Review: Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro
#### **Design and Build Quality**
The Pixel 9 series maintains Google's signature design language, characterized by a minimalist aesthetic with rounded edges and a matte finish. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro sport a similar design, with the Pro models featuring a more premium build due to the use of Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both the front and back. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, the largest of the trio, offers a slightly different look with a more pronounced camera bump, reflecting its advanced camera capabilities.
All three devices come in a variety of colors, including the newly introduced “Pixel White” and “Aqua Blue,” which have been particularly well-received. The phones feel sturdy in hand, with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL offering a slightly more substantial feel due to their larger data-size and enhanced materials.
#### **Display**
The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which, while not as high as its Pro counterparts, still delivers a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, take display quality to the next level with their 6.7-inch and 7.1-inch OLED panels, respectively, both featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution. These displays are exceptionally bright, color-accurate, and responsive, making them ideal for everything from media consumption to gaming.
The Pro models also come with HDR10+ support and an adaptive display feature that adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being viewed, helping to conserve battery life.
#### **Performance**
Under the hood, all three models are powered by Google’s custom Tensor G3 chip, which promises significant improvements in AI and machine learning tasks. This chip ensures that the Pixel 9 series can handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. Paired with 8GB of ram in the Pixel 9 and 12GB in the Pro models, these devices offer smooth performance across the board.
In real-world use, the Pixel 9 series excels in day-to-day tasks, from browsing and streaming to more intensive activities like gaming and video editing. The Pro models, with their extra ram, handle multitasking more efficiently, making them the better choice for power users.
#### **Camera System**
Google’s Pixel phones have always been known for their cameras, and the Pixel 9 series is no exception. The Pixel 9 comes with a dual-camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, on the other hand, boast a triple-camera system, adding a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
The camera performance across the board is outstanding, with all models excelling in low-light photography thanks to Google’s Night Sight technology. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, stands out with its advanced telephoto capabilities, allowing for impressive zoom shots without sacrificing detail. Video recording is equally impressive, with all models supporting 4K at 60fps and enhanced stabilization features.
Google’s software enhancements, like the improved Magic Eraser and Real Tone, further elevate the photography experience, making these phones some of the best on the market for mobile photography.
#### **Battery Life**
Battery life has always been a strong suit for the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 lineup continues this trend. The Pixel 9 packs a 4,600mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day of moderate use. The Pro models, with their larger 5,000mAh and 5,200mAh batteries, offer even more endurance, especially when coupled with the adaptive refresh rate technology.
All models support fast charging, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL offering the fastest charge times thanks to its 30W charging capability. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported across the range, making it easy to keep these devices powered up.
#### **Software and Features**
Running on Android 14 out of the box, the Pixel 9 series offers the latest features and security updates straight from Google. The software experience is clean, fast, and free from bloatware, with exclusive Pixel features like Call Screen, Hold for Me, and google Assistant’s advanced voice recognition adding real value.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL is the new “Pro Controls” mode in the camera app, which offers manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, and focus, catering to photography enthusiasts who want more control over their shots.
Google’s commitment to software support is another major selling point, with the Pixel 9 series guaranteed to receive at least five years of security updates and three major Android OS updates.
#### **Conclusion**
The google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are all excellent smartphones that cater to different types of users. The Pixel 9 is perfect for those who want a compact, capable phone with great performance and an excellent camera. The Pixel 9 Pro offers a more premium experience with a better display and enhanced camera capabilities, making it ideal for power users. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is for those who want the best of everything—top-tier display, camera, and battery life.
Regardless of which model you choose, the Pixel 9 series represents a significant step forward for google in the smartphone market, offering a polished and powerful experience that is hard to beat.