## Google Pixel 9 Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering or Just a Price Jump?
The **Google Pixel 9** is the fresh entrant in Google’s array of smartphones, featuring several remarkable enhancements compared to its forerunner, the Pixel 8. Nevertheless, with a $100 surge in price, many potential purchasers are left questioning the value of investing in the Pixel 9. This review will explore the essential features, advantages, disadvantages, and whether this device is suitable for you.
### Android Central Rating: 4/5 Stars
The Pixel 9 presents a slightly improved chipset, additional RAM, an upgraded dual-camera setup, and superior on-device AI functions. Although these enhancements may appear incremental, they collectively enhance the overall experience, making the Pixel 9 a more enjoyable and competent device. However, the phone’s fundamental storage remains constrained, and Google continues to restrict certain functionalities to its Pro models, potentially leaving some users feeling unsatisfied.
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### **Pros:**
– **Revamped design**: The Pixel 9 boasts a modern aesthetic with a floating camera bar and an elegant aluminum frame.
– **Vivid display**: The 6.3-inch OLED screen is bright and performs excellently in outdoor conditions.
– **12GB of RAM**: This ample memory should cater to the needs of most users, particularly for multitasking and AI-related tasks.
– **Exceptional camera**: The Pixel 9’s camera system is outstanding, featuring engaging AI tools like Magic Editor and Add Me.
– **Quality audio and haptics**: The stereo speakers and haptic feedback offer an elevated experience.
### **Cons:**
– **Feature restrictions**: Google limits certain capabilities, including Pro Controls and Video Boost, to its Pro variants.
– **Increased price**: The $100 rise compared to the Pixel 8 may be challenging to rationalize for some individuals.
– **Limited rear camera options**: The absence of a telephoto lens stands out, particularly against rivals like the Galaxy S24.
– **Sluggish charging**: The 27W charging rate is less impressive when juxtaposed with other high-end devices.
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### **Cost & Availability**
The Pixel 9 was unveiled in August 2024 and starts at $799 for the 12GB/128GB model, with a 256GB option available for $899. While the price jump from the Pixel 8 is apparent, discounts can typically be found through carriers such as Mint Mobile, Visible, and Verizon.
The phone is offered in four hues: **Peony (pink), Wintergreen (green), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (silver/white)**, and is available in various regions including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and numerous European and Asian markets.
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### **Design**
The Pixel 9 showcases a new aesthetic that detaches the camera bar from the device’s frame, lending it a contemporary appearance. The satin metal finish is pleasant to the touch, and the subtle curvature where the frame connects with the front and back panels enhances grip. However, the phone can be a bit slippery, so purchasing a case is strongly advised.
The phone size is convenient, featuring a 6.3-inch display and slim bezels, facilitating one-handed usage. Nevertheless, some users might inadvertently engage functions like **Circle to Search** due to the narrow bezels.
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### **Display**
The Pixel 9’s **6.3-inch OLED display** is striking and lively, with a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth scrolling and animations. The screen can achieve up to **2700 nits**, allowing for clear content visibility in bright outdoor settings. However, the phone’s low PWM rate might lead to difficulties for those sensitive to display flicker.
While the Pixel 9 Pro boasts a higher QHD+ resolution, the FHD+ panel on the Pixel 9 is sufficiently sharp for most users, and the variance in resolution is unlikely to be discernible at this screen size.
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### **Hardware & Specs**
The Pixel 9 operates on the **Tensor G4 chipset** and incorporates **12GB of RAM**, delivering a competent performance for daily activities and AI tasks. The device manages multitasking seamlessly, and gaming performance is reliable, though some users may experience slight input delay in certain games.
However, the base version is limited to **128GB of storage**, which seems insufficient for a flagship device in 2024. Many mid-range offerings now provide 256GB or greater, rendering the Pixel 9’s storage capabilities somewhat outdated.
The device supports **Wi-Fi 7**, **Bluetooth 5.3**, and **5G**, but it does not include **UWB (Ultra-Wideband)**, resulting in the omission of advanced location-tracking capabilities and digital car key features.
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### **Battery Life & Charging**
The Pixel 9’s **4,700mAh battery**
