Google’s new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro smartphones offer exciting upgrades for Android fans. These devices bring fresh designs, improved cameras, and faster performance. The Pixel 9 Pro stands out with its larger screen, extra camera, and longer battery life compared to the standard Pixel 9. The Pro model also offers additional RAM and premium design elements. If you prioritize photography, multitasking, or simply desire the best possible smartphone experience, the Pixel 9 Pro is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent performance and camera quality, the Pixel 9 is a fantastic choice.
Both phones feature Google’s latest Tensor chip for better AI abilities. They can do cool tricks like removing unwanted objects from photos and translating languages in real-time. The Pixel 9 has a 6.1-inch display, while the Pro version bumps it up to 6.7 inches.
Camera lovers will enjoy the Pixel 9 Pro’s triple-lens setup. It adds a telephoto lens for better zoom shots. The regular Pixel 9 still takes great pictures with its dual cameras. Both models promise all-day battery life, but the Pro lasts longer thanks to its bigger size.
Pixel Perfect: Choosing Between Google’s Latest Flagships
Display: Subtle Yet Noticeable Upgrades
While both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro boast the same 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display, the Pro version offers a slightly higher resolution (1280 x 2856 vs. 1080 x 2424), resulting in a sharper image. Additionally, the Pro’s display can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits compared to the standard model’s 2700 nits, making it more visible in bright sunlight. The Pro also benefits from LTPO technology, enabling a smoother and more battery-efficient adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz.
Camera: The Pro’s Photographic Prowess
Both phones share the same impressive 48MP main camera, but the Pixel 9 Pro adds a versatile 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. This secondary lens significantly enhances the Pro’s zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed shots even at a distance. Additionally, the Pro boasts a superior 42MP front-facing camera compared to the standard model’s 10.5MP selfie shooter.
Performance and Battery: Similar But Not Identical
Under the hood, both phones are powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, ensuring smooth performance and AI-driven features. However, the Pixel 9 Pro comes with 4GB more RAM (12GB vs. 8GB), which can be beneficial for multitasking and demanding applications. While battery capacities haven’t been officially disclosed, the Pro’s LTPO display is expected to contribute to slightly better battery life.
Other Notable Differences
- Build: The Pixel 9 Pro features a matte back glass with polished rails, offering a more premium feel compared to the standard model’s all-matte finish
- Ultra-wideband (UWB): The Pro model includes UWB support, enabling precise location tracking and potential future features like digital car keys
- Thermometer: The Pro model has a built-in thermometer for potential health and environmental monitoring applications
Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424, 60Hz-120Hz | 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED, 1280 x 2856, 1Hz-120Hz (LTPO) |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (wide), 48MP ultrawide | 48MP main (wide), 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 42MP |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Battery | TBA | TBA |
| Other | – | Matte back glass with polished rails, UWB, thermometer |
Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8 Comparison Table
| Feature | Pixel 9 | Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424, 60Hz-120Hz | 6.2-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400, 60Hz-120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (wide), 48MP ultrawide | 50MP main (wide), 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 10.5MP |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Battery | TBA | 4485mAh |
| Other | – | – |
Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED, 1280 x 2856, 1Hz-120Hz (LTPO) | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 1344 x 2992, 1Hz-120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (wide), 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x optical zoom) | 50MP main (wide), 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 42MP | 10.5MP |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Battery | TBA | 4950mAh |
| Other | Matte back glass with polished rails, UWB, thermometer | – |
Key Takeaways
- Pixel 9 Pro offers a larger screen and extra camera lens over the standard model
- Both phones feature Google’s new Tensor chip for improved AI capabilities
- The Pixel 9 Pro has longer battery life due to its bigger size
Design and Display
The Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro look sleek. They have top-notch screens with bright displays. But there are some key differences in their size and features.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro share a refined design. Both have a metal frame and glass back. The Pro is slightly heavier at 199g vs 198g for the base model. Color options include Obsidian Black Porcelain White and Hazel Green. The Pro adds Rose Quartz Pink and Wintergreen Blue choices.
The Pro has a more premium feel. It uses higher-grade materials. The camera bar on the back is bigger on the Pro. This houses its extra camera lens.
Screen Technology and Features
Both phones have OLED screens. The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch display. The Pro matches this size but offers a higher 2856 x 1280 resolution. This makes images look sharper.
The Pro screen gets brighter too. It can reach up to 2700 nits. Both support a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. They use tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to prevent scratches and cracks.
The Pro has slimmer bezels around its screen. This gives it a more modern look. Its display curves slightly at the edges for a sleeker profile.
Performance and Hardware
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro pack powerful features. They have fast chips new cameras and long-lasting batteries. Let’s look at what each phone offers.
Processor and Speed
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro use Google’s new Tensor G4 chip. This chip makes the phones very fast. Apps open quickly and games run smoothly. The Tensor G4 also helps with AI tasks like photo editing and voice commands.
The Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM than the regular Pixel 9. This means it can keep more apps open at once. Both phones feel snappy when switching between tasks. The Pro model might be a bit faster with heavy use.
Camera Capabilities
Both Pixel 9 models have great cameras. The main camera takes clear photos in all kinds of light. There’s also an ultrawide camera for big group shots or landscapes.
The Pixel 9 Pro adds a telephoto camera. This lets you zoom in on far-away objects without losing quality. It has 5x optical zoom and can go even further with digital zoom.
Both phones have new camera tricks:
- Video Boost for smoother videos
- Better night photos
- Improved selfie camera
The Pro model’s extra lens gives it an edge for zoom shots and portraits.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro both have big batteries that last all day. The Pro model has a slightly larger battery due to its bigger size. Both phones support fast charging when plugged in.
Wireless charging is available on both models. The Pro charges a bit faster wirelessly. Google says the new phones have better battery life than last year’s models.
Key battery features:
- All-day battery life
- Fast wired charging
- Wireless charging support
The Pro might last longer with heavy use thanks to its larger battery.
