Google Pixel 9 review

Design

Favouring the classic Google design, the Pixel 9 feels minimalist and sleek, with the signature horizontal camera bar is still present, it’s been slimmed down slightly, giving the phone a streamlined look that is instantly recognisable as a Pixel phone.

The Pixel 9 is available in four colours; Obsidian Black, Winter Green, Porcelain, and Peony. The range of new colourways – Winter Green, Porcelain and Peony were all introduced with the Pixel 9 – feel fresh and modern, working in perfect harmony with the sleek design.

Ergonomically, the Pixel 9 offers the perfect balance between size and comfort. It’s compact enough for one-handed use, but big enough to house a stunning display. The phone is also IP68-rated and resistant to water and dust, making it a reliable option for everyday life.

Display

Favouring the classic Google design, the Pixel 9 feels minimalist and sleek, with the signature horizontal camera bar is still present, it’s been slimmed down slightly, giving the phone a streamlined look that is instantly recognisable as a Pixel phone.

We were impressed by the Pixel 9’s seamless, responsive display, both when watching videos and editing photos. The handset has a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, offering sharp visuals and bright, realistic colours. Paired with the 120Hz refresh rate, this makes for smooth scrolling and vivid animations, no matter if you’re browsing social media or gaming. Google has also improved the display’s brightness, so it's easy to view content even in direct sunlight.

The display is HDR10+ certified, allowing great contrast and vibrant colours for streaming content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. You don’t need to worry about damage to your screen over time, either; tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the screen, enhancing durability without sacrificing any of the display’s clarity. For extra security though, we’d always recommend using a protective case.

Software

The Pixel 9 runs on Android 14, offering the cleanest and easiest to use version of Android so far. The interface is sleek and feels uncluttered, but is full of helpful features that make everyday tasks that little bit easier. AI-driven tools like Live Translate, Call Screen, and Now Playing are more refined than ever, showcasing Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience through artificial intelligence. This is a phone designed to work on your terms: forget receiving unsolicited calls or missing important information when you’re on the phone. Google’s AI integrations effectively make your phone work harder, taking notes and summarising calls and documents for you.

One of the standout tools is Assistant Voice Typing, allowing you to dictate messages with high accuracy, even with emojis and formatting. Pixel-exclusive features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur also feature on this phone, so you can enhance your photos with minimum effort.

Google promises seven years of software updates for the Pixel 9, ensuring users will receive the latest features and security patches well into the future. This makes the Pixel 9 an ideal long-term investment if you’re looking for a handset to see you through years to come.

Cameras

The Pixel series is known for its excellent camera performance, and the Pixel 9 is no different. The phone has a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultrawide lens, which is also replicated in the Pixel 9 Pro. Google’s computational photography algorithms work hard behind the scenes to deliver amazing images, even at night.

The main camera produces sharp, vibrant photos with great range. Google’s Night Sight has been further improved, capturing bright and detailed shots even in low light. Portrait Mode has also been upgraded with advanced AI, easily capturing fine details like hair and clothing textures. The ultrawide lens is perfect for landscape shots and group photos, delivering consistent quality across most lighting conditions.

For video enthusiasts, the Pixel 9 supports 4K recording at 60fps with improved stabilisation, making it an excellent choice for vlogging if that's your thing or just capturing the important moments on video. The front-facing 10.5MP camera lens also impresses, delivering crisp selfies and smooth video calls.

Performance

The Pixel 9 is home to the Google Tensor G4 chipset, which is designed to optimise AI tasks and deliver robust performance across the board. The phone handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy app usage with ease, thanks to its extensive storage and efficient processor.

The Pixel 9 also includes 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download speeds and reliable network performance across the UK. Paired with Google’s optimisation features, the phone offers a smooth and lag-free experience that makes for an almost effortless experience.

Battery

The Pixel 9 comes with a 4,700mAh battery, which comfortably lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Google has made significant improvements in their battery optimisation since the Google Pixel 8, ensuring the phone retains battery even during intensive tasks like gaming or streaming. If you spend less time on your phone, the Pixel 9 can stretch into a second day’s usage on a single charge.

When you do come to boost your battery, the Pixel 9 supports 27W wired fast charging, with the ability to charge 55% in just 30 minutes - ideal if you’re on the go. 15W wireless charging is also supported, as well as reverse wireless charging, so you can top up other devices directly from your phone.

One of the most impressive releases of 2024, the Google Pixel 9’s array of upgraded features make a great option for photographers, gamers and regular users alike.