Why the cheapest Pixel 9 is my sleeper pick for best Google phone this year

The bottom variant of the Pixel sequence has at all times undercut the iPhone. As an illustration, the Pixel 7 was launched at $599, whereas the Pixel 8 noticed a $100 worth hike. Regardless of that, they have been under the $799 of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, respectively. Nevertheless, the cycle is breaking this 12 months. The Google Pixel 9 has acquired one other worth hike, and it now instantly competes with the iPhone at $799. But it surely’s additionally extra tempting than ever as a result of that is the closest an everyday Pixel has been to the Professional variant.

Additionally: Everything announced at Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9 Pro, Fold, Gemini, Watch 3, and more

For years, essentially the most important distinction between the bottom flagship Pixel and the Pixel Professional has been the scale. This allowed the costlier mannequin to slot in an even bigger display, extra battery capability, and higher cameras. There was once not less than three main causes to spend $200 extra on the Professional. In 2024, Google’s three flagship cellphone lineup places the Pixel 9 Pro nearer to the Pixel 9 than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. 

One other manner of seeing it’s that the Pixel 9 is extra just like the Pixel 9 Professional, particularly contemplating the $200 worth distinction earlier than. That is why the Pixel 9 could possibly be Google’s sleeper hit this 12 months. The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional function the identical physique, however the variations are minimal (although significant).

On paper, each telephones measure the identical at 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm, so that you get the identical battery capability and display measurement – two of the three important variations lined. As for the third, the Pixel 9 sports activities the identical major and ultrawide cameras because the Pixel 9 Professional. It is primarily a Pixel 9 Professional with out the telephoto digital camera and LTPO panel, which makes it extra tempting.

Additionally: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on: I’m reminded of the iPhone, but in the best way

To elaborate, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional have 6.3-inch OLED screens. The costlier Professional variant has an LTPO panel, which suggests the show can refresh between 1 and 120Hz, versus 60-120Hz on the Pixel 9. The 1Hz refresh charge may supply higher effectivity when utilizing the At all times on Show function.

The Pixel 9 Professional additionally has a brighter show — as much as 3,000 nits for peak brightness and a pair of,000 nits for HDR brightness. Against this, the Pixel 9 is rated to hit 2,700 nits at peak brightness and 1,800 nits for HDR. The Pixel 9 Professional’s show can be sharper at 1280 x 2856 pixels than 1080 x 2424 pixels on the Pixel 9. 

Google is promising 24-hour plus battery life on each telephones. The larger and brighter show is nice, however contemplating they pack the identical 4,700mAh battery, the Pixel 9 may final you longer. 

Additionally: I tested the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s ‘Add Me’ feature and found it crazy clever

The Pixel 9 turns into a extra convincing buy while you take a look at the cameras. You get a 50MP Octa PD major digital camera with a 1/1.31″ picture sensor and ƒ/1.68 aperture accompanied by a 48 MP Quad PD ultrawide digital camera with a 123-degree discipline of view that doubles as a macro shooter. The Pixel 9 Professional provides a 5x telephoto digital camera and a greater ultrawide selfie shooter. If you recognize you do not want these optics, the Pixel 9 presents a powerful digital camera setup.

Each the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional run Android 14 and are promised to obtain seven years of software program upgrades, safety patches, and Pixel Drop options. They’re additionally powered by the brand new Tensor G4 chipset. Until a brand new AI function sooner or later requires 16GB of RAM to run, the Pixel 9 will run all the pieces. To extend the Pixel 9 Professional attraction, Google is bundling the Google One AI Premium plan until the tip of October, which presents Gemini Superior options at no cost for a 12 months. 

Additionally: The best phones you can buy

As with each different AI function, that is good to have however not a deal-maker or breaker, particularly when the corporate is not holding again the brand new AI smarts on the 12GB RAM-equipped Pixel 9. One among these options is Add Me, which can add you (the photograph clicker) to the group photograph. You will have to click on a photograph and change positions with another person within the group, so that you get a bunch photograph, too, with them lacking. You may merge the 2 pictures to make a brand new picture with everybody included utilizing Add Me. 

The Google Pixel 9 is a wonderful cellphone. It options the identical display measurement, processing energy, major and ultrawide cameras, and battery capability because the Pixel 9 Professional. The one bodily variations are the absence of a matte end and a telephoto lens. For $200 lower than the Pixel 9 Professional, I feel the Pixel 9 can be a success regardless of the $100 worth hike.