ZDNET’s key findings
- He Pixel 9 is Google’s newest flagship phone, starting at $799.
- It comes with the new Tensor G4 processor, an updated design, a larger battery, and a slightly higher price.
- The hardware improvements over last year’s model are relatively small.
I had the opportunity to attend the Made by Google event earlier this month, and after the main conference was over, I was more excited to try out the basic version of the Pixel 9 than the Pro or Pro XL. Why? Because the Pixel 9’s affordability makes it a fascinating device that I recommend for several reasons.
I’m spoiling this review right from the start, but it’s true. Google’s new entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, starts at $799 ($100 more than last year’s version), and while its hardware is a small upgrade over the Pixel 8, it’s an impressive phone overall. It offers a new design, slightly improved performance, slightly better cameras, a slightly larger battery, and a host of new AI features.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 as the default Android alternative to the iPhone 15 (soon to be the iPhone 16), in part because it looks like one. Google gave the entire Pixel 9 family flat sides with rounded corners, making it look like something straight out of a design lab in Cupertino. The good news is that it makes these phones look and feel great.
Also: I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for two weeks and I can’t go back
In fact, they’re my favorite Pixel phones yet. The Pixel 9 feels especially unique while also offering a premium feel that’s wonderfully cool to the touch when you pick it up. The sides are aluminum, while the front and back feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The entire device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, and it’s the perfect size to use in one hand.
Another great feature of the Pixel is its beautiful display, and the Pixel 9 definitely has one. It features a 6.3-inch Actua display, which is a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8. The crisp 2424 x 1080 resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate give the Pixel 9 exceptional visuals, whether you’re 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.
Also: This Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro camera comparison has a clear winner and a big surprise
Plus, it just feels better performing. Equipped with the new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a spectacular phone. It’s one of the most responsive Android phones I’ve used all year — and that’s just with the standard version of this phone.
The cameras are also impressive. Google kept the same 50MP main camera as last year, but swapped out the old 12MP ultra-wide camera for a new 48MP 123-degree camera. Photos are simply stunning on this phone, 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 rival any device that costs $200 or more.
If there’s a downside to the hardware, it’s the inclusion of a lower-quality 10.5MP selfie camera, while the Pro phones have a new 42MP camera. There’s also an extra telephoto camera on the Pros, so you won’t get the same zoom quality on the regular Pixel 9.
As for the AI features on this phone, Google has packed quite a few into the Pixel 9. Not only does it come with the company’s Gemini chatbot out of the box, but thanks to the Tensor G4 processor, it also comes with Gemini Live, so you can have real-life conversations with it.
Also: Android 15’s Gemini overlay feature can answer questions about anything on your screen
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, but you’ll get one for free if you buy a Pixel 9. I asked it numerous web-query-like questions (“What’s the best place to live near New York City that’s relatively affordable?” “How many stars are in the sky? Wait, in the galaxy?”) and it answered them all with ease, even with speech interruptions. It’s in its early stages, but it’s an exciting piece of technology that could change the way we use our phones.
You will also get features like Add mewhich lets you take a photo of your friends, then ask them to take a photo of you in the same spot and merge the two so no one is left out. I’ve tried a bit and it worked surprisingly well. There are also some cool updates to Magic Editor To frame your photos.
Google also included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 series: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel StudioWith the former, you can organize your screenshots and search through them with AI guidance, allowing you to easily look up information like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
Meanwhile, the latter lets you generate images on the fly and customize them with text, stickers, and other effects. I enjoyed using both apps in my limited testing time, but I’ll need to test them out long-term to see if they’re worth the money.
Also: The Pixel phone’s camera was already the best, but these new features make it even better
I found battery life to be pretty good. There’s a 4,700mAh cell inside that can last all day on a single charge and then some, meaning you won’t have to worry about this phone’s battery after a long day. Google includes 45W charging support on the Pixel 9 series, which is awesome, but you’ll have to buy a wall adapter separately to take advantage of it. Additionally, there’s 15W wireless charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wireless charging called “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s buying advice
If your budget is $800, it’s hard not to recommend this. Google Pixel 9Sure, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tough contender, but I actually think this is the better buy. 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 entry-level version of Google’s flagship phone shouldn’t be overlooked.