Google Pixel 9: Full Review

The Google Pixel 9 is the latest iteration in Google’s smartphone lineup, continuing the brand’s tradition of offering pure Android experiences with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and computational photography. In this review, we explore the Pixel 9’s design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software features, evaluating whether it lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.

Design and Display

The Google Pixel 9 features a sleek and minimalistic design, with a smooth matte finish and rounded edges. The phone’s body is made of premium materials—glass on the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame—giving it a polished and high-end feel. It boasts a 6.2-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The display supports HDR10, making it perfect for streaming high-definition content. The 90Hz refresh rate offers smooth scrolling and responsiveness, though it falls short of the 120Hz displays found in some competing flagships. An in-display fingerprint sensor adds to the sleek aesthetics, while the phone also retains an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Performance

The Pixel 9 is powered by the custom-built Google Tensor G3 chip, which offers solid performance across a range of tasks. The chip, combined with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, provides a smooth and responsive experience for everything from everyday apps to more demanding multitasking. The device runs Android 14, providing an uncluttered and bloatware-free environment that benefits from Google’s software optimizations. The Tensor G3 chip excels at AI-driven tasks such as real-time language translation, voice commands, and Google Assistant features. While it may not match the raw power of the latest Snapdragon chips in terms of sheer performance, the Tensor G3 excels in optimizing for Google’s ecosystem, making it a powerful tool for users deeply embedded in that world.

Camera

The Google Pixel 9 continues the brand’s legacy of outstanding computational photography, offering a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9’s camera system excels in low-light conditions, thanks to Night Sight, which delivers incredible results even in dim environments. Google’s image processing ensures that photos taken with the Pixel 9 have accurate color reproduction and excellent dynamic range. New AI-powered features, such as improved Portrait Mode, Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects, and the Real Tone system for more accurate skin tones, further enhance the camera experience. The Pixel 9 is also capable of recording 4K video at 60fps with impressive stabilization.

Battery Life

The Pixel 9 is equipped with a 4600mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day of moderate use. With features like Adaptive Battery, which optimizes power usage based on your habits, users can expect reliable endurance. The phone supports 30W fast charging, allowing it to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. It also supports wireless charging at 15W and reverse wireless charging for accessories like earbuds.

Software and Features

The Google Pixel 9 runs a clean version of Android 14, offering a bloat-free experience and regular software updates directly from Google. Pixel-exclusive features include the powerful Google Assistant, Call Screening, Hold for Me, and Live Translate, which set the Pixel apart from other Android devices. Moreover, the Pixel 9 is guaranteed to receive Android updates and security patches for at least five years, making it a great long-term investment for users who value timely software support.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9 is a well-rounded smartphone that continues to excel in areas like design, camera performance, and AI-driven features. While its display refresh rate may lag behind some competitors and its performance isn’t necessarily the most powerful on the market, the overall user experience is exceptional, especially for those who appreciate a clean Android experience. With solid battery life, a superb camera system, and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 offers great value, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize innovation and integration with Google’s ecosystem.