The Google Pixel 9 is the standard model of the Pixel 9 series. Google announced it on August 13, 2024, and it went on sale on August 22, 2024. Prices started at $799 for the 128GB version in the US. The phone sits in the compact flagship segment, below the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google has since replaced it with the Pixel 10. The Pixel 9 is no longer sold on the Google Store.
Design and display
The Pixel 9 uses a 6.3-inch OLED panel that Google calls the Actua display. It has a 1080 x 2424 resolution at 422 ppi and a 60–120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches 2,700 nits, and Google says the screen is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8’s. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covers both the front and the back, while the frame is aluminum.
The phone measures 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm and weighs 198 g. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. An ultrasonic fingerprint reader sits under the display, replacing the optical sensor of earlier Pixels. Colors are Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen and Peony.
Performance
Inside is the Google Tensor G4, built on Samsung’s 4nm process. Its CPU combines one Cortex-X4 core at 3.1 GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6 GHz and four Cortex-A520 cores. Graphics run on a Mali-G715 GPU. The phone has 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. There is no microSD slot.
Cameras
The rear setup has two cameras. The main sensor is 50 MP with an f/1.68 aperture, a 1/1.31-inch size and optical stabilization. Next to it sits a 48 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and Macro Focus. This is a large step up from the 12 MP ultrawide on the Pixel 8. There is no telephoto lens, so zoom relies on Super Res Zoom up to 8x.
The front camera is 10.5 MP and now has autofocus. Both the rear and front cameras record 4K video at up to 60 fps. Software features include Add Me, Best Take, Magic Eraser and Night Sight.
Battery and charging
The battery has a typical capacity of 4,700 mAh. Google rates wired charging at up to 27W with its 45W charger, which is sold separately. Wireless charging reaches 15W on the Pixel Stand (2nd gen). Qi EPP chargers deliver up to 12W. Battery Share lets it charge other devices wirelessly. Google states about 20% longer active-use battery life than the Pixel 8.
Software and updates
The Pixel 9 launched with Android 14. Google promises seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates. They are counted from its US launch in August 2024. Other features include Satellite SOS in the US, Car Crash Detection and Wi-Fi 7 outside India.
Should you buy the Pixel 9?
The Pixel 9 suits buyers who want a compact Android phone with long software support. It also fits users who value IP68 protection, wireless charging and a 48 MP ultrawide camera. However, it has no telephoto camera and no LTPO display. Since it is no longer produced, buyers may also consider its successor, the Pixel 10.
