Everything You Need to Know About the Google Pixel 9
During its Made by Google event on August 13, Google officially unveiled the much-anticipated Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 serves as the base model in this new series, succeeding the Google Pixel 8. It is the most budget-friendly option in the Pixel 9 range, at least until the expected release of the Pixel 9a, which is not anticipated before 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the newly announced Google Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9: price and availability
The Google Pixel 9 is currently available for preorder on the Google Store at a starting price of $799. You can also expect to see the phone at other retailers and carriers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and so on.
Shipments for Pixel 9 preorders are expected to go out on August 22. This is also when regular sales will begin.
Google Pixel 9: specs
| Google Pixel 9 | |
| Size | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (6 x 2.8 x 0.3Â inches) |
| Weight | 198 grams (7 ounces) |
| Screen size | 6.3-inch Actua OLED (Dynamic 60-120Hz) |
| Screen resolution | 2424 x 1080 resolution at 422 pixels per inch |
| Operating system | Android 14 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD card slot | No |
| Tap-to-pay services | Google Pay |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Cameras | Rear: 50-megapixel primary, 48MP ultrawideFront: 10.5MP |
| Video | Rear: Up to 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 60 fps, and 240 fps for slow motionFront: Up to 4K at 60 fps |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition |
| Water resistance | IP68 |
| Battery | 4,700mAh27W fast charging
15W fast wireless charging Battery Share |
| App marketplace | Google Play Store |
| Network support | 5G |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony |
| Price | From $799 |
| Available from | All major offline and online retailers |
Google Pixel 9: hands-on
There’s a lot to discuss about the Google Pixel 9, and we’ll cover it all below. First, though, let’s consider the practical experience of using the Pixel 9. Fortunately, we’ve had the opportunity to try it out ourselves!
Our hands-on experience with the Google Pixel 9 left us quite impressed. The new design, which might be polarizing, looks and feels excellent in person. Google has also introduced some attractive colors this year, the display is impressive, and many of the software features seem to function as promised. While we need more time to fully assess the Pixel 9, it’s certainly off to a promising start.
Google Pixel 9: design and display
The Pixel 9 features significant design changes from the Google Pixel 8. The previous dual-sensor camera bar has been replaced by a centered camera island that protrudes from the device. The sides now have polished metal edges, and the back is matte, available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony colors. Despite these updates, the Pixel design language remains recognizable, and the centered Google logo on the back ensures that it stands out from other phones.
The Pixel 9 measures 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 7 ounces. Remarkably, it shares the same footprint as the Pixel 9 Pro, catering to those who prefer a compact device with robust specifications. Additionally, the phone features IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing it to endure full immersion in water and offering protection against dust ingress.
The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which enhances its resistance to scratches and shattering. The screen can achieve up to 1800 nits of brightness in HDR and up to 2700 nits at peak, making it suitable for viewing in direct sunlight, though it falls short compared to the 2,000 to 3,000 nits offered by the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The display has a 20:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1080 by 2424 pixels, equating to a sharp 422 pixels per inch. It also features a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience, though it is not as high-resolution or responsive as the Quad HD OLED screens found on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9: camera
The Pixel 9 features a dual rear camera system comprising a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor with macro focus. It supports 4K video recording at 24/30/60 frames per second (fps) and offers Super Res Zoom and optical zoom at 0.5x, 1x, and 2x. However, it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, so those needing advanced zoom capabilities may prefer the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL, which have a triple camera setup.
The front-facing camera has a 10.5MP sensor with a 95-degree ultrawide field of view and can record 4K video at 30/60 fps. This setup is adequate for most selfie and video call needs, although it doesn’t match the 42MP sensor found on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Pixel phones generally excel in camera performance, including the base model. Our review of the Pixel 8 praised its main camera performance and the AI photo editing tools. Google continues to integrate AI enhancements, which will be discussed further in the software section.
Google Pixel 9: performance and battery
The Pixel 9 promises impressive performance, featuring the latest Google Tensor processor (Tensor G4 for this year), 12GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB. For those needing more memory or space, the Pro models offer 16GB of RAM and additional storage options of 512GB and 1TB.
We anticipate that the Pixel 9 will handle gaming, multitasking, and general browsing with ease. While our detailed review will provide more insights from rigorous testing, it’s worth noting that the chip is partly based on the Samsung Exynos 2400, which powers the Samsung Galaxy S24 outside the U.S., suggesting comparable performance.
The Pixel 9 is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery, matching the size of the Pixel 9 Pro but smaller than the 5,060mAh battery in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google claims the phone can last over 24 hours on a single charge and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode activated, which disables most functions like 5G and puts many apps to sleep.
The device supports 27W fast charging using a 45W USB-C charger (sold separately), allowing it to reach 55% charge in 30 minutes. Additionally, it offers 15W fast wireless charging.
Google Pixel 9: software and features
The Pixel 9 operates on Android 14 and, like all Pixel devices, will receive seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. This ensures that it will be among the first to get the forthcoming Android 15 update.
AI features are prominently integrated into the Pixel 9. It includes Google’s Gemini, and Pixel 9 users can access the advanced Gemini Advanced model for free for one year. Additionally, you have the option to use Gemini Live as your default assistant instead of Google Assistant. Gemini can interact with various apps and services, such as Google Calendar, to provide information about events and more. The Pixel 9 also features a newly redesigned weather app that offers AI-generated forecasts and summaries, as well as panels displaying additional details like 10-day forecasts and humidity.
You’ll also find two new apps on your home screen: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. Pixel Screenshots offers functionality similar to Microsoft’s Recall for Copilot+ PCs, but with more limitations. It allows you to save and process all your screenshots, using Gemini to extract information such as recipes, directions, and text from them.
Pixel Studio is akin to AI tools like Midjourney or Dall-E 3. This app generates new images from scratch or modifies existing ones using AI. You can provide instructions via voice commands through Gemini or by typing.
Additionally, there are two AI features related to photos. Add Me lets you take separate images of people or groups and combine them by adding missing members to the picture. Magic Editor, on the other hand, enables you to make further enhancements such as framing, expanding the scene, or changing the background.
