Since its debut in 2016, Google Pixel smartphones have been celebrated for their exceptional camera algorithms, unique designs, and the purest Android experience. But what does the latest Google Pixel 9 bring to the table, and why might it not be the best buy in Russia? Dive into our Hi-Tech Mail review to discover the strengths and shortcomings of this newest addition to the Pixel lineup.
Google’s Pixel 9 lineup has expanded this year to include four models, including a foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This review focuses on the base model, the compact Google Pixel 9.
Release Date
Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series on August 13, 2024, with the following release dates:
- Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL: August 22
- Pixel 9 Pro: September 9
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: September 4
Model Range
The Pixel 9 lineup features four variants:
- Pixel 9: Compact flagship
- Pixel 9 Pro: Enhanced with a better display and telephoto camera
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: Larger version of the Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Foldable flagship
Specifications
Here’s a brief overview of the specifications for the Pixel 9 models.
| Characteristic | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
| Display | OLED, 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, frequency 60-120 Hz, brightness 2700 nit | OLED, 6.3 inches, 1280 x 2856 pixels, frequency 1-120 Hz, brightness 3000 nit | OLED, 6.8 inches, 1344 x 2992 pixels, frequency 1-120 Hz, brightness 3000 nit | Main: folding OLED, 8 inches, 2076 x 2152 pixels, frequency 1-120 Hz, brightness 2700 nit External: OLED, 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, frequency 60-120 Hz, brightness 2700 nits |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) |
| Memory | 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128, 256 GB UFS 3.1 | 16 GB of LPDDR5X, 128, 256, 512 GB or 1 TB UFS 3.1 | 16 GB of LPDDR5X, 128, 256, 512 GB or 1 TB UFS 3.1 | 16 GB LPDDR5X, 256, 512 GB UFS 3.1 |
| Main camera | main module 50 MP f / 1.7 OIS, ultrasound 48 MP f / 1.7 | main module 50 MP f / 1.7 OIS, 5-fold optical zoom 48 MP f / 2.8 OIS, ultrasound 48 MP f / 1.7 | main module 50 MP f / 1.7 OIS, 5-fold optical zoom 48 MP f / 2.8 OIS, ultrasound 48 MP f / 1.7 | main module 48 MP f / 1.7 OIS, 5-fold optical zoom 10.8 MP f / 3.1 OIS, ultrasound 10.5 MP f / 2.2 |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP f / 2.2 | 42 MP f / 2.2 | 42 MP f / 2.2 | 10 MP f / 2.2 10 MP f / 2.2 |
| Battery | 4700 mAh, wire charge 27 W, wireless charge 15 W, there is a reverse charge | 4700 mAh, fast wire charge 27 W, wireless charge 21 W, there is a reverse charge | 5060 mAh, fast wire charge 37 W, wireless charge 23 W, there is a reverse charge | 4650 mAh, fast wire charge 21 W, wireless charge 7.5 W |
| Communication | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, eSIM | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, eSIM | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, eSIM | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, eSIM |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Corps | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, weight 198 g, protective glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2, water protection IP68 | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, weight 199 g, protective glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2, water protection IP68 | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, weight 221 g, protective glass Gorilla Viktus 2, water protection IP68 | Complicated: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm Open: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm weight 257 g, protective glass Gorilla Victus 2, IPX8 water protection |
Prices
The Pixel 9’s pricing varies by region:
- USA: $799 (128 GB), $899 (256 GB)
- Europe: €899 (128 GB), €999 (256 GB)
- Russia: From 104,990 rubles (128 GB), from 109,990 rubles (256 GB)
Where to Buy
In Russia, the Pixel 9 is available through some unofficial channels. It’s best to purchase from trusted local stores like BigGeek to avoid customs issues.
Review
Design
The Pixel 9 is notably compact and comfortable, comparable to the iPhone 15. It features high-quality materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame. The camera block is bulky but does not cause significant discomfort. It’s prone to dust accumulation, a common issue with Google devices. The matte frame is a nice touch, while the glossy back is less prone to fingerprints.
Display
The Pixel 9 sports a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080×2424 pixels, a 60–120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 2700 nits. The display is good but not exceptional. Brightness can be insufficient on sunny days, and bezels are noticeable. The 120 Hz mode is not enabled by default; users need to activate “Smooth Display” in settings. The screen is well-calibrated, but color adjustment options are limited. There’s also a PWM issue, though it was not measurable in my tests.
Performance
The Pixel 9’s performance is a mixed bag. It features the Google Tensor G4 chipset and 12 GB of RAM. Storage options are 128 or 256 GB without expansion. Despite these specs, benchmarks show lower performance compared to competitors, with a score of 1 million points in AnTuTu 10 and noticeable throttling. Gaming performance is subpar, with frame rate drops in demanding games like Genshin Impact. PUBG Mobile runs better but heats up significantly. For everyday tasks and simpler games, the Pixel 9 performs adequately, but it struggles with high-end gaming.
Camera
The Pixel 9 excels in photography. It shares the main and ultra-wide modules with higher-end models, making it a strong contender in the camera department. The 50 MP main sensor captures high-quality photos with excellent detail, color accuracy, and contrast. The 48 MP ultra-wide lens performs well, though color saturation differs from the main sensor. The absence of a telephoto lens is a drawback, but cropping photos for 2x zoom still yields good results. The 10.5 MP selfie camera provides high detail and 4K video recording at 60 fps. Video quality is very high, with excellent stabilization, though sound recording could be improved. Night photos are among the best on the market, although evening selfies can be noisy.
Android 14 and AI
The Pixel 9 runs Android 14 and promises seven years of updates. It comes with the “pure” Android interface, which is fast but occasionally buggy. The Gemini neural network, Google’s AI, is available but doesn’t function well in Russia without tweaks. It serves as a chatbot for tasks like setting reminders or finding information.
Battery
The battery life of the Pixel 9 is disappointing. The 4600 mAh battery lasts a day and a half with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 8 hours of screen time. With 120 Hz and intensive use, it lasts about a day. Google’s 30-watt wired charging is slower compared to competitors, and there’s no wireless or reverse charging.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 is a solid smartphone with strong camera capabilities and a compact design. However, it falls short in performance and battery life compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15. It’s worth considering if you prefer a compact flagship with an excellent camera, but it doesn’t stand out in terms of overall value.