People might think that it is strange to switch from the S25 Ultra to the Google Pixel 9 but that exactly what I have done. I wanted to try a mid range android and to date the Pixel OS being pure android is my favourite.
So after using this phone for about a month now I wanted to share my thoughts on its
- Design & Build Quality
- Display
- Performance & Software
- Battery Life & Charging
- Google Gemini
- Camera Capabilities
So let’s dive into each of these in a bit more detail below.
Design:
Google has taken a deliberate step forward with the design of the Pixel 9, offering a sleeker, more refined aesthetic that feels both modern and premium.
Design Aesthetics:
The Google Pixel 9 shares the same design as it Pro brothers which a move to flat edges whereas the previous Pixels which had rounded edges. Giving the Pixel 9 look more like the iPhone or Galaxy S. This new shape to the edgy gives the phone a sturdy feel and is also comfortable in the hand.
Then there is the design feature that for me makes the Pixel stand out its signature Camera bar. Its no longer the width of the phone it sit slight raise across the centre of the phone giving it a more integrated and premium look. Whilst still maintaining that very recognisable Pixel look.
Build Materials:
The Pixel 9 has a polished aluminium frame with a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back. The back of the phone has a glossy look rather than a matt glass finish that you get with the Pro versions of the Pixel.
The Aluminium frame give a premium look to the phone but also feel sturdy and comfortable in hand. I seen some review that say that the aluminium frame collect fingerprints easily but its not something that I have noticed. Bearing in mind most people will slap a case on their phone I don’t see this as an issue.
Colours:
Google continues its tradition of playful yet tasteful colour choices. The Pixel 9 is available in the following:
- Peony – a soft, warm pink
- Wintergreen – a muted mint green
- Porcelain – a creamy off-white
- Obsidian – a classic deep black
These shades are not just aesthetic; they help the Pixel line stand out in a sea of generic black and grey smartphones. I personally have the Porcelain colour and it is stunning.
Display:
I have being impressed with the Pixel 9 display with its 6.3 OLED screen that packs a 126Hz refresh rate. The display goes up to 2700 nits of brightness compare to the iPhone 16 which has a peak brightness of 2000 nits.
All of this leads to a display that is crisp and responsive that is great for scrolling content. When you are outdoor and in the sun you will have no issue with seeing what is on your screen with the peak brightness of the display.
The display bezel unified all the way around the phone display but they are on the large side. You will notice them at the start but as you use the phone you quickly forget that they are there.
Performance & Software:
This phone pack the same chip Tensor G4 chip as the Pro line up and supports the advance AI feature that Google packs into their Pixel phones. Although the chips in theory doesn’t stand up to well against other smartphone chips like the iPhone or Samsung it is still more than good enough.
I have not seen it lag and it more than powerful for anyone that is just using their phone for everyday tasks like message, taking calls, web browsing or consuming content.
It comes with native Android 15 which is my favourite UI when it comes to android phones. There is limited bloatware you just get the Google stock apps and the UI is simple and intuitive. Google are also promising 7 years of support allowing you to keep your phone for longer.
Battery Life & Charging:
The Pixel 9 comes with a 4700 mAh battery that Google say give you 24hr of usages. The battery life had being great on the Pixel 9 for me and I am easily making it through the day with more 30-40% left.
Charging:
The Pixel 9 supports fast charging and will charge up to 55% in about 30min. This fast charging will be when you are wired charging your phone. It also supports wireless but it will not be as quick as when you are using a wire.
Google Gemini
I am not a massive user of AI on my phones but I have been using Gemini on the Pixel 9. Compared to Apple Intelligence its streets ahead. It facilitate a natural conversation with your assistant and provide accurate and useful responses.
The phone also has Pixel Studio which allow you to create imagines by using text prompts. Not something that I have used but it’s a fun addition for those who like creating imagines.
The other AI addition is Pixel Screenshots. This feature enhances how you can interact with your screenshots. They are searchable and can understand data context. You can search on a keyword and it will bring up the screenshot that is applicable.
Camera Capabilities:
As stated before camera on most smartphones are great and produce photos that are just as good as a camera and the Pixel 9 is no different. Below are the main take aways of the Pixel 9 cameras:
- Rear Cameras: 50MP wide and 48MP ultra wide lenses with Super Res Zoom up to 8x.
- Front Camera: 10.5MP sensor delivering sharp selfies.
- AI Enhancements: Features like “Add Me” and “Best Take” improve group photos and overall photography experience.
This is going to be more than enough for the average consumer who just wants to be able to take good shots of everyday activities. The one thing that is missing on this phone that you get on the Pixel 9 Pro/ Pro XL is the telephoto lens. If been able to zoom in more that 5x is something that you use a lot then I would suggest that you look at the Pro models.
Final Thoughts:
This may not be a Pro phone but it’s still a great phone for the average consumer out there. A thoughtfully refined design and compact form factor it nearly all of the boxes you would be looking for.
✅ Sleek, compact design with a premium feel
✅ Brilliant 120Hz OLED display
✅ AI-powered features like Pixel Screenshots & Gemini Live
✅ Excellent camera performance, even without a telephoto lens
✅ 7 years of software updates for future-proofing
There are a couple of drawback but in my opinion these are not massive for the majority of people.
❌ No telephoto lens (Pro model only)
❌ Glossy back may attract fingerprints
So If you’re after a smart, capable Android phone that emphasises helpful AI, a great camera that is not going to break the bank the Pixel 9 is an easy recommendation.