The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a compact yet feature-rich high-end smartphone that impresses in key areas like display, battery life, and camera performance. At 6.3 inches, it is significantly smaller than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, making it one of the smallest flagship devices available today. Despite its reduced size, the Pixel 9 Pro offers considerable advancements in key aspects, cementing its position as a strong competitor in the premium smartphone segment.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro is its triple-camera system, which excels across various photography scenarios, from macro to telephoto. The device captures impressive image quality, rivaling the best in its class. The LTPO OLED display also shines, delivering exceptional brightness with a peak of nearly 3,000 cd/m² in HDR. This dual-OLED panel supports refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz, enhancing its versatility for diverse use cases, including gaming and video playback.
The Pixel 9 Pro also delivers impressive battery performance, achieving nearly 17 hours of runtime in simulated web browsing tests, despite having a smaller battery than its predecessor. Its energy efficiency is complemented by cutting-edge connectivity options, such as NFC, UWB, WiFi 7, and broad mobile network support. Additionally, Google’s commitment to a seven-year update cycle ensures long-term software support, which is a significant value proposition.
However, the device is not without its shortcomings. The Tensor G4 processor and UFS 3.1 storage are underwhelming compared to competitors, limiting its performance in demanding tasks. Furthermore, Google’s decision to offer only 128 GB of base storage for a starting price of $849 feels outdated in 2024. Charging speeds are also modest at 27 watts, requiring nearly 100 minutes for a full charge, which trails behind many high-end smartphones.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market, excelling in photography, display, and battery life. Its compact design and extended software support make it an appealing choice for many users. However, potential buyers should consider its relatively slow processor, limited base storage, and slower charging speeds as trade-offs. These factors may influence its competitiveness against other premium devices in 2024.
