At $999, the Pixel 9 Pro sits $200 above the standard model. It offers a compact alternative to the Pixel 9 Pro XL without compromising on performance or features. While more affordable and pocket-friendly, it retains the same advanced camera and AI features found in its bigger sibling.
The design of the Pixel 9 Pro bears a striking resemblance to the iPhone, a design choice that may not appeal to everyone. However, it does keep Google’s signature horizontal camera bar, providing a functional grip and stabilizing the phone on flat surfaces. The soft-touch matte finish on the back adds a premium feel, but it’s prone to collecting fingerprints especially in the black version. Other shades, like porcelain, rose quartz, or hazel, might better hide smudges.
Both the front and back of the phone are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which holds up well against daily wear. After a week of use, the glass remained pristine, though my Pixel 9 Pro XL model showed a few small scratches after heavy use. Investing in a case is a good idea to protect your phone.
The metal frame, with its glossy finish, is another fingerprint magnet, which detracts from its overall premium appeal. But apart from that, the compact form factor of the Pro model is refreshing, offering both style and durability.
Google has equipped the Pixel 9 Pro with a sharp OLED display featuring a 1280 by 2856 resolution, providing sharper visuals than the base model. The 6.3-inch screen is perfect for streaming content, offering vibrant colors and full HDR10 support for Netflix and other platforms. The brightness level is sufficient for outdoor use, though under bright sunlight, you may occasionally need to adjust your viewing angle.
One of the standout features is its LTPO technology, which allows the refresh rate to dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz, depending on the task. This results in a smooth experience while optimizing battery life. The stereo speakers deliver clear sound, though at full volume, audio can become slightly distorted. It’s great for video content, though audiophiles might want to use headphones for music.
Running Android 14, with Android 15 on the way, the Pixel 9 Pro guarantees seven years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring longevity. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor has proven reliable even when wearing gloves, and Face Unlock adds another layer of convenience. Google’s handy temperature sensor is still here for checking if your drink is cold enough although not everyone will find this useful.
AI is a key part of the Pixel experience. Gemini, which comes with a free one-year subscription, is capable of reading screenshots and extracting valuable information, like discount codes. Pixel Studio lets users create simple drawings, while features like Circle to Search allow for intelligent image recognition.
The Tensor G4 chipset, along with 16GB of RAM, ensures smooth performance across everyday tasks and gaming. While the Pixel 9 Pro handles most games with ease, pushing the settings to their limits can result in occasional frame drops, particularly during graphically intense scenes. After 10-15 minutes of gameplay, the phone can get warm, but performance remains consistent, and there’s no risk of overheating.
One of the biggest improvements over previous models is battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro’s 4,700mAh battery can easily last through a full day of heavy use, from taking photos to streaming video and music. I consistently finished the day with around 30% battery remaining, which is impressive.
However, charging speeds are slower compared to some competitors. With 27W wired charging, the phone takes just over an hour to go from nearly empty to full. The 21W wireless charging option is convenient but still takes time.
The Pixel 9 Pro boasts the same 50MP primary sensor and 48MP ultra-wide angle lens with autofocus as the other Pixel 9 models. Additionally, it features a 48MP quad PD telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The camera app includes a dedicated Pro mode, allowing you to shoot in 50MP, capture RAW images, and manually select lenses.
In my testing, the Pixel 9 Pro consistently delivered impressive photos, with accurate colors and realistic tones. However, occasional lens flaring or saturation issues arose in low light, particularly if the subject was moving. The Magic Editor feature struggled to correct these issues. Most of the time, I used the 12MP mode, which produced detailed photos with ample room for digital cropping while maintaining sharpness. HDR performance was solid, though slight graininess was noticeable in low-light conditions.
The ultra-wide angle lens excels at capturing macro shots and dramatic landscapes, delivering natural-looking results. The telephoto lens, with up to 30x zoom, uses AI sharpening to enhance portrait and pet photography, even when the subjects are in motion.
The new Magic Eraser feature allows you to easily remove or replace people in group photos, while Google’s editing tools, including the auto-frame feature, help with framing shots and filling in gaps using AI. Video capture is smooth, with sharp 4K visuals and seamless transitions between lenses. The video boost feature has been improved, though it still requires cloud upload and can be time-consuming. It’s worth the wait for low-light clips, as it can even upscale video resolution to 8K.
The 42MP selfie camera performs admirably, producing accurate colors and slightly warmer skin tones. It supports 4K Ultra HD video recording, though stabilization isn’t as effective as on the rear camera. However, audio capture is clear and precise.
Final Thought
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro is one of my favorite smartphones of 2024. It offers a compact design packed with Pro features, making it an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance device without the bulk. The improved battery life is a standout feature, and the phone’s gaming capabilities are solid, though the GPU can get warm during extended sessions. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone that doesn’t compromise on features or performance, the Pixel 9 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Pixel 9 Pro is a standout in 2024 offering a compact form factor with high-end features and impressive performance.
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Design7
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