Is the Google Pixel 9 a Good Phone? Our Honest Verdict

The launch of the Google Pixel 9 in August 2024 was focused on one key area: artificial intelligence. 

Gemini, Google’s personal AI assistant, is a key feature of the latest Pixel device, offering tons of updates powered by its capabilities — from improved camera tools to a natural conversation companion.

In terms of pricing, the Pixel 9 is similar to other flagship devices, including the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25. The 128GB model starts from $799, $100 more than the previous generation. But are the features and hardware of Google’s latest release worth it? Or are there better options on the market for the price?

Keep reading for our expert’s honest Google Pixel 9 opinion!

What We Love About the Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 lineup includes the standard Pixel 9 and 3 Pro models: the regular Pro, the Pro XL, and the Fold. The Pixel 9a was also released in April 2025 as a budget-friendly addition to the series.

Here are some of the range’s top benefits:

Durable Design

With its boost in durability compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel 9 has upgraded to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the polished glass back. This material is built to survive drops from as high as 1 meter on tough surfaces like concrete. 

The device also has a redesigned camera island that offers superior grip versus previous models. This visor makes it easier to hold, meaning you’re less likely to drop the phone, and allows you to place it onto a surface without wobbling. 

The camera bump also provides a signature Pixel look that separates the premium design from an iPhone — and we personally love it. While it isn’t quite as sleek as the Pro 9, the standard model features a matte aluminium frame and new flat sides too.

Both the regular and Pro, however, share the same dimensions that allow each device to fit perfectly into your hand. This is ideal if you’re looking for a shockproof phone case to protect your new device from damage, since you can use one case design for either model!

Bright Display

The Pixel 9’s 6.3-inch Acuta OLED display is the best on any Pixel device yet.

It features a thin polyimide material rather than glass, which is more flexible and delivers superior viewing angles. The display also has a variable refresh rate between 60 and 120Hz for smooth scrolling.

But the main benefit we enjoyed is the screen’s 2700-nit peak brightness, allowing you to see more easily in sunny conditions. This rivals the Samsung Galaxy S25, with its 2600-nit brightness, and completely surpasses the iPhone 16’s 2000 nits. 

For an even clearer display, go with the Pixel 9 Pro. This has a peak brightness of 3000 nits!

Long Battery Life

The 4700 mAh battery of the Pixel 9 adds 125 mAh to the Pixel 8’s 4575 mAh capacity. This is powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, which is mainly designed to facilitate the running of Google Gemini AI.

It also offers 20% faster web browsing and launches apps 17% more efficiently. The chipset doesn’t quite rival the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of performance, though, which you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S25 and their new Z Flip 6.

However, the power of the Tensor G4 does contribute to the impressive 24-hour battery life, which extends up to 100 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode.

Practical AI Features

Like previous models in the Pixel series, the Pixel 9 has an array of useful AI tools.

For instance, enjoy real-time conversations with Gemini Live to brainstorm your thoughts, ask for advice, and collaborate on ideas. This is perfect if you’re on your own and need some inspiration for a project!

The Pixel 9 also offers Circle to Search, another tool that we love. As the name suggests, simply circle an image or piece of text and Gemini will browse the web to provide more.

Many of these capabilities were made available on previous Pixels, but the Pixel 9 does come with some new generative AI features. While these features are fun to play with, many don’t necessarily enhance the convenience or usability of the device. They include:

• Pixel Studio: Generate images and enjoy on-device editing, style changing, personal stickers, and more.

• Magic Editor: Use generative AI to re-imagine your photos.

• Auto Frame: Put a better focus on the subject of photos.

• Pixel Weather: Enjoy more accurate forecasts.

• Pixel Screenshots: Find screenshots more easily with this organizational tool.
  

What Could Be Better On the Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 could well be the best Pixel to date. However, there are a few things that we think should see improvements for future models:

Camera Setup

If you’re looking for the best phones for photography, go for one of the Pro models.

The standard Pixel 9 features a 10MP selfie camera, compared to the Pro’s 42MP sensors. It also has an 8x SuperRes zoom powered by AI, while the Pros go up to 30x for better quality close-ups. They also offer 8k video recording, along with Video Boost and Night Sight Video that improve the camera’s usability. 

The Pixel 9 doesn’t have a Telephoto lens either. This is a big drawback, since most flagship phones do feature this camera.

However, although it could do with some improvements to rival other flagships on the market, the camera setup isn’t bad. It has a 50MP Main camera, plus a 4MP Ultrawide lens that's upgraded from the Pixel 8’s 12 megapixels.

Photography is where Google’s AI tools step in to provide a great camera app. Use Add Me to edit extra faces into group shots or Night Sight to create stunning panoramas in dark conditions — just to name a few features!

Wireless Charging

As we’ve touched on, the Pixel 9 has a good battery life. The device also supports a decent 45W fast wired charging speed, plus Qi wireless charging.

However, it falls short by failing to facilitate Qi2, the next generation in wireless charging. This aligns phones perfectly with chargers through magnets, which, like Apple’s MagSafe technology, offers faster and more reliable charging. 

Both the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy lineups feature Qi2, so we were quite disappointed that the Google Pixel series still doesn’t.

Our Verdict: Would We Recommend the Google Pixel 9?

Overall, the Google Pixel 9 makes an excellent choice for a new flagship phone. More and more AI updates are being made all the time, so you can continue enjoying the increasing power of artificial intelligence on your device.

The Pixel 9 offers excellent durability and rivals the iPhone 16 in terms of its stunning design. It also comes with a good battery life and bright display — all things we like to see in any new smartphone launch.

However, if you’re looking for a little more luxury and a slightly better performance, the Pro models are worth the upgrade. They offer 4GB more RAM for smoother scrolling and great camera tools, plus new customers receive a one-year free Gemini Advanced AI subscription.