-
🆚 Google offers two 6.3-inch phones with different specifications to choose from
-
📱 These Pixel phones are the same size, but the Pro design is a bit more premium
-
📸 There is a telephoto camera on the back of the Pixel 9 Pro, not the Pixel 9
-
đź’° But the Pixel 9 has more Pro features for $200 less
-
🤔 The Pixel 9 is available for $799, while the Pixel 9 Pro costs $999
The Google Pixel 9 series delivers the AI ​​smartphone upgrade you’ve been waiting for, thanks to a redesigned design, amazing cameras, and more intelligence than Apple Intelligence.
In our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in reviewwe have found that these phones offer a great experience no matter what type of user you are, and our Pixel 9 in practical test detailed the serious competition that the iPhone 16 faces after Apple’s Kick-off event on 9 September.
Of course, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro (not XL) are very similar. They have the same size and shape, similar specs, and all the AI ​​tricks that Google Gemini is known for. The biggest difference is the price: the Pixel 9 costs $200 less than the 9 Pro.
So the question is: should you buy the Pixel 9 or get the Pixel 9 Pro? Let’s break it down.
You want this high quality matte finish. Google has given the Pixel 9 Pro series a premium finish with polished aluminum sides that give the devices a premium look. The sides complement the polished accent around the camera bar, while the matte finish of the back glass avoids fingerprints and provides a pristine appearance. It looks much more premium than the Pixel 9, which will appeal to those of you who like to carry their phone without a case.
You need a telephoto camera. If you look at the back of the Pixel 9, you’ll notice something is missing: a telephoto camera. Google only includes the 50MP main sensor and 48MP ultrawide on its entry-level flagship, while the Pixel 9 Pro gets both in addition to a 48MP telephoto lens with AI-powered SuperRes zoom capabilities. This gives you 5x optical zoom, so you can get closer to your subject without losing detail. If you tend to zoom in on your photos a lot, the Pixel 9 Pro is for you.
You take a lot of selfies. The regular Pixel 9 comes with a boring 10.5MP selfie camera in its punch-hole. If we’re being honest, that camera really isn’t bad. But if you want to take the best selfies, get the Pixel 9 Pro. Google has upgraded its selfie camera to a new 42MP camera that captures details, light, and clarity better. Selfies are sharper, better lit, and will look amazing on your Instagram feed.
You will notice the slightly faster performanceWe’ve used the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro side by side long enough to know if there’s a performance difference, and it seems small. Both phones get the latest Tensor G4 processor instead of the stock Android carrier. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the regular Pixel 9 ships with 12GB of RAM, while the 9 Pro has 16GB and has a better vapor chamber cooling system. In normal use, this difference isn’t very important, but if you do a lot of multitasking or play demanding games on your phone, it will mean a bit more. Not everyone needs 16GB of RAM in their next phone, but if you think so, that’s another advantage of the 9 Pro.
You need additional storage space. When you buy a Pixel 9, you can choose between 128GB or 256GB of storage, which is enough for most people. But if you want to make sure you have even more room for things like videos, files, apps, and more as the years go by, get the Pixel 9 Pro. This model has two additional storage options: 512GB and 1TB, which is an incredible amount for any phone.
You need to save money. At $799, the Pixel 9 is $200 cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro, but you get 90% of the Pro experience. Both have 6.3-inch OLED displays, Tensor G4 chips, fantastic cameras, the same 4,700mAh batteries, and all the same Gemini AI features. They feel incredibly similar to each other, and you only notice their differences when you see them side by side. If you don’t want to spend $1,000 on your next smartphone, consider the Pixel 9.
You like stronger colors. As striking as the Pixel 9 Pro is with its polished accents, the color choices Google gives you are more muted. If you want to make a statement with your smartphone, the Pixel 9 is the way to go. The peony and winter green finishes are very vibrant, making most other smartphones look drab in comparison. To put it bluntly, it’s like they stole all of Apple’s pink and green ink from their printers before the color-muted iPhone 15 came out. The colors are a lot of fun and can add a great touch of personality to your everyday outfit.
If you’ve decided to buy the Google Pixel 9, here are some places where you can get it.
If you decide to get the Google Pixel 9 Pro, here’s where to get it.
