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Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9


8.4/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel 9 currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 63 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

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.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
3.1 GHz
Processor
Processor
3.1 GHz
6.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.3"
50+ MP, f/1.7
Camera
Camera
50+ MP, f/1.7
4700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechNave
TechNave

Overall, 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.

- Muzaffar Ismail, TechNave
Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer

It’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...

- Joshua Waller, Amateur Photographer
HardwareZone
HardwareZone

The 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.

- Liu Hongzuo, HardwareZone
The Hindu Business Line
The Hindu Business Line

The 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...

- Mahananda Bohidar, The Hindu Business Line
The Guardian
The Guardian

The 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...

- Samuel Gibbs, The Guardian


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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Quick view

Screen Size
6.3"

The Google Pixel 9's screen size is 6.3 inches with 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution.

Processor
3.1 GHz

There is a Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core 3.1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 14 operating system (OS).

Camera
50+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 50+ MP, f/1.7 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
128/256 GB

Internal memory is 128/256 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
4700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 4700 mAh battery. Google's performance ratings are 1586 minutes, 695 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Pixel 9 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 22, 2024
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 14

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) Octa-core 3.1 GHz
Internal Storage 128/256 GB
RAM 12 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.99 W/kg
Body: 1.40 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM
Nano-SIM, eSIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX HD
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
50+ Megapixels, f/1.7, Wide
48+ Megapixels, f/1.7, Ultrawide
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
10.5+ Megapixels, f/2.2, Ultrawide
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology OLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2424 pixels
Pixel Density 422 pixels
Size 6.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Up to 15 W
Fast Charging Up to 27 W
Video Playback Time Up to 921 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 695 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1586 minutes
Standby Time Up to 8 days
Mixed Usage Up to 6000 minutes
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.28 x 7.2 x 0.85 cm (6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in)
Weight 198 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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