Google Pixel 9 in for review

This is the Pixel 9 - the most affordable ticket to Google's latest AI goodies. It's also a very competent yet reasonably compact Android phone, which is not too common these days.

This year's Pixels ship in a recycled paper box with a sleeve. There's a USB-C cable in the box and that's that.

We also have the €40 official Pixel 9 case, which is available in six colors. It fits perfectly snug on the phone, especially around the camera bar. Upfront it isn't too intrusive. It's a soft silicone but it doesn't turn out your pocket when you take the phone off like some cheap ones do.

The official Google Pixel 9 case

The Pixel 9 has a new design with a camera bar that doesn't stretch from each end of the phone like it did on the Pixel 8 series. The frame is now flat and so is the display.

It's a modern look that's on fire right now and we'd say most of us here at GSMArena agree it's the way to go.

However, the Pixel 9 doesn't quite have the same compact feel as its predecessor. It's 11 grams heavier. nearly 3mm taller, and 1.2mm wider. The Pixel 8 felt small in the hand, the Pixel 9 has passed that threshold and feels closer to a big phone.

To its credit, it now has a slightly bigger display (by 0.1-inch), and a 3% bigger battery.

Pixel 8 owners probably won't rush to get the new one but those in more dire need of an upgrade should wait for our full review!

Google Pixel 9