Pixel 9 Pro: Remember when choosing a premium phone meant sacrificing either screen size or top-tier features? Google’s Pixel 9 Pro throws that old rule book out the window.
This is the first time Google is bringing the entirety of its A-game to this form factor. With its 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers flagship performance in a package that actually fits comfortably in your hand – and your pocket.
The Sweet Spot of Size and Sophistication
The Pixel 9 Pro strikes that elusive balance between usability and capability. Weighing just 199g with an 8.5mm thickness, it feels substantial without being cumbersome. The phone’s refined design features a silky matte glass back, beautiful dual finish camera bar, and polished finish metal frame that feels as good as it looks.
What makes this phone truly special isn’t just its size – it’s that Google managed to pack the same camera system as the larger Pro XL model into this more compact frame. The Pixel 9 Pro packs a 48MP, 5x optical periscope telephoto camera – the same as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This means you’re not making compromises on photography capabilities just because you prefer a smaller phone.
AI That Actually Makes Sense
While many phones slap “AI” onto features that don’t really need it, the Pixel 9 Pro integrates artificial intelligence in ways that genuinely enhance your daily experience. On Pixel 9 and later phones, Gemini comes as the default assistant on your device. But this isn’t just another voice assistant – it’s a multimodal AI that can understand text, images, and voice commands.
The standout AI feature might be screenshot intelligence. The phone’s ability to automatically process and understand text within screenshots has changed how I handle digital information. Take a screenshot of a boarding pass, and the phone can extract flight details and offer to add them to your calendar. It’s these practical applications that make AI feel useful rather than gimmicky.
Photography That Punches Above Its Weight
The camera system is where the Pixel 9 Pro truly shines. The main camera on the Pixel 9 Pro captures excellent photos during the day. There is plenty of detail, and everything is nice and crisp. The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and that impressive 48MP 5x telephoto lens.
What sets Pixel cameras apart isn’t just the hardware – it’s Google’s computational photography magic. The Pixel 9 Pro has a triple-lens camera setup, featuring a 1x, 0.5x ultrawide and a 5x telephoto lens. However, Google says that its AI technologies give you additional 2x and 10x options that are “just as good” as having real 2x/10x lenses
Night photography remains a Pixel strength, with Night Sight mode transforming low-light scenes. The camera handles skin tones and facial features masterfully, making it excellent for portraits and everyday photography. For those who love getting creative, features like “Add Me” let you include yourself in group photos even when you’re the photographer.
Performance: Good Enough for Most, Not All
The Tensor G4 chip powering the Pixel 9 Pro is designed primarily for AI tasks rather than raw performance. The processor simply wasn’t suited for competitive gaming, and the measly 128GB base storage was a low blow for a phone that was more expensive than its predecessor.
For everyday tasks – browsing, social media, photography, and productivity apps – the Pixel 9 Pro performs admirably. Google said during a briefing the G4 chip will offer 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launching. However, mobile gamers looking for the highest frame rates might want to consider alternatives with Snapdragon processors.
Battery Life That Works
The 4700mAh battery delivers solid all-day performance for most users. It gets me through most days of moderate usage, but I’m often reaching for the charger by the evening if I’ve been out for a few hours. While not groundbreaking, the battery life is reliable enough for daily use, though heavy users might find themselves topping up by evening.
Charging speeds are adequate at 27W, though not industry-leading. The phone supports wireless charging, making it convenient for overnight charging or quick top-ups throughout the day.
Software That Keeps Getting Better
One of the Pixel 9 Pro’s biggest advantages is its software support. Android 14, up to 15 comes standard, with Google promising seven years of updates – both security patches and new features through Pixel Drops. This longevity makes the phone a smart long-term investment.
The clean Android experience, free from bloatware, makes the phone feel faster and more responsive than many competitors. Regular Pixel Drops continue to add new features, ensuring your phone gets better over time rather than feeling outdated after a year.
The Real-World Experience
After months of use, the Pixel 9 Pro reveals both its strengths and limitations. I love the Pixel 9’s face unlock. Now Playing is one of my all-time favorite smartphone features. The build quality is unmatched, and Google’s overall software experience is so simple and welcoming in a way few other Android skins are.
However, some users find Google’s image processing too aggressive, with heavy HDR that can make photos look unrealistic. The phone also occasionally feels like it’s pushing AI features that aren’t quite ready for prime time.
Who Should Buy the Pixel 9 Pro?
The Pixel 9 Pro is ideal for people who want flagship photography capabilities in a more manageable size. If you prioritize camera quality, software updates, and AI features over gaming performance, this phone delivers excellent value. The one-year Google AI Pro subscription (worth $239) sweetens the deal significantly.
However, mobile gamers, power users who need maximum performance, or those expecting industry-leading charging speeds might want to look elsewhere.
Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro successfully challenges the notion that smaller phones mean compromised experiences. It delivers flagship photography, thoughtful AI integration, and premium build quality in a size that works for real people. While it’s not perfect – no phone is – it represents Google’s vision of what a modern smartphone should be: intelligent, capable, and refreshingly human-sized.