Having spent several days with the Google Pixel 9, it’s clear that Google has made thoughtful enhancements that elevate this device beyond its predecessors. The Pixel 9 may not be the flagship in Google’s lineup, but it certainly packs a punch with its blend of refined design, powerful performance, and innovative AI-driven features. This review explores the various aspects of the Pixel 9 that make it a compelling choice in the crowded smartphone market.
Specifications
| Dimensions: | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm |
| Weight: | 198g |
| Display: | 6.3-inch Actua display |
| Resolution: | 1080 x 2424 |
| Refresh rate: | 60-120Hz |
| Peak brightness: | 2,700 nits |
| CPU: | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM: | 12GB |
| Storage: | 128GB / 256GB |
| OS: | Android 14 |
| Cameras: | 50MP wide; 48MP Ultrawide |
| Selfie Camera: | 10.5MP |
| Battery: | 4,700 mAh |
| Charging: | 45W |
| Colors: | Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony |
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 9 strikes a fine balance between modern aesthetics and functional design. The 6.3-inch Actua Display dominates the front of the device, offering an immersive visual experience with minimal bezels. The increase in the screen-to-body ratio is noticeable, giving the phone a more polished and contemporary look. The choice of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 not only enhances durability but also adds a premium feel that is often reserved for higher-end models.
Look at how that compares with the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s soft-touch matte finish.
The back of the Pixel 9 is sleek with a polished glass finish, available in a variety of colors (Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony) that cater to both minimalist and bold preferences.
The device is comfortable to hold, with its relatively compact size making it easy to use one-handed—a feature that’s increasingly rare in today’s market of ever-expanding smartphones.
The phone’s case integrates flawlessly with the device, wrapping around its edges and providing easy access to all ports, buttons, and the camera. This level of precision ensures that the case feels like a natural part of the phone, rather than an external add-on.
Display Quality
The Pixel 9’s display is a significant upgrade from the previous generation. The 6.3-inch Actua Display delivers a peak brightness of 2700 nits, making it one of the brightest displays in its class. Whether you’re using the phone indoors or outdoors, the screen remains vibrant and easy to read. The display supports a variable refresh rate of 60/120Hz, which dynamically adjusts based on the content you’re viewing. This not only enhances the visual experience but also contributes to battery efficiency by lowering the refresh rate when higher performance isn’t necessary.
Colors on the Pixel 9 are rich and accurate, with deep blacks and bright whites that make media consumption a pleasure. Watching videos, scrolling through social media, or simply browsing the web feels smooth and responsive, thanks to the high refresh rate and the improved touch sensitivity.
Performance
Equipped with Google’s latest Tensor G4 processor and 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 handles everything from day-to-day tasks to more demanding applications with ease. During my testing, the phone managed multitasking effortlessly, with no noticeable lag even when switching between multiple apps. The Tensor G4 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, which are central to many of the phone’s new features.
In terms of gaming, the Pixel 9 holds its own. Graphics-intensive games like “Pokemon Unite” ran smoothly at high settings, showcasing the phone’s capabilities. The device did warm up slightly during extended gaming sessions, but the heat was well managed and didn’t affect performance.
Storage options are limited to 128GB and 256GB, which should be sufficient for most users. However, the lack of expandable storage might be a downside for those who rely on large media libraries or frequently shoot high-resolution videos.
Software and UI
The Pixel 9 runs on Android 14 out of the box, with Google’s Pixel UI layered on top. The interface is clean and intuitive, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. One of the key benefits of using a Pixel device is the stock Android experience, free from the bloatware that often plagues other manufacturers’ versions of Android.
Google has also promised 7 years of software support, including OS updates and security patches. This level of commitment is a significant advantage, ensuring that your device stays up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements well into the future.
AI and Software Features
The Pixel 9 shines in its AI capabilities, introducing several new features that enhance the overall user experience. The “Pixel Screenshots” app is a standout, offering a new way to organize and retrieve screenshots. I found it to be incredibly efficient at categorizing screenshots and making them easy to find, which is a godsend for those who, like me, often take screenshots of important information.
“Pixel Studio,” an AI-driven image creation tool, allows users to generate and manipulate images directly on their device. It’s a powerful tool for creative users, enabling everything from simple edits to complex image generation. The combination of on-device processing and cloud-based AI models makes this feature fast and responsive.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system on the Pixel 9 is one of its strongest selling points. The 50MP main sensor captures stunningly detailed photos, with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. The inclusion of a 48MP ultrawide camera with a 123° field of view adds versatility, allowing for dramatic landscape shots and detailed close-ups. The macro focus feature, which allows you to get as close as 2cm to your subject, is a fun addition that opens up new creative possibilities.
Low-light performance is where the Pixel 9 truly excels. Thanks to the improved light sensitivity, I was able to capture clear, bright photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The Night Sight mode continues to be one of the best in the industry, producing images that are not only usable but often stunning in their clarity and detail.
On the video front, the Pixel 9 supports 4K recording at 24/30/60 fps, with dual exposure settings that allow for more creative control. The stabilization is excellent, making handheld video recording smooth and professional-looking.
Check out some of the photos taken on the Pixel 9 below:
You can compare the same photos taken on a Pixel 9 Pro XL in our review here.
AI-Powered Camera Features
The Pixel 9’s camera is more than just high-quality hardware—it’s the AI features that elevate it to another level. These intelligent tools make photography not only easier but also more creative and versatile.
- Add Me: This feature is one of the most innovative additions to the Pixel 9’s camera suite. Imagine being able to take a group photo without being left out. “Add Me” uses a combination of augmented reality and advanced AI algorithms to seamlessly include the photographer in the group shot. The process is simple: you take the initial photo of the group, then swap places with someone else, and the phone guides the new photographer on how to position the camera. The AI then stitches the two images together, making it look like everyone, including you, was in the shot from the start. The result is a natural-looking group photo where no one is missing, a feature that is both fun and practical for everyday use.
- Auto Frame in Magic Editor: Another standout feature is the Auto Frame capability within the Magic Editor. This tool automatically suggests the best crop for your photos, ensuring that the subject is perfectly framed. It’s particularly useful for those who might not be adept at photo composition. What’s more, the AI can even expand the image, filling in the edges to include more of the scene. This feature isn’t just about correcting mistakes—it’s about enhancing your photos to tell a better story. Whether you’re working with a new shot or revisiting an older one, Auto Frame helps bring out the best in your images.
- Reimagine in Magic Editor: If you’re the type who loves to get creative with your photos, the “Reimagine” feature in Magic Editor will be a game-changer. This tool lets you completely transform your images by typing in a description of what you want to change. For example, you can select a background and replace it with a different setting, or you can alter the look and feel of an object in the photo. The AI takes your input and generates new elements within the image that blend seamlessly with the existing content. It’s like having a professional photo editor in your pocket, allowing you to experiment with different styles and ideas on the go.
- Audio Magic Eraser: While primarily a video feature, the Audio Magic Eraser also ties into the Pixel 9’s overall AI-driven approach to media. This tool lets you isolate and enhance specific sounds in a video, such as a speaker’s voice in a noisy environment. It’s incredibly useful for those who record videos in less-than-ideal conditions, ensuring that the audio is as clear as the visuals.
- Zoom Enhance: This AI feature is particularly useful for those who love to capture distant subjects. When you zoom in on an object, the AI intelligently fills in the gaps between pixels, predicting fine details to create a sharper image. This is especially handy when you’ve zoomed in significantly during capture or when editing a photo afterward. The result is a clear, detailed image that retains quality, even at high levels of magnification. Zoom Enhance is most effective on well-exposed, sharp photos, making it a valuable tool for photographers looking to push the boundaries of smartphone photography.
- Panorama and Night Sight: Panorama mode on the Pixel 9 has been rebuilt from the ground up, with an intuitive UI that guides you through the process. The AI takes over after you capture the scene, running the image through Google’s HDR+ pipeline to produce high-quality panoramas even in low light. The addition of Night Sight to Panorama is a welcome feature, allowing for stunning 360° views, no matter the time of day.
- Video Boost: While not exclusive to photos, the improvements in Video Boost are worth mentioning as they enhance the overall camera experience. The AI-driven upscaling now allows for 8K video recording, providing unmatched resolution for mobile videography. Whether you’re capturing a scenic landscape or a high-energy event, the AI ensures that the video quality is top-notch, with the ability to pull out 33MP HDR stills from the footage.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on the Pixel 9 is solid, with the 4700 mAh battery comfortably lasting through a full day of mixed-use. This included hours of streaming, gaming, and general browsing, with still some juice left at the end of the day. For those who need even more, the Extreme Battery Saver mode can extend battery life to up to 100 hours, though this does limit some functionality.
Charging is fast, with the Pixel 9 capable of reaching up to 55% in just 30 minutes using the included charger. Wireless charging is also supported, which adds convenience, especially if you already use a wireless charging pad at your desk or bedside.
Security and Durability
Security has always been a focus for Google, and the Pixel 9 is no exception. The new Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor is a welcome improvement, offering faster and more reliable unlocking compared to previous models. I found it to be particularly effective even with a screen protector applied, which can sometimes interfere with optical fingerprint sensors.
The Pixel 9 also boasts an IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and water. This, combined with the Gorilla Glass Victus 2, means the phone is well protected against everyday accidents. Google’s promise of 7 years of software support further underscores the Pixel 9’s longevity, making it a device that’s built to last.
Connectivity
The Pixel 9 supports the latest connectivity standards, including 5G, Wifi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. During my time with the device, I experienced consistently fast and reliable connections, whether I was streaming video, downloading apps, or using Bluetooth devices. The inclusion of these next-gen connectivity options ensures that the Pixel 9 is future-proof, ready to take advantage of faster networks as they become more widely available.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel 9 is available from S$From S$1,199. They begin shipping on August 22nd.
Find the phone:
- Online: Google Store, Amazon SG, Challenger, COURTS, Singtel, Shopee, Lazada and SprintCass (Airport)
- In-Store: Challenger, COURTS, Singtel, SprintCass
Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 is an excellent smartphone that successfully balances performance, design, and innovative features. It may not have the larger screen or the additional camera capabilities of the Pro models, but it holds its own as a reliable, powerful device that’s a joy to use daily. The AI-driven features are more than just novelties—they genuinely enhance the user experience, making everyday tasks easier and more intuitive.
For those who value a top-tier camera, a clean Android experience, and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 is a standout choice in its price range. While it might not be the flashiest phone on the market, it’s one of the most well-rounded, making it a compelling option for a wide range of users.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that delivers in all the right areas, the Google Pixel 9 should be at the top of your list.
