Introduction

With smartphone technology moving faster than a speeding bullet, it would seem that every new release (some may say) only ever takes the bounds even farther than the ground-breaking last model. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the latest phone to join the ranks of Google’s Pixel 9 lineup, and it sets out to perfect the combination that has both amazed and disappointed fans of Pixel devices. In this in-depth review, we find out whether the Google Pixel 9 Pro finally lives up to the hype of delivering an absolutely flawless Android experience while [solving most of the issues that plagued its predecessors. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Review!

Build and Design Quality: A New Era for the Pixel Line

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review section we are talking about the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s design. We will talk in three difference sections like design, durability, and modernized look. 

Premium Design with Subtle Changes

The Google Pixel 9 Pro design is a big shift from everything you’ve seen so far, ditching the slightly more utilitarian styling we had in the last models. Now it opts for a sleeker more butter-plastic aesthetic that looks a lot like iPhone 16 Pro Max — which is not a bad thing by any means. It has less pronounced sides and more rounded edges, making it feel more comfortable in the hand without sacrificing that signature premium feel.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality is one of the highlights of the Pixel 9 Pro. The phone is ridiculously solid, it shows almost no flex under pressure, and aces durability tests. Google has clearly focused on making a phone that not only looks good but can also withstand the ravages of everyday life. The bezels around the display are also now symmetrical and thinner, giving the device a cleaner look around the display that helps it look more modern overall.

A Modernized Look, But Some Inconsistencies Carry On

While the materials and polished fit and finish are premium, some design elements are inconsistent across the different models. And while the Pixel 9 Pro has some gorgeous aluminum sides and has a beautiful smooth finish with reflective glass, but those looking to have definitive differences between this and other variants in the Pixel lineup may see minor oddities in the design. Nevertheless, the device overall comes away feeling high-end, and if you’re coming from a previous Pixel, it will certainly feel like a big step up for you in both form and function range.

Performance and Hardware: Powerful, but Not Quite There Yet

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review section we will talk about Google Pixel 9 Pro’s chipset and it’s performance. 

Tensor G4 Chip: A Good Move, Albeit Not Full-Fledge

Google Pixel 9 Pro has the new Tensor G4 chip, which is the next-gen G3 chip we had in previous versions of Pixel. This chip promises significant improvements in some aspects, but it still doesn’t rival the brute force of competitor’s previous-gen processors like Apple’s A16 Bionic or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the most flagship devices. If you want to see comparison between Apple’s A16 Bionic and Tensor G4 then check here. And if you want to see the difference between Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Tensor G4 then click here. Sorry to say Google Pixel fans! But Google Pixel 9 Pro’s processor is way much weaker than its rivals.

But the G4 chip is a tangible improvement, especially when it comes to AI-processing tasks and computational photography, but in roles that require peak performance like gaming or intensive apps the device reveals its limitations. For general day-to-day tasks like browsing, using social media and light gaming, the phone runs just fine, though.

16GB RAM and Thermal Management: Solid, But Not Perfect

Although it’s well-equipped with 16GB RAM, the thermal solution does a decent job, but it’s not perfect. (making the Pixel 9 Pro 16GB as standard a welcome change from the previous models) This allows for smoother multitasking and improved stability, especially on long sessions. But even with more RAM onboard the performance of the phone does not escape occasional stuttering and app lag.

A vapor chamber assists in dispersing heat more effectively, providing better thermal management as well. This leads to better thermal stability in prolonged use which ultimately helps with smoother experience overall.

Concerns about Storage and Performance

Storage has always been a sore point for Google devices, and the Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. It’s a reasonable amount of base storage but still falls short in write and read speeds compared to rivals like the iPhone 16 pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 plus. This may be a disadvantage for users who prioritize performance and quick access to files.

Camera System: Pixel 9 Pro is All About Camera

The only thing to get impressed in Google Pixel 9 Pro Review is Google Pixel 9 Pro’s camera. In this part we will talk about the camera set up and AI driven functions like Video Boost, Zoom Enhance and Magic editor. 

A Revolutionary Camera Setup

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review section we are talking about Google Pixel 9 Pro’ Camera setup. Pixel lineups have always been recognized for the camera performance and the Pixel 9 Pro is continuing the legacy. There is a slight change-up in the camera system, though these changes are mostly in the software, as the hardware remains the same: There is a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48 megapixel lens with 5x optical zoom. These specs look good on paper just like any other flagship, but where the Pixel 9 Pro really adds value is in its AI-powered enhancements.

AI Driven Functions: Revolution in Photography

The new Pixel 9 Pro raises the bar for smartphone photography with advanced AI features that significantly change the way users engage with their cameras. With the new Video Boost feature, users can shoot in 8K resolution with better low-light performance than ever before. That is a huge step when it comes to video quality on smartphones.

A highlight, however, is Zoom Enhance, a powerful zoom function for AI tracking that is better at zooming than even Samsung’s legendary zoomer. And if you thought you’d seen everything, Magic Editor is mind-blowing. This tool lets you do things to photos that were impossible before — like smoothly zooming out from a photo without losing detail.

Front Camera: Redefining Selfies

The Pixel 9 Pro has a 42MP front-facing camera as well that produces detailed and colorful selfies. It’s especially great for group shots because the faster sensor lets more light in. And that means a wider angle without distortion.

Battery Life and Thermal Management: Stayin’ Cool

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review Section we will talk about the battery of Google Pixel 9 Pro. We will talk about the battery design and it’s charging speed and backup time.  

A BETTER BATTERY DESIGN

 Battery life is an area where Google’s Pixel devices have never excelled, but the Pixel 9 Pro is much improved. The redesigned vapor chamber enables better thermal management — and as we all know, better thermal management directly translates to better battery performance. Even in daily usage, the Pixel 9 Pro achieves good screen-on time, with the Pro variant managing 6.5 hours and Pro XL allowing for 7 hours.

Charging Speeds and Limitations

Though battery life is better, the charge speeds still pale in comparison to some of its rivals. While the non-Pro charges at around 30W of fast charging, it charges slower than similarly priced devices from both Samsung and OnePlus, which highlight faster charging solutions. That might be a dealbreaker for users on the go and needing quick top-ups.

Software and AI Features: The New Intelligence

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review section we will talk about Google Pixel 9 Pro’s Software and AI features.

Gemini Live: A Conversation With Your Phone

The Pixel 9 Pro seamlessly incorporates Gemini Live, the latest version of our conversational AI interface, offering a significantly more natural and responsive experience than before. It’s engineered to understand context and engage in fluid back-and-forth conversations with the user, which makes managing reminders or locating information more seamless.

Pixel Studio: Creative, But Room to Grow

Google has also launched an app for creative users named Pixel Studio that will help users create images straight from their devices. It’s a fun and novel tool, but it’s somewhat raw, still needing some of the polish you might expect from a Google app.

AI Search and Magic Editor: Advanced, But Imperfect

Another brilliant feature is its AI-driven search function which makes your phone so easy to manage and search on. This addition makes organizing your phone’s data a breeze. Magic Editor, likewise, allows even finer control over photo editing, providing editor capabilities for high-level edits like background editing and object removal.

Value Proposition: Does The Price Justify It?

In this Google Pixel 9 Pro Review section we will talk about Google Pixel 9 Pro’s market price and Pricing Against its Competitors.

The price, colors and storage concerns

The new Pixel 9 Pro starts at $799 and is aimed squarely at the flagship market. However, at this price point, the base 128GB storage might seem a bit light. Competitors like Samsung and Apple offer higher base storage options for similar prices, or a few dollars more. Although an upgrade to 256GB (for $100) is available, the fixed storage is a big downside that no longer exists. And google pixel 9 pro comes in 4 colors. Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel,  Obsidian.

Pricing Against its Competitors

Even with its impressive technology and camera capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro still falls short when considering the performance offered by other flagship devices. The most expensive option of more than $700 But in light of these premium prices, Google should ask itself — will this be enough to entice users when other brands offer devices that outmatch them?

VERDICT: A Significantly Better Record, Though Not Flawless

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: The Pixel 9 Pro’s Strengths

Build quality is premium and feels solid

AI-Centric Features: Several of the new features utilize AI

Camera Performance: Class-leading photography and video upgrades

Battery Efficiency: Improved thermal management

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: The Pixel 9 Pro’s Weaknesses

Performance: At its competitors yet again

Price: Too much for one amongst others that offer better or equivalent specifications

Storage: Note that the base storage is limited, with no expandability

Final Thoughts

After Google Pixel 9 Pro Review we can say the Google Pixel 9 Pro is a definite step in the right direction for Google, resolving a fair number of problems with its predecessors. Although it’s imperfect, it’s a marked enhancement in terms of design, camera performance and AI-driven capabilities. For the price, though, Google will certainly have to continue fine-tuning its performance to compete with industry stalwarts like Apple and Samsung.

Courtesy: Marques Brownlee

If you are satisfied with our Google Pixel 9 Pro Review then check out our Samsung Galaxy s25 ultra or Vivo x200 Pro review.

FAQs

1. Is the Pixel 9 Pro worth the price?

If camera quality, AI features, and a premium finish are significant to you, then the Pixel 9 Pro is absolutely worthy. That said, the performance still lags behind other flagship devices, and that might be a deal-breaker for some users.

2. Is there expandable storage on Pixel 9 Pro? 

No. There’s 128GB of base storage, with 256GB available for more, if you want it.

3. How good is the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera?

The Pixel 9 Pro has one of the best smartphone cameras in the game, and thanks to the new AI-powered Video Boost and Zoom Enhance features, we’ve seen some pretty impressive results both in photos and videos.

4. How long does the Pixel 9 Pro battery last?

However, neither the Pixel 9 Pro nor the Pro XL were specifically designed with great battery life in mind; both can offer you a solid three days of limited usage, or closer to 6.5 hours of screen time and 7 hours of screen-on time in between charges.

5. What’s the difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Aside from these minimal yet effective changes, the main difference between the two models is in their screen size and battery life with the Pro XL having a slightly better battery performance as well as a large display.