Pixel 9 review

A Fresh Look and Feel — Google Pixel 9

Google has given the phone reviews category a fresh contender with the Pixel 9, and it's a head-turner. The design is a big leap forward, moving away from the older look to a more modern, rounded shape with a prominent camera bump that feels purposeful. The materials are premium, with a matte aluminum frame and a glossy back that feels solid in hand. The 6.3-inch OLED display is bright and smooth, running at 120Hz, which makes scrolling and animations feel fluid.

At 198g, it's not the lightest phone, but it feels balanced and comfortable. The IP68 rating means it can handle dust and water, adding to its durability. The new colors—Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, and Obsidian—give it a playful edge, making it stand out from the usual black and white slabs. Overall, the redesign is a clear win, matching the look and feel of more expensive models like the Pixel 9 Pro.

A Bigger Battery and Faster Charging — Google Pixel 9

Battery life has taken a major step forward with the Pixel 9. The 4,700mAh cell is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, and it shows in real-world use. You can comfortably get through a full day of heavy use, and even stretch into a second day with lighter tasks. When it's time to recharge, the 27W wired charging is faster than before, though it still lags behind some rivals that offer even quicker speeds. Wireless charging at 15W is convenient, and it's compatible with most standard pads.

This combination of a larger battery and faster charging makes the Pixel 9 a more reliable daily driver, especially for those who rely on their phone for long hours. For a phone that doesn't call itself a 'Pro' model, this is a welcome improvement that addresses a common pain point.

Cameras That Keep Up with the Best — Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9's camera system is one of its strongest features. The 50MP main sensor and 48MP ultrawide lens work together to capture sharp, detailed photos in a variety of lighting conditions. Google's image processing is still top-notch, often producing results that rival the best camera phones on the market. Colors are vibrant but natural, and the dynamic range is impressive. The 'Add Me' feature is a creative AI trick that can stitch you into group photos, and it works without feeling gimmicky.

However, not all AI features hit the mark; some feel a bit fake when you use them. The main downside is the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, which limits zoom quality compared to pricier models. Still, for the price, the Pixel 9's cameras offer excellent value. For a complete list of options, see our phone directory.

Performance That Lags Behind — Google Pixel 9

While the Google Pixel 9 features the new Tensor G4 chip and 12GB of RAM, its performance doesn't match other flagship phones at this price. The phone handles everyday tasks smoothly, but when pushed with demanding apps or games, it noticeably falls behind rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24. This is a recurring issue for Google's phones, and the Pixel 9 doesn't break that trend. The phone also arrives running Android 14, which seems like a missed opportunity given its later release date.

For most people, the day-to-day experience is fine, but if raw speed is your priority, you might want to look elsewhere. Use our phone finder to compare options.

AI Features: Cool but Costly — Google Pixel 9

Google has packed the Pixel 9 with AI features, from photo editing tools to writing assistance. Some of these, like the Add Me camera feature, are genuinely useful and fun. However, many others feel gimmicky, such as the keyboard's Shakespearean text generator. The bigger issue is that the best AI features require a subscription to Gemini Live, which adds to the already high $799 starting price. This feels like a bait-and-switch, especially since the phone's price has increased for the second year in a row.

If you don't care about AI, the Pixel 9 still works well as a standard phone, but you'll be paying for features you won't use. Check out our side-by-side comparison with the Pro model to see what you're missing.

Is the Pixel 9 right for you? — Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 Review: Strong All-Around but Held Back by Weak Performance and Hidden Costs

The Google Pixel 9 is a well-rounded phone that excels in several key areas. Its cameras are among the best you can get, capturing stunning photos that rival the top camera phones. The design is a fantastic refresh, with premium materials and a modern look in colors like Peony and Wintergreen. Battery life has also taken a major leap forward, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. Google's promise of seven years of software updates ensures this phone will stay secure and up-to-date for years to come.

However, the Pixel 9 has some significant drawbacks. Its performance lags behind other flagships, which is disappointing at this price point. Some AI features feel fake or unnecessary, and the best ones require a paid subscription. The $799 starting price is high compared to more powerful rivals, making it a tough sell. If you can find it on sale or don't care about AI, it's a great choice. Otherwise, you might be better off with a faster phone.