Google Pixel 9 Review: A Solid Phone That Falls Short of Greatness
The cheapest Google Pixel 9 provides almost everything that makes its top-flight sibling one of the best smaller phones available, cutting a few key ingredients to price match Apple and Samsung.
Pixel 9 cost: £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349/₹89,698). That chops the price for the phenomenal Pixel 9 Pro by £200, though still well above an excellent value sub-£500 Pixel 8a from May. The new Pixel puts it head to head with Apple’s new iPhone 16 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24.
Comparing that, the Pixel 9 stands side-by-side identically in shape and size with the 9 Pro with matte aluminium sides and glass front and back. It has the same camera design sporting it on the back and the same well-looking 6.3-inch OLED display on the front. Not quite as sharp or bright as the 9 Pro, though the difference is minor.
Inside it still packs the same Tensor G4 chip, at least with 128GB of storage but less RAM, with only 12GB, not the 16GB found in the more expensive sibling. In day-to-day use, it’s not noticeable and does not hold back the Pixel 9 in apps or AI for now.
Another thing to write home about is battery life: it easily gets through about two days of pretty heavy use between charges, which is very good for a phone this size. And it charges with a 27W or greater USB-C charger in a little over 80 minutes, though one isn’t included in the box.
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 9 shares its design language with the Pixel 9 Pro, featuring sleek matte aluminum sides and a glass front and back. Measuring 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm and weighing 198g, it feels solid and premium in hand. The device boasts a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 422ppi, providing vibrant colors and decent brightness levels. Although the display is not quite as sharp as the Pro model, it remains a strong feature for media consumption.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB or 256GB |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide, 10.5MP Selfie |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 days |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (1.5 m for 30 minutes) |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm |
| Weight | 198g |
Performance
The Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, including browsing, streaming, and multitasking. Despite having less RAM than the Pro model (16GB), users are unlikely to notice any significant performance dips in typical usage scenarios.
With Android 14, the Pixel 9 benefits from Google’s latest features, including Gemini AI, which enhances various applications and services. Additionally, the device offers seven years of software support, ensuring longevity in terms of updates.
Camera Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 is its camera system. It shares the 50MP main camera and 48MP ultrawide camera with the Pixel 9 Pro. However, it lacks the telephoto zoom capability found in its pricier counterpart. The camera excels in various lighting conditions, producing vibrant and detailed images.
While the 10.5MP selfie camera does not match the capabilities of the Pro’s sensor, it still captures crisp selfies. Noteworthy features include:
- Add Me: An innovative feature that allows users to merge two photos taken back-to-back to include themselves in group shots.
- Long Exposure and Action Pan Modes: Provide additional creative options for photography enthusiasts.
Despite its strengths, the absence of a telephoto camera limits the Pixel 9’s versatility in zoomed shots, particularly in low-light situations.
Battery Life
The Pixel 9 impresses with its battery life, offering up to two days on a single charge. It supports 27W fast charging, allowing it to reach full charge in just over 80 minutes, although a charger is not included in the box. This battery performance is commendable for a phone of its size, making it suitable for heavy users.
Sustainability
Google has made strides toward sustainability with the Pixel 9. The device features at least 20% recycled materials, including aluminum and plastic. Google’s commitment to environmental responsibility extends to recycling old devices free of charge, promoting a more sustainable lifecycle for smartphones.
Pricing Comparison
When considering the price of the Pixel 9, it competes directly with the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 Pro.
- Pixel 8a: £419
- Pixel 9: £799
- Pixel 9 Pro: £999
- Samsung Galaxy S24: £799
- Apple iPhone 16: £799
While the Pixel 9 offers a strong package, it sits in a challenging position where its features are closely rivaled by the more affordable Pixel 8a and the superior Pixel 9 Pro.
Verdict
Undeniably, the Pixel 9 is the best non-Pro flagship phone Google has made. It has the good balance of premium looks and features, shaving a bit off the cost of its top-tier phone of the same size.
The problem here is that without a telephoto camera and the best AI features, restricted to the more expensive 9 Pro series, the standard Pixel 9 manages only to narrowly just fit within the features and capabilities offered for that much better Pixel 8a value.
That leaves it in a bit of tricky position. If the £999 Pixel 9 Pro is out of budget then £800 for the Pixel 9 is very expensive when you can achieve 80% of the experience for just over half the price with a Pixel 8a at £419.
Thus, Pixel 9 is a good phone for both the ends of the end as the bigger Google phones overshadow it. I would wait for a sale so that the price becomes tempting.
Pros and Cons
Pros: great camera, good battery life, good size, seven years of software updates, good screen, recycled aluminium, impressive local and generative AI features, fast fingerprint and face recognition.
Cons: no zoom camera, raw performance short of best-in-class, not good enough value, face unlock option not as secure as Face ID.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does the Google Pixel 9 have a telephoto camera?
- No, the Pixel 9 does not include a telephoto camera. It has a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera.
- How long does the battery last on the Pixel 9?
- The Pixel 9 can last up to two days on a single charge, depending on usage.
- What is the price of the Google Pixel 9?
- The Pixel 9 is priced at £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349).
- How many years of software support does the Pixel 9 receive?
- Google promises seven years of software updates for the Pixel 9.
- Is the Pixel 9 waterproof?
- Yes, the Pixel 9 has an IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and water.
- What are the storage options for the Pixel 9?
- The Pixel 9 is available in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB.
- Can I use the Pixel 9 for gaming?
- Yes, the Pixel 9’s performance is adequate for gaming, although it may not match the performance of higher-end gaming phones.
- Is there a charger included with the Pixel 9?
- No, the Pixel 9 does not include a charger in the box.
- What is the camera quality like in low light?
- The camera performs well in low light, but the lack of a telephoto lens can limit zoom capabilities.
- How does the Pixel 9 compare to the Pixel 8a?
- While the Pixel 9 offers premium features, the Pixel 8a provides excellent value, with around 80% of the experience at a significantly lower price.
In summary, the Google Pixel 9 is a good commendable device for users who need a trusted smartphone. However, the prices are a bit exaggerated by the fact that nearer options are much more affordable and alternatives of more advanced options are located close to it. This basis of personal preference and usage will determine if it will be worth the investment.
