Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: So Many New Features!

Pixel 9 Pro Review: So Many New Features!

Google shocked the world this month with four new flagship device offerings. Besides releasing just a base model and a Pro model, Google this year released not just a base model and a Pro model but also a new XL model with a higher battery and display size, creating a lineup similar to Apple's iPhone series. Today we discuss the Google Pixel 9 Pro and understand what its new features offer in terms of performance, productivity, and overall battery life.

Design and Build

Google made a bold move this year, releasing ahead of Apple with a design users will love. You get a boxier shape all around, and for a moment you will definitely think of an iPhone. At first glance the device feels really good in the hand, while the flat edges are new but deliver a premium feel. The rear keeps the signature camera bar, giving it a modern and distinctive look when you hold it while calling. The matte finish on the back is a nice touch that helps avoid unintentional fingerprints.

Build quality uses durable materials for a solid in-hand feel. The phone has an aluminum finish, IP68 dust and water resistance, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers scratch resistance for day-to-day use, and the water resistance will save you from wet situations like sweat or unexpected rain. The glossy finish on some variants can feel a bit slippery, so a case is worth considering.

Display

The display is where the Pixel shows its beauty. Google introduced the Actua display name last year, and this year shrunk the screen slightly from 6.7 inches down to 6.3 inches while keeping the spectacular LTPO panel and high refresh rates. The 6.3-inch Super Actua display delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts for streaming on Netflix or HBO Max. The 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and high frame rates in gaming. HDR support with 24-bit depth for 16 million colors makes movie watching enjoyable and helps create cinematic content. A new ultrasonic fingerprint reader replaces the optical one, speeding up device unlocking.

Camera

The Pixel 9 Pro carries a triple rear camera system and a single front-facing camera for selfies. The triple setup boasts a 50MP wide lens, a versatile 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and a powerful 48MP 5x telephoto lens for stunning close-ups and distant shots. Super Res Zoom takes photography to new heights with up to 30x digital zoom while maintaining impressive quality. Video stands out too, with optical and electronic image stabilization on wide and telephoto lenses for smooth footage. AI magic enhances shots with features like Add Me, Real Tone, and Top Shot, and favorite tools like Magic Eraser return to perfect your pictures. The 42MP front camera supports 4K recording.

Among the new AI photo tools, the Add Me feature is especially interesting. When taking a group selfie and the photographer is missing, you can easily add them in afterward. These AI additions make the camera system not just powerful but genuinely fun to use.

Performance

The Google Tensor G4 is the new chip this year, performing well at handling multitasking applications. For gaming, you get full HD capability in high-graphics titles like Genshin Impact or Fortnite, with around 3.1GHz maximum processing power from its octa-core chipset, so running diverse large applications is fine. Media performance is great, with Spatial Audio and Noise Suppression making music listening immersive. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 for faster download and upload speeds when streaming media online.

Software and AI

Google is excellent at software, and this year is no different. The Pixel 9 Pro ships with Android 14 right out of the box, offering a clean minimalist Google interface free of unnecessary bloatware. It includes a built-in VPN by Google for private browsing, ensuring your online activities remain secure. The standout addition is Google's Gemini AI. This built-in assistant lets you interact naturally through live conversations, making it easier to get things done on the spot. Whether snapping a photo to find recipe ideas or circling an image for quick answers, Gemini is there to help. It can even summarize Google Docs and unread Gmail messages, saving valuable time. Google offers seven years of OS and security updates, keeping the device fresh and secure, plus Pixel Drop updates that bring the latest AI advancements, camera enhancements, and helpful tools directly to your phone.

Battery Life

Google promises up to 100 hours, or more than four days, of usage in extreme scenarios, making it suitable for heavy use. Charging speed remains unchanged, offering up to 45W wired support that gives around 55 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging up to 21W, ensuring versatile options for keeping the phone powered throughout the day.

Key Specifications

• Display: 6.3-inch Super Actua, LTPO, 1 to 120Hz
• Peak brightness: up to 3000 nits
• Chipset: Google Tensor G4
• RAM/Storage: 16GB LPDDR5X, 128GB/256GB/512GB
• Rear cameras: 50MP wide + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 5x telephoto
• Front camera: 42MP
• Zoom: Super Res Zoom up to 30x
• OS: Android 14
• Battery: up to 45W wired, 21W wireless
• Water resistance: IP68
• Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Verdict

The Google Pixel 9 Pro literally blows you away with its new look, upgraded Tensor G4 chipset, and a bunch of new AI features like Add Me in photography and the new Pixel Screenshots app that promise to boost productivity. The price increase over last year and performance that trails some competitors may give pause, but otherwise the Pixel 9 Pro comes packed with features. If you are looking for a compact Android phone with the best Google AI and photography features, the Pixel 9 Pro is a good deal and currently one of the best-looking Android phones on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the Pixel 9 Pro receive updates?

Google offers seven years of OS and security updates, plus Pixel Drop feature updates over time.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro water resistant?

Yes. It has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

How fast does it charge?

It supports up to 45W wired charging, reaching about 55 percent in 30 minutes, plus wireless charging up to 21W.

Does it have a headphone jack?

No. Audio is handled through Bluetooth or USB-C, consistent with recent Pixel phones.

Is the display bright enough outdoors?

Yes. The Super Actua display reaches up to 3000 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.