The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A good all-rounder with advanced AI features and impressive camera capabilities, but with less battery and processing power than some rivals.What's good
- Solid build quality
- Impressive camera system
- Outstanding battery performance
- AI features included
- Bright display
What's bad
- Heats up during use
- Slow charging speed
- AI features underdeveloped
- Tends to feel bulky for some
- Lack of expandable storage
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro boasts an elegant design, marking a significant shift from its predecessors. Flat sides and polished aluminum frame give it a modern aesthetic, comparing favorably to flagship competitors like Apple and Samsung.
Instead of the full camera bar, you now have a pill-shaped module that remains sleek and doesn't snag in pockets. This new design is lauded for its comfort in hand and ease of one-handed use, meeting a common demand for smaller phones.
Reviewers note, "The Pixel 9 Pro is the best-made Pixel of all time, and it even fits in my hand," underscoring improvements in build quality and ergonomics.
Display(s)
The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a breathtaking brightness of up to 3,000 nits. This ensures clear visibility even under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Its Actua display technology allows the refresh rate to range from 1Hz to a smooth 120Hz, which means efficient battery usage without sacrificing screen fluidity during scrolling or gaming.
The dual speakers, positioned to create stereo sound, enhance your viewing experience, getting loud without compromising clarity. "The Pixel 9 Pro delivers exceptional clarity and vibrancy," notes an expert reviewer.
Performance
The Tensor G4 chip offers notable speed for daily tasks, maintaining swift app launches and smooth transitions across apps. Reviewers highlight its seamless handling of high-graphics games like Call of Duty: Mobile, citing stability and responsiveness as key strengths.
Thermal management has improved, keeping the phone cooler under heavy use, a point praised by experts observing only slight warmth during intensive tasks.
Despite solid performance, some note the battery life doesn't align with the energy efficiency of competitors, raising concerns about long-term power efficiency.
Software & Storage
The Pixel 9 Pro runs on Android 14 with an easy-to-use interface, delivering a smooth and efficient experience.
Google promises seven years of software and security updates, ensuring long-term use and peace of mind, as noted by reviewers at TechRadar.
"Pixel software provides a highly user-friendly experience with exclusive features," remarked a reviewer, emphasizing the phone's appeal for users wanting a simple but powerful device.
Cameras
The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a superb camera experience, standing out for its vibrant photo output and versatile triple-lens system.
The main 50MP camera captures rich, textured shots with ease, creating images ready for social media thanks to Google's signature pop of vibrancy and contrast. Reviewers highlight its prowess, as PCMag states, "The Pixel 9 Pro features outstanding cameras" that deliver crisp, natural coloration.
Low-light performance remains strong with Google's Night Sight, which preserves detail while brightening dim scenes, as noted by Tech Advisor. For selfie enthusiasts, the upgraded 42MP front camera ensures clear, bright self-portraits in any light.
Battery
The Pixel 9 Pro includes a 4700mAh battery, keeping the phone powered through most of the day with normal usage, but frequent work on AI and camera might drain it faster. Reviewers highlight that this may fall short for power users who favor long screen time or extensive travel.
Its 27W wired charging is slower than many top competitors, meaning you might need to set time aside to juice up your phone. Critics from Tech Advisor noted the "underwhelming battery life" and felt that it could be a dealbreaker at this price point.
For those who prefer wireless methods, the phone charges up to 21W with Google's Pixel Stand or 12W with other chargers, adding convenience for those with wireless charging habits. While backward compatibility with previous Pixel Stand models is a plus, the lower speeds mean less time unplugged.
Audio
With dual stereo speakers, the Pixel 9 Pro ensures sound is projected towards you for an engaging audio experience. "It gets impressively loud without any audible distortion," as noted by reviewers.
For calls, you benefit from a clear audio setup that helps you hear and be heard with ease, enhancing communication. The microphones are also optimized to cancel background noise, ensuring clarity.
While watching movies or playing games, the balanced soundstage provides immersive audio, making your entertainment more enjoyable and lifelike.
The Bottom Line
This phone offers a rich camera experience with a powerful AI suite, ensuring delightful photo editing and smart assistance on the go. Its robust build and compact design make it comfortable for daily use, though extended gaming could heat it up. Plus, the screen shines bright in all conditions, crafting enjoyable multimedia sessions. However, shorter battery life and slower charging could hold you back if you're often away from a charger. As a versatile phone that excels in photography and AI, it compensates with software strengths over raw processing power.
What the Critics Are Saying...


- Yogesh Brar, SmartprixThe Google Pixel 9 Pro is a refinement of the Pixel formula, boasting a stunning display, a powerful Tensor G4 chip, and an impressive camera system that excels in low-light photography. Its updated design feels premium, and the software experience remains smooth and intuitive. While battery life co...


- Manuel Masiero, NotebookcheckThe Google Pixel 9 Pro belongs to the best compact smartphones that are currently on the market. Its cameras attest to its strong overall package, offering very good image quality and covering all shooting scenarios from macro to telephoto. The Pixel 9 Pro's high-quality build, bright OLED panel, lo...


- Cheryl Tan, HardwareZoneThe Google Pixel 9 Pro is a nice flagship device that completes its aesthetically pleasing package with AI smarts, but the phone's meagre performance improvements might not be worth the added asking price.


- Ketan Pratap, Gadgets 360The Pixel 9 Pro is an excellent choice for those who want Pixel-like camera prowess. Its compact form factor is the biggest highlight, and the good thing is that Google this year hasn't kept marquee features limited to 9 Pro XL. You get all the bells and whistles of the bigger sibling at a lesser pr...


- Abhishek Malhotra, The Mobile IndianThe Pixel 9 Pro is an outstanding choice for camera enthusiasts and users seeking a clean software experience. It offers impressive AI features, extended software support, and a distinctive design paired with excellent build quality. If you prioritize heavy performance and reliable battery life, tho...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Google Pixel 9 Pro prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Google's suggested retail price is $999.00. You can compare Pixel 9 Pro prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Google backs up the Pixel 9 Pro with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Pixel 9 Pro has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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