Pixel 9 Pro - Input wanted!

Developer-Dude

I have a Pixel 6a, and while it still has just over a year of updates left, I'm considering buying a Pixel 9 Pro from Best Buy. It says theres only one left in stock, and I have a few questions. Has anyone bought this specific 9 Pro from Best Buy and is it OEM Unlockable? I've heard most phones from Best Buy are, but I want to be sure. I'd have to order it online as its not available in any stores near me. What do you think?

And for you 9 Pro users, how do you like your 9 Pro? I assume the camera is a lot better than my 6a. How's battery life? Thanks for any input! :)

Eduardo06sp

Developer-Dude I have the smaller 9 Pro, and the hardware is honestly so behind it's embarrassing.

I live in a hot climate (and my car's AC went out lol), and the cooling is just inefficient. It overheats super easily, and we have no official wireless charger for it.

Even on days that it's not really hot, it gets super hot if the sun is hitting it.

Honestly, the only thing I like about it is its form factor, AI call screening, and the camera (not even video). Otherwise, my other phone (OnePlus 13) is far superior, and actually feels like a $1K device (it's actually $900).

I'm purposefully torturing myself by keeping my 9 Pro as a daily driver until Motorola announces their hardware with GrapheneOS. I hopefully never have to buy a Pixel ever again (I had the 2, 7 I think, 8 Pro, & now 9 Pro). Yes, I know, I should have learned my lesson long ago. I even started getting software glitches recently.

Good thing is they did extend the warranty for my screen after it started getting green/pink lines. Which I forgot to mention. Oh, and my speakers occasionally like to crackle, but some people say it could be the case you use. I have a dbrand grippy case for what it's worth.

DeletedUser688

Developer-Dude If your budget allows, I'd wait for the Motorola devices.

vtek

Developer-Dude if you're going to go with a Pixel and you're in the US, consider Cape - you'll get $500 off your bill over 6 months, no contract, unlocked, and (IMO)` the best carrier in the US regarding privacy/security - they'll even install GOS for you if you want

Developer-Dude

Or do I get this 9 Pro? Its quite a lot cheaper (and more in my budget) but its an open box. Will it still be OEM Unlockable? Is it still new? Or... Do I get a 9a for like $500? A lot cheaper, but I want the 9 Pro for sure.

Developer-Dude

Developer-Dude Or do I get this 9 Pro?

I'm leaning towards this one. If I buy one it'll probably be next week maybe.

Johnnyloans

These comments shed some light.
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/33688-what-devices-to-use/3

Developer-Dude

Johnnyloans haha, just as you posted that link I was reading that thread, lol

Chipper

Eduardo06sp the 8 seemed fine to me.. When it sunk, I got the 9 and it seems fine to me, its a phone... The pro versions seem a waste of money to me... My threat model is such that second hand was perfectly acceptable and more than half the price of retail.. As long as you use remote attestation its all good.

Developer-Dude

Eduardo06sp I may even look at a 9a then. A heck of a lot cheaper

Eduardo06sp

Chipper it's just a *$1k phone.

It doesn't perform like one unfortunately. I also got mine super cheap (trade in value for my 8 Pro was high), but seeing how behind the hardware is was really eye-opening.

It's highway robbery.

Eduardo06sp

Developer-Dude I personally would never pay full price for a Pixel.

I buy/sell on Swappa so upgrading for me isn't coming 100% out of pocket.

I would definitely wait for Motorola's GOS device if you can hold out a little longer.

Developer-Dude

DeletedUser688 yeah, I could, but I honestly prefer Pixel phones to Motorola. If Motorola was significantly cheaper, then maybe, but as long as Pixels are supported I'll probably continue to use them. And my friends phone just broke, so I was going to give them my 6a, while it still has updates.

DeletedUser688

Developer-Dude I can relate. I am honestly worried that the camera App will be worse. The Pixel Camera App matches my taste very well.

Developer-Dude

I'm assuming that coming from a 6a, a 9a would be far more advanced and premium. I've never really seen one in person. Is the screen much bigger than the 6a? I like a small phone.

wizoatk

Developer-Dude

If you like numbers, GSMArena is fairly reliable.

Google Pixel 6a vs Google Pixel 9a:
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=11229&idPhone2=13478
https://www.gsmarena.com/size-compare-3d.php3?idPhone1=11229&idPhone2=13478

Developer-Dude

Have any of you installed GrapheneOS using a phone Hotspot though? That would probably be my only option if I install it at home, as I don't actually have WiFi and I normally just Hotspot my computer from my phone. Or would that take ages to complete?

guser39

Developer-Dude if you perform a command-line installation, you can download the installation files ahead of time.

It is also recommended to update the Android device, so don't forget to consider that when doing your prep work.

Developer-Dude

@raccoondad , I recall that you bought a Pixel 9a from Best Buy some time ago, right? Think I saw that somewhere on here.

kaisernatron

Iirc 9a is the only A-series phone that has a vapor chamber which improves heat management

Chipper

Eduardo06sp , I'm sure all your points are valid, what you have missed is that we are all here for security and the pixels are the only phones that have the hardware capabilities that meet the developers high standards, and presumably do so because they are technologically superior to these other phones.. If your priority is to have the latest greatest I assume its not the pixel though I wouldn't know as I could care less what other phones are doing the pixel far exceeds my expectations and needs in a phone so its position relative to others is irrelevant.

Developer-Dude

vtek yeah I'm in Canada, so can't use Cape sadly. :( Wish it was available here. I'd use it in a second