TL;DR
- Google still does not offer a UWB chip on the base Pixel 9, and you’ll have to spend a bit more on one of the Pro models to get UWB support.
- Due to the lack of UWB support, the base Pixel 9 won’t be able to take full advantage of Google’s updated Find My Device network or offer the digital car keys feature.
- Buyers will also miss out on UWB-based integrations with the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Watch 3.
Although it’s been a few years since Google introduced UWB support on its Pixel lineup, the company has limited availability to its top-end Pro models, the Pixel Fold, and the Pixel Tablet so far. We expected the company to address this with the new Pixel 9 series, but the base model still doesn’t pack a UWB chip.
In addition to featuring an inferior display and selfie camera, packing lesser RAM, and missing out on a telephoto camera and temperature sensor, the base Pixel 9 also lacks UWB support. That’s quite disappointing, especially since the Pro model costs just $200 more, and Google is charging a $100 premium compared to last year’s base model.
Due to the lack of UWB support, those who purchase the base Pixel 9 will not be able to take advantage of Google’s upgraded Find My Device network and UWB trackers or use the phone as a car key with supported cars. Users will also miss out on UWB-enabled integrations with the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Watch 3, like the ability to easily cast songs to the tablet or unlock the phone with the smartwatch.
If you value any of the aforementioned features, you should consider getting the Pixel 9 Pro instead of the base model. For just $200 more, it will give you access to all these features, along with a higher-resolution display, a better selfie camera, 16GB RAM, a dedicated telephoto camera, and a temperature sensor.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
All Pro, reasonable size
High-quality display
Seven years of software support
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The best specs in the Pixel 9 series
Gorgeous display
Seven years of software updates
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Improved design
8-inch folding display
Seven years of software updates
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