Google Pixel 9 review

Introduction

The Pixel 8 was one of the most popular choices in the compact segment, and the Pixel 9 is here to replace it as the new go-to option in this peculiar niche. With improvements across design, chipset, screen, camera and software, we are looking forward to meeting the smallest Google Pixel 9.

But to quickly put a halt on all the compact talk, the first thing you need to know is that the new Pixel 9 is not that small anymore. It's gotten a larger 6.3" FHD+ OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate with 30% brightness increase.

The design has changed, too, with two flat Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels, a new flat aluminum frame, and a more prominent yet smaller camera bar with clear borders. Yes, it feels more like an iPhone, but it is still a Pixel, easily recognizable at that. Oh, and it is still IP68-rated, as usual.

The Google Tensor G4 chip inside all new Pixel 9 phones contains 8 next-generation CPU cores, a faster GPU, more energy-efficient (and improved) modem and is coupled with more RAM needed for on-device AI tasks. Speaking of AI, the Tensor Processing Unit, which is at the heart of the new AI features available through Google Gemini, remains the same as inside the Tensor G3.

The Google Pixel 9 has the fewest cameras compared to the rest of the 9-series gang - it has the same 50MP primary camera with 2x high-res zoom as the Pixel 8 (and 9 Pro, seemingly), as well as the same 10.5MP selfie cam, now with an autofocus lens, though. There is an entirely new 48MP ultrawide-angle camera with a bright autofocus lens (yes, it supports macro!).

Other new features on the Pixel 9 are the switch to ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which should allow for a more reliable experience. It also comes with Satellite SOS support via a new partnership with Garmin and Skylo. Finally, the Pixel 9 also supports 27W fast charging, and gets a bump in battery capacity.

The Pixel 9 comes with Android 14, the current version of Android, as Android 15 is still a few months away at the time of release. It will get 7 years of full software support.

Google Pixel 9 specs at a glance:

• Body: 152.8x72.0x8.5mm, 198g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.30" OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MC7.
• Memory: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM; UFS.
• OS/Software: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, single-zone Laser AF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚, 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF.
• Front camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 4700mAh; 45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 55% in 30 min (advertised), 15W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (w/ Qi compatible charger), Reverse wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 6; BT 5.3, aptX HD; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; Satellite SOS service.

The Google Pixel 9 seems like a proper flagship with everything we can think of for a compact-sized premium device. It is not a groundbreaking update over the Pixel 8, sure, but it does seem to pack everything that is new to this very day.

Unboxing the Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 ships in a recycled paper box with a sleeve. The print is monochrome.

Inside you will find the Pixel 9, of course, a USB-C cable and a SIM ejection tool.