The Google Pixel 9 is here, and it’s vying for a spot in your pocket with a mix of familiar and new features that promise to deliver a premium experience at a slightly higher price point. With competition from heavyweights like the iPhone 16, Google has packed the Pixel 9 with impressive specs and AI features that align closely with its pricier siblings, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the Pixel 9 a compelling option and whether it’s worth the $799 price tag.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 9 embraces Google’s updated design language, which is both a strength and a departure from previous models. Gone are the contoured edges of the Pixel 8, replaced by a flatter, more angular trim that bears a striking resemblance to the iPhone 15 Pro. The polished glass back, while sleek, is prone to smudges and fingerprints, so you’ll want to keep a cloth handy.

One of the most noticeable design changes is the elongated pill-shaped camera bar on the back, which protrudes slightly and is protected by a sturdier metal frame. The overall build quality is solid, with IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability. However, the new design does sacrifice some of the comfortable feel that previous Pixel models offered.

The Pixel 9 is available in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. The Wintergreen variant, in particular, stands out with its subtle, soft tone, reminiscent of the Mint options from the Pixel 8a. Storage options are straightforward, with choices of 128GB or 256GB.

Display: Bright and Beautiful

The Pixel 9 sports a 6.3-inch OLED Actua display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, offering a pixel density of 422 ppi. While slightly lower than the 495 ppi of the Pixel 9 Pro, the difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye. The OLED panel is sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent color accuracy, with wide viewing angles that make media consumption a joy.

Google claims the display can reach a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, which would be a significant leap from the Pixel 8’s 1,349 nits. While these claims remain to be thoroughly tested, the Pixel 9’s display is undoubtedly one of its standout features, providing a visual experience that rivals much more expensive devices.

Performance: Tensor G4 Delivers

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth and responsive performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using AI-driven features. The Tensor G4 is the same chip found in the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, meaning you get flagship-level performance at a lower price.

The Pixel 9 impresses with its ability to handle AI tasks quickly and efficiently. For instance, using Pixel Studio to generate images takes less than five seconds, a feat that puts it ahead of many competitors. This performance boost is a promising sign, especially considering the Tensor G3’s struggles in keeping up with rival chipsets last year.

Camera: Same Sensors, Same Magic

The Pixel 9 comes equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultrawide sensor. These are the same cameras found in the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro models, which is a pleasant surprise for a phone at this price point. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the Pixel 9’s zoom capabilities, bolstered by pixel binning and improved image processing algorithms, should still deliver solid results.

The 10.5MP front-facing camera, with autofocus, ensures sharp and detailed selfies. The Pixel 9 also boasts several AI-driven photo editing features, such as Add Me, which allows the photographer to be seamlessly inserted into the shot using AR guidance. While it misses out on some enhanced video features found in the Pro models, the Pixel 9’s camera system is robust and versatile, making it a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Charging: An Improvement

The Pixel 9 packs a 4,700 mAh battery, a modest increase from the Pixel 8’s 4,575 mAh. This, combined with the power efficiency of the Tensor G4, should result in better battery life, although this will need to be confirmed through real-world testing. The Pixel 8 struggled to keep up with the competition in battery benchmarks, so all eyes are on the Pixel 9 to see if it can deliver improved endurance.

One area where the Pixel 9 does make a significant leap is in charging speed. With 45W wired charging, it surpasses the Pixel 8’s 30W charging, allowing you to reach 55% capacity in just 30 minutes. This faster charging is a welcome upgrade for users who need to top up quickly.

Software and AI Features: A Step Ahead

The Pixel 9 launches with Android 14 out of the box, with the promise of Android 15 coming later. While it’s a bit puzzling why the latest Android version isn’t available at launch, Google has ensured that the Pixel 9 will receive seven years of major software and security updates, keeping it relevant for years to come.

AI features are at the forefront of the Pixel 9’s software experience. The phone shares many of the same AI capabilities as the Pixel 9 Pro models, making it a powerful tool for photo editing, virtual assistance, and more. The new virtual assistant, Gemini, is one such feature that promises to enhance user interaction through advanced AI.

Final Thoughts: Is the Pixel 9 Worth It?

At $799, the Pixel 9 enters a competitive market with high expectations. While the $100 price hike from last year’s model might give some pause, the Pixel 9 justifies its cost with a premium design, flagship-level performance, and an impressive camera setup.

It’s not without its flaws — the design might not be to everyone’s taste, and the battery life is still an area of concern. However, the Pixel 9 is shaping up to be an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank.

With its AI-driven features, robust performance, and shared DNA with the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro models, the Pixel 9 offers a compelling package that could make it a worthy rival to the iPhone 16. For those looking for a balance of performance and price, the Pixel 9 is definitely worth considering.