Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: Powerful Performance In A Smaller Package

Since I started testing consumer tech products, I’ve loved getting my hands on flagship phones, but one feature in all of them perturbs me: the size. The traditional candybar, or also known as “slab,” devices feel like I’m carrying around a brick. They’re big, they’re bulky, and my small hands just don’t like how unwieldy they can be. At Made By Google earlier this year, Google aimed to fix this complaint by introducing the Google Pixel 9 Pro, the smaller sibling to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Read on for my Google Pixel 9 Pro review to see how it compares.

Since its launch about a month ago, I’ve been testing it as my main device, taking it out on my NYC adventures, taking photos and checking out some of the new AI features. Here are my thoughts on its design, performance and more.

Best for:

• Getting the absolute best camera on the market
• Enjoying a more compact, powerful Android experience
• Staying in the Google ecosystem

Skip if:

• You want the larger size of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Design

Smaller, With Smarter Tweaks

The Google Pixel 9 Pro gets a boxier design compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel 8 Pro. There are two sizes this year: the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The difference is in the sizing. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display while the Pixel 9 Pro XL adds another half inch for a 6.8-inch display. I tested the smaller one–I’m really, really tired of bulky smartphones–and felt that it’s my Goldilocks phone. It’s not too big, but it’s also not too small. Your mileage may vary, obviously. For me, it’s my favorite device of the year solely for this new size.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s chassis was one slick beast last year, so much that I didn’t trust myself without a case slapped on the back. Google took feedback seriously; this time around, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, complete with a fingerprint-resistant metal frame, doesn’t feel as slippery as eels.

But it also gets a chunkier, boxier build. The new camera design juts out from the back. I asked Google about that during my hands-on with the phones, and they showed me how it sits at an angle, so you—in theory—don’t have to worry about scratches. I didn’t experience any worry during my three weeks of testing, but it does feel a little odd for a design. I want my tech to be sleeker, not bulkier.

And the new signature color this year is Rose Quartz, different from the Bay and Mint offered on the Pixel 8 Pro. I’m a huge fan of this color—even though Barbie summer was last year, this new color is fun and fresh. I’m here for it, and same for the cases. Which, fun fact: The Google Pixel 9 Pro can fit the 9 Pro cases and the Google Pixel 9 cases for extra customization. It’s those little touches that make me a fan of this phone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Display

Incremental Upgrades

There are minor improvements that, in my opinion, make the Google Pixel 9 Pro a smarter choice than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Currently, the ppi on the XL is 486, same as the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro may offer a smaller 6.3-inch Super Actua display, but the LPTO OLED’s ppi is slightly higher at 495 ppi. So, what does that mean? You get an ever so slightly better picture on the smaller display because everything is more compressed. But I personally didn’t notice a difference.

What I did notice during my testing is the enhanced brightness, up from 2,400 nits to 3,000. It’s a big improvement, especially for sunny scenarios when I called Ubers or reviewed public transit directions on Google Maps in dark mode. You also get an improved contrast ratio, but you probably won’t really notice that difference—phones have just gotten that darn good.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Performance

Gemini At The Forefront

The last Google device I used extensively was the Google Pixel Fold, the predecessor to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold that’s out now. Before that, it was the Google Pixel 6 Pro, which is still one of my all-time favorite mobile devices. If you’re coming from the Pixel 6 Pro or earlier, you’re going to notice a performance boost. The Google Tensor G4 chip is significantly faster than the chip on older Pixel devices. (The upgraded 16GB of RAM in the Pixel 9 Pro helps, too.) And of course, these upgraded processors and RAM boosts helped me get an all-day charge with no problem. Even on busy days running all over New York City, with heavy use of voice texting, emailing, calling family and more, I consistently ended up with around 20% battery life.

If you’re coming from the Google Pixel Fold, you may not notice the multitasking performance as much because the Tensor G3 is still a powerhouse chipset. A lot of the performance of this chipset isn’t so much for faster multitasking or faster processing for, say, checking TikTok—it’s for the built-in AI. The Pixel 9 series is packed with Google Gemini features, including Google Gemini Live.

Gemini Live Is A Mixed Bag

Gemini is really what this is all about. Samsung keeps expanding on its Galaxy AI with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Apple just debuted its Apple Intelligence with the iPhone 16 launch–so where does that leave Gemini? Somewhere in the middle. Add Me is a show-stealer for just how genius it is (more on that in a minute), but regarding image generation and creation, I’m not 100% convinced that Gemini can knock it out of the park. Let me explain.

Some of the features are locked into the Google ecosystem. For example, I asked Gemini to create me a study playlist to listen to while writing this review. It wanted me to open YouTube Music, which is fine… if you have YouTube Music. I don’t. I asked it to transfer the playlist to Spotify, but at the time of this writing, it can’t do that—it can only use YouTube for now. Already, I found myself ignoring the AI feature on this device. It will get better, as I’ve seen vast improvements in my years covering AI integrations in consumer tech. But it could take a while.

Other questions (mostly) passed the test. I asked about the best Mexican restaurants in my area and it spat out recommendations with general breakdowns of each, but couldn’t narrow it to restaurants within a ten-minute drive from my house. It wasn’t anything game-changing, but I did find myself using Gemini to ask a ton of questions throughout the week—more than I expected. In fact, my favorite Gemini feature was to use the voice commands for help crafting a dinner recipe one night when I was really tired and wanted a, “toss it in the oven and let the oven sort it out,” kind of meal.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Cameras

Here’s Where AI Steals The Show

While I had some mixed results with Google Gemini, Google’s built-in AI camera features make this phone shine. To an extent, I feel that the Google cameras are the strongest on the market. But the Add Me feature gave me some mixed feelings. On one hand, when put to the test, it’s really, really good. When I tested it with my husband, for the most part, the AI felt seamless. I really looked like I was in the photo.

On the other hand, to me, it feels like it’s creating fake memories. Sure, I’m there in the digital footprint—in order for it to work, you have to be in the same location and take the photo in real time, but it bothers me knowing that it’s technically not real.

I also had mixed results with the enhanced Magic Editor. I personally had lots of fun manipulating some photos of my cats. In one photo, I kept it bland, asking for a “big fluffy rainbow pillow.” That prompt to place a pillow on the sofa didn’t work, but when I adjusted my command to a “fluffy rainbow pillow,” it spat out some fun results—but only one was fluffy.

It works significantly better when you have a more general image and general prompt. I decided to add some spooky elements to a photo of my kitten, so put a “creepy old castle,” in the background of a silly photo I snapped a while back. Again, I experienced mixed results. Some were cartoonish, but the realistic photos were impressive, to the point where I sent them to some family members for fun. However, as I’ve mentioned before in my review of the Samsung Galaxy Flip 6, there’s a watermark issue. This time, though, it’s that Google doesn’t add one on AI-altered images. That’s a major problem, in my opinion.

Despite the quirks, both of these AI integrations are game-changers; as they stand now, I’m impressed. There’s no loss of detail in any of the camera sets. And of course, it would be in poor taste not to mention that while the rear cameras are similar (50MP Octa PD wide, 48MP ultrawide with autofocus and 48MP quad PD telephoto lenses), the front gets a big upgrade. It jumps from a 10.5MP Dual PD selfie to a 42MP Dual PD lens and boosts the field of view from 95 to 103 degrees. In taking photos across the camera lenses and across a range of subjects, from golden hour in NYC to portrait shots of Tobias Fünke (my cat), I’m left impressed. This phone is worth it for the cameras alone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Verdict

The Goldilocks Of Android Phones

I’m a huge fan of the Google Pixel 9 Pro. It’s smaller, so it fits my hand shape better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL does. It fits into my bags—and back pockets—better, too. It’s hard to put a price tag on a phone that feels designed for me when so many devices feel so bulky and unwieldy.

If you’re looking for a great camera, it’s worth investing in this phone, even at the $999 price tag. Content creators should especially appreciate the camera features like Magic Editor enhancements and the upgraded selfie camera. Either way, if you are already fully vested in the Google system, this is the device for you.

How I Tested The Google Pixel 9 Pro

I used the Google Pixel 9 Pro as my main device for almost the past month. I captured photos, messaged friends, checked weather, navigated the city, gamed and much more. I ran multiple apps across the device while capturing video for friends and family.

For the camera, I tested it across urban settings and natural landscapes. I also snapped portrait shots, using my cats, my husband and myself as subjects. I used it in bright sunlit areas, at golden hour and at nighttime. The camera saw action both indoors and outside to see how still life and action shots turned out under various circumstances, and the same went for video to share with friends and family.

I also did a deep dive into the AI features, rigorously testing the Magic Eraser to see how it handled simple and complex image alteration requests. Additionally, I cross-tested it with Samsung’s and Apple’s camera systems to see how the camera held up against the competition.

My Expertise

I’ve been the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted for over five years. In addition to working with home entertainment, such as testing the best gaming TVs, I have also tested most of the latest smart wearables currently on the market, from the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses to the Apollo Wearable and more.

I’ve spent plenty of time testing the latest mobile devices. I’ve deep-dived into the Apple ecosystem with the iPhone 15 Pro and reviewed plenty of Android devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8.

My time testing mobile devices focuses on everyone, from the casual folks who want a simple phone for taking calls to die-hard gamers who want a full-fledged device ready to play their favorite games. For this story, I focused on the new AI features Google unveiled, including Magic Eraser and Google Gemini enhancements, Add me and more.