Google Pixel 9 Pro provides one of the best solutions for people looking for a combination of the latest innovations and the compact size of a smartphone. Exactly like the higher-end Pixel 9 Pro XL version, it’s portable, costs $100 less, and the design and build do not disappoint, and the screen brightness is better, wireless speeds are faster, battery life is longer, and overall, the camera is superior. Even though its current AI included in Gemini AI is still under development, it offers the users a great experience. Starting at $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro variant, this device brings the latest and greatest AI innovation to Android lovers without omitting any major features. For those who won’t be able to spend on the gadget, the Editors’ Choice winning Pixel 9 actually with almost every feature of the new Pixel 9 at $200 less.
Design
The new member of the Pixel family, Google Pixel 9 Pro offers more features than its sibling Pixel 9 while is not as expensive as Pixel 9 Pro XL. It features a superior design that mirrors Google’s new design ethos striking a balance between form and function. The main building block is the polished aluminum frame, and the Pixel 9 pro brings out the style in its modernized pill-shaped camera module to its rear. It also means that this model continues supporting the Pixel 9’s dimensions and weight and has a smaller form factor than the Pixel 9 Pro XL measures 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches and weighs 7.0 ounces. In terms of comparing it with its competition, it is medium-sized and bigger compared to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro but not as big as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. As slender as it is finely crafted and sporting an awesome set of colors—Hazel, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Rose Quartz—this is not a smartphone designed to fly under the radar; this Pixel 9 Pro is meant to make a style statement in addition to sounding a functionality note.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro demonstrates unrivaled density and flawless workmanship, in addition to which the company decided to equip the device with the protective Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 both on the front and rear panels to exclude the probability of scratches and cracks. With a sleek aluminum frame, the matte back panel, and the metal accents combined with a reflective edge on the camera, the matte black area surrounding the triple camera system looks splendid. Rendered with an IP68 rating, the Pixel 9 Pro provides freedom from grainy dirt and fresh water and rivals the protection level of the iPhone 15 Pro or the Galaxy S24 Plus. On the security part, it has enhanced 2 biometric solutions: Face – which uses the front camera, and an Under Display Ultrasonic Fingerprint scanner that works perfectly. Design consistency with Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro is refined in construction and design which make it powerful yet beautiful in an increasingly crowded market.
Display
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is noticeable with its sparkling 6.3 inch OLED screen having a resolution of 2856 by 1280 pixels and a density of 495 ppi. This means that the display renders clear and sharp images on screen and has a brightness of 2000 nits typical, and 3000 hits at peak makes it possible to use it under direct sunlight. The frequency can be changed from 1 Hz to 120 Hz while using as little power as possible depending on what type of user it is facing. However, in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, there is a larger 6.8-inch display that has a slightly higher pixel density of 2992 by 1344 but that does not affect the performance of the display. The standard Pixel 9 also comes with a 6.3-inch display but a lower pixel density of 2424 by 1080 p at 422 ppi for the screen and has a refresh rate of 60 – 120 Hz. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro comes with a much smaller 6.1 inches display which has a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels per inch density of 460 ppi while the Galaxy S24 Plus features a larger 6.7 inches panel with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels and density of 513ppi. Based on this, the Pixel 9 Pro’s display quality brings it to the league of the best devices that offer clear videos and images in varying lighting situations.
Performance
Google Pixel 9 Pro comes with a Tensor G4 processor and Titan M2 coprocessor with powerful 16GB RAM and 128 GB Internal Storage the performance is excellent. Its base storage is similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Plus, however, the Pixel 9 Pro provides up to 1TB for those who require it. To be clear, Tensor processors have not historically performed particularly well on artificial benchmarks; the G4, however, is tuned for machine learning and AI in particular, which manifests in app launch times that are 17% faster, as well as web browsing that is 20% improved over previous generations. In the PCMark Work 3.0 test, the Pixel 9 Pro received a score of 13049 which is higher than the previous models but lower than the one received by the Galaxy S24 Plus. Graphics was at 43 fps on the GFXBench Aztec Ruins test and this phone can handle graphics-demanding games like Genshin Impact with no significant warming. This proves that while it does not excel in benchmarks, the Pixel 9 Pro provides consistent, good go-to performance. Mobile gambling is also growing in popularity as many people are shifting their focus on gambling through Smartphones like online roulette, slots, and Blackjack. Mobile devices are portable, thus perfect candidates for gaming that is needed on the go. The case of the Google Pixel 9 series shows that the device can run graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact without any issues, these devices can also deliver the same for mobile casino games. The Pixel 9 series also brings along smooth gameplay and high-quality graphics, which will increase the overall gaming experience of the players.
Battery Life
Pixel 9 Pro features a long-lasting battery and has a battery capacity of 4700mAh which is at par with the Pixel 9. During an intense battery test that includes playing an HD video over WiFi at full brightness, the Pixel Pro 9 was able to last 17 hrs and 25 mins. This result is better than that given by the Pixel 9 which lasted 11 hours and 45 minutes as well as the 9 Pro XL which lasted 12 hours and 25 minutes. Compared to competitors like iPhone 15 which lasted 16 hours and 45 minutes with Smartphone battery life test, and Samsung S24 plus which only lasted 14 hours and 10 minutes, Pixel 9 Pro has a battery advantage. Wireless charging goes up to 27W, while no charger is included in the package. Wireless charging is also provided here with an output of up to 12W using the Qi standard wireless charger or up to 21W using the Google Pixel Stand wireless charger It is optional here to mention that this Pixel phone also supports reverse wireless charging. This device when fast charging can charge the 9 Pro from 0% to 100% in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes; 15 minutes of charge can power 27%, while 30 minutes charge will power 55%.
Connectivity
The Pixel 9 Pro has strong connectivity features as it comprises 5G technology, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5 dot 3, and NFC, as seen in competing flagship devices in the US market. It proved to produce the best results when used on many carriers although it was tested to offer the best results when using T Mobile’s 5G UC network in New York as it displayed download speeds up to 686 Mbps and upload speed of 96.1 Mbps. Wi-Fi data transmission speed test, the pixel 9 pro achieved an average download speed of 449 Mbps and an average upload speed of 16.0 Mbps near the Wi-Fi 6 network, and maintained fast data transmission speed even at the end of the network. There are significant improvements made in the call quality where the sound transmission is clear and also other voices during the call are effectively canceled. The earpiece in combination with a down-firing speaker delivers loud media playback, up to 98dB. While driving, songs and movies are clear at 1dB when streamed through Bluetooth headphones, and low bass notes are more vivid when viewed in detail.
Cameras
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Pro XL demonstrate great photography setup – 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra wide, and 48 MP telephoto with OIS for better stability. The additional photographic feature is the telephoto lens with the optical zoom of 5x and the Super Res Zoom of 30x enables taking clear images of distant objects. First, the main and ultra-wide lenses are set to deliver 12.5MP images although users can tap for full resolution. It is possible to notice that the lens is free from lots of distortion except for a little barrel at times when capturing people and pets. The telephoto zoom lens’ strongest point is focusing on objects and fine details from quite a distant range. The front-going camera has been boosted to 42MP and produces natural colors and natural bokeh and the low-light photography feature is kept intact, showing colors that are invisible to the naked eye in a low-light environment. Video performance is excellent with features such as 4k60 with stable and seamless tracking. Specific AI features, the so-called Add Me and Magic Editor, enrich the photography and give an individual an opportunity to create and improve the picture using Auto Frame and Reimagine.
Software
All Pixel 9 devices run Android 14 with Google providing an industry standard of seven years of OS updates, security patches, and feature drops, the same as Samsung was doing for its flagship gadgets. Built into the Pixel 9 Pro’s experience is Gemini, a well-nuanced AI companion designed for conducting multi-turn conversations and working closely with Google Assistant in managing smart homes. Nevertheless, Gemini has no session storage, requires an Internet connection, and is not offline capable like Google Assistant. Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Pixel Studio which produces images based on the command and Pixel Screenshot which organizes and enhances screenshots. Gemini Live can have natural voice conversations but with the downside of not supporting extensions. There is a paid Gemini Advanced that unlocks additional features, however, Pixel 9 Pro users get a one-year subscription for free.
Verdict
Google Pixel 9 Pro has been crafted by keeping each element in mind for a perfect smartphone, which includes the design, camera, colorful and bright screen, and reliable performance that makes it one of the most potent devices for online usage. It is a combination of Pixel 9 size and Pixel Pro XL power and hence good for users who want advances in AI in a compact handheld device. Still, the Pixel 9 Pro is a great choice while the base Pixel 9 is better in most aspects but has a smaller battery and fewer camera options.
