Is the Pixel 9 Not Right for You? Explore These Wonderful Substitutes
Google unveiled the Pixel 9 lineup last week. The Pixel 9 Pro XL and regular Pixel 9 pre-orders are now closed. You may get both models for your money. Google is still offering a $100 store credit for the regular Pixel 9 and $200 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you purchase today. Gift certificates are another inducement that Amazon is providing. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, however, are still available for preorder. The first part of next month is when their official release is planned.
Samsung Galaxy S24: A Powerful Substitute
Consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 series instead of the Pixel 9, if you are considering purchasing one. Like Pixel phones, these variants also come with 7 years of software support. With the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has crammed it full of AI features, many of which are driven by Google's own technology. Nonetheless, Samsung's One UI offers certain benefits that differentiate it from Google's Pixel smartphones.
The DeX function of One UI, which enables you to use your phone as a computer when connected to a monitor, is one of its main advantages. Good Lock is an additional fantastic tool that lets you fully modify the UI on your phone. Compared to Google, Samsung provides greater storage for a lower cost. Nevertheless, compared to the Pixel 9 variants, the Galaxy S24 series has less RAM. It is not a deal breaker because AI performance should not be impacted by this RAM difference.
Why It is Not the Best Time to Buy the iPhone 15 or 16 Series Right Now
It is not a good time to purchase a new iPhone right now. The release of the iPhone 16 series is rapidly approaching. The current iPhone models' costs will decrease as soon as the new ones become available. It is best to hold off on buying an iPhone until the new models are announced. You can then choose to purchase the latest iPhone 16 or receive a discount on an earlier model.
However, if you are still looking for a fantastic substitute for the Google Pixel 9, the iPhone 15 ought to be more than sufficient. Performance-wise, the pro models of Apple's iPhone 15 series outperform the vanilla model in terms of camera quality, battery life, and performance. It is important to note that the $799 price tag is shared by the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 15. Consequently, choosing the iPhone 15 over the Pixel 9 should not be a bad choice.
OnePlus 12: An Affordable Choice
Though, in contrast to Apple, OnePlus is known for its sales, and it will soon be updating its lineup. The Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 series are more expensive than the OnePlus 12, which is set to release soon. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which powers it, is quicker than Google's Tensor G4. A variant of the OnePlus 12 with 16GB of RAM is also available; this feature is absent from the Samsung variants. The OnePlus 12 offers great performance even though the Samsung Galaxy S24 series has faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 "for Galaxy" CPUs.
Even with the outdated Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the OnePlus 12R is still a competitive option. Unlike the normal Pixel 9, it has an LTPO display but no telephoto camera. The 6.78-inch screen of the OnePlus 12R is substantially larger. Nevertheless, compared to Samsung or Google, its software support is not as robust. Four operating system updates and five years of security fixes are scheduled for the flagship OnePlus 12, while three updates and four years are scheduled for the OnePlus 12R. Comparing the OnePlus models to the Pixel 9 series, they are not software-wise inferior because both of them ship with Android 14.
Motorola Edge: A Complicated Mix
The Moto Edge (2024), the company's most recent product, is powered by the slower Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. The phone's faux-leather back and gorgeous curved OLED display are lovely features, but the slower processor is a bummer. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) from last year would be a better option if you are seeking for one. The 512GB model is presently available for $500 and is equipped with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU as the OnePlus 12R.
The 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) features a refresh rate of 120 Hz; nevertheless, it is not an LTPO display. It does come with a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP 2x telephoto lens, and a 50MP primary camera. There is a 60MP front camera for taking selfies. However, compared to phones from Google, Samsung, or even OnePlus, Motorola's software support is not as robust.
Concluding Remarks: Which Phone Is Best?
It might be difficult to select the best smartphone, especially with so many alternatives available. Keep in mind that there are other powerful competitors on the market if the Pixel 9 is something you are considering. A strong substitute is provided by the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which has superior storage possibilities, special features like DeX, and longer software support. A more affordable choice with strong performance and respectable software support is offered by OnePlus. Motorola, meanwhile, provides mid-range devices with respectable specifications and mediocre software support.
Waiting for the iPhone 16 series is a wise choice if you are set on purchasing an iPhone because you can end up saving money. Before choosing a brand, it is critical to think about the aspects that are most important to you. Every brand has advantages and disadvantages. Whether software updates, camera quality, or general performance are your top priorities, there is probably a phone out there that meets your requirements more closely than the Pixel 9.
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