The Google Pixel 9 has arrived, and it’s packed with a host of new features, cutting-edge hardware, and software enhancements that make it one of the best smartphones on the market. If you’re new to Pixel phones, getting acquainted with your device can be an exciting journey! With a little guidance, you’ll quickly discover all the amazing features your Pixel 9 has to offer, unlocking its full potential with ease. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some essential tips and tricks to get the most out of your new device, whether you’re upgrading from another phone or entering the Google ecosystem for the first time.
For TELUS phones, the Google Pixel 9 offers seamless integration with TELUS’s fast 5G network, allowing for a better overall experience. And if you’re eligible for the TELUS EPP (Employee Purchase Program), you can snag the Pixel 9 at a discounted price, making it an even more attractive option.
Introduction: Why the Google Pixel 9 is a Must-Have
Google’s Pixel lineup has always been known for its superior software integration, AI-driven camera technology, and clean Android experience. With the Pixel 9, Google continues to deliver on its reputation, offering advanced features like an upgraded Tensor G4 chip, an improved 50MP main camera, and enhanced battery life. Beyond these hardware improvements, Pixel 9 runs on the latest version of Android, ensuring a fluid, secure, and intuitive user experience.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 is its deep integration with Google’s AI ecosystem. Google Assistant is smarter than ever, handling tasks ranging from setting reminders to booking restaurant reservations—all with just a voice command. The phone’s interface is also designed to be highly customizable, offering users the ability to tailor their phone to their unique needs and preferences.
Now, let’s dive into the tips and tricks that will help you maximize your experience with the Google Pixel 9. Whether you’re using it for productivity, photography, or entertainment, these suggestions will ensure you get the most out of your new smartphone.
1. Customizing Your Home Screen for Productivity
One of the first things new Pixel users should do is customize their home screen to fit their lifestyle. The Pixel 9 comes with a clean, uncluttered interface by default, but you can easily tweak it to suit your needs.
Widgets for Quick Access: The Pixel 9 allows you to add a variety of widgets to your home screen. For example, Google Calendar, weather, and to-do list widgets help you stay on top of your day at a glance. To add a widget, long press on your home screen, select “Widgets,” and choose the ones that best fit your workflow.
App Shortcuts: The Pixel 9 offers app shortcuts for your most-used apps. Long-press on an app icon, and you’ll see quick actions like “Compose a new message” or “Take a selfie.” You can even pin these shortcuts to your home screen for faster access.
Personalized Themes: Google’s new Material You design on Android 14 allows for extensive customization. You can change the colour scheme of your entire phone to match your wallpaper or create a custom theme based on your preferences. To access this feature, go to Settings, Wallpaper & Style, and choose your colour palette. This feature not only personalizes your phone but also makes it easier on the eyes during extended use.
If you’re a TELUS phone user, setting up widgets that allow quick access to the TELUS app can help you manage your mobile plan, data usage, and customer service easily. Additionally, with TELUS’s reliable network, you’ll have a seamless experience managing your phone whether you’re in the office or on the go.
2. Mastering Google Assistant for Hands-Free Efficiency
Google Assistant on the Pixel 9 is one of the most powerful virtual assistants available today, and learning to use it efficiently can save you loads of time. Whether you’re using voice commands to make hands-free calls, send texts, or control your smart home devices, Google Assistant is your personal digital helper.
Voice Commands for Everyday Tasks: Simply say “Hey Google” followed by your command to start using Assistant. You can ask for directions, set reminders, create calendar events, or even make phone calls—all without lifting a finger. For example, saying “Hey Google, remind me to call mom at 7 PM” will set a reminder with minimal effort.
Routines for Streamlined Actions: You can create custom routines where a single command triggers multiple actions. For instance, saying “Hey Google, good morning” can prompt the Assistant to read out your daily schedule, turn on smart lights, and play your favourite playlist. Go to Settings > Google Assistant > Routines to create or modify your own.
Screen Call Feature: One of the coolest features exclusive to Google Pixel phones is Screen Call. With this, Google Assistant will answer incoming calls for you, allowing you to see a transcript of what the caller says before you decide to pick up. This is an excellent way to avoid spam or unwanted calls.
For personal, business and TELUS EPP customers, this integration with Google Assistant is made even better thanks to TELUS’s fast 5G connectivity, ensuring that you can manage tasks smoothly and without interruptions. And with the potential to save money through the EPP discount, getting a Pixel 9 becomes a no-brainer for those who value both productivity and affordability.
3. Taking Advantage of the Google Pixel 9 Camera
One of the biggest draws of the Google Pixel 9 is its outstanding camera system, which continues to set the standard in mobile photography. With a 50MP main camera, ultra-wide lens, and enhanced computational photography software, you’re equipped to capture professional-quality images with ease. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:
Night Sight and Astrophotography: The Pixel 9 excels in low-light photography thanks to its improved Night Sight mode. Whether you’re capturing a candlelit dinner or a night cityscape, Night Sight reduces noise and brightens your photos without washing out colours. Additionally, the Pixel 9’s Astrophotography mode is perfect for shooting the night sky. Set your phone on a tripod, point it at the stars, and let the magic happen.
Magic Eraser Tool: Google’s Magic Eraser feature, now even more powerful in the Pixel 9, allows you to remove unwanted objects or people from your photos with just a tap. If there’s a distracting element in the background of an otherwise perfect shot, simply use the Magic Eraser to make it disappear.
Cinematic Mode for Videos: The Pixel 9 introduces Cinematic Mode, allowing you to shoot high-quality video with smooth focus transitions and depth-of-field effects, similar to what you’d expect from professional video cameras. Whether you’re capturing home movies or content for social media, Cinematic Mode makes your videos stand out.
For Pixel 9 users, these high-quality photos and videos can be quickly uploaded and shared across platforms using TELUS’s robust 5G network. And for TELUS EPP members, the opportunity to own such a feature-packed phone at a discounted rate means you’ll be capturing life’s best moments without breaking the bank.
4. Battery Life and Adaptive Charging Features
Battery life is often a top concern for smartphone users, and Google has introduced several features in the Pixel 9 to help extend your usage throughout the day. The Pixel 9 boasts an adaptive battery that learns your usage patterns and allocates resources more efficiently, which helps prolong battery life.
Adaptive Charging: If you charge your phone overnight, the Pixel 9’s Adaptive Charging feature helps protect the battery’s longevity by controlling how quickly the phone charges. The phone will charge more slowly at first, reaching 100% just before you wake up, reducing strain on the battery.
Extreme Battery Saver Mode: When you need your phone to last as long as possible, enable Extreme Battery Saver Mode. This mode limits background activity and reduces power consumption to keep your phone running longer. You can still access essential apps and services, but it minimizes the impact on your battery life.
Pixel 9 users can take advantage of these features to keep their devices running smoothly all day long, even when using data-intensive apps like video streaming or gaming.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is not just a smartphone—it’s a powerful tool for productivity, creativity, and entertainment. With its AI-driven features, best-in-class camera system, and seamless integration with Google’s software ecosystem, it offers a truly premium experience. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of your Pixel 9, whether you’re focused on capturing stunning photos, optimizing your home screen for productivity, or making the most of Google Assistant.
For Canadian users on the TELUS network, the Pixel 9 becomes an even more appealing option, thanks to the superior speed and coverage that TELUS phones provide. You can enjoy all the advanced features of the Pixel 9 starting at $0 Upfront with TELUS Easy Payment, making it an unbeatable choice for both tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.