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 larger asking worth.
- 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 shade 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 a captivating system, and one I like to recommend for a handful of causes.
Additionally: I modified 10 settings on my Pixel telephone to considerably enhance the person expertise
I am spoiling this evaluate proper on the high, nevertheless it’s true. Google’s newest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, is right here, with costs beginning at $799. Although its {hardware} is a minor enchancment over the Pixel 8, it is a formidable telephone general. It presents a brand new design, barely upgraded efficiency, barely higher cameras, a barely greater battery, and a number 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 the whole Pixel 9 household flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it appear to be 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 telephones but. The Pixel 9 feels particularly distinctive whereas nonetheless providing a premium really feel that is blissfully chilly to the contact whenever you decide 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 correct 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 incorporates a 6.3-inch Actua show that may be a tenth of an inch greater 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 method as much as 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of many brightest Android telephones you should buy.
Additionally: I changed my Pixel 9 Professional XL with the 9a for a month – and it was fairly dang shut
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 probably the most 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 fundamental digicam as final 12 months however swapped the previous 12MP ultra-wide for a brand new 48MP 123-degree digicam. Pictures are merely gorgeous on this telephone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do an important job of retaining particulars and distinction. Video high quality can also be excellent, particularly with the corporate’s Video Enhance know-how. This telephone can simply rival any system that prices $200+ extra.
If there is a draw back to the {hardware}, it is the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie digicam, whereas the Professional telephones get a brand new 42MP digicam. There’s additionally an additional telephoto digicam on the Professional mannequin, so you will not get the identical zoom high quality on the common Pixel 9.
Relating to 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 due to the Tensor G4 processor, it additionally comes with Gemini Reside, so you may have real-life conversations with it.
Additionally: I discovered a bodily keyboard for my Pixel 9 Professional that is not a joke
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, however you will get one free of charge should you purchase a Pixel 9. I’ve requested it quite a few questions that have been much 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, nevertheless it’s thrilling know-how 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 ignored. I’ve performed round with it throughout my testing, which labored surprisingly properly. There are additionally some good updates to Magic Editor for framing your photographs.
Google additionally included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 collection: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the previous, you may set up your screenshots and search by way of them with AI prompts, permitting you to simply reference info like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
In the meantime, the latter enables 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 must play with them over the long term to see whether or not they’re price it.
Additionally: One of the best Google Pixel telephones to purchase 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 contains 45W charging assist on the Pixel 9 collection, which is superior, however you will want to purchase a separate wall adapter to reap the benefits of it. As well as, there’s 15W wi-fi charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wi-fi charging referred to as “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
In case your finances 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 really assume 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 wonderful software program, show high quality, and cameras.
The Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL fashions could also be flashier, however the baseline model of Google’s flagship telephone shouldn’t be missed.
This text was initially printed on August 22, 2024, and was up to date on June 6, 2025
The current US tariffs on imports from international locations like China, Vietnam, and India intention to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs could turn into costlier as corporations rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Merchandise You May Must Purchase
Smartphones are among the many most affected by the brand new US tariffs, with units imported from China and Vietnam going through steep duties that might increase retail costs by 20% or extra. Manufacturers like Apple and Google, which rely closely on Asian manufacturing, could both move these prices on to customers or soak up them on the expense of revenue margins.
The tariffs may additionally result in delays in product launches or shifts in the place and the way telephones are made, forcing corporations to diversify manufacturing to international locations with extra favorable commerce situations.
