ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Pixel 9 is Google’s newest baseline flagship cellphone, with costs beginning at $800.
- It comes with the brand new Tensor G4 processor, an up to date design, a much bigger battery, and a barely greater asking worth.
- The {hardware} enhancements over final yr’s mannequin are comparatively small.
extra shopping for selections
At Amazon, the 256GB Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $649, a $250 low cost. This deal applies to all shade choices besides Peony (pink).
I had an opportunity to attend the Made by Google occasion again in August 2024, and after the keynote wrapped up, I used to be extra excited to go hands-on with the baseline model of the Pixel 9 than the Professional or the Professional XL. Why? As a result of the Pixel 9’s accessibility makes it an interesting gadget, and one I like to recommend for a handful of causes.
Additionally: I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the user experience
I am spoiling this assessment proper on the prime, however it’s true. Google’s newest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, is right here, with costs beginning at $799. Although its {hardware} is a minor enchancment over the Pixel 8, it is a formidable cellphone total. It presents a brand new design, barely upgraded efficiency, barely higher cameras, a barely larger battery, and a bunch of recent AI options.
Google has positioned the Pixel 9 because the default Android different to the iPhone 16, partly as a result of it appears to be like like one. Google gave the complete Pixel 9 household flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it seem like one thing from a design lab in Cupertino. The excellent news is that it makes these telephones feel and appear nice.
In reality, they’re my favorite-looking Pixel phones but. The Pixel 9 feels particularly distinctive whereas nonetheless providing a premium really feel that is blissfully chilly to the contact once you choose it up. The perimeters are aluminum, whereas the back and front function Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The entire thing is IP68-rated for water and mud resistance, and it is simply the suitable dimension to be used with one hand.
One other attribute of the Pixel is its good show, and the Pixel 9 undoubtedly has one. It includes a 6.3-inch Actua show that may be a tenth of an inch larger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424×1080 decision, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh price give the Pixel 9 distinctive visuals, whether or not you are simply studying e mail or watching your favourite film. This yr, the display screen can attain means as much as 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of many brightest Android telephones you should buy.
Additionally: I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro XL with the 9a for a month – and it was pretty dang close
Additionally, its efficiency feels higher. Powered by the brand new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a screamer. It is one of the responsive Android telephones I’ve used all yr, and that is simply with the usual model of this cellphone.
The cameras are additionally spectacular. Google stored the identical 50MP primary digital camera as final yr however swapped the previous 12MP ultra-wide for a brand new 48MP 123-degree digital camera. Photographs are merely beautiful on this cellphone, and Google’s post-processing algorithms do an awesome job of retaining particulars and distinction. Video high quality can be superb, particularly with the corporate’s Video Increase know-how. This cellphone can simply rival any gadget that prices $200+ extra.
If there is a draw back to the {hardware}, it is the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie digital camera, whereas the Professional telephones get a brand new 42MP digital camera. There’s additionally an additional telephoto digital camera on the Professional mannequin, so you will not get the identical zoom high quality on the common Pixel 9.
Concerning this cellphone’s AI options, Google has jammed fairly a bit into the Pixel 9. Not solely does it ship with the corporate’s Gemini chatbot out of the field, however because of the Tensor G4 processor, it additionally comes with Gemini Reside, so you’ll be able to have real-life conversations with it.
Additionally: I found a physical keyboard for my Pixel 9 Pro that isn’t a joke
It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, however you may get one without spending a dime for those who purchase a Pixel 9. I’ve requested it quite a few questions that have been just like web queries (“What’s the perfect place to reside close to New York Metropolis that is comparatively reasonably priced,” “What number of stars are within the sky — wait, within the galaxy?”) and it answered all of them with ease — even with speech interruptions. It is within the early phases, however it’s thrilling know-how that would change how we use our telephones.
You additionally get options like Add Me, which lets you take an image of your pals, then have them take an image of you in the identical place, and merge the 2 so nobody’s ignored. I’ve performed round with it throughout my testing, which labored surprisingly properly. There are additionally some good updates to Magic Editor for framing your pictures.
Google additionally included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 sequence: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the previous, you’ll be able to manage your screenshots and search by way of them with AI prompts, permitting you to simply reference data like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes.
In the meantime, the latter allows you to generate pictures on the fly and customise them with textual content, stickers, and different results. I’ve loved utilizing each apps in my restricted testing time, however I am going to must play with them over the long term to see whether or not they’re value it.
Additionally: The best Google Pixel phones to buy in 2025
I discovered battery life to be fairly good. There is a 4,700mAh cell inside that may final all day on a cost after which some, which implies you will not want to fret about this cellphone’s battery after a protracted day. Google contains 45W charging assist on the Pixel 9 sequence, which is superior, however you may want to purchase a separate wall adapter to make the most of it. As well as, there’s 15W wi-fi charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wi-fi charging referred to as “Battery Share.”
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
In case your funds is $800, it is onerous to not advocate Google’s Pixel 9, particularly whereas it is on sale at $250 off. Certain, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tricky competitor, however I really suppose that is the higher purchase. It offers you entry to some helpful new AI options, and also you get all of the perks of the Pixel expertise, like glorious software program, show high quality, and cameras.
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL fashions could also be flashier, however the baseline model of Google’s flagship cellphone shouldn’t be missed.
This text was initially printed on August 22, 2024, and was up to date on June 6, 2025
The current US tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India purpose to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs could change into costlier as corporations rethink world provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy
Smartphones are among the many most affected by the brand new US tariffs, with gadgets imported from China and Vietnam going through steep duties that would elevate retail costs by 20% or extra. Manufacturers like Apple and Google, which rely closely on Asian manufacturing, could both go these prices on to shoppers or soak up them on the expense of revenue margins.
The tariffs might additionally result in delays in product launches or shifts in the place and the way telephones are made, forcing corporations to diversify manufacturing to nations with extra favorable commerce situations.
