The Google Pixel 9 is the best compact AI phone of 2024, so far. It brings an impressive array of AI features that set it apart, making it a standout device for those who value innovative software. But, there are some misses. While the Tensor G4 chip shows improved performance, it still lags behind its competitors and the heating issues, while fewer, still persist. The camera system delivers solid results, especially in daylight, but lacks some pro-level features. And the display, though vibrant, lacks flagship specifications.
In a market flooded with AI-ready smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 series made me sit up and take notice of its host of new AI features. The features this year are not just flashy but functional as well. But, a great phone isn’t just about impressive AI; it’s also about how well the device performs. With the Google Pixel 9, Google is aiming to offer a solid package with its new Tensor G4 processor, sleek new design, vibrant display, and smooth user experience. However, it’s up against some serious competition like the iQOO 12 (review) and OnePlus 12 (review), which provide excellent value for money.
While the Pixel 9 looks promising on paper, there are a few things that might give potential buyers pause, like the UFS 3.1 storage and slower charging speeds. In this review, I’ll dive into all aspects of the Pixel 9 — from its build and design to its display, performance, software, AI features, cameras, and battery life — to see if it truly measures up to the hype.
Google Pixel 9 Review: Durable build, premium design
The Google Pixel 9 nails it when it comes to looks and feel. It’s got this sleek, matte aluminium frame with nicely rounded corners that has quite an iPhone-esque aesthetic. It feels solid in your hand, weighing in at 198 grams, and I think the added heftiness is not a bad thing; it makes the phone feel a tad more premium. The 6.3-inch flat display is just the right size for most folks – not too big, not too small – fitting comfortably without being a bulky pocket monster like some other phones out there.
Google went all out with durability, slapping Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, so it’s pretty resistant to scratches and drops. Plus, with its IP68 rating, you don’t have to worry about dust or water damaging your phone. The “Porcelain” White variant, which I got for this review, looks minimalist and classy, standing out in a good way. The redesigned camera module is also sleeker than before, but it still sticks out quite a bit. Thankfully, it’s not wobbly when you lay it flat.
One of the coolest upgrades is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor – it’s lightning-fast and super responsive. On the downside, there’s a fairly large punch-hole cutout for the front camera, which is a bit of a letdown, especially considering the phone’s price. Overall, though, the Pixel 9 looks and feels great, blending practicality with a modern aesthetic.
Google Pixel 9 Review: Display lacks flagship specifications
The Pixel 9’s 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp and has good colour accuracy, making it good enough for daily use. But don’t expect all the bells and whistles you get from some of the high-end displays out there. First off, it’s not an LTPO panel and secondly, it only supports 8-bit colour depth, which means it can’t quite match the richer hues of 10 or 12-bit panels and it doesn’t have dynamic refresh rates as well.
That said, it still looks pretty good in most situations. HDR videos pop with vivid colours, and the brightness is solid, even outdoors. It can hit up to 2700 nits at peak brightness, but on Auto-Brightness Mode, it hovered around 1682 nits in our tests, which is still quite impressive.
Just a heads up – the 120Hz refresh rate is turned off by default, so make sure you switch it on for a smoother experience. As for the speakers, they are clear, but they could use a bit more punch in the bass department.
Google Pixel 9 Review: Performance and Software
Performance has always been a bit of a mixed bag for Google’s Pixel phones, and the Pixel 9 is no different. It’s powered by the Tensor G4 processor, which is definitely an improvement over its predecessor, but it still doesn’t quite keep up with some of its rivals. In benchmark tests, it trails behind phones like the iQOO 12 and OnePlus 12 and even scores lower than some mid-range devices like the Realme GT 6T. Sure, it matches up with the OnePlus 12 in some areas, but overall, it’s not leading the pack.
When you really push it, the Pixel 9 shows its limits. During a 15-minute CPU throttling test, it dropped to 58% of its peak performance, similar to the Exynos-powered Samsung Galaxy S24. This means it handles everyday tasks just fine but struggles when things get intense, leading to some throttling and heating. The phone also comes with UFS 3.1 storage instead of UFS 4.0 which makes the read and write speeds slower than the competition.
For gaming, it’s a bit hit or miss. Casual games and short sessions are smooth, but if you’re into long gaming marathons on high-demand games like BGMI or Call of Duty: Mobile, you’ll notice some frame drops and heat buildup, which is a bummer for a high-end phone.
On the software side, the Pixel 9 ships with Android 14, not the latest Android 15, which is a slight disappointment. However, Google promises seven years of Android OS updates, which is pretty great. The software experience is classic Pixel – clean, straightforward, and free of unnecessary bloatware.
The interface is smooth, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on, making everyday use feel pretty snappy. So, while it might not blow away the competition in raw performance, the Pixel 9’s software optimisations keep things running smoothly for the most part.
All about the AI!
If you’re into AI, the Pixel 9 is where it’s at. This phone is packed with some seriously mindblowing AI features that genuinely enhance the user experience. New additions like the “Add Me” feature make sure you never miss out on group photos, and “Reimagine” lets you tweak entire sections of a photo, which is great for getting creative. “Auto Frame” helps you capture the best shots without much effort.
Other handy AI tools like Pixel Weather’s smart summaries and the Pixel Studio app for making AI-generated images show how Google is all about integrating AI into daily use. “Circle to Search” and the new screenshots app make managing content a breeze, and a free month of Gemini Advanced gives you a taste of conversational AI.
The Pixel 9 scores a solid 85/100 in AI benchmarks, thanks to its strong performance in this area. All in all, it’s a leader in AI capabilities, with features that actually add value and make the phone more fun and functional.
How do the cameras on the Pixel 9 perform?
The Pixel 9 continues to deliver on the camera front, though it doesn’t bring any major upgrades over the Pixel 8. The main camera setup remains unchanged, but there’s a new ultra-wide camera and autofocus for selfies. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens and the absence of a Pro mode might be a letdown for serious photographers looking for more control.
In good lighting, the main camera shines, capturing detailed images with natural sharpening and well-balanced colours, though there’s a slightly cool tone. The dynamic range is solid, ensuring photos have a nice balance between bright and dark areas. Portrait mode could use a bit of work, though; the background blur is sometimes a bit too strong, and edge detection isn’t always perfect.
Without a telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 relies on digital zoom, which is fine up to 2x but gets pretty grainy beyond that, especially in low light. The ultra-wide camera is a nice addition, delivering sharp, vibrant images with good dynamic range, and it also doubles as a macro lens for those close-up shots – just be careful with focus due to the shallow depth of field.
Selfies have definitely improved with the new autofocus feature, resulting in clearer, more vibrant shots with accurate skin tones. In low-light situations, the Pixel 9’s cameras still manage to pull off decent photos with good colour preservation, though there’s some noise in darker areas like night skies. Video recording is stable and clear, but it’s missing the Video Boost feature that’s available on the Pro models, which is a bit of a downer.
Overall, the Pixel 9’s camera system is versatile and dependable, capable of delivering great photos in various conditions, making it a strong competitor among flagship phones.
Google Pixel 9 Review: Impressive battery life
Battery life on the Google Pixel 9 is pretty solid, with noticeable improvements over the previous model. The 4700 mAh battery provides around 6-6.5 hours of screen-on time for heavy users, making it reliable for a full day’s use. It performed exceptionally well in the PCMark Battery Test, clocking in at 14 hours and 45 minutes, which is great for a phone of this size.
However, charging speeds aren’t its strong suit – it takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes to fully charge. On the plus side, it supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding some flexibility.
Should you buy it?
The Google Pixel 9 is the best compact AI phone of 2024, so far. It brings an impressive array of AI features that set it apart, making it a standout device for those who value innovative software. But, there are some misses. While the Tensor G4 chip shows improved performance, it still lags behind its competitors and the heating issues, while fewer, still persist. The camera system delivers solid results, especially in daylight, but lacks some pro-level features. And the display, though vibrant, lacks flagship specifications. Overall, the Pixel 9 is a great choice for AI enthusiasts and those seeking a clean Android experience. There’s tons of AI goodness and actually useful features here. But Google really needs to improve its performance to make a mark among gamers and power users.
Google Pixel 9 Key Specs, Price and Launch Date
| Release Date: | 14 Aug, 2024 |
| Market Status: | Launched |
Key Specifications
Storage
256 GB
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Battery capacity (mAh)
5100
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Rear Camera Megapixel
64 + 50 + 50
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Screen size (in inches)
6.65
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Dhriti Datta
Perpetually sporting a death stare, this one can be seen tinkering around with her smartphone which she holds more dear than life itself and stuffing her face with copious amounts of bacon. View Full Profile
