Pixel 9: the perfect start
The Google Pixel 9 is the base model of the series, but don't be fooled by the word 'base'. Starting at €899 (128GB), you get a phone that offers great value for money.
Screen and design
The 6.3-inch OLED screen of the Pixel 9 is a real treat for your eyes. With a resolution of 1080p and an impressive peak brightness of 2700 nits, the colors pop and details are razor-sharp, whether you're streaming your favorite series or scrolling through Instagram. And with a refresh rate that you can set to 60 or 120Hz, you have control. Go for that silky smooth 120Hz if you love fluid animations, or switch back to 60Hz to save battery. And don't worry about scratches, as the screen is protected by the incredibly strong Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Additionally, the Pixel 9 is water and dust resistant, so you don't have to worry about a rain shower or a bit of dust.
Performance and AI
Under the hood, you'll find the Tensor G4 chip, Google's latest technological marvel. This processor is not only lightning-fast but also specially designed to work with Google's latest AI wonder, Gemini AI. Think of super-fast speech recognition, real-time translations to help you on your next vacation, and a phone so smart that it manages your apps efficiently to save battery. With 12 GB of RAM, you can also switch seamlessly between all your favorite apps, even with heavy games.
Click here for more information about Google's Gemini AI
Camera
The Pixel 9 series is known for its amazing camera, and this version does not disappoint. Whether you want to capture a breathtaking landscape or the energy of the city, the 50 MP main camera and 48 MP ultra-wide lens are ready for you. And thanks to Google's smart AI applications, your photos will be better than ever. You can take impressive low-light photos with Night Sight, remove unwanted objects with Magic Eraser as if by magic, and zoom in without losing details with Super Res Zoom. And for a selfie or video call? That's what the 10.5 MP front camera is for.
Battery
With a battery capacity of 4,700 mAh, the Pixel 9 easily lasts a whole day. With the 4700 mAh battery, you can expect about 6-7 hours of screen time with average use, which is enough to get you through a busy day. And if you need to charge, thanks to 27W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, you'll be ready to go again in no time.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Great camera with smart software
- Versatile AI features thanks to Google Gemini AI
- Sufficient battery life for daily use
Click here for more information about the Google Pixel 9 in the Google store
Pixel 9 Pro: for the power user
Are you someone who always wants to get the most out of their phone? Then the Pixel 9 Pro is your new best friend. For €1099 (128GB), you get a hefty dose of extra power and features that you will really benefit from.
Screen and design
Like the Pixel 9, the Pro has a 6.3-inch OLED screen, but with an advanced Super Actua LTPO panel. This panel offers a dynamic refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz that adapts to your usage: from a modest 1Hz when reading calmly to a lightning-fast 120Hz for smooth animations while gaming. And the best part: the phone smartly adjusts that refresh rate, so your battery doesn't drain unnecessarily when you're using it less. This Super Actua LTPO panel is a significant upgrade over the base model. Furthermore, you can read everything sharply even in bright sunlight thanks to the maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. And with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, your screen is safe from scratches and bumps. Of course, the Pixel 9 Pro is also water and dust resistant, so whether you're caught in a rain shower or a sandstorm, your phone can handle it.
Performance and AI
The Pixel 9 Pro also runs on the Tensor G4 chip but has no less than 16 GB of RAM. This means you can multitask, edit videos, or play graphically intensive games without any problems. Moreover, the Pro features Google Gemini AI Advanced, an even more advanced AI model that takes functions like image recognition and AI processing to the next level. You even get access to Imagen 3, a tool that allows you to generate images using AI.
Click here for more information about Google Gemini Advanced.
Camera
The camera of the Pixel 9 Pro is truly impressive. In addition to the 50 MP main camera and 48 MP ultra-wide lens, the Pro also has a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This gives you much more flexibility when taking photos, whether you're close up or far away: the Google Pixel 9 Pro will definitely take a good photo. With Super Res Zoom, which uses smart algorithms to restore details and reduce noise, you can even use up to 30x hybrid zoom without significant loss of quality. And for selfies and video calls, there's a 42 MP front camera that delivers sharp images. This front camera is a significant upgrade over the standard Pixel 9.
Battery
The 4,700 mAh battery of the Pixel 9 Pro is a real powerhouse. Even with all that extra power and that beautiful 120Hz screen, you can expect about 7-8 hours of screen time with average use. The energy-efficient Super Actua LTPO panel also helps by adjusting the refresh rate to what you're doing, which helps to use the battery even more efficiently. And if you need to charge, there are 27W fast charging and 21W wireless charging options to get you back on the go quickly.
Pros:
- Beautiful OLED screen with dynamic refresh rate
- Versatile camera with three lenses
- More RAM for smooth multitasking
- Advanced AI features thanks to Google Gemini AI Advanced
Click here for more information about the Google Pixel 9 Pro in the Google store
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: the larger version
If you love a large screen and a battery that lasts even longer, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the phone for you. Priced at €1199 (128GB), this is the most expensive model in the series, but you also get something special.
Screen and design
The 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED screen of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a feast for the eyes. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or editing photos, everything comes to life on this large screen. Like the Pro, the XL model with the Super Actua LTPO panel has a dynamic refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz and a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. And of course, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also water and dust resistant. So you can confidently book that beach holiday or attend that muddy festival - your phone won't let you down!
Performance and AI
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same powerful Tensor G4 chip and 16 GB of RAM as the Pro, so you can expect the same smooth performance, even with heavy tasks. The larger screen makes multitasking and media viewing even more enjoyable. And like the Pro, the XL has Google Gemini AI Advanced on board for the most advanced AI features.
Camera
Like its smaller sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro, the XL version has a camera that will amaze you. With the same impressive setup - a 50 MP main camera, 48 MP telephoto lens, and 48 MP ultra-wide lens - you'll take photos and videos that stand out, whether you're close or far away. And that large screen? It's perfect for admiring and editing your photos and videos in detail. Selfies are also a treat with the 42 MP front camera.
Battery
The Pixel 9 Pro XL takes it a step further with an impressive 5,060 mAh battery. With this substantial capacity, you can go through the whole day without worries, even if you use the phone intensively for gaming, watching videos, or multitasking. And just like with the Pro, the dynamic refresh rate of the Actua LTPO panel helps save battery by adapting to your usage. This means that for lighter tasks, such as reading messages or browsing, you can use the battery even more efficiently. With average use, you can expect about 9-10 hours of screen time. Charging is also incredibly fast thanks to support for 37W fast charging and 23W wireless charging.
Pros:
- Enormous and beautiful 6.8-inch screen for an immersive experience
- Extra long battery life
- The same powerful performance and camera as the Pixel 9 Pro
- Advanced AI features thanks to Google Gemini AI Advanced
Click here for more information about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in the Google store
A deeper look into the cameras
While all three models have fantastic cameras, there are some nuances in image quality, especially when the light is not favorable. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have an extra telephoto lens in their arsenal, plus improved Super Res Zoom software. This means you keep details sharp, even when zooming in significantly; and also in low light. Moreover, the 42 MP front camera on the Pro models produces sharper and more detailed selfies than the 10.5 MP camera on the Pixel 9. So if you love selfies or often video call, the Pro models are definitely worth considering!
click here for a YouTube video comparing the cameras in the Google Pixel 9 series.
The competition
The Pixel 9 series competes against other flagship models like the iPhone 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 may achieve slightly better benchmark scores, the Pixel series excels in camera functionality and AI integration. Pixel phones are known for their natural colors, great portrait mode, and impressive low-light performance - perfect for those spontaneous snapshots at a party or a romantic evening stroll. Moreover, the integration of Google Gemini AI offers unique features that you won't find anywhere else, making your phone truly think along with you.
Software experience
With the Pixel 9 series, you get the purest Android experience, straight from the creators themselves. This means a clean interface that just works, without unnecessary frills. Moreover, you are always first in line for the latest updates and features, ensuring your phone stays up-to-date for years to come. Google Assistant, Photos, and Translate are perfectly integrated, so you can get the most out of your phone. And let's not forget that unique Pixel magic: magically remove unwanted elements from your photos with Magic Eraser and break down language barriers with Live Translate. Whether you're at home or traveling the world, your Pixel is always there for you.
Final conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 series offers a great combination of powerful hardware, innovative software, and advanced AI. Each model has its own strengths, so there is a suitable choice for everyone, depending on what you want to get out of your phone. Whether you choose the affordable Pixel 9 with its great camera, the Pixel 9 Pro with its extra power and improved camera, or the Pixel 9 Pro XL that is expanded with its enormous screen and long battery life: you will definitely get a phone that you will be satisfied with!
So, which Pixel 9 is the best for you?
the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL
Specifications:
Scores:
- more information about the integration of Gemini in Google products can be found in this article.
- Click here for an article about the launch of the Pixel 9 series on Baaz.
