“it's worth looking at the nine, because in my opinion, paying a few good hundred more for the ten doesn't make much sense.”
The Google Pixel 9 offers a refined experience with notable upgrades over its sibling, the Pixel 9a. It features a more premium design with slimmer screen bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, along with a brighter display and faster charging capabilities.
While its camera system provides a slight edge with sharper images, better low-light performance, and more detailed 2x zoom, and it includes more RAM, the overall performance in daily use and benchmarks remains similar to the 9a.
Ultimately, despite its advantages, the reviewer suggests these improvements are not substantial enough to make it a clear standout, positioning it as a capable but not dramatically superior option compared to the more affordable Pixel 9a.
“The Pixel 9, on the other hand, is a bit more compact and it has more premium glass on the front and back. Its screen is more elegant with slimmer bezels. The phone comes with more RAM on board. The charging speed is a bit faster, and the cameras have a slight edge over the Pixel 9's.”
“Overall, the Pixel 9 does have its advantages, but they're nothing major.”
The Google Pixel 9 presents itself as a compelling smartphone, featuring a significantly brighter 6.3-inch display and excelling in camera performance with its main lens delivering superior photos and 4K videos, especially in low light. Its ultrawide camera also captures more detail, particularly at night, and it offers a preferred stock Android experience.
While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and its Tensor G4 chipset offers performance more akin to an upper mid-ranger than a true flagship, the phone compensates with its overall camera prowess. Despite a larger battery, its battery life is comparable to competitors, and charging is slightly slower. However, its noted affordability, particularly in Europe, adds to its appeal as a strong option for users prioritizing camera quality and a clean software interface.
“It uses a stock Android interface if you prefer that, and it produces better photos and videos with this main camera.”
“There are arguments to be made for getting the Pixel, though.”