I like to recommend the Pixel 9 to most individuals trying to improve – particularly whereas it is $250 off

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Pixel 9 is Google’s newest baseline flagship telephone, with costs beginning at $800.
• It comes with the brand new Tensor G4 processor, an up to date design, an even bigger battery, and a barely increased asking value.
• The {hardware} enhancements over final 12 months’s mannequin are comparatively small.

extra shopping for decisions

At Amazon, the 256GB Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $649, a $250 low cost. This deal applies to all coloration choices besides Peony (pink).

I had an opportunity to attend the Made by Google occasion again in August 2024, and after the keynote wrapped up, I used to be extra excited to go hands-on with the baseline model of the Pixel 9 than the Professional or the Professional XL. Why? As a result of the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it an enchanting machine, and one I like to recommend for a handful of causes.

Additionally: I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the user experience

I am spoiling this evaluation proper on the prime, but it surely’s true. Google’s newest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, is right here, with costs beginning at $799. Regardless that its {hardware} is a minor enchancment over the Pixel 8, it is a formidable telephone total. It provides a brand new design, barely upgraded efficiency, barely higher cameras, a barely larger battery, and a bunch of latest AI options.

Google has positioned the Pixel 9 because the default Android different to the iPhone 16, partly as a result of it seems like one. Google gave your complete Pixel 9 household flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it seem like one thing from a design lab in Cupertino. The excellent news is that it makes these telephones feel and look nice.

Actually, they’re my favorite-looking Pixel phones but. The Pixel 9 feels particularly distinctive whereas nonetheless providing a premium really feel that is blissfully chilly to the contact if you choose it up. The perimeters are aluminum, whereas the back and front function Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The entire thing is IP68-rated for water and dirt resistance, and it is simply the proper measurement to be used with one hand.

One other attribute of the Pixel is its good show, and the Pixel 9 undoubtedly has one. It encompasses a 6.3-inch Actua show that could be a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 decision, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh fee give the Pixel 9 distinctive visuals, whether or not you are simply studying e mail or watching your favourite film. This 12 months, the display screen can attain approach as much as 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of many brightest Android telephones you should buy.

Additionally: I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro XL with the 9a for a month – and it was pretty dang close

Additionally, its efficiency feels higher. Powered by the brand new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a screamer. It is one of the vital responsive Android telephones I’ve used all 12 months, and that is simply with the usual model of this telephone.

The cameras are additionally spectacular. Google saved the identical 50MP most important digital camera as final 12 months however swapped the previous 12MP ultra-wide for a brand new 48MP 123-degree digital camera. Photographs are merely gorgeous on this telephone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do a fantastic job of retaining particulars and distinction. Video high quality can be excellent, particularly with the corporate’s Video Increase expertise. This telephone can simply rival any machine that prices $200+ extra.

If there is a draw back to the {hardware}, it is the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie digital camera, whereas the Professional telephones get a brand new 42MP digital camera. There’s additionally an additional telephoto digital camera on the Professional mannequin, so you will not get the identical zoom high quality on the common Pixel 9.

Concerning this telephone’s AI options, Google has jammed fairly a bit into the Pixel 9. Not solely does it ship with the corporate’s Gemini chatbot out of the field, however because of the Tensor G4 processor, it additionally comes with Gemini Stay, so you possibly can have real-life conversations with it.

Additionally: I found a physical keyboard for my Pixel 9 Pro that isn’t a joke

It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, however you may get one at no cost should you purchase a Pixel 9. I’ve requested it quite a few questions that have been just like web queries (“What’s the most effective place to dwell close to New York Metropolis that is comparatively reasonably priced,” “What number of stars are within the sky — wait, within the galaxy?”) and it answered all of them with ease — even with speech interruptions. It is within the early levels, but it surely’s thrilling expertise that might change how we use our telephones.

You additionally get options like Add Me, which lets you take an image of your pals, then have them take an image of you in the identical place, and merge the 2 so nobody’s not noted. I’ve performed round with it throughout my testing, which labored surprisingly nicely. There are additionally some good updates to Magic Editor for framing your images.

Google additionally included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 collection: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the previous, you possibly can set up your screenshots and search via them with AI prompts, permitting you to simply reference data like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes. 

In the meantime, the latter permits you to generate photographs on the fly and customise them with textual content, stickers, and different results. I’ve loved utilizing each apps in my restricted testing time, however I am going to have to play with them over the long term to see whether or not they’re price it.

Additionally: The best Google Pixel phones to buy in 2025

I discovered battery life to be fairly good. There is a 4,700mAh cell inside that may final all day on a cost after which some, which implies you will not want to fret about this telephone’s battery after an extended day. Google consists of 45W charging assist on the Pixel 9 collection, which is superior, however you may want to purchase a separate wall adapter to benefit from it. As well as, there’s 15W wi-fi charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wi-fi charging known as “Battery Share.”

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

In case your price range is $800, it is onerous to not advocate Google’s Pixel 9, particularly whereas it is on sale at $250 off. Certain, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tricky competitor, however I truly suppose that is the higher purchase. It provides you entry to some helpful new AI options, and also you get all of the perks of the Pixel expertise, like glorious software program, show high quality, and cameras. 

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL fashions could also be flashier, however the baseline model of Google’s flagship telephone shouldn’t be ignored. 

This text was initially revealed on August 22, 2024, and was up to date on June 6, 2025