Google Pixel 9 Pro Review
Product Information & Ratings
Review Summary
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a flagship smartphone that brings AI-driven innovation, exceptional camera capabilities, and a sleek design to the forefront. With its powerful Tensor G4 chipset and stunning Super Actua display, it aims to be one of the most well-rounded devices in the market. However, there are a few performance issues that may affect heavy users. Here's our in-depth look at its strengths and weaknesses.
1. Design & Build Quality (4.5/5)
The Pixel 9 Pro features a premium design with a smooth matte finish and polished edges, making it one of the most comfortable phones to hold. Available in colors like Obsidian, Porcelain, Rose Quartz, and Hazel, the device feels more refined than previous Pixel models. At 6.3 inches, it’s compact for a flagship, and its weight of 199g adds to the robust feel without being cumbersome.
2. Display (5/5)
The standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro is its 6.3-inch Super Actua display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. During testing, the display's clarity and color accuracy were exceptional, providing a vivid viewing experience for everything from videos to gaming. It's one of the best displays on any smartphone, rivalling even the top competitors in the market.
3. Performance & AI Capabilities (3.5/5)
Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers solid performance for most tasks. However, it does lag slightly when multitasking or handling intensive applications compared to other flagship models like the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24. AI-driven features powered by Google Gemini offer impressive enhancements, although these functions may not justify the premium price if performance is a top priority for you.
4. Camera Quality (4.5/5)
The Pixel 9 Pro's camera setup includes a 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x zoom lens, complemented by a 42MP front camera. In our tests, this versatile setup produced stunning photos with excellent detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The AI-enhanced photography features, such as Super Res Zoom and Night Sight, make this one of the best camera phones on the market.
5. Battery Life & Charging (3/5)
The 4,700mAh battery performed decently, lasting through a full day of moderate use. However, while Google claims support for 45W fast charging, our tests indicated that it never exceeded 25W, taking longer to charge compared to other flagship models. This limitation may be a downside for users who need quick top-ups throughout the day.
Who It’s For
- Photography Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who prioritize camera quality and AI-enhanced photography features.
- Google Ecosystem Users: Best suited for users already integrated into the Google ecosystem who can fully utilize its AI capabilities.
- Design-Conscious Consumers: Perfect for those who value a sleek, premium feel with a compact form factor.
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
The Google Pixel 9 Pro impresses with its superb display, AI capabilities, and outstanding camera system. However, its relatively average performance and slower-than-expected charging speeds may hold it back from being the top choice among flagship smartphones. For those seeking a balance of design, camera excellence, and AI features, it's still a compelling option.
Pros
- Stunning Display: The 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,000 nits peak brightness and variable refresh rate (1Hz to 120Hz) ensures vibrant visuals, even in bright conditions, making it one of the most impressive displays in any flagship.
- Exceptional Camera Quality: With a 50MP primary sensor and advanced AI, it excels in low-light and zoom capabilities, offering excellent detail and balanced color profiles for high-quality photos.
- AI-Driven Capabilities: Google’s Gemini AI supports intelligent features like live translation, and predictive text, adding substantial functionality for users integrated into Google’s ecosystem
Cons
- Mixed Performance on Heavy Tasks: Although powered by the Tensor G4 chip and 16GB RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro’s performance lags behind other flagships during intensive multitasking and gaming, which may impact heavy users.
- Inconsistent Charging Speeds: The 4,700mAh battery supports 45W fast charging, but practical speeds maxed around 25W in tests, making its charging slower than competitors at similar price points.
Key Features
- Advanced AI Features: Includes features like Super Res Zoom, Night Sight, and real-time language translation, making the Pixel 9 Pro a strong AI-centric smartphone.
- Compact Design with Multiple Colors: Sleek and refined, available in finishes like Obsidian and Rose Quartz, it feels premium and is comfortable to hold, though at 199g, it’s still fairly lightweight.
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