ZDNET’s key takeaways.
- Google’s Pixel 9 is its latest flagship phone with prices starting at $801. It has the new Tensor G4 chip, an updated design and a larger battery. The price is also slightly higher.
- Hardware improvements are not significant over last year’s version.
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TheGoogle Pixel 9 256GB can be purchased for $649. This is a $250 savings. This deal is valid for all colors except Peony pink.
In August 2024 I attended the Made by Google event and was excited to get my hands on the baseline version of. Pixel 9 is better than the Pro XL or the Pro. Why? The accessibility of the Pixel 9 makes it a fascinating product, and I recommend it for several reasons.
I also changed 10 settings on the Pixel phone to improve the user experience.
This review is spoiled right up front, but it’s real. Google’s latest flagship, the Pixel 9 is now available. Prices start at $799. Although its hardware is only a minor upgrade over the Pixel 8, this phone is still impressive. It has a new design and slightly improved performance. It also has slightly better cameras, an increased battery capacity, and new AI features.
Google is positioning the Pixel 9 as a default Android alternative to Apple’s iPhone 16, in part because it looks similar. Google gave the entire Pixel family flat sides and rounded corners. This makes it look like a product from a Cupertino design lab. The good news is it makes these phones feel and look great.
They’re actually my favorite-looking Pixel phone yet. The Pixel 9 is a unique phone that offers a premium touch and feels cold to the hand. The sides are made of aluminum, and the front and rear are Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It’s IP68-rated and can be used with just 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. This year, the screen can reach way up to 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of the brightest Android phones you can buy.
Also: I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro XL with the 9a for a month – and it was pretty dang close
Also, its performance feels better. Powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a screamer. It’s one of the most responsive Android phones I’ve used all year, and that’s just with the standard version of this phone.
The cameras are also impressive. Google kept the same 50MP main camera as last year but swapped the old 12MP ultra-wide for a new 48MP 123-degree camera. Photos are simply stunning on this phone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do a great job of retaining details and contrast. Video quality is also very good, especially with the company’s Video Boost technology. This phone can easily rival any device that costs $200+ more.
If there’s a downside to the hardware, it’s the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie camera, whereas the Pro phones get a new 42MP camera. There’s also an extra telephoto camera on the Pro model, so you won’t get the same zoom quality on the regular Pixel 9.
Regarding this phone’s AI features, Google has jammed quite a bit into the Pixel 9. Not only does it ship with the company’s Gemini chatbot out of the box, but thanks to the Tensor G4 processor, it also comes with Gemini Live, so you can have real-life conversations with it.
Also: I found a physical keyboard for my Pixel 9 Pro that isn’t a joke
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, but you’ll get one for free if you buy a Pixel 9. I’ve asked it numerous questions that were similar to web queries (“What’s the best place to live near New York City that’s relatively affordable,” “How many stars are in the sky — wait, in the galaxy?”) and it answered them all with ease — even with speech interruptions. It’s in the early stages, but it’s exciting technology that could change how we use our phones.
You also get features like Add Me, which allows you to take a picture of your friends, then have them take a picture of you in the same place, and merge the two so no one’s left out. I’ve played around with it during my testing, which worked surprisingly well. There are also some nice updates to Magic Editor for framing your photos.
Google also included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 series: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the former, you can organize your screenshots and search through them with AI prompts, allowing you to easily reference information like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
Meanwhile, the latter lets you generate images on the fly and customize them with text, stickers, and other effects. I’ve enjoyed using both apps in my limited testing time, but I’ll need to play with them over the long run to see whether they’re worth it.
Also: The best Google Pixel phones to buy in 2025
I found battery life to be quite good. There’s a 4,700mAh cell inside that can last all day on a charge and then some, which means you won’t need to worry about this phone’s battery after a long day. Google includes 45W charging support on the Pixel 9 series, which is awesome, but you’ll need to buy a separate wall adapter to take advantage of it. In addition, there’s 15W wireless charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wireless charging called “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s buying advice
If your budget is $800, it’s hard not to recommend Google’s Pixel 9is a great buy, especially when it’s on sale for $250 off. The Samsung Galaxy S24 may be a strong competitor, but this is the better deal. You get access to new AI features and all the benefits of the Pixel experience like great software, display and cameras.
While the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL may be more flashy, the base model of Google’s flagship smartphone should not be overlooked. This article was first published on August 22, 2020 and updated on June 6, 2025.
While the recent US tariffs against imports from countries such as China, Vietnam, India, and others are meant to boost domestic manufacturing, they will likely drive up prices for consumer electronics. As companies rethink their global supply chains and weigh shifting production costs, products like smartphones, TVs, laptops and tablets may become more costly.
CNET: Tracking Tariff Prices: We’re Watching Eleven Products You Might Want to Buy
Smartphones imported from China or Vietnam could face steep duties, which could increase retail prices by up to 20%. Apple and Google are two brands that rely heavily on Asian manufacturers. They may pass on these costs to consumers, or absorb them, at the expense of their profit margins.
Tariffs could also cause delays in product launches, or shifts in how and where phones are manufactured, forcing companies into countries with better trade conditions.
