Google Pixel 9

Our Google Pixel 9 Review

The Google Pixel 9, the latest version of Google’s popular flagship smartphone, offers some minor but welcome design improvements over its predecessors, as well as some impressive technical specifications and a wealth of brand new AI-based features.

Google Pixel 9: Design

While still recognisably a Pixel phone, the Google Pixel 9 has undergone a bit of a redesign, incorporating some premium materials and eye-catching finish. The camera bar - a traditionally prominent feature in the Pixel range - protrudes from the back, with the same matte, satin finish metal frame as the rest of the phone, a design touch that contrasts nicely with the polished glass back.

It’s also available in four colours: the now-standard black and off-white, as well as two wonderfully colourful choices in wintergreen and peony. And they do look great; the Pixel 9 is undeniably a nice-looking device.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Pixel 9 is virtually identical to its pricier sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro. Both have exactly the same dimensions, the same screen size and the same battery. They even have the same main and ultrawide cameras, although the Pro has an additional lens in the camera bar.

Google Pixel 9: Display

The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua display with a dynamic refresh rate, designed to save power, that can automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. The screen uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability and scratch-resistance.

The display is bright, too. The Actua display is, rightly, considered one of the best in the market right now, and the Pixel 9’s screen is accordingly vivid, vibrant and crystal clear. It’s easily one of the best-looking displays around.

Google Pixel 9: Camera

With a 50MP main and a 48MP ultrawide (not to mention a 10.5MP selfie camera), the Google Pixel 9 has an excellent camera array that rivals the best camera phones out there. It can produce some stunning photos, with excellent detail, colour and contrast.

However, if you’re planning on shooting a lot of video, the Pixel 9 Pro might be a better proposition; it has a lot of additional AI video boosting features that you won’t find on the Pixel 9 - most notably the new Super Res Zoom that increases resolution on videos shot at max digital zoom.

Google Pixel 9: Performance

The Google Pixel 9, perhaps unsurprisingly, utilises Google’s own Tensor chipset, and while the Tensor isn’t necessarily a bad processor it does begin to struggle when using some apps. The performance can, at times, seem sluggish and unresponsive, which is not what you’d expect from a flagship release like this.

It’s not all bad. When navigating the phone itself, response times are quick and snappy, but the Tensor just can’t compare to the processors you’d find in other flagship devices from Apple or Samsung. It’s especially concerning when you take into account all of the resource-intensive AI features that Google are promising down the line.

In terms of storage, the base model Pixel 9 offers a decent capacity of 128GB, which should be plenty, especially if you’re using Google cloud storage for your photos and videos. You also have the option to upgrade to 256GB, which is currently on offer for the same price as the base model in the UK.

As far as the battery is concerned, it’s more than serviceable, lasting around 13 hours of regular day-to-day usage before needing a charge. Although charging the battery isn’t the fastest - from flat, it can reach 55% in 30 minutes.

Google Pixel 9: Features

This generation of Pixel phones is all about AI, and that’s front and centre in the Pixel 9. The device comes packed with AI features, from in-call features like live translation and Call Notes to the Pixel-exclusive Screenshots app, which will automatically collate and organise your screengrabs - with more to come in updates down the line.

However, Google’s headline AI feature - Gemini Live - is not included with the Pixel 9, like it is with the Pixel 9 Pro. If you wanted to take advantage of this feature, you’ll need to pay for a Gemini Advanced subscription (£18.99/month). Although it’s worth noting that Gemini Advanced also comes with 2TB of cloud storage, which might make it a more attractive prospect overall.

How much is the Google Pixel 9?

Buying directly from Google, the Google Pixel 9 with 128GB storage and 12GB RAM will set you back £799.

Google Pixel 9: Our Verdict

The big talking point when looking at the Pixel 9 is undoubtedly the new AI features - and there are certainly a lot of them - but while some of them are immediately useful, it remains to be seen whether others will have an impact. Not to mention that the headline AI feature, Gemini Live, isn’t included.

However, AI aside, the Pixel 9 is a top-notch phone with some great specs - especially in the display and camera departments - and a wonderful, eye-catching design. It’s also virtually identical to its more expensive line mate, the Pixel 9 Pro, in both functionality and looks, making this a solid choice if you’re looking for a new Google phone.