Unusual Issues Observed with Pixel 9 Demo Units in Retail Locations
Recently, some users on Reddit have noticed something unusual with the demo units of the Pixel 9 series phones shown in stores. Many people have been reporting that the scrolling on non-Pro Pixel 9 models is quite choppy, despite having the 120Hz refresh rate option turned on. In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro models seem to provide a much smoother scrolling experience, even when both types of phones are set to the same refresh rate.
One Reddit user claimed, “Google forces lower refresh rates on their non-Pro Pixel demo units.” They even shared a video comparing the scrolling performance between a Pixel 9 Pro and a regular Pixel 9 in a retail setting. This post has sparked a lot of comments and discussions among users who are also noticing a difference in performance. Many are wondering whether this issue is intentional—possibly to make the Pro models look better—or if the demo units are just faulty.
Others joined the conversation, sharing their experiences. One commenter reflected on their visit to a store where they looked at the Pixel 9 Pro, the standard Pixel 9, and even the Pixel 8a. They noted that, despite having the 120Hz setting enabled, the non-Pro models exhibited choppy scrolling that didn’t seem right. They were puzzled because none of the reviews online had mentioned any such problems with the refresh rate.
Another user mentioned observing the same issue at different Best Buy locations and a Verizon store. They noted that they had seen similar behavior across various Pixel models, including the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Initially, they thought they were imagining things, but now they feel reassured that it’s not just them and that there could indeed be settings being adjusted on these demo models.
While these reports raise questions, it’s worth considering that there might be a reasonable explanation for the differences in performance. The choppy scrolling observed could stem from various factors, including software optimizations or configurations specific to demo units in retail environments.
Typically, demo phones are set up to highlight certain features and often run software versions that are different from what regular consumers find on their personal devices. This could explain why the demo models don’t perform the same way as the retail units that customers purchase.
As of now, efforts are being made to contact Google for a response regarding these observations, and updates will be provided if they reply. It’s important to keep in mind that these current perceptions do not accurately represent the user experience for those who decide to buy the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro phones.
In summary, while there are reports of choppy scrolling on non-Pro Pixel 9 demo units, it’s possible that these issues are due to specific settings or configurations involved in showcasing the phones in stores, rather than a reflection of how the phones will perform in everyday use.
