The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A capable phone offering impressive cameras and AI features but feels pricier than it should be.What's good
- Great camera
- Improved AI features
- Solid battery life
- Stylish design
- Seven years update
What's bad
- No telephoto camera
- Price increase
- A few AI glitches
- Slower performance
- Limited charger options
Design
The new Pixel adopts a modern design with straight edges and a flat back instead of the previous rounded shape, giving it a contemporary look similar to its rivals. "Many say the Pixel 9 looks like an iPhone," reflects a common sentiment noted by reviewers.
The camera module, a signature design feature, is a large metallic horizontal capsule distinct from previous models. It helps the phone stay stable on flat surfaces during use. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame adds strength and durability.
Despite these changes, some classic fans might prefer the old rounded design, but the phone's new look offers a solid feel and elegant appearance with available colors like white-ish Ceramic, Peony pink, and Wintergreen.
Display(s)
The Pixel 9's display stands out with a 6.3-inch OLED screen, providing vivid colors and deep contrasts. It's not only bright but also sharp with a resolution that keeps images crisp. Thanks to the high brightness feature, reading your screen even under direct sunlight is hassle-free.
Enhancing your viewing experience, this display supports a smooth refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making scrolling through social media or watching videos feel fluid. As one expert mentioned, "The display’s brightness eliminates any visibility issues in sunlight," ensuring consistent performance indoors and outdoors.
Performance
The device runs on Google's Tensor G4 processor, which excels in handling AI features and multitasking efficiently. You'll enjoy a fast and smooth experience with everyday tasks, Web browsing, and messaging.
However, it may not satisfy those looking for top-tier gaming performance. While it manages games like Call of Duty at higher settings, you might notice occasional lag during intensive play sessions.
For users seeking balance between AI capabilities and regular phone functions, this phone offers a compelling experience despite the modest gaming prowess.
Software & Storage
The Google Pixel 9 ships with the latest Android 14 interface, promising seven years of software updates. This gives you a future-proof phone.
With its focus on AI, Google integrates smart tools like the Pixel Studio app, which lets you create images through easy text prompts, though with some limitations.
"Google's AI tools bring a hint of magic," reviewers say, transforming the everyday use into something special. All these are accessible without bloat, making your experience efficient and enjoyable.
Cameras
The Pixel 9 excels in photography with its 50 MP wide camera delivering vibrant and clear shots in various environments.
The 48 MP ultra-wide lens enhances scenery captures, though it lacks the telephoto option seen on Pro models. As noted in several reviews, this limitation can affect zoom quality at higher magnifications.
Despite this, Google's camera software works wonders in low-light settings, maintaining Google’s reputation for best-in-class night photography.
Battery
With an efficient battery, you'll experience up to two days of usage with moderate activity, perfect for those tired of constant recharging. This can be reassuring if you frequently use apps or features like gaming and streaming.
Charging speed is another highlight, completing a full charge in just over 80 minutes when using a 27W or higher USB-C charger. Experts appreciate this quick recharge time as it means less downtime waiting for your phone to power up.
However, the charger is not included in the box, so make sure to have a compatible one on hand to maximize this fast charging capability.
Audio
The audio experience on this phone is tailored to satisfy both communication and entertainment needs. The speakers produce clear and rich sound, making movie watching or gaming more immersive and enjoyable. Experts agree, "the speakers enhance the viewing experience by providing strong, clear audio for all media."
For calls, it uses advanced microphones that ensure your voice comes through clearly and reduce background noise, allowing for easier conversations even in louder settings. You won't need to repeat yourself when talking to loved ones, as these microphones capture your voice accurately.
Reviews consistently highlight the phone's excellent sound quality, making it a reliable choice for daily communication and media consumption. Enjoy seamless transitions between phone calls and media playback with this phone's dependable audio capabilities.
The Bottom Line
This phone excels with its superb cameras, offering top-tier point-and-shoot quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Reviews often praise its "superb photos with balanced and natural-looking colors," though it lacks a dedicated zoom camera. The distinct Tensor chip brings flagship-like AI features, enhancing photography and everyday convenience. Still, the increased price puts it against rivals with faster performance and better value, leaving some to question if it's worth the extra cost.
What the Critics Are Saying...


- Muzaffar Ismail, TechNaveOverall, the Google Pixel 9 smartphone is an excellent compact phone for the upper midrange. It's very good for normal landscape or macro photography and certainly has an edge when it comes to Google AI features and 7 years of promised updates.


- Joshua Waller, Amateur PhotographerIt’s difficult to recommend a premium phone (with a premium price) that doesn’t feature a telephoto camera on the back. Just buy the 9 Pro, 8 Pro or a phone from a different brand and you’ll get more. Now that the 9 Pro is the same size as the 9, there’s very little reason to choose this phone, unle...


- Liu Hongzuo, HardwareZoneThe best-designed Pixel phones so far are also more expensive, but Google knows they can charge more because of its imaging prowess and clean interface. Just don't get too excited about Gemini, yet.


- Mahananda Bohidar, The Hindu Business LineThe Google Pixel 9 brings in flagship experiences across the board — be it the super sharp bright display, excellent audio quality (not that we are streaming music on the device’s speakers any longer!), excellent dual-camera setup supported by new-age AI post-processing tweaks, as well as the AI-fea...


- Samuel Gibbs, The GuardianThe Pixel 9 is undoubtedly the best non-Pro flagship phone Google has made. It has a good balance of premium looks and features, shaving a bit off the cost of its top-tier phone of the same size. The problem is that without a telephoto camera and the best AI features, which are limited to the more e...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Google Pixel 9 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 $799.00. You can compare Pixel 9 prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Google backs up the Pixel 9 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Pixel 9 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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