Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are praised for their swift performance, remarkable cameras, and numerous excellent features, but it’s important not to overlook the Pixel 9 that preceded them. Whether you currently possess a Pixel 9 or have the chance to acquire one at a reduced cost, we believe that Google’s prior-generation phone remains an outstanding device.
If you’ve ever spotted that small hole at the top of the Pixel 9, you aren’t the only one. That’s not a sensor or a recessed button — it’s actually one of three microphones on the device. With the exception of the Pixel 9A, every other Pixel 9 model is equipped with a microphone at the bottom, a rear-facing microphone near the camera lenses, and this additional, top-mounted microphone.
Although Google has yet to officially clarify the purpose of the top mic, discussions among Reddit users and Pixel 9 owners suggest that it is mainly utilized for noise reduction. Similar to active noise canceling technology in headphones and earbuds, the Pixel 9’s top microphone collects ambient sounds around you. It then analyzes what it hears in comparison to the data from the other two mics and employs noise-isolating technology to minimize the intensity of background noise during your phone and video calls.