to transcribing phone calls. They even offer emergency services access when you lose signal.
However, the excitement is quickly turning into frustration for many users. Early adopters have reported several issues, including inconsistent wireless charging, camera problems, and questionable build quality.
Inconsistent Wireless Charging and Camera Issues
Many Pixel 9 Pro XL users have complained that wireless charging is unreliable, even when using Google’s Pixel Stand. Additionally, the camera, particularly when using the telephoto lens, has been reported to struggle with maintaining level shots during video recording. Some users have also noticed a small gap in the camera bar and condensation under the lens, which raises concerns about the overall build quality.
A Growing List of Problems
These issues are alarming, especially since the phones were only released on August 22. While some bugs are to be expected with any new device, the frequency and severity of these problems suggest that Google might need to rethink its approach. Google has been in the smartphone market for nearly a decade, so these issues shouldn’t be so common at this stage in their development process.
Tough Love Needed for Google’s Flagship
Google has been making its smartphone chips for four years now and should be focusing on perfecting the core user experience rather than just introducing new features. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s wireless charging issues and camera problems are particularly concerning. These are essential features that users expect to work flawlessly.
While software updates might fix some of these problems, it raises the question of whether Google’s quality assurance team is doing enough before these devices hit the market. With only two models released so far, it’s worrisome to think about the potential issues that could arise with the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a foldable phone with even more complexity.
Design Challenges Highlighted in Teardown
Recent teardowns of the Pixel 9 Pro XL reveal that the battery is particularly difficult to remove due to strong adhesive, which wasn’t the case in previous models. The teardown also showed that Google has switched to a new design language, using less common screws and hidden components that make the device harder to repair.
These design changes, while potentially beneficial for some aspects of the phone, highlight the need for further optimization. The complexity of the internal design makes repairs challenging, even for experienced technicians.