Marking a significant evolution in Google’s smartphone strategy, the Pixel 9 series, released in September 2024, didn’t just introduce the next iteration of the Pixel vision; it expanded the lineup. Alongside the standard Pixel 9, Google now offered two Pro models: the Pixel 9 Pro (sharing the same screen size as the standard 9) and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. Powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, this generation put Google’s Gemini AI front and center, embedding powerful artificial intelligence capabilities directly into the user experience, all while continuing the commitment to long-term software support.
Design: The Evolving Camera Pill
The distinctive Pixel look continued to evolve:
- Camera Pill: The full-width Camera Bar transformed into a distinct, rounded “pill” shape that housed the camera lenses but didn’t extend fully edge-to-edge. This gave the phones a slightly different, though still recognizable, identity.
- Refined Ergonomics: The phones featured flatter sides than the Pixel 8 series, combined with more pronounced rounded corners for a comfortable grip.
- Premium Materials: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protected the displays, paired with polished or matte aluminum frames depending on the model (Pro models generally used polished frames and matte backs, while the standard 9 used a polished back and satin frame). IP68 water and dust resistance remained standard.
- Pro Choices: For the first time, users wanting Pro features weren’t locked into the largest size. The Pixel 9 Pro offered the triple-camera system and other Pro enhancements in the same compact 6.3-inch form factor as the standard Pixel 9, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL provided a larger 6.8-inch canvas.
- Colors: Pixel 9 offered Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, and Obsidian. The Pro models came in Rose Quartz, Hazel, Porcelain, and Obsidian. No headphone jack.
Hardware: Tensor G4, Brighter Screens, More RAM
The Pixel 9 series brought solid hardware upgrades:
- Google Tensor G4: The fourth-generation custom chip focused on improved real-world performance (faster app loading, smoother Browse), better power efficiency, and significantly enhanced on-device AI processing, particularly for running Gemini Nano models (reportedly 3x faster than G3 for AI tasks). It also included an updated modem for potentially better connectivity and enabled new features like Satellite SOS. The Titan M2 security chip was integrated.
- RAM Boost: The standard Pixel 9 saw an upgrade to 12GB of RAM, while both Pixel 9 Pro models featured a generous 16GB of RAM.
- Storage Options: All models started at 128GB, with the Pro models offering configurations up to 1TB.
- Brilliant Displays: All models featured exceptionally bright OLED displays (“Actua” or “Super Actua”) capable of reaching peak brightness levels between 2700-3000 nits, making them superb for outdoor viewing. The standard Pixel 9 offered a 60-120Hz refresh rate, while the Pro models boasted smoother 1-120Hz LTPO panels. All displays were flat.
- Biometrics: Continued with the under-display optical fingerprint sensor and added secure (Class 3) Face Unlock suitable for payments and app logins across all models.
- Battery & Charging: Battery capacities were slightly adjusted (4700mAh for P9/P9Pro, 5100mAh for P9ProXL). Wired charging peaked around 27-30W, and wireless charging support (potentially including Qi2) was included, along with reverse wireless charging.
- Temperature Sensor: Remained exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL models.
Cameras: Pro Differentiation and AI Enhancements
While the standard Pixel 9 offered a highly capable system, the Pro models packed more versatility:
- Pixel 9: Dual rear cameras: A 50MP main sensor (f/1.68, OIS) paired with an upgraded 48MP ultrawide (f/1.95) that included autofocus for Macro Focus. The front camera was 10.5MP with autofocus.
- Pixel 9 Pro / Pro XL: Triple rear cameras: The same excellent 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide sensors, plus a 48MP telephoto lens (f/2.8) with 5x optical zoom and OIS. The front camera received a significant upgrade to 42MP with autofocus.
- Gemini-Powered AI Features: This was the star of the show:
- Gemini Nano: Ran directly on-device for features like generating smart replies, summarizing recordings (Call Notes, Recorder app), and powering new capabilities like Pixel Screenshots (allowing natural language search within screenshots).
- Gemini Live: Enabled more natural, back-and-forth voice conversations with Google’s AI assistant.
- Pixel Studio: Allowed users to create unique images using generative AI based on text prompts.
- Add Me: Intelligently combined multiple group shots to ensure the photographer could be included without awkward gaps or duplicates.
- Video Boost & Night Sight Video (Pro/XL Exclusive): Cloud-based processing to enhance video quality significantly.
- Pro Controls (Pro/XL Exclusive): Manual camera settings for advanced users.
- Continued excellence and improvements for Magic Editor, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone.
Software: Android 15 and The Seven-Year Promise
Launching with (or quickly receiving) Android 15, the Pixel 9 series benefited from the latest OS features and Material You refinements. Crucially, Google reaffirmed its commitment:
- Seven Years of Updates: All Pixel 9 models (including the Pro Fold) receive seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops, ensuring support until at least September 2031.
Reception and Legacy: The AI-First Pixel
Initial reviews for the Pixel 9 series were generally positive. The refined design, outstanding displays, expanded Pro model choice, and incredibly powerful AI features were key highlights. The cameras continued to deliver excellent results, now augmented by even more intelligent software tools. The 7-year update commitment remained a massive selling point.
Criticisms sometimes pointed to the Tensor G4 still not quite matching the absolute peak benchmark performance of the latest chips from Qualcomm or Apple, some AI features feeling like works in progress or requiring subscriptions (like Gemini Advanced features), and occasional early software bugs or reported connectivity quirks (though the new modem aimed to improve this).
Overall, the Pixel 9 generation cemented Google’s strategy of leveraging AI as its primary differentiator, offering users powerful on-device intelligence and creative tools wrapped in a refined hardware package with unprecedented software longevity. It represented the most feature-rich and versatile Pixel lineup to date.