Meet the Pixel 9, the most affordable ticket to Google's latest AI offerings. It's also a very capable but reasonably compact Android phone, which isn't too common these days.
This year's Pixels come in a recycled paper box with a sleeve. There's a USB-C cable in the box and that's it.
We also have the official Pixel 9 case for $40, which comes in six colors. It fits the phone perfectly, especially around the camera bar. From the front, it doesn't feel too intrusive. It's a soft silicone, but it doesn't make your pocket bulge when you take the phone out like some cheap models do.
The official Google Pixel 9 case
The Pixel 9 has a new design with a camera bar that doesn't extend to either side of the phone like it did on the Pixel 8 series. The frame is now flat, as is the display.
It's a modern look that's all the rage right now and we'd say most of us here at GSMArena agree that it's the way to go.
However, the Pixel 9 doesn't quite have the same compact feel as its predecessor. It's 11 grams heavier, nearly 3 mm taller, and 1.2 mm wider. Where the Pixel 8 felt small in the hand, the Pixel 9 has surpassed that threshold and is more like a big phone.
To its credit, it now has a slightly larger screen (by 0.1 inches) and a 3% larger battery.
Pixel 8 owners probably won't rush out to get the new one, but those in dire need of an upgrade should wait for our full review!