Google Pixel 9 Review
Google began leading the artificial intelligence charge with the Pixel 8 series, infusing those handsets with a multitude of intelligent features. We highly praised the Pixel 8 for its execution of AI to improve the experience, so how does the Pixel 9 stack up? In this review, we aim to answer that question.
The Google Pixel 9 can be ordered in four different colours Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony and Wintergreen, with the option of 128GB or 256GB of storage.
Specs
• Dimensions – 152.83 x 71.98 x 8.54mm
• Weight – 198g
• OS – Android 14
• Display – 6.3” OLED
• Resolution – 1080 x 2424
• Processor – Google Tensor G4
• RAM – 12GB
• Storage – 128GB & 256GB
• Rear cameras – 50MP wide; 48MP ultra-wide
• Front camera – 10.5MP
• Battery – 4700mAh
• Water and dust resistance – IP68
• Connectivity – 5G; 4G; 3G; Bluetooth 6
Design
Kicking off with the fundamentals, the Pixel 9 is moulded in a similar vein to its predecessors and retains the brilliant core design language that has impressed us in years past. The rounded corners, curved edges, metal frame; it’s all there.
On the back of the device, however, and things become quite different. Gone is the trademark camera bar that’s defined the Pixel series for many years. Instead, Google added a raised oval box that stretches out to the edges of the phone. This marks a significant shift in the Pixel series’ visual identity, yet the overall look of the Pixel 9 remains sleek and stylish despite this change.
On the front screen you’ll find damage-resistant glass to shield against knocks and scratches, and IP68 resistance is also included as an extra layer of protection. It’s safe to say that the Pixel 9 is a hardy device and, like many Pixel phones before it, you can comfortably take it on your travels with peace of mind.
Display
The Pixel 9’s design features some small-but-meaningful updates contributing to an overall better screen experience.
Google opted to marginally increase the Pixel 9’s OLED screen size from the Pixel 8, rising from 6.2” to 6.3”. This is a change that you’re unlikely to notice at first glance, but over time, that little bit of extra real estate can make all the difference when watching films and videos.
Resolution also received a bump, rising to 1080 x 2424 and above the Pixel 8’s 1080 x 2400. Again, this isn’t an eye-catching change, but we’ll never say “no” to an increase in pixel density.
Many of the key display features we look for are present on the Pixel 9, such as HDR support for those boosted colour levels and beautiful, deep contrasts. If you’re someone who loves to watch movies or play games on-the-go, the Pixel 9 is a beauty.
Performance & software
As we move onto the Pixel 9’s performance, this is where things start to get exciting. Fuelled by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, processing speeds have been given a boost to reduce stutter when swapping between apps and menus. This is only the tip of the performance iceberg, however, as the Tensor G4 chip is crucial for powering one of the Pixel 9’s standout features: Gemini.
Google’s proprietary language-learning model, Gemini is included on the Pixel 9 as your on-board AI assistant. It replaces Google Assistant on Pixel phones, making it even easier to draft lists, plan your day and get answers to questions.
On the topic of AI, the Pixel 9 also includes a feature called Pixel Screenshots. This tool acts as a library of information built from screenshots that you can search through at any time. This feature combines nicely with the Circle to Search tool, shaping the Pixel 9 into a hugely powerful repository of information.
Weaving all of these features together is Android 14, which we’ve examined and praised previously for its extensive personalisation options like AI-generated wallpapers. If you’re seeking a phone with AI in mind, the Pixel 9 is a clear frontrunner.
To top all of this off, Google provides support for 7 years’ worth of updates on the Pixel 9, which includes additional features over time.
Cameras
We frequently feature Pixel phones on our camera handset recommendations, and the Pixel 9 is right up there with the very best. Hardware-wise, Google really pulled no punches by including a 50MP wide camera and a 48MP ultra-wide lens; deeply impressive tech that can produce stunning, detail-rich photos. The ultra-wide camera in particular is an excellent addition, given how much of an upgrade it is from the Pixel 8’s 12MP lens.
The front camera on the Pixel 9 borrows largely from its predecessor, coming in at 10.5MP. As a result, you can largely expect to see similar quality photos when taking selfies with the Pixel 9.
A neat addition to the Pixel 9 comes in the form of Add Me. We’ve all likely been in situations where the person taking a photo misses out on the action, but the Add Me feature fixes that problem. Take the group photo as normal, and then swap in the photographer; the Pixel 9 will merge the two photos together to create a final group shot. It works a treat, and you can continue tweaking that photo with the Magic Editor feature to get the perfect image.
We already liked the Pixel 9 for its hardware alone, but when you mix in these excellent photography tools, this handset becomes one of the finest camera phones you can own.
Battery
Battery life on the Pixel 9 is a standout highlight, especially when putting it against previous Pixel handsets. Under the hood is a 4700mAh battery, which provides plenty of power to get you through the day. An increase of 125mAh from the Pixel 8 might not seem like much, yet it comes in handy if you find yourself running low during the commute.
Summary
With all of these pieces in play, then, we can confidently say that the Pixel 9 is a top-tier phone. It builds on excellent AI features with additional tools in the arsenal, while also supporting them with the superb Tensor G4 processor. The Google Pixel 9 is another home run.
If our review has got you excited about the Pixel 9, we can help you move your existing data across. Check out our handy guide on how to easily shift everything across to your new phone.