Introduction
The Pixel 8 was one of the most popular choices in the compact segment, and the Pixel 9 is here to replace it as the new go-to option in this peculiar niche. With improvements in design, chipset, display, camera, and software, we look forward to meeting the smallest Google Pixel 9.
But to quickly put an end to all this talk of compacts, you should first know that the new Pixel 9 isn’t so small anymore. It has a larger 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 30% increase in brightness.
The design has changed, too, with dual flat panels of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a new flat aluminum frame, and a more prominent but reduced camera bar with defined bezels. Yes, it feels more like an iPhone, but it’s still a Pixel – and it’s easily recognizable, too. Oh, and it’s still IP68-rated, as usual.
The Google Tensor G4 chip inside all new Pixel 9 phones packs 8 next-gen CPU cores, a faster GPU, a more power-efficient (and improved) modem, and is paired with more RAM needed for on-device AI tasks. Speaking of AI, the Tensor Processing Unit — which is at the heart of the new AI features available through Google Gemini — remains the same as in the Tensor G3.
The Google Pixel 9 has the fewest cameras compared to the rest of the 9-series gang — it has the same 50MP primary camera with 2x high-res zoom as the Pixel 8 (and 9 Pro, apparently), as well as the same 10.5MP selfie camera, now with an autofocus lens, though. There’s an all-new 48MP ultra-wide camera with a bright autofocus lens (yes, it supports macro!).
Other new features on the Pixel 9 include the move to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which should make for a more reliable experience. It also comes with Satellite SOS support through a new partnership with Garmin and Skylo. Finally, the Pixel 9 also supports 27W fast charging and gets a boost in battery capacity.
The Pixel 9 comes with Android 14, which is the current version of Android as Android 15 is still a few months away at the time of release. It will get 7 years of full software support.
Google Pixel 9 specifications at a glance:
- Body: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm, 198 g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP68 dust and water resistant (up to 1.5 m for 30 min).
- Display: 6.30″ OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422 ppi; Always-on display.
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 and 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 and 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MC7.
- Memory: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM; UFS.
- Operating system/software: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
- Rear camera: Broad (head): 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, single laser AF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚, 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF.
- Front camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultra wide angle), 1/3.1″, 1.22 µm, PDAF.
- Video recording: Rear camera: 4K@24/30/60 fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240 fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps.
- Battery: 4700mAh; 45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 55% in 30 min (advertised), 15W wireless (with Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (with Qi-compatible charger), reverse wireless.
- Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; WiFi 6; BT 5.3, aptX HD; NFC.
- Miscellaneous: Fingerprint scanner (under the display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; satellite SOS service.
The Google Pixel 9 seems like a true flagship with everything we could possibly want in a compact premium device. It’s not a groundbreaking update to the Pixel 8, sure, but it does seem to include everything that’s new to date.
Unboxing the Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 comes in a recycled paper box with a sleeve. The print is monochrome.
Inside you’ll find the Pixel 9, a USB-C cable, and a SIM ejection tool.