Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
🏆 Verdict
Pixel 9 Pro is the better pick overall by 11.8 points, leading in Camera, Display and Performance. Pixel 9 remains a strong contender elsewhere.
By category
Performance
Pixel 9 Pro is faster with the Google Tensor G4 (performance index 74 vs 70). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Only Pixel 9 Pro has an optical 5× telephoto; the other relies on digital zoom. Pixel 9 Pro has the higher-resolution selfie camera (42 MP vs 10.5 MP).
Battery
Both batteries are about the same size (4,700 mAh).
Charging
Charging speeds are similar.
Display
Pixel 9 Pro's screen gets brighter (3,000 vs 2,700 nits), which shows outdoors. Pixel 9 Pro's screen is sharper (497 vs 421 ppi).
Build & durability
Both are similar in durability and weight.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (7 years).
Specifications
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Tensor G4 | Chipset | Google Tensor G4 |
| 12 GB | RAM | 16 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
| 6.3" OLED | Display | 6.3" LTPO OLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2424×1080 (421 ppi) | Resolution | 2856×1280 (497 ppi) |
| 2,700 nits | Peak brightness | 3,000 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 48 MP | Ultrawide | 48 MP |
| None | Telephoto | 48 MP · 5× |
| 10.5 MP | Front camera | 42 MP |
| 4,700 mAh | Battery | 4,700 mAh |
| 27 W | Wired charging | 27 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 21 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 198 g | Weight | 199 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 7 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $999 |
| 2024-08 | Released | 2024-08 |
Pixel 9
Pros
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- No optical telephoto
Pixel 9 Pro
Pros
- 16 GB RAM
- 5× optical zoom
Cons
- Pricier ($999)
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.