The Google Pixel 9, released in 2024, has been hailed as a game-changer in the smartphone industry, with its sleek design, powerful AI capabilities, and impressive camera upgrades. According to PowerUp! Gaming, the Pixel 9 strikes a perfect balance in size, offers excellent all-around performance, and boasts a plethora of AI tricks, making it a serious contender for phone of the year.
In this Google Pixel 9 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Pixel Series Evolution
The Google Pixel series has established itself as a frontrunner in the smartphone market, known for its cutting-edge AI capabilities, exceptional camera performance, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. Since its debut in 2016, each iteration has pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, with the Pixel 9 series marking a significant leap forward in 2024.
The Pixel 9 lineup, comprising the standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, has generated considerable buzz in the tech community. These devices introduce a striking redesign featuring an elongated, oval-shaped camera bar, more powerful Tensor G4 chips, and expanded RAM options to support advanced AI functionalities. With the integration of Google’s new Gemini AI assistant and a host of innovative features, the Pixel 9 series is poised to redefine the smartphone experience, promising users unparalleled performance, creativity, and connectivity in 2025 and beyond.
Premium Design and Durability
The Google Pixel 9 showcases a refined design with flat edges and a sleek profile, making it easier to handle and pick up compared to its predecessors. Its premium build features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels on both the front and back. The device comes in four eye-catching colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony, with the Wintergreen option receiving particular praise for its playful contrast between the glass back and metallic sides.
Durability has been a key focus, with the Pixel 9 Pro boasting twice the durability of the Pixel 8 Pro. The phone maintains an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. However, while it can handle accidental spills and rain, it’s not designed for intentional submersion or swimming. The new design also incorporates more recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum in the housing, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.
Advanced Display Technology
The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, delivering a crisp 422 PPI density. This display incorporates Smooth Display technology, offering a variable refresh rate ranging from 60 to 120 Hz for fluid scrolling and improved battery efficiency. The screen boasts impressive brightness capabilities, with up to 1,800 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
Key display features include:
- High contrast ratio of over 2,000,000:1 for deep blacks and vibrant colors
- Full 24-bit color depth, supporting 16 million colors for rich visual experiences
- HDR support for enhanced dynamic range in compatible content
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for improved durability
- LTPO technology in Pro models, allowing refresh rates as low as 1 Hz for static content, further optimizing battery life
The Pixel 9’s display technology represents a significant upgrade from previous generations, offering users a premium viewing experience with improved brightness, color accuracy, and energy efficiency.
Actua OLED Display Performance
The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. This screen offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including:
- Increased brightness: Peak brightness of 2,700 nits, with up to 1,800 nits for HDR content
- Variable refresh rate: Smooth Display technology supporting 60-120 Hz
- Enhanced durability: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover
- Improved color accuracy: Natural and faithful color rendering in most conditions
The Pixel 9’s display excels in readability across various lighting conditions, thanks to its adaptive brightness. However, some users may notice slightly undersaturated colors in dark environments and occasional unwanted touches when holding the device in landscape orientation. Overall, the Actua OLED display positions the Pixel 9 as a strong competitor in the flagship smartphone market, offering an impressive visual experience for media consumption and everyday use.
Performance and Power
The Google Pixel 9 is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, featuring 12GB of RAM across all models, a significant upgrade from previous generations. While not a performance powerhouse compared to competitors, the Tensor G4 focuses on AI capabilities and real-world efficiency. In Geekbench 6 tests, the Pixel 9 scored 1,758 for single-core and 4,594 for multi-core performance.
Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB, catering to various user needs. The device boasts impressive battery life, with Google claiming over 24 hours on a single charge and up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode. Charging capabilities include 27W wired charging, 18W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging for the base Pixel 9 model.
Advanced Camera Array
The Google Pixel 9 series boasts a powerful camera system, with the Pixel 9 featuring a dual-camera setup and the Pro models sporting a triple-camera array. All models share a 50MP main wide-angle camera with OIS and EIS, and a 48MP ultra-wide camera with a 123° field of view. The Pro variants add a 48MP telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom. The front-facing camera sees a significant upgrade in the Pro models, with a 42MP sensor replacing the previous 10.5MP one.
Key camera features include:
- Advanced AI-powered scene detection and noise reduction
- Pixel 3D technology for immersive 3D image capture
- Video Boost and Night Sight for enhanced low-light performance
- 4K video recording at 60fps across all cameras
- 8K video recording at 30fps (via cloud-based upscaling) for main and telephoto lenses on Pro models
- Improved autofocus with multi-zone laser detect auto focus on Pro models
The Pixel 9’s computational photography capabilities have been further enhanced, with features like Magic Editor and Best Take joining existing tools such as Face Unblur and Portrait Light.
Redesigned Camera Visor Aesthetics
The Pixel 9’s redesigned camera visor marks a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a distinctive pill-shaped form inspired by Google’s iconic search bar. This bold design choice positions the camera as the focal point, celebrating Pixel’s leadership in camera technology and innovation. The new visor boasts a straight-walled extrusion aesthetic with a dual finish, combining high-polished side walls with a matte, bead-blasted top surface for a cohesive visual experience.
For the Pixel 9 Pro, the camera visor is further optimized with a concentrically positioned double pill icon, imparting a fresh yet balanced visual design while maintaining a strong connection to the Pixel family. This asymmetrical form factor not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality, with meticulously refined hinge corners ensuring a comfortable grip for both left and right-handed users and improved durability by dispersing the impact of drops.
AI-Powered Software Enhancements
The Pixel 9 series runs Android 15 and introduces Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant, as a built-in feature. Gemini offers a more conversational experience through Gemini Live, allowing users to have free-flowing interactions via text, voice, or images. Key AI-powered functionalities include:
- Add Me: Intelligently inserts the photographer into group photos
- Pixel Studio: AI-driven image editing tool for generating and manipulating images
- Video Boost: Enhances video quality using cloud-based processing
- Call Notes: Records and summarizes phone call transcripts
- Pixel Screenshots: Organizes and enables AI-powered searching of screenshots
The Pixel 9 also features an upgraded Google Assistant with improved voice typing capabilities, allowing users to dictate text and perform actions like deleting words or moving to the next field using voice commands. These AI integrations leverage the Tensor G4 chip’s capabilities, offering a seamless and intelligent user experience unique to the Pixel ecosystem.
Tensor G4 AI Capabilities
The Tensor G4 chip, powering the Pixel 9 series, represents a significant leap in AI capabilities for smartphones. Designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, it’s the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality, enabling the device to understand and process text, images, and audio in a way that mimics human cognition. This advanced AI integration allows for innovative features like Pixel Screenshots, which can dig up details using natural language queries, and Add Me, which can insert someone into a photo after it’s been taken.
To support these AI-powered experiences, Google has increased the RAM across the Pixel 9 family, with 12GB for the base model and 16GB for the Pro and Pro XL variants. The Tensor G4 also brings improvements in everyday use cases, with web browsing performance up by 20% and app launch speeds increased by 17% on average. While the chip may not be designed to beat benchmarks, it focuses on real-world efficiency and user experience, optimizing tasks like opening apps and handling multiple processes simultaneously.
Advanced Connectivity Features
The Google Pixel 9 series boasts impressive connectivity features, supporting a wide range of 5G bands for global compatibility. The devices support both Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL models offering mmWave bands n258, n260, and n261. For Sub-6GHz, the Pixel 9 supports bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n77, and n78.
Connectivity advancements include Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) support with 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz and 2×2+2×2 MIMO, offering faster speeds and improved network efficiency. The Pixel 9 also features Bluetooth 5.3 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection stability. Initial Bluetooth issues reported by some users have been addressed through Google Play Services updates. Additionally, the device incorporates an ultra-wideband chip for accurate ranging and spatial orientation, as well as support for various global navigation satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS, and NavIC.
Enhanced Security Measures
The Google Pixel 9 series introduces advanced security features, including an improved face unlock system that now qualifies as a Class 3 biometric, making it secure enough for app authentication and mobile payments. This upgrade allows users to conveniently unlock sensitive apps using facial recognition, similar to fingerprint authentication. The device also retains the under-display fingerprint sensor for those who prefer traditional biometric methods.
At the heart of the Pixel 9’s security architecture is the Titan M2 chip, an enhanced version of Google’s dedicated security coprocessor. This chip safeguards sensitive data, encrypts on-device information, and protects against various cyber threats. The Titan M2 works in tandem with Android’s security measures to provide hardware-level protection, including secure boot processes and tamper-resistant key storage. Additionally, the Pixel 9 implements new baseband security features to mitigate attacks on cellular communications, making it one of the most secure smartphones available.
Sustainable Design and Packaging
Google has made significant strides in sustainability with the Pixel 9 series, introducing 100% plastic-free packaging for all its hardware products, including Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit devices. The new packaging features a specially developed paper that is three times stronger and 70% more stretchable than previous materials, while also being lighter to reduce carbon footprint during shipping. The box design incorporates a speckled texture that encourages recycling.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL demonstrates improved repairability with a dual-entry design, allowing access to internal components from both the front and back4. This design choice enhances durability and makes battery replacement easier without removing the screen4. Google’s commitment to 7 years of software updates further supports device longevity4. However, some users have expressed concerns about the packaging’s appearance, with reports of flaky material on the device, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing sustainability with premium product presentation.
Flagship Comparison Highlights
The Google Pixel 9 faces stiff competition in the compact flagship market, particularly from Samsung’s Galaxy S24. While both devices are similarly priced and share features like AI integration and robust camera systems, they cater to different priorities. The Pixel 9 stands out with its superior main and ultra-wide cameras, sharper design, and a brighter 6.3-inch OLED display, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and users who value a premium aesthetic. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 offers better performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 chipsets, a slimmer build, and a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom photography, appealing to gamers and power users.
Feature | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
Processor | Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/Exynos 2400 |
Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 2700 nits peak brightness | 6.2-inch AMOLED, slightly dimmer |
Cameras | Superior main and ultra-wide cameras | Dedicated telephoto lens for zoom |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
Design | Rounded edges, premium finish | Slimmer and lighter build |
Price (Base Model) | €750 | €650 |
Pricing and Release Details
The Google Pixel 9 series offers multiple models at various price points:
- Pixel 9: Starting at $799 for 128GB, $899 for 256GB
- Pixel 9 Pro: Starting at $999 for 128GB, $1,099 for 256GB, $1,219 for 512GB, $1,499 for 1TB
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: Starting at $1,099 for 128GB, $1,199 for 256GB, $1,319 for 512GB, $1,549 for 1TB
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Starting at $1,799
Pre-orders for all models began on August 13, 2024, following the Made by Google event. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available in stores on August 22, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will hit shelves on September 4 in the U.S., with other markets following in subsequent weeks.
Various retailers and carriers are offering pre-order incentives:
- Google Store: Up to $350 in store credit depending on the model purchased
- T-Mobile: $100 off Pixel 9 Pro and $200 off Pixel 9 Pro XL, with additional trade-in offers available
- AT&T: Free storage upgrade and potential trade-in deals for a free Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL
- Verizon: Up to $800 off with eligible trade-in and free memory upgrades
The Pixel 9 series will be available in multiple countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Google Pixel 9 offers several standout features while also having room for improvement:
Pros:
- Exceptional camera system with AI-powered editing tools
- Bright and vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display with 2,700 nits peak brightness
- Advanced AI capabilities powered by the Tensor G4 chip
- Clean Android experience with 7 years of software support
- Compact and premium design with improved durability
Cons:
- Charging speeds lag behind competitors at 27W wired
- FHD+ display resolution may feel dated for a premium device
- Performance, while improved, still falls short of some rivals
- Some AI features are region-locked, limiting their accessibility
- Portrait photography occasionally struggles with edge detection
While the Pixel 9 excels in areas like camera quality and AI integration, it faces challenges in charging speed and raw performance compared to other flagships. The device’s strengths in software and long-term support may outweigh these drawbacks for many users.
Verdict and Recommendations
The Google Pixel 9 emerges as a compelling option in the flagship smartphone market, offering a blend of innovative features and refined design. Its standout AI capabilities, powered by the Tensor G4 chip, set it apart from competitors, enabling advanced functionalities like Gemini AI assistant and enhanced computational photography. The device’s camera system continues to impress, delivering exceptional image quality in various conditions.
For potential buyers, the Pixel 9 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a clean Android experience, long-term software support, and cutting-edge AI features. However, users seeking the absolute best in raw performance or fastest charging speeds might want to consider alternatives. Ultimately, the Pixel 9’s combination of sleek design, AI prowess, and camera capabilities make it a strong contender for those looking to upgrade their smartphone in 2025, especially for Android enthusiasts and photography buffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 easy to repair?
While some Google Pixel models have been difficult to repair in the past, the Pixel 9 series shows improvements in repairability. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a dual-entry design that allows access to internal components from both the front and back, making battery replacement easier without removing the screen1. However, for most repairs, it’s still recommended to visit a professional repair service.
How does the Pixel 9’s camera compare to previous models?
The Pixel 9 features significant camera upgrades compared to its predecessors. It shares the same 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras as the Pro models, which is a major improvement from the 12MP ultrawide on the Pixel 8. The front camera now has autofocus for sharper selfies. These upgrades, combined with Google’s advanced computational photography, result in excellent image quality across various conditions.
What are the standout AI features of the Pixel 9?
The Pixel 9 introduces several innovative AI-powered features. These include Pixel Screenshots, which can extract details from images using natural language queries, and Add Me, which can insert someone into a photo after it’s been taken. The device also features Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant, offering more conversational interactions via text, voice, or images. These AI capabilities are powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind.
