Review of Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL: the best camera phones on the market?

In recent years, every line of smartphones from Google has included two flagships in a classic form factor. This is the compact base model Pixel and its larger, technologically advanced version Pixel Pro. But in 2024, the manufacturer changed its strategy: in the ninth line, there are two “pros.” The Pixel 9 Pro offers advanced features in the compact size of the base model, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers all the same things but in a larger body.

In other respects, the Google Pixel series stays true to its traditions. Like their predecessors, the smartphones of the ninth line do not impress with gaming performance and charging speed, but they delight in almost everything else. Their advantages include original design, premium build quality, excellent displays, functional software, and, of course, smart cameras. Read more about the novelties in this material.

Appearance

The signature visual feature of the pixels has been and remains the horizontal protrusion for the rear cameras. This detail distinguishes Google smartphones from all others. However, while in previous models the protrusion was a solid strip from edge to edge of the back panel, in the Pixel 9 series devices, it no longer connects with the frame. Now it is an elongated oval, aligned in the center of the back. In practical terms, nothing has changed: the developers have maintained symmetry, so when lying down the smartphones do not wobble. And that’s great.

Google Pixel 9

Another important change in design relates to the back edges of the case. In the Pixel 9 series smartphones, they are flatter. This gives the new models a more austere appearance than their predecessors. At the same time, the edges cannot be called sharp. At least they do not dig into the skin and do not interfere at all with holding the smartphones in hand.

The materials, assembly quality, and level of protection remain on par with predecessors and fully correspond to flagship class. All smartphones in the lineup received aluminum frames and backs made of durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which also protects the screens. Additionally, the devices meet the IP68 standard. In other words, they are dustproof and can withstand half an hour of immersion in water at depths of up to 30 meters.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

As for the dimensions, the base model Pixel 9 is two millimeters longer and one millimeter wider than its predecessor. The Pixel 9 Pro is the same size. These smartphones are among the most compact modern flagships. The larger Pixel 9 Pro XL is bigger than them and nearly identical in size to the Pixel 8 Pro.

In addition to size, the new models vary in color. The Pixel 9 is available in pink (peony), light green (wintergreen), porcelain (porcelain), and dark gray (obsidian) options. The Pro versions come in a slightly different pink (rose quartz), as well as in gray-green (hazel), porcelain (porcelain), and dark gray (obsidian). Another difference between the basic and advanced models lies in the properties of the back glass. The Pixel 9 has a glossy finish, which quickly collects fingerprints, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have a matte finish.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Screen Specifications

The display quality of the Pixel 9 lineup doesn’t differ much from previous Pixels, except that the new panels are slightly brighter. However, the specifications have not become outdated and fully meet premium-class requirements. All panels are based on OLED technology, and therefore can boast excellent color reproduction. The support for 120Hz refresh rates makes animations smooth and pleasing to the eye. And the pixel density is quite sufficient for high image clarity.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 screen measures 6.3 inches diagonally. The Pixel 9 Pro display is the same size, while the Pixel Pro XL panel is larger at 6.8 inches. However, the screens of the Pro versions are slightly sharper and brighter in terms of specifications, but the difference is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. More importantly, the “Pro” displays utilize dynamic refresh rate control technology (LTPO). Therefore, they should be more energy-efficient than the screens of the base model.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Unfortunately, the characteristic flickering of the “pixels” display (PWM) has not gone away. As a result, people with sensitive eyes may experience some discomfort, especially when using smartphones in the dark. Most users are unaffected by this effect. But if you have noticed unpleasant sensations in your eyes from OLED displays, the situation with Google’s new products may be similar.

Google Pixel 9

System and Performance

In recent years, Google smartphones have been powered by chips developed by the company itself. For example, devices from the Pixel 8 lineup received proprietary Google Tensor G3 processors. Specifically for the ninth “pixels,” the manufacturer released a new, more powerful and energy-efficient processor, the Tensor G4. All three models operate under its control.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

The difference in performance between the new models is minimal and is caused only by the amount of RAM. Thus, the base model received 12 GB of RAM, while the Pro versions have 16 GB each. This is 4 GB more than in the corresponding models of last year’s lineup. Now about storage memory. The Pixel 9 is available in two versions with storage of 128 or 256 GB. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available in a broader range of options: 128, 256, 512 GB, and 1 TB. Removable storage is not supported by any of the models.

Like the previous ones, the new “pixels” provide fast and smooth interface operation, but they are not very suitable for gaming. Although all three newcomers can handle most digital entertainment, they struggle with advanced graphics. It is necessary to lower the image quality or endure lag. This is because the Tensor G processors are simply not designed with gaming in mind and are optimized for other tasks.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google’s chips are primarily designed for efficient work with artificial intelligence algorithms. In the new generation of Pixel, AI-based features are more numerous than ever before. The central role here is played by the built-in virtual assistant Gemini. This is an alternative to ChatGPT that is always ready to help understand a certain topic or assist with a creative task. You can communicate with it via voice and text, including in the Ukrainian language. If you send the assistant a photo, it will recognize the depicted objects and take them into account in the conversation.

Among other smart features, smartphones support the ability to add and remove objects from photos, smart sorting of screenshots based on the information depicted in them, image generation, and more. Many of these features work imperfectly. It is evident that these are just the first steps in the field, and Google, like other companies, has not yet perfected its algorithms. But in the future, the situation will undoubtedly improve, and devices will become smarter.

Image generation

Although in the past, the “Pixels” always received the latest version of Android first and launched with it, this time the situation is different. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL were released with a pre-installed Android 14, which came out last year. This is all because the release of the new models occurred earlier than the traditional season. However, the company promises the entire lineup seven major system updates. And the devices will likely receive Android 15 soon after its release.

Camera capabilities

Cameras have always been a strong point of the “Pixels”. Moreover, this is not due to any advanced optics or powerful sensors, but primarily to complex neural network algorithms. Google used the same approach in its new models. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL cannot boast revolutionary cameras, but they very cleverly utilize their new Tensor G4 neural chips for software image enhancement. The result is excellent videos and photos.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The base Pixel 9 has two rear cameras. There is a main 50 MP module with optical stabilization and a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle module for panoramas. The first is the same as in the Pixel 8, while the second is new, with four times the resolution. Both cameras effectively capture light, delivering a wide range of shades and many details even in relatively dark conditions. Thanks to phase detection autofocus, the modules accurately lock onto the subject and minimize blurring. The images are sharp and virtually noise-free. And video stabilization works significantly better than in last year’s “Pixels”.

The same cameras are found in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, while the maximum video recording resolution for the base model is 4K, owners of the Pro versions have the option to record in up to 8K quality. Additionally, each of these models has a third rear camera — a 48 MP telephoto lens with five times optical zoom. It is the same as in the Pixel 8 Pro. And this is a great addition for anyone who loves to shoot distant objects.

Google Pixel 9

Another difference between the base and Pro models concerns the front camera. The Pixel 9 is equipped with a 10.5 MP front module that has carried over from the previous generation of Pixels. Selfies taken with it delight with detail and impressively blurred backgrounds. The quality autofocus allows you to easily keep the camera close to the face. The front cameras of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are even better. They feature new sensors with a resolution of 42 MP and lenses with wide viewing angles. Both handle portraits excellently. Detail, color accuracy, background blur — everything meets flagship class standards.

The Pixel 9 lineup can confidently be included in the list of the best cameraphones of 2024 alongside series such as the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24. But is it fair to consider the “pixels” as unequivocal leaders in this category? Probably, this is a matter of preference. The flagships from Google, Apple, and Samsung shoot at roughly the same level, and the differences come down to details. Perhaps the biggest distinction of the Pixel 9 against its competitors is its cooler colors and pronounced shadows. Some may find such images lacking in brightness and gloomy. Others, on the contrary, will praise the colors for their closeness to natural hues.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Connection, Sound, Battery Life

As expected, the new “pixels” integrate well with modern wireless communication standards. All devices in the lineup are compatible with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. Each new model is equipped with a slot for Nano-SIM cards and a chip for downloading eSIM digital profiles. Additionally, the smartphones allow for contactless payments at checkout using NFC technology.

From the perspective of autonomy, the Pixel 9 slightly outperforms the previous model. The manufacturer increased the battery capacity from 4,575 mAh to 4,700 mAh, which, along with a more economical processor, provided the smartphone with a few extra hours of operation. The Pixel 9 Pro has the same capacity. Under average load, both models should last about one and a half days without recharging. Moreover, to fully restore energy, the devices require only 80-90 minutes.

Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 Pro XL received a larger battery with 5,060 mAh. However, due to the increased screen size, its autonomy is approximately the same as that of the compact models. Thanks to support for higher charging power, the giant quickly restores energy: from 0 to 100%, the battery charges in 70-75 minutes.

Google Pixel 9

Each new model features a hybrid pair of speakers. The upper, auxiliary one is located above the screen and also serves as the earpiece. The lower is a full-fledged speaker located on the bottom edge of the smartphone. Together, the speakers produce loud and clear sound even at high frequencies. However, the devices clearly lack bass.

Google Pixel 9

Conclusion

The new “pixels” are stylish and well-assembled flagships with high-quality screens, functional software, and top-notch cameras. Could it have been any other way? Particularly interesting in the new lineup is the Google Pixel 9 Pro model. It is one of the few compact smartphones in the premium segment with three rear cameras and an excellent front camera. With such specifications, the Pixel 9 Pro is arguably the only competitor to the iPhone 16 Pro.

At the same time, due to the specific chip of the new product from Google, it cannot be recommended for purchase to gamers. Such users would be better off choosing something from the Galaxy S24, iPhone 16, or Xiaomi 14 lines. Another issue is that the “pixels” are still not officially sold in Ukraine. Because of this, buyers do not receive manufacturer warranties, and some software features like the ability to send an SOS signal via satellites do not work here. Furthermore, prices are not regulated for the same reason. Therefore, the price of the Google Pixel 9 Pro is currently inflated and even surpasses the cost of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.