Google Pixel 9 review: a good phone overshadowed by great ones

The Google Pixel 9 is a top-end phone that offers almost everything its sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro, has to offer at a lower price point.

Design and Display

The Pixel 9 retains the same standout design as the Pixel 9 Pro, making it a premium-looking device despite being cheaper. The screen is nice and bright, making it easier to use outside than predecessors.

Specifications

• Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)

• Processor: Google Tensor G4

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 128 or 256GB

• Operating System: Android 14

• Camera:

• 50MP + 48MP ultrawide, 10.5MP selfie

• Long exposure and action pan modes, Best Take, and various photo editing tools

• Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, wifi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS

• Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

• Dimensions: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm

• Weight: 198g

Features

The Pixel 9 runs Android 14 with seven years of software support, including an upgrade to Android 15 in the autumn. It also features Google’s latest Gemini Nano AI models and Screenshots app for collecting and making searchable screenshots.

Battery and Sustainability

The battery is expected to last in excess of 500 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by Google and third-party shops, with published repair manuals and genuine replacement parts available from iFixit. The Pixel 9 is made with at least 20% recycled materials, including recycled aluminium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin.

Price

The Pixel 9 costs £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349), which is a significant saving compared to the Pixel 9 Pro but still more expensive than the excellent value Pixel 8a.

Verdict

While the Pixel 9 is undoubtedly a good phone with premium features and design, it struggles to stand out in a market where better options are available at both ends of the spectrum. The lack of a telephoto camera and high-end AI features makes it less appealing than its pricier sibling or the more affordable Pixel 8a.

Pros

• Seven years of software updates

• Great camera

• Good screen

• Good battery life

• Good size

• Recycled aluminium

• Impressive local and generative AI features

• Fast fingerprint and face recognition

Cons

• No zoom camera

• Face unlock option not as secure as Face ID

• Raw performance short of best-in-class

• Not good enough value