The new Google Pixel 9 series has slimmer, flatter designs, improved camera hardware, and AI features that you may actually want to use.
To be clear, that’s a good thing, and I’m not alone in thinking that Google should build a phone that’s more comfortable to hold, exudes premium, and looks less like Cyclops from X-Men. After testing the three Pixel 9 models, here’s my quick take on each as you consider whether they’re worth the upgrade.
Those are all flagship-grade features, ones you’d typically find on a phone that costs hundreds of dollars more, but I’d bet that many customers will consider the Pixel 9 for one other reason: color options. I commend Google for being a little more ambitious with its industrial design this year, coating the flattened form factor with pastel hues that can be best described as refreshing. This may be the first time I ever considered picking up a pink-colored phone to use daily — that’s how good „Peony“ looks in person.
The Pixel 9 is also the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro, with a 6.3-inch display that makes it comfortable to hold and navigate one-handedly. It doesn’t have the same LTPO panel as the Pro, meaning the refresh rate won’t drop below 60Hz to reduce animation load and, therefore, reduce battery consumption, but the 4,700mAh capacity should keep the Pixel 9 running for a full day.
