In August, Google launched its latest Pixel phone lineup to much fanfare and positive early reviews. With this year's models, the company made a bigger push into AI with Gemini Live. It also mixed up its phone range by launching the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and rebadging its largest phone to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This made room for a much more pocketable Pixel 9 Pro that delivers pro features in a Pixel 9-sized frame.
Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, or 9 Pro Fold
As great as Google's new Pixel lineup is, it hasn't been sunshine and rainbows for everyone. Early adopters in particular have encountered a few problems, and while some have settled down after break-in periods or been fixed in later Android updates, we're still seeing reports of minor issues. While none of these appear to be deal-breakers, they're worth keeping an eye on if you're considering a new Pixel phone or struggling with the one you have. Here are a few of the most prominent issues we've come across and some suggestions on what to do if you encounter any of them.
There have been some reports of significant lag between pressing the shutter button and capturing images on the Pixel 9 Pro XL camera. This appears to be related to shooting in the higher-resolution 50-megapixel (MP) mode, which also appears to have some bugs related to quality and lack of detail.
These both appear to be software issues related to image processing, and hopefully Google can do something to fix them in a software update. It's unclear how widespread the problem is, but there are a few things you can try if you encounter it.
One common complaint from early adopters was excessive stuttering and frame drops, particularly when scrolling. These were most noticeable by those who came from other platforms, with comparisons made to the buttery smooth scrolling of rivals like Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra.
This problem is far from widespread, and in some cases it appears to be related to a "break-in" period while data is being restored and under-the-hood optimizations are occurring. Many folks are reporting that their Pixel 9 phones are just as smooth as the best that Samsung offers. Nevertheless, here are some things to consider if you're impacted by it.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is reported to have wireless charging issues, with users on Google Forum and Reddit describing the charging as inconsistent. Interestingly, one of the biggest complaints is that charging with Google’s Pixel Stand is troublesome at best.
Google has not officially commented on this issue. However, at least one Reddit user stated that the company has acknowledged this as a known bug that's currently being looked at by company engineers. If this is accurate, a software update should address this sooner rather than later.
Until then, there's a few things you can do to perhaps better the situation.
Last year, many Pixel 8 users complained about poor battery life on their new handsets. However, improvements have been made in the Pixel 9 series this year. If you’re still experiencing issues, there are a few things you can try to improve the situation. The solutions involve changing a few settings on your phone.
At least one Reddit user has pointed out another issue with the Pixel 9 Pro XL: a potential problem with the telephoto lens, specifically when using the 5x zoom.
Other users have reported experiencing tilt issues with the phone’s ultrawide lens, while some say it’s sporadic.
Once again, there has been no confirmation from Google that this is a problem with the new phones.
Thankfully, it seems that the Pixel 9 series, like the Pixel 8 before it, does not suffer from overheating issues like earlier Pixel versions. If this changes suddenly, Google will release a bug fix to resolve what would almost certainly be a software, not a hardware, issue. If you think your phone is too hot, there are a few things to try.
If your Pixel 9 touchscreen suddenly stops working or is having sporadic problems, the device could be suffering from a serious issue.
At least one Pixel 8 user has complained on Reddit that a recent software update has caused Wi-Fi issues with their phone. However, we haven't received any similar reports from Pixel 9 users, but it's possible this issue could crop up for it.
Regardless of the type of phone you have, if you believe it isn't connecting properly to the internet via Wi-Fi, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try.
Are you tired of paying for streaming services you never watch just to get a phone plan feature you actually want? T-Mobile has good news for you! The carrier is rolling out new plans, called T-Mix, in early November to replace its old Experience lineup with a build-your-own perks system called Picks.
The benefits you choose vary from streaming and gaming to food delivery, AI, satellite service, and phone discounts. But if you are satisfied with your existing plan, you can keep it.
Merely days after the iPhone Duo hit the shelves, images of broken screens on the phone started popping up across social media. Until now, it’s been unclear what’s causing the line of defective pixels that appears vertically along the crease, as well as horizontally, on the phone’s inner display.
Apple has finally acknowledged the issue, which has shown up on iPhone Duo units owned by customers as well as demo units in stores. In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Apple says that not all iPhone Duo units are affected and that those that are tend to show the display fault early on. The company added that users who experience problems with their iPhone Duo display should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Not long ago, Apple treated independent repair like an act of outright hostility. The Cupertino giant locked down parts with serial-number pairing, while repair tools remained firmly out of reach of anyone outside its authorized repair network. More importantly, the company waged a legal and lobbying battle against right-to-repair legislation.
I've covered enough of these fights over the years to know what a shift looks like. That's why what happened in October 2026 genuinely caught me off guard. The day the iPhone Duo went on sale, what may be the most mechanically complex iPhone to date, Apple pulled off a surprising about-face. It published teardown-style repair manuals for a handful of major components.