Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Smartphones Review – In 2018, we tested the Pixel 3 phone, and after six years, we are testing the new Pixel 9 series phone. Over the years, Google developed the Pixel lineup with great care. At first, they were camera-centric phones. But nowadays, they start becoming a complete package for everyone. The recent release Pixel 9 and 9 Pro were the core highlights with their unique features and functions.
As for the first impression, the new Pixel 9 series looked quite cool with its out-of-the-box design. Furthermore, the company also added a Pixel 9 Pro XL version that brings a bigger screen and more battery. Apart from this, the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro bring astounding AI perks integration, long battery life, and high-end camera support. All of those factors do give a charm to this smartphone. However, it would be great to review other details before purchasing any device.
Table of Contents
Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Smartphones Review
Highlights
- The Google Pixel 9 arrives with a 6.3-inch OLED panel, while the Pro model brings the same size display but with the LTPO OLED panel.
- As for the software interface, both devices are equipped with Android 14 and support up to 7 major Android updates.
- Under the hood, the phones are powered by Google Tensor G4 chipset with improved performance.
- A dual camera setup appears on the Pixel 9, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro introduces a 50MP triple camera setup.
- Last but not least, both phones get a 4700 mAh battery configuration with 27W wired charging support.
Design and Display
The Google Pixel 9 design aspect does look beautiful with its fascinating color options, including Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. As for the Pro variant, you are getting additional Rose Quartz and Hazel paint jobs. All of these phones look pretty attractive on first impression, while the aesthetic camera module holds many people’s attention. In the non-Pro model, the phone brings a smaller notch, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly bigger notch on the back panel.
As far as the built quality is concerned, both models can effortlessly handle damage with the IP68 certification. At the same time, the has a curved body with a lightweight build. Typically, Google Pixel has a compact build. But for the last few years, the company has increased the screen size to a certain extent. However, it didn’t affect the overall display experience of the users.
On the other hand, the Google Pixel 9 has a standard OLED display of 6.3 inches with above-average brightness and FHD+ resolution. However, the Pro variant receives the same screen size as the LTPO OLED display. With this, the users will obtain precise control over the refresh rate and HDR. As for the touch response, both models can support up to 120Hz refresh rate, which is considerably great for gaming and other activities. The Pixel 9 has 2700 nits brightness, while the pro variant has 3000 nits brightness.
Memory and Internal
From the hardware performance perspective, the Google Tensor G4 chipset is turn out a decent choice. Through this chipset, both devices can perform multitasking, support advanced gaming, and grant impressive screen time. Compared to the previous Tensor chipset, the octa-core processing speed has improved exponentially. Now, these Google phones will thoroughly support overclocking and have less thermal throttle.
Apart from those factors, the chip will provide visuals properly with a decent GPU configuration. But, the main highlight of these phones would be the latest Android 14 interface. Unlike other mobile interfaces, these devices are equipped with the Gemini AI. Besides, there are Pixel-exclusive AI features that you can explore. It includes a new browsing experience with a wide array of customization under the hood.
Aside from various personalization attributes integration, the company also ensures that users are getting frequent system updates. With the new Google program, it’s possible to get up to 7 major updates on the Pixel 9 series. As for the storage unit, the non-Pro variant offers 12GB RAM with 128GB to 256GB internal storage. Following this, the Pro variant comes with a 16GB RAM base that will be accompanied by 128GB to 1TB UFS 3.1 space.
Camera
There’s no doubt that a typical Pixel phone is all about the camera. Indeed, it’s true for the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro they bring the most advanced Pixel camera yet. Besides, the camera module makes sure the users can utilize the triple camera for every situation. Specwise, the Pro variant obtains an additional 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5X digital zooming ability, while the rest of the camera specs are identical to the non-Pro mode.
There are three factors, which you should consider if you want a decent camera results from any phone. The first one would be the daylight results, the super-rich colors give impressive results. The 50MP primary sensors can capture immersive details, while the 48MP ultra-wide ensures accurate colors. After using both of the phones side by side, the image quality isn’t different since the native camera app brings astounding colors, contrast, and saturation.
The second factor would be lowlight, which turns out to be the primary selling point of both of the Pixel phones. These devices bring fabulous night mode technology that reduces noise and grains from the photos. And turn your boring photos into something Interesting. Lastly, the video recording aspect won’t disappoint content creators since the camera app provides proper stabilization support.
Furthermore, there are multiple features that you can try on in the meantime. Generally, an average Android phone will offer limited features and filters. But, that’s not the case with the Pixels 9 series phones. The users will acquire advanced privileges like Pixel shit, Utlra HDR photos, Best Take, Zoom Enhance, and different laser auto-focus modes. All of those factors help the camera department to provide appealing results.
Battery and Others
The Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro come with a Li-Ion 4700 mAh battery that can support up to 6+ hours of screen time. Generally, both of the devices attain up to two days of battery life in the battery-saver mode. You can use up to 27W wired chargers on both devices, while they also support wireless charging. If you purchase the Pixel stand, the Pro model can give 21W output. Whereas, the standard variant will only have 15W wireless charging support.
As for the additional protection, the fingerprint-resistant coating is present. Not to forget, the device brings ultra-wideband support, satellite SOS services, and even the circle to search features. Following this, the phones are well-equipped with the necessary WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G, and other necessary sensors. The Google Pixel 9 will be priced at $775 (Rs 64,999 in India) approx for the starting variant. Whereas, the Google Pixel 9 Pro obtains a price tag of $999 (Rs 83,800 in India) approx.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Pros and Cons
Google Pixel 9 Pro Specifications Detail
Down below you can see the full specifications of the Google Pixel 9 Pro smartphone.
| Specifications | Google Pixel 9 Pro |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Announced | August 2024 |
| SIM | eSIM |
| Dimensions | 6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 199 g |
| Size | 6.3 inches |
| Display | LTPO OLED 120Hz HDR10+ 2000-3000 nits brightness 20:9 ratio ~495 PPI density Always-on display |
| Protection/Others | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 IP68 dust/water resistant |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 pixels |
| OS | Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Chipset | 4nm – Google Tensor G4 |
| CPU | Octa-core 1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520 |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 |
| Card slot | No |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB UFS 3.1 |
| Camera | 50 MP (wide), dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP (periscope telephoto), dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP (123Ëšultrawide), dual pixel PDAF Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance Max – 8K@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR |
| Selfie | 42 MP (ultrawide), PDAF Auto-HDR, panorama Max – 4K@30/60fps |
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, apt-X HD |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| NFC | Yes |
| Infrared port | No |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| Sensors | Under display fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support Satellite SOS service Circle to Search |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4700 mAh 27W wired, PD3.0, PPS 21W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand) 12W wireless (w/ Qi-compatible charger) Reverse wireless |
| Colors | Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian |
| Expected Price | $999 (Rs 83,800 in India) approx |
Conclusion
With the new Pixel phones launch, we were quite excited and happy to recommend the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Unlike the previous years, the company shifted its approach to bring a complete experience to the users. The leap in the performance aspect is worth noting. Besides, the battery life is something that we were expecting, while the camera aspect was phenomenal as usual. You can go with the Pro variant for additional telephoto lens support, while the non-Pro model is a value-for-money deal.
But, it would be great if you also looked for an alternative. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can be an excellent deal but need to pay a little more. There’s no denying that the display experience was impressive on the Pixel phones. Yet, if you can overlook some camera nuisance, the flagship Galaxy S24 ultra would still stand on top. Still, we want you to choose a phone based on your needs. So, go through other options and find the best deal accordingly.
