Google Pixel 9 review

Design, build quality, handling

The Pixel 9 looks a lot different than the Pixel 8 and that is the first thing you will notice. It is also slightly bigger, arguably crossing the compact-size threshold and going more into a 'full-size' type of category.

The new Pixel generation introduces an all-flat design, camera bar included, and it is easily likable. There are two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels and a flat aluminum frame. The Pixel 9 is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.

The front is all screen, naturally, while the back glass is interrupted by the new oval camera bar. The Pixel 9 is available in four colors - Obsidian (ours), Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony. All of them are glossy options, unlike the Pro models.

Google Pixel 9

The camera bar is thick with a flat metal frame. It is a departure from the old seamless camera housing and while some will like it, others will find it somewhat rough.

The aluminum frame is matte on the Pixel 9, with a minor rounding on the edge for a smoother transition towards the glass panels.

A close look at the front reveals evenly thin screen bezels and a small punch-hole for the selfie camera. Above the screen is where you'll find a super thin outlet for the earpiece, which also doubles as a speaker.

There is a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner by Qualcomm under the display, which works incredibly well and is super reliable.

The glossy back gets covered in smudges really fast, which are quite obvious on the black model, but won't be quite so on the others. The camera bar is partially metal - an LED flash is in there. The glass part has the two cameras and the laser-assistance-related sensors. Since it is that large, the Pixel 9 does not wobble when used on desk.

The SIM tray is at the bottom of the phone, next to the USB port and the second speaker. It can take one nanoSIM card.

The Pixel 9 offers a good grip thanks to its all-glossy back and flat shape - the glossy surfaces may look slippery, but actually they are stickier and your fingers are less likely to slip.

Finally, the Pixel 9 is 11 grams heavier than the Pixel 8, 3mm taller, and 1.2mm wider. This makes it larger in a way that you can both see and feel. The Pixel 8 felt small in the hand, while we are not sure we can say the same about the new Pixel 9.

And that was our only concern when it comes to design - the size increase. And maybe the huge camera bar which has become an eyesore of sorts. We still consider the Pixel 9 one of a flagship build and look, and we did like it, but we are certain there will be users that won't find it as attractive as the previous one.

We also got the genuine €40 case by Google, one you can buy in six different colors. It fits perfectly snug on the phone, especially around the camera bar. It's soft silicone but it doesn't turn your pocket inside out when you pull your phone out like some cheap ones do. However, it makes this already arguably compact phone even larger.