ZDNET Key Points
- The Pixel 9 is Google’s latest flagship phone, starting at $799.
- It features a new Tensor G4 processor, an updated design, a larger battery, and a slightly higher price tag.
- Hardware improvements over last year’s model are relatively minor.
I had the opportunity to attend Powered by Google event earlier this month and after the keynote was over, I was more than excited to practice the basic version of Pixel 9 than the Pro or Pro XL. Why? Because the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it a compelling device, and one I recommend for a number of reasons.
I’m going to spoil this review at the beginning, but it’s true. Google’s new flagship, the Pixel 9, starts at $799 ($100 more than last year’s version), and while its hardware is only a small improvement over the Pixel 8, it’s an impressive phone overall. It has a new design, slightly improved performance, a slightly better camera, a slightly larger battery, and a bunch of new AI features.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 as the default Android alternative to the iPhone 15 (soon to be iPhone 16), in part because it looks like one. Google has given the entire Pixel 9 line flat sides with rounded corners, making it look like something from the design studio in Cupertino. The good news is that it makes these phones look and feel great.
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In fact, these are my favorite-looking Pixel phones to date. The Pixel 9 has a particularly unique feel, but it still feels premium and cool to the touch when you pick it up. The edges are made of aluminum, while the front and back are covered in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The whole thing is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, and it’s just the right size for one-handed use.
Another Pixel trait is a beautiful display, and the Pixel 9 certainly has one. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display that’s a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate make the Pixel 9 look exceptional whether you’re just reading an email or watching your favorite movie. This year, the display can reach up to 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of the brightest Android phones you can buy.
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It also performs better. Equipped with a new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a great phone. It’s one of the most responsive Android phones I’ve used all year, and that’s just the base version of the phone.
The camera is also impressive. Google has kept the same 50MP main camera as last year, but has swapped out the old 12MP ultra-wide camera for a new 48MP 123-degree camera. The photos on this phone are absolutely stunning, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do a great job of retaining detail and contrast. Video quality is also very good, especially with the company’s Video Boost technology. This phone can easily compete with anything that costs $200 more.
If there’s a hardware downside, it’s the inclusion of a lower-quality 10.5MP selfie camera, whereas the Pro phones have a new 42MP camera. There’s also an additional telephoto camera on the Pro, so you won’t get the same zoom quality as on the regular Pixel 9.
As for the phone’s AI features, Google has packed quite a few into the Pixel 9. Not only does the phone come with the company’s Gemini chatbot built-in, but it also comes with Gemini Live thanks to the Tensor G4 processor so you can have real-life conversations with the phone.
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It requires the Google One AI Premium plan, but you get one for free if you buy a Pixel 9. I asked it a bunch of questions that are similar to web queries (“What’s the best place to live near New York City that’s relatively affordable?” “How many stars are there in the sky—wait, in the galaxy?”) and it answered them all with ease — even with some voice interruptions. It’s still in its early stages, but it’s exciting tech that could change the way we use our phones.
You also get features like Add melets you take a picture of your friends, then have them take a picture of you in the same place and merge the two photos so no one gets left out. I tested it during my testing and it worked great. There are also some nice updates Magic Editor to frame your photos.
Google is also bringing two new AI-powered apps to the Pixel 9 line: Pixel Screenshot And Pixel Studio. With the first feature, you can organize screenshots and search them with AI prompts, allowing you to easily reference information like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
Meanwhile, the latter app lets you create images instantly and customize them with text, stickers, and other effects. I enjoyed using both apps during my limited testing time, but I’ll need to play with them long term to see if they’re worth it.
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I found battery life to be pretty good. There’s a 4,700mAh battery cell inside that can last a full day on a single charge and beyond, meaning you won’t have to worry about this phone’s battery running out after a long day. Google includes 45W charging support on the Pixel 9 series, which is great, but you’ll need to buy a separate wall adapter to take advantage of it. There’s also 15W wireless charging (notably not Qi2) and 5W reverse wireless charging called “Battery Share.”
ZDNET Buying Advice
If your budget is $800, it’s hard not to recommend Google Pixel 9. Sure, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a formidable competitor, but I actually think this is the better option. It gives you access to some useful new AI features, and you get all the perks of the Pixel experience, like great software, display quality, and cameras.
The Pro and Pro XL versions of the Pixel 9 may be flashier, but the base version of Google’s flagship phone shouldn’t be overlooked either.
