Google Pixel 9 review – Tests GSMArena.com

Introduction

The Pixel 8 was one of the most popular choices in the compact segment, and the Pixel 9 is here to replace it as the new go-to option in this particular niche. With improvements in design, chipset, display, camera, and software, we can't wait to meet the smaller Google Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9 Review

But to put all this talk of compact devices to rest, the first thing to know is that the new Pixel 9 isn't so small anymore. It features a larger 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 30% increase in brightness.

The design has changed too, with two flat Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels, a new flat aluminium frame and a more prominent but smaller camera bar with clear bezels. Yes, it looks more like an iPhone, but it's still a Pixel, easily recognisable. Oh, and it's still IP68 rated, as usual.

The Google Tensor G4 chip that powers all new Pixel 9 phones packs eight next-gen CPU cores, a faster GPU, a more power-efficient (and improved) modem, and is paired with more RAM needed for on-device AI tasks. Speaking of AI, the Tensor Processing Unit, which is at the heart of the new AI features available through Google Gemini, remains the same as the Tensor G3.

Google Pixel 9 Review

The Google Pixel 9 is the smartphone with the fewest cameras compared to the rest of the 9 lineup: it has the same 50MP main camera with a high-resolution 2x zoom as the Pixel 8 (and the 9 Pro, apparently), as well as the same 10.5MP selfie camera, now with an autofocus lens. It also has an all-new 48MP ultra-wide camera with a bright autofocus lens (yes, it supports macro!).

Other new features in the Pixel 9 include a move to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which should make for a more reliable experience. It also gets support for satellite SOS via a new partnership with Garmin and Skylo. Finally, the Pixel 9 also supports 27W fast charging and gets a boost in battery capacity.

The Pixel 9 comes with Android 14, the current version of Android, as Android 15 is only a few months away at the time of its release. It will get 7 years of full software support.

Google Pixel 9 Specs Overview:

  • Body: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 198 g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), Glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), Aluminum frame; IP68 dust and water resistant (up to 1.5 m for 30 min).
  • Display: 6.30″ OLED, 120 Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422ppi; always-on display.
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4nm): Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MC7.
  • Memory: 128 GB 12 GB RAM, 256 GB 12 GB RAM; UFS.
  • Operating System/Software: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
  • Rear camera: Large (main): 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, single-area laser AF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚, 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF.
  • Front camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultra-wide), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF.
  • Video capture: Rear camera: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240 fps; gyroscope-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps.
  • Battery: 4700mAh; 45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 55% in 30 min (advertised), 15W wireless (with Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (with Qi-compatible charger), reverse wireless.
  • Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 6; BT 5.3, aptXHD; NFC.
  • Miscellaneous : Fingerprint reader (under-display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; satellite SOS service.

The Google Pixel 9 looks to be a true flagship with everything you could want from a compact premium device. It's certainly not a groundbreaking upgrade over the Pixel 8, but it seems to have everything new to offer.

Unboxing the Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 comes in a recycled paper box with a sleeve. The print is monochrome.

Google Pixel 9 Review

Inside you'll find the Pixel 9, of course, a USB-C cable, and a SIM eject tool.

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