Google has unveiled its 2024 smartphone lineup , including thePixel 9,Pixel 9 Pro , Pixel 9 Pro XL , andPixel 9 Pro Fold . Google has really pulled out all the stops this year , producing a grownup stalls of phones with gorgeous designs , much improved assault and battery lives , and the customarily amazing camera we ’ve come to expect from Google ’s earphone . They really are the top Google phones for this year .
But while they may have transcend last year ’s Pixels , are they a must - elevate ? If you currently have a Pixel 8 , you might be moot kick upstairs to the Pixel 9 — but should you ? We have the answer for you , so you could make the honest selection . Read on below .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: specs
6.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 column inch
7 ounce
6.60 ounces
1080 x 2424 resolution at 422 ppi
60 - 120Hz active refresh rate
1800 nits ( HDR)/2700 nits ( peak )
1080 x 2400 settlement at 428 ppi
120Hz refresh rate
1400 nits ( HDR)/2000 nits ( peak )
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Wintergreen
Obsidian
Porcelain
heap
256 Gi
48MP ultrawide lens , f/1.7 aperture and 123 - level FOV
12MP ultrawide lens , f/2.2 aperture and 126 - degree FOV
f/2.2 aperture
15W wireless ( with Google Pixel Stand 2nd gen ) or 12W with Qi - compatible wireless charger
invert wireless
18W wireless charging
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: design and display
This year , Google gave the Pixel 9 a large pattern change from its harbinger , the Pixel 8 . The Pixel 9 features a redesign shape with flattened edges rather of the Pixel 8 ’s curving side of meat . The corners are still rounded , but with the flat position , and it should be well-off to obtain .
But the biggest change is the revamped camera Browning automatic rifle . antecedently , the Pixel 8 had a straight television camera bar that merged into the sides of the material body itself . The Pixel 9 has a more elongated space capsule - form mental faculty that finish before it hit the sides of the phone . You still only get a duple - camera system with the Pixel 9 , so the two lenses are housed in this new tv camera module along with an LED blink of an eye .
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 have glossy backs and matte aluminum physique , along with an IP68 water and dust electrical resistance rating . However , the Pixel 8 apply Corning Gorilla Glass , while the Pixel 9 has good durability thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 .
For colors , Google gave the Pixel 9 four choices : Peony , Wintergreen , Obsidian , and Porcelain . The Pixel 8 also come in four colors : Rose , Mint , Obsidian , and Porcelain . Those who were disappointed with the “ pink ” that was supposed to be Rose for the Pixel 8 will absolutelylovethe Peony Pixel 9 — it ’s a much more vivacious wraith of pink .
There are also some difference between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 as far as displays go . Google has bumped up the size of the show on the Pixel 9 to 6.3 inches from the Pixel 8 ’s 6.2 - inch blind due to flimsy and more unvarying bezel all around . The Pixel 9 still uses Google ’s Actua Display OLED panel , which has a refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz .
There are some differences , though . While the Pixel 8 had a 1080 by 2400 solvent at a 428 - pixels - per - inch ( ppi ) denseness and a 20:9 panorama ratio , the Pixel 9 has a 1080 by 2424 resolution at 422 ppi . The brightness on the Pixel 9 can also reach up to 1800 nits for HDR subject matter and top brightness at 2700 nits . This is an improvement over the Pixel 8 ’s 1400 nit for HDR subject and level best of 2000 nit peak , though the aspect ratio remains unchanged .
In our review , we mentioned that the Google Pixel 9 is the most attractive and well - presented received Pixel phone yet . Moreover , it is one of the better smartphones you could corrupt . This sound is aesthetically pleasing , with impressive bioengineering , and it feels great in the script due to its satin - finish metal chassis that is n’t slippy at all . In summary , the Pixel 9 is a joy to use . Design - wise , it ’s a singular improvement compared to the Pixel 8 .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: cameras
Though both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 have dual - camera systems , the Pixel 9 does have upgrade sensing element compared to the Pixel 8 .
The Pixel 8 has a 50 - megapixel principal camera with f/1.7 aperture . You also get a 12MP ultrawide electron lens with f/2.2 and a 126 - degree field of view ( FOV ) . For the selfie camera , you have a 10.5MP shooter with f/2.2 aperture .
Again , Google really upped the ante with the cameras this yr . The Pixel 9 has a 50MP chief camera with an f/1.68 aperture and an 82 - degree FOV , while the ultrawide lens system is 48MP with autofocus with an f/1.7 aperture and a 123 - point FOV . The selfie camera is also 10.5MP like before , but it now has autofocus , an f/2.2 aperture , and a 95 - arcdegree ultrawide FOV ( which helps for those expectant grouping selfies ) .
During our testing , we found that the Pixel 9 ’s main and wide - angle camera capture sharp , colorful images with a slightly serve look . However , this does n’t mean that the end results are dull or underwhelming , because they are not .
Even the 2x zoom grow decent results , and you would have to pasture the mental image to notice any digital use . We did not have high expected value for the photographic camera ’s 8x Super Res Zoom . Surprisingly , we were mostly impress by its performance , although considering the monetary value of the phone , it would have been nice to have a telephotograph camera included .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: performance
As one should expect every class , the Pixel 9 also outclass its forerunner in performance , but in unexpected ways .
The Pixel 8 uses Google ’s Tensor G3 chip and we did not see many issues with the G3 ’s performance during our review period , as it was capable to handle everyday task and light game just fine .
This yr , though , Google has given the entire Pixel 9 card some significant performance raise . For the Pixel 9 specifically , we have the Google Tensor G4 C.P.U. , as well as an impressive 12 GB starting RAM ( the Pro , Pro XL , and Pro pen up all have 16 GB RAM , a first for any Pixel ) . Storage options remain the same at 128 GB and 256 GB .
Overall , we ’re impressed with the Tensor G4 and promote RAM . We noticed no unexpected oestrus issues on the Pixel 9 , and Android 14 performed without stutters or defect . It ’s the most fluid , smooth , and most gratifying Pixel experience yet .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: software and updates
When the Pixel 8 came out in 2023 , it shipped withAndroid 14out of the loge . At the time , Google began its promise of seven years of major software upgrades , Feature Drops , and surety temporary hookup . So , the Pixel 8 should last until Android 21 in 2030 .
This class , however , Google isdoing something a little weird with the Pixel 9series . Historically , the Pixel has always launch with the newest translation of Android , and this twelvemonth , that would beAndroid 15 , which should be close to exiting the beta leg and into the concluding public outlet .
However , the Pixel 9 will really be launching with Android 14 out of the box , with the upgrade to Android 15 coming later . This is the first prison term that Google is launching the Pixel line with an onetime version of Android , so it complicate thing a piece .
Theoretically , it should last until Android 22 due to Google ’s seven - yr guarantee of support , but with Android 14 being the default computer software rendering out of the box , we are n’t completely certain just yet . We do know that it will get seven years of software system upgrade , Feature Drops , and security update — we just do n’t have it away whether that mean Android 21 or Android 22 at this point , feign that Google makes no change to the timeline of Android interlingual rendition in the future .
Some of the AI dick that we are getting with the Pixel 9 series include Add Me , which let you take two group photograph ( one with you in it ) and conflate the two paradigm into a single composite so that no one is go away out . Google is also adding a disjoined Pixel Screenshots app , which will keep your tv camera roll free of screenshots and be completely searchable as well .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: battery and charging
The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery at heart . The Pixel 8 would potentially last a 2nd day with moderate role but was more potential to be a one - day earphone with heavier usage . The Pixel 8 ’s charge time is average , with maximum wired appoint fastness of around 27W. This means around 50 % rush in 30 moment . There is also 18W wireless turn on for the Pixel 8 and reverse wireless charging through Battery Share .
The Pixel 9 has a 4,700mAh battery at bottom , which is a mo more than its herald . However , battery life end up being quite similar , end the twenty-four hours at about 30 % remain . This was without run any games , but using GPS , the television camera , media , and apps for a sum of four hour of cover time . charge speeds also have n’t really changed , as the Pixel 9 still has a maximum wire charge speed of 27W , or 55 % in 30 arcminute .
The Pixel 9 does not include a bulwark charger in the box . It also supports Qi wireless charging , but it does not support Qi2 wireless charging .
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: verdict
Google emphatically made some big changes to the Pixel 9 this year ; that ’s a fact . However , if you ’re still using a Pixel 8 , is it really worth upgrading ? There are a few things to consider .
For one , the novel aim calculate sleeker , and the Peony colour is what the Pixel 8 ’s Rose should have looked like . The slight increment in show size means you get a mo more content on the blind at once , and it also pass on eminent brightness levels , which intend it ’s easy to use outdoors in sunlight . The slight addition in size also intend you get a better battery , and the Tensor G4 with 12 GB RAM should mean unbelievable powerfulness and operation , as well as power efficiency .
For cameras , Google increase the ultrawide lens to 48MP , which could potentially make a huge difference of opinion . We ’ve demonstrated this in somecamera comparisonswith theOnePlus 12andcompeting phones , as the OnePlus 12 also has a 48MP ultrawide genus Lens . So , if you worry about smartphone picture taking , especially with ultrawide shots , then the Pixel 9 could be deserving advance to for that spec alone .
Furthermore , whether you like it or not , AI is here to stay for the foreseeable time to come . The Pixel 9 has plenty of power at heart to handle Google ’s multi - modality AI peter , and AI emphatically comes in ready to hand for feature article like sum up Me and all of the Gemini features .
If your Google Pixel 8 is running hunky-dory and you are n’t in a rush to upgrade , you could absolutely keep it for another twelvemonth and be just fine . But if the design , performance , and camera upgrades are catching your eye , the Pixel 9 may just be worth it — especially if you could score a decent craft - in deal .
