Upgrading phones often comes with the promise of enhanced features, and for me, the primary driver for switching from my reliable Samsung A73 to the Google Pixel 9 was the camera. While the Samsung A73 served me well and was still functioning perfectly, its camera consistently fell short of my expectations. Dissatisfaction with image quality finally pushed me to explore other options, leading me to the Google Pixel 9.
To illustrate the difference, I’ve conducted a direct camera comparison between these two phones, focusing on aspects that matter most to everyday users: zoom capability, performance in natural light, and macro detail. The following comparisons showcase photos taken from the exact same position, allowing for a clear side-by-side evaluation.
First, let’s examine the zoom capabilities of both phones. I photographed a Japanese maple tree, utilizing the maximum zoom available on each device.
As you can see, even with digital zoom, the Pixel 9 manages to retain significantly more detail and clarity compared to the Samsung A73. The Pixel 9’s image is sharper, with better definition in the leaves and branches of the maple tree.
Next, I compared the cameras’ performance in natural sunlight, using a rose as the subject. Bright sunlight can often challenge phone cameras, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to assess color reproduction and detail rendition.
In this comparison, the Pixel 9 again demonstrates superior image quality. The colors in the rose photo are more vibrant and true-to-life, and the details in the petals are more pronounced. The Samsung A73’s image appears slightly washed out and less detailed in comparison.
Finally, I tested the macro capabilities by photographing the center of a Hippeastrum flower. Macro photography allows you to capture intricate details at close range, revealing textures and patterns often missed by the naked eye.
The Pixel 9 clearly excels in macro photography. The image of the Hippeastrum center is significantly sharper, revealing finer details in the stamen and pistil. The Samsung A73’s macro shot lacks the same level of clarity and detail, appearing softer overall.
To provide a broader visual comparison, the following gallery presents a series of photos taken with both phones. The file name of each image indicates the phone used (Samsung A73 or Pixel 9), allowing for easy identification.
While I still appreciate the superior image quality of my Fujifilm camera, the Google Pixel 9 has become a very capable and convenient alternative for everyday photography. The image quality is a significant step up from the Samsung A73, and I am particularly pleased with the option to capture raw images, offering greater flexibility in post-processing. Although raw images consume more storage space, the improved image quality is often worth the trade-off.
In conclusion, based on my initial experiences, the Google Pixel 9 camera convincingly outperforms the Samsung A73. For anyone prioritizing mobile photography and seeking a noticeable upgrade in camera quality, the Pixel 9 is highly recommendable. I am excited to continue exploring the Pixel 9’s capabilities and will share further insights in future posts.
