Pixel 9 family: The “just hardware” review (no AI)

Enlarge / For this “neutral,” hardware-focused review of the Pixel 9 phones, I asked the Pixel to “reimagine” a “neutral white background.” (credit: Kevin Purdy / Gemini AI)

I asked Google’s Gemini Live chatbot, running on a new Pixel 9 Pro, how easy it was to use the Pixel 9 without all the Gemini AI features?

“It’s definitely possible to use a Pixel 9 without Gemini,” the bot responded in a remarkably casual voice. “While Gemini adds some cool features, your phone will still work pretty much the same as any other Android phone. You’ll still have access to all the basic stuff like making calls, texting, taking photos, and all your favorite apps.”

“But,” I followed up, “didn’t Google emphasize the Pixel 9 as a Gemini phone?”