ZDNET’s key findings
- The Pixels 9 is Google’s latest basic flagship phone and starts at $799.
- It features the new Tensor G4 processor, an updated design, a larger battery, and a slightly higher price.
- The hardware improvements compared to last year’s model are relatively small.
I had the opportunity to attend the Made by Google event earlier this month, and after the keynote I was even more excited to try out the basic version of the Pixels 9 than the Pro or the Pro XL. Why? Because the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it a fascinating device that I recommend for several reasons.
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I’m giving this review away right at the start, but it’s true. Google’s new entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, starts at $799 ($100 more than last year’s version) and while its hardware is a minor improvement over the Pixel 8, it’s an impressive phone overall. It offers a new design, slightly improved performance, slightly better cameras, a slightly larger battery, and a host of new AI features.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 as the standard Android alternative to the iPhone 15 (soon to be iPhone 16), in part because it looks like one. Google has given the entire Pixel 9 family flat sides with rounded corners, making them look like something out of a design lab in Cupertino. The good news is that this makes these phones look and feel great.
Also: I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for two weeks – and can’t go back
In fact, they’re my best-looking Pixel phones yet. The Pixel 9 feels particularly unique, yet still offers a premium feel that’s delightfully cool to the touch. The sides are made of aluminum, while the front and back are made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The whole thing is IP68 water and dust resistant, and it’s just the right size for one-handed use.
Another feature of the Pixel is its beautiful display, and the Pixel 9 definitely has one. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display, which is a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8’s. The sharp 2424 x 1080 resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate mean the Pixel 9 delivers exceptional visuals, whether you’re just reading emails or watching your favorite movie. This year, the screen can reach up to 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of the brightest Android phones you can buy.
Also: This camera comparison between Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro has a clear winner – and a big surprise
Performance feels better, too. Powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 packs a punch. It’s one of the most responsive Android phones I’ve used all year, and that’s just with the standard version of this phone.
The cameras are impressive too. Google has kept the same 50MP main camera as last year, but swapped out the old 12MP ultra-wide camera for a new 48MP 123-degree camera. The photos on this phone are simply stunning, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do a great job of preserving detail and contrast. Video quality is also very good, especially with the company’s Video Boost technology. This phone can easily compete with any device that costs over $200 more.
If there’s a downside to the hardware, it’s the inferior 10.5MP selfie camera, while the Pro phones get a new 42MP camera. The Pros also have an additional telephoto camera, so you don’t get the same zoom quality on the regular Pixel 9.
As far as this phone’s AI features go, Google has packed a lot into the Pixel 9. Not only does it ship with the company’s Gemini chatbot, but thanks to the Tensor G4 processor, it also has Gemini Live, so you can have real conversations with it.
Also: Android 15’s Gemini overlay feature can answer questions about anything on your screen
This requires a Google One AI Premium plan, but you get one for free when you buy a Pixel 9. I asked it numerous questions that resembled web queries (“What’s the best place to live near New York City that’s relatively affordable?”, “How many stars are there in the sky—wait, in the galaxy?”) and it answered them all with ease—even with voice interruptions. It’s still in its early stages, but it’s an exciting technology that could change the way we use our phones.
You also get features like “Add Me,” which lets you take a photo of your friends, then have them take a photo of you in the same place, and merge the two so no one is left out. I played around with this during my testing, which worked surprisingly well. There are also some nice updates to Magic Editor for framing your photos.
Google has also integrated two new AI-powered apps into the Pixel 9 series: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. The former lets you organize your screenshots and search them with AI prompts, making it easy to access information like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
The latter lets you create images in a snap and personalize them with text, stickers, and other effects. I enjoyed using both apps during my limited trial time, but I’ll have to try them out in the long run to see if they’re worth it.
Also: The Pixel phone camera was already the best, but these new features make it even better
I found the battery life to be pretty good. Inside is a 4,700mAh cell that can last all day and even longer on one charge, so you don’t have to worry about this phone’s battery after a long day. Google offers 45W charging support on the Pixel 9 series, which is great, but you’ll need to buy a separate wall adapter to take advantage of it. Additionally, there’s 15W wireless charging (not Qi2, mind you) and 5W reverse wireless charging called “Battery Share.”
Buying advice from ZDNET
If your budget is $800, it’s hard not to recommend Google’s Pixel 9. Sure, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tough competitor, but I actually think this is the better deal. It gives you access to some useful new AI features, and you get all the benefits of the Pixel experience, like great software, display quality, and cameras.
The Pro and Pro XL versions of the Pixel 9 may be flashier, but the base version of Google’s flagship phone shouldn’t be overlooked.
