While the Pro model gets all the attention, Google’s Pixel 9 is impressive on its own, boasting a sleek design, gorgeous camera, and robust AI features.
The Pixel 9 is Google’s latest baseline flagship phone, with prices starting at $800.
It comes with the new Tensor G4 processor, an updated design, a bigger battery, and a slightly higher asking price.
The hardware improvements over last year’s model are relatively small.
At Amazon, the 256GB Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $649, a $250 discount. This deal applies to all color options except Peony (pink).
I had a chance to attend the Made by Google event back in August 2024, and after the keynote wrapped up, I was more excited to go hands-on with the baseline version of the Pixel 9 than the Pro or the Pro XL. Why? Because the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it a fascinating device, and one I recommend for a handful of reasons.
I’m spoiling this review right at the top, but it’s true. Google’s latest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, is here, with prices starting at $799. Even though its hardware is a minor improvement over the Pixel 8, it’s an impressive phone overall. It offers a new design, slightly upgraded performance, slightly better cameras, a slightly bigger battery, and a host of new AI features.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 as the default Android alternative to the iPhone 16, partly because it looks like one. Google gave the entire Pixel 9 family flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it look like something from a design lab in Cupertino. The good news is that it makes these phones look and feel great.Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is an impressive smartphone for under $1,000 with improved design, camera, and a host of AI features that are actually useful.
In fact, they’re my favorite-looking Pixel phones yet. The Pixel 9 feels especially unique while still offering a premium feel that’s blissfully cold to the touch when you pick it up. The sides are aluminum, while the front and back feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The whole thing is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, and it’s just the right size for use with one hand.
Another characteristic of the Pixel is its nice display, and the Pixel 9 definitely has one. It features a 6.3-inch Actua display that is a tenth of an inch bigger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate give the Pixel 9 exceptional visuals, whether you’re just reading email or watching your favorite movie.
