Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: The smartphone market is brimming with premium options, but the Google Pixel 9 Pro aims to carve out its niche as the ultimate compact flagship phone. With a thoughtful design, powerful AI-driven features, and a stellar camera setup, this device brings high-end performance to a size that conveniently fits in your hand. But is it the all-round champion it aspires to be? Keep reading as we break down what makes the Google Pixel 9 Pro a compelling choice (and where it might fall short).
Compact Design That Packs a Punch
One of the Pixel 9 Pro’s standout features is its design. Google has embraced minimalism, offering a sleek, pocketable phone that feels as solid as it looks. Here’s a quick rundown of its design highlights:
- Dimensions: 152.8mm x 72mm x 8.5mm
- Weight: 199 grams
- Build Quality: With a polished aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, the Pixel 9 Pro exudes premium quality. It even boasts IP68 water and dust resistance for extra peace of mind.
Improved Camera Placement
Google has moved away from its divisive bar-style rear camera setup, opting instead for a sophisticated center-aligned camera island. This update not only looks sleek but also ensures the phone rests flat when placed on a surface—no wobbling here.
The matte finish on the back panel adds a delightful texture and isn’t prone to fingerprints, but beware—this phone is slippery! Drops are almost inevitable, so consider investing in a solid case to keep it safe.
Color Options with Personality
The Pixel 9 Pro comes in four shades:
- Rose Quartz
- Hazel
- Obsidian
- Porcelain
Google has always been bold with color choices, and this year continues that tradition. Each finish exudes a premium vibe, with Porcelain being particularly striking.
Display That Delights
The Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display is among the best in its class. Whether you’re gaming, streaming Netflix, or simply browsing, this screen delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors and unmatched clarity.
Key Display Features:
- Resolution: 1280×2856 pixels
- Brightness: Reaching a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the Pixel 9 Pro offers excellent outdoor legibility.
- Refresh Rate: Dynamic refresh rates of 1Hz–120Hz deliver fluid scrolling and help save battery during static tasks.
You also find Widevine L1 certification for Full-HD Netflix streaming and robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. Combined with a nearly bezel-free design and an impressive 87% screen-to-body ratio, this display ensures unforgettable visuals.
The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is integrated flawlessly into the screen, providing quick and accurate access to your device. There’s also an almost-invisible punch-hole for the front camera, ensuring your gaming and binge-watching are distraction-free.
Performance: Great for Most, But Not All
The Pixel 9 Pro runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This setup delivers smooth performance for everyday multitasking and light image editing, but it doesn’t quite stack up to competitors in gaming or intensive graphic workflows. If you’re planning to game heavily or edit raw videos, you might find the experience underwhelming.
Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu v10: 12,25,583
- Single-Core Geekbench 6: 1,872
- Multi-Core Geekbench 6: 4,227
While these numbers are respectable, they don’t match heavy-duty competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24+. However, where the Tensor G4 truly shines is in enabling Google’s cutting-edge AI features.
AI-Driven Intelligence
AI integration is where the Pixel 9 Pro feels futuristic. Google’s Gemini assistant makes multitasking a breeze, allowing you to interact with your phone via voice, text, or images.
Innovative features include:
- Pixel Studio for generating on-device imagery using AI diffusion technology.
- Super Res Zoom, now improved to offer excellent quality at 20x zoom.
- Add Me feature for effortless group photos—no need to be left out!
Google has also integrated AI into apps like Weather, Keep Notes, and the camera suite, illustrating its commitment to making every user interaction feel smarter and easier.
Cameras That Take Photography to the Next Level
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is rightly celebrated for its cameras, offering jaw-dropping performance in nearly all conditions. Its specs include:
- 50MP primary sensor
- 48MP telephoto lens
- 48MP ultra-wide camera
- 42MP front selfie camera
Stunning Results in Every Scenario
Photography enthusiasts will be blown away by the Pixel’s ability to handle everything from daylight portraits to challenging low-light scenes. Colors appear vivid, skin tones are lifelike, and portrait shots offer beautifully rendered blur effects.
The telephoto camera provides 5x optical zoom, capturing details with impeccable clarity, while the ultra-wide lens shines for group shots and dynamic scenes. Add to that a solid night mode, and you have a camera setup that rivals even the latest iPhones.
For selfies, the upgraded 42MP front camera delivers excellent results in all lighting conditions, while video recording has seen notable improvements compared to earlier Pixel models.
Battery Life That Keeps Up
The Pixel 9 Pro features a 4700mAh battery that comfortably lasts through a full day of heavy use. On medium usage, you can even stretch it to 36 hours. While it’s no all-day gaming powerhouse, it holds its own for regular tasks.
Charging Options:
- Wired Charging: Supports 27W fast charging, reaching 55% in just 30 minutes.
- Wireless Charging: 15W support for added convenience.
Note that the phone doesn’t include a charger in the box (a trend among premium devices), so you’ll need your own power adapter.
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Worth It?
For those seeking a premium compact phone with class-leading photography, robust AI features, and seamless usability, the Pixel 9 Pro is an excellent choice. Its thoughtful design and clean Android software experience make it a joy to use.
Pros:
- Exceptional camera performance
- Compact and lightweight design
- Vibrant and crisp display
- Smart AI integrations
Cons:
- Pricey compared to its raw performance capabilities
- Limited to a single RAM and storage model
At ₹109,999, you’re paying a premium for Google’s AI and camera innovations. If your primary needs lie in multimedia and photography, this is the compact flagship to beat. However, if gaming or extensive video editing is high on your list, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S24+ or Apple iPhone 16 Pro might be worth exploring.