Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8
Each new iteration of a smartphone range brings changes and updates to the table. It might be a new screen panel, tweaks to the core design, or an entirely refreshed processor; whatever it might be, understanding the differences is important when deciding which to buy.
In this comparison guide, our experts will take you through the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 8, breaking down what separates them from one generation to the next.
Design
Key differences:
• Reworked camera bar
• Sharper frame
• Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Flip the Pixel 9 over and you’ll immediately notice a significant design change compared to the Pixel 8. The distinctive camera bar is gone, replaced with a large oval box that resembles the pill box notches on older handsets. How good this updated design looks is very much up to interpretation; we found the change in camera bar to be a refreshing shift, giving the Pixel series a new coat of paint.
The Pixel 9 overall is flat, but not in terms of the impact it has. Literally, this phone is considerably flatter than the Pixel 8 thanks to its sharper, less curved edges. The back of the Pixel 8 in particular has a rounder look, helped by the glossy sheen on the camera bar which bends the light slightly.
If you’re worried about knocks and scratches, the Pixel 9 takes the crown here with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back. The Pixel 8 is still extremely durable, but the enhanced Victus glass on the Pixel 9 gives it that edge in this case.
Overall, the ergonomics of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 can’t be separated too much. The former’s sharper design might be preferable if the rounded nature of the Pixel 8 feels a bit slippery, but all in all, the biggest change is really found on the camera module.
Display
Key differences:
• Slightly larger screen
• Higher peak brightness
On the display front, the Pixel 9 benefits from some minor-but-impactful updates that give it a slight advantage over the Pixel 8. First up is the larger screen, with a 0.3” difference between them. This change is unlikely to be noticeable for most people, and so the more noteworthy inclusion is the higher peak brightness that the Pixel 9 can reach.
With a top-level brightness of 2700 nits, the Pixel 9 can showcase colours and detail with far greater clarity compared to the Pixel 8’s 2000 nits peak. This is especially evident when watching HDR content, giving those boosted colour levels an extra leg up.
Aside from the slight increase in screen size and jump in brightness, the core underlying technology of the Pixel 9’s display remains the same as its predecessor. You’re getting an Actua OLED panel, complimented by a 120Hz refresh rate to keep everything feeling silky-smooth.
Performance & software
Key differences:
• Google Tensor G4 processor
• Some AI features only available on the Pixel 9
Undoubtedly the biggest difference between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 is the processor. The engine room of the Pixel 9 is powered by the Tensor G4 CPU, bringing with it a generational boost in processing speeds. As a result, the Pixel 9 can handle most workloads more easily than the Pixel 8.
This increase in computational power on the Pixel 9 is supported by 12GB RAM, which is a sizeable jump from the Pixel 8’s 8GB RAM. Add all of this together and you get a faster phone that can run games and apps with less lag or stutter.
Another advantage brought about by the Tensor G4 processor is a deeper pool of AI features. Some of these, such as the Recorder tool for transcribing phone calls, were previously exclusive to models like the Pixel 8 Pro but are available on the Pixel 9. Later updates to the Pixel 8 mean it supports Gemini Nano, but if you want a wider suite of AI features, the Pixel 9 carries more tools in its arsenal.
Crucially, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 also support Android 14. This is significant, because if you aren’t interested in the Pixel 9’s extra bells and whistles, you’re still getting the excellent personalisation features built into Android 14 on the Pixel 8.
Cameras
Key differences:
• Higher pixel count on the ultra-wide camera
• Extra AI tools
The Pixel 8 is a formidable camera phone, but the Pixel 9 is elevated ahead of it with some impressive updates to hardware and software.
The most significant hardware change is moving from a 12MP ultrawide camera to a 48MP offering. By packing this camera with a higher pixel count, Google enabled the Pixel 9 to produce photos with greater detail. This is the only major difference separating the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 on the hardware front, with the latter also possessing a 50MP wide camera and 10.5MP selfie lens.
When it comes to software, we must talk about the Tensor G4 processor again. The added power provided by this CPU means the Pixel 9 carries some features that the Pixel 8 can’t run, such as the Add Me feature. Our review of the Pixel 9 called out this feature as one of its most unique; with it, you can merge two photos together to ensure the person taking the photo is also included in the final shot. It’s a problem we’ve all likely encountered, and the Pixel 9 can help you solve it.
Battery
Key differences:
• Slightly larger battery capacity
• Improved Extreme Battery Saver mode
In our final comparison, we’re talking battery life. The Pixel 9 pulls ahead of the Pixel 8 with its slightly larger 4700mAh battery, but given this is a fairly small increase, the Pixel 8 still holds its own.
Where the Pixel 9 differs more considerably is in the Extreme Battery Saver mode. With a maximum battery life in this mode of 100 hours compared to the Pixel 8’s 75 hours, it offers a greater level of security when you need to preserve power in a pinch.
Charging-wise, there’s very little between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8; both have fast wireless and wired charging speeds. If anything, the Pixel 8 actually carries an advantage in this case, as it has a smaller battery that takes less time to fully recharge.
Summary
There you have it: the core differences that separate the Google Pixel 9 and the Pixel 8. Ultimately, if you’re wanting better visuals and a faster processor, the Pixel 9 ticks all of the boxes. However, the Pixel 8 remains an excellent phone, particularly if those additional features aren’t needed on your next phone of choice.
Whichever handset you choose, it helps to know how to move your data across from your old device. We have you covered with our handy step-by-step guide.