Imagine having a smartphone that doesn’t just keep up with you – it thinks ahead. In our Google Pixel 9/Pro review, we’re diving deep into Google’s latest AI-powered marvels that are pushing the boundaries of what we expect from our phones. Sure, the iPhone 15/16 series and Samsung’s Galaxy S24/Ultra are impressive contenders, but Google’s newest Pixels might just have that special something that changes how we interact with our devices.
Let’s explore what makes these phones unique and whether they’re the game-changers Google promises them to be.
From impressive cameras to cutting-edge AI integrations, we’ll explain every aspect to help you decide if the Pixel 9 series is the right choice.
Google Pixel 9/Pro: What’s New in 2025?
With the Google Pixel 9 series, Google continues its tradition of delivering a pure Android experience with strong hardware. However, in 2025, the competition is fiercer than ever, with brands like Apple and Samsung pushing the boundaries.
In this Google Pixel 9/Pro review, we explore what’s new in the Pixel 9 series lineup and how it compares to other top-tier models.
Design and Build: Premium Yet Practical
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro both feature sleek, premium builds, but their design is where they show a clear evolution over previous iterations. The Pixel 9 comes with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, while the Pro model upgrades to a 6.8-inch display, both boasting an impressive peak brightness of 2,700 nits (Pixel 9) and 3,000 nits (Pixel 9 Pro).
This makes the Pixel 9 series perfect for outdoor use, especially compared to the slightly dimmer iPhone 16 display, which peaks at 2,000 nits.
However, this comes at a price—both phones are slightly heavier than competitors, including the Galaxy S24, known for its lightweight and ergonomic design. This makes the Pixel 9 feel a little more substantial but also bulkier than the competition.
Pro Tip: If you love watching videos or editing photos outdoors, the higher brightness of the Pixel 9 Pro gives it a distinct advantage over other flagships.
Google Pixel 9 Camera: Photography King or Overhyped?
For many, the main reason to buy a Pixel phone is the camera. The Pixel 9 series has a lot to live up to, given Google’s legacy in this space.
Let’s see if the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro can dethrone competitors like the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Camera Performance and Features
The Pixel 9 continues the Pixel legacy with its outstanding camera performance. Both models feature a shared primary camera that captures excellent dynamic range, sharp details, and vibrant colors.
The standout feature is the new 48MP ultra-wide lens, which delivers impressive results, especially in low light.
Personal Take: Based on this Google Pixel 9/Pro review, its clear that the Pixel 9 cameras have always been reliable, but the images often feel enhanced—perhaps too enhanced at times—compared to the more natural rendering of the iPhone 16’s camera or the powerful zoom features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Pixel 9 Pro steps it up with an upgraded 48MP selfie camera that’s perfect for those who love high-quality selfies. The enhanced dynamic range and fine details make it one of the best front-facing cameras available today.
Performance and Battery Life
When it comes to performance, the Google Pixel 9 packs the new Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) chip, designed to deliver faster processing and improved AI capabilities.
This chip pushes the envelope in AI tasks like live translations and predictive text, though it still lags behind the A18 chipset in the iPhone 16 series for sheer processing power.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the most discussed aspects of the Pixel 9 is its battery life. With a larger battery than its predecessor, the Pixel 9 manages to get through a full day of typical usage.
However, charging speeds are slower compared to its rivals, topping out at 37W for Pixel 9 Pro XL. For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 45W charging, meaning it’ll top up much faster than the Pixel 9.
Personal Take: Battery life on the Pixel 9 is good, but not exceptional. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll likely need a power bank for long days out and about.
Pro Tip: Use the Pixel’s adaptive battery feature to get the most out of your phone during a busy day. This feature intelligently manages your battery usage and prioritizes apps you use most often.
Software Features: Pure Android, But Some Surprises
Google Pixel phones are known for offering the cleanest Android experience, and the Pixel 9 series is no exception. But in this Google Pixel 9/Pro review, there are some surprises in store with features that elevate the Pixel experience above other Android phones.
Gemini Assistant: Google’s Next-Level AI
The Gemini Assistant is perhaps the most exciting software upgrade in the Pixel 9. It’s more conversational and context-aware than Google Assistant, and it even remembers your past interactions, providing a more personalized experience.
However, there’s a catch—Gemini is still a work in progress. In many cases, it struggles with basic tasks, such as setting timers or sending messages, where Google Assistant performs more reliably. Yet, as Gemini evolves, it’s likely to surpass Google Assistant in utility.
Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of AI assistants, Gemini is worth trying. But, if you need something that’s dependable for basic tasks, Google Assistant is still your best bet.
New Screenshot App: A Convenient Organizing Tool
A new feature on the Pixel 9 series is the dedicated Screenshot app. It allows users to categorize screenshots into collections and set reminders.
While this feature is convenient, it raises the question: why wasn’t this integrated into Google Photos? After all, competitors like Samsung have already baked this functionality into their photo apps.
Pixel 9 Series vs Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16: Which One Should You Choose?
Now, let’s compare the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro with its competitors to help you make a more informed decision.
- Camera: The Pixel 9 excels in overall color accuracy and dynamic range but feels too enhanced compared to the iPhone 15, which delivers more natural tones. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, offers unbeatable zoom performance that the Pixel lacks.
- Display: The Pixel 9’s display is stunning, but it falls behind the Samsung Galaxy S24 when it comes to refresh rate. Samsung offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 9 is capped at 90Hz.
- Battery and Charging: While the Pixel 9 offers solid battery life, it lags behind the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 in terms of charging speed.
- Price: When considering the price, the Pixel 9 is generally more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro models and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, it still faces tough competition in terms of overall value.
Pros and Cons of the Google Pixel 9 Series
Pros:
- Outstanding camera performance, particularly in dynamic range and color accuracy.
- Gemini Assistant offers more personalized interactions compared to Google Assistant.
- Impressive display brightness, perfect for outdoor use.
- Faster AI and processing thanks to the Tensor 2 chip.
Cons:
- Battery life is average, and the charging speed is slower than competitors.
- The high price point might deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Some software features, like the Screenshot app, feel redundant.
- Basic AI tasks are still better handled by Google Assistant.
Conclusion: Is the Google Pixel 9 Worth It?
In this Google Pixel 9/Pro review, its clear that The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are solid contenders in the flagship smartphone market. While the camera and AI features are impressive, and the display is perfect for those who need high brightness and color accuracy, the slow charging and average battery life might make potential buyers hesitant.
For those invested in the Android ecosystem, especially fans of Google’s clean software, the Pixel 9 series offers a polished experience that no other Android phone can match. However, if fast charging or premium battery life are crucial for you, devices like the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 may be worth considering.
FAQs
1. What makes the Pixel 9 different from other Android phones?
The Pixel 9 stands out for its exceptional camera performance, AI-powered Gemini Assistant, and pure Android experience.
2. How does the Pixel 9 compare to the iPhone 15?
While both phones offer premium features, the iPhone 15 excels in performance and battery life, whereas the Pixel 9 offers better camera performance and a more personalized AI experience.
3. Can the Pixel 9’s camera handle low-light photography?
Yes, the Pixel 9 excels in low-light conditions, delivering sharp, detailed images with minimal noise.
4. What is the Gemini Assistant on the Pixel 9?
Gemini is an advanced voice assistant that offers more context-aware, personalized interactions compared to Google Assistant.
5. How does the Pixel 9 handle gaming?
The Pixel 9 performs well for gaming thanks to the powerful Tensor G4 chip, though it’s not as specialized as some gaming-focused phones.
6. Does the Pixel 9 support 5G?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro support 5G, ensuring fast download speeds.
7. How fast is the Pixel 9’s charging speed?
The Pixel 9 supports a maximum charging speed of 37W, which is slower compared to the 45W charging offered by the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
8. Is the Pixel 9’s display good for outdoor use?
Yes, the Pixel 9 features an incredibly bright display, making it one of the best options for use in direct sunlight.
9. Should I buy the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro?
If you want a larger screen and upgraded camera features, go for the Pixel 9 Pro. Otherwise, the Pixel 9 offers great value.
10. How long does the Pixel 9’s battery last?
The Pixel 9 lasts a full day of typical usage, but heavy users may need to charge it midway through the day.
