It does not come cheap, but with its new design, funky AI features, and awesome cameras, it is worth it. Here's a detailed review.
New but still compact (iPhone-y) design, Great cameras, especially the ultrawide, Innovative AI tools (which are getting better), Clean Android experience, Smooth performance, Seven years of assured updates
The price, Not a gaming phone, Heating issues, Relatively slow charging, Battery life
Although slightly larger than the Pixel 8, it is still the most compact Pixel of the series. Gone are the curved sides and back, and in its place come straight-ish sides and a relatively flat back. It gives the Pixel 9 a very iPhone-ish feel but the camera unit marks it out as Pixel.
Pixel 9 is powered by Google's chipset, the Tensor G4, a processor known for its smarts rather than brute power. It is allied with 12 GB of RAM (a first in the plain Pixel series) and 256 GB of storage.
One of the greatest attractions of a Pixel is its cameras. The Pixel 9 comes with a pretty impressive array. It features a 50MP main camera, a secondary 48MP ultrawide camera and a surprisingly large f/1.7 aperture.
It features a plain software but a clean and uncluttered interface. AI takes Search to the next level, making it more conversational and rich in detail.
Pixel 9 is the most fun Pixel we have ever used. A lot of that is down to the AI features. We have never spent so much time just exploring the features of preinstalled software on a Pixel. Some work smoothly and some will take some time for perfection.
It can do a lot on its non-AI side too. While the Tensor G4 is not a gaming beast, the very good display and speakers ensure you get a decent gaming and multimedia experience. Be it heavy duty gaming or multitasking, this one sails smoothly.
If you are looking for a compact phone that packs plenty of futuristic features and is pretty future-proof (those seven-year updates), with lots of AI running through its wiry veins, the Pixel 9 is pretty much it.