Despite Google’s size, the Pixel phones have struggled to make a significant splash in the mobile phone market. Recent data suggests that fewer than 4% of UK consumers use a Google phone as their primary smartphone. However, that could all be about to change.
How? Well, the Google Pixel 9 is here, one month before Apple intends to launch their iPhone 16 series. Could it turn a few heads away from Apple before the speculated September 10th release of the iPhone 16? Or should you wait and see what Apple has to offer before making the change?
Here’s what you need to know about the Google Pixel 9 range, and why it might be for you.
Features
There are a few features that remain consistent across all options within the Pixel 9 range, so let’s discuss them all at once!
All devices will come with Android 14 built in and be powered by the Google’s Tensor G4 processor.
Unfortunately, none of the devices will have expandable storage, but that is something we’ve come to expect with modern devices.
In terms of battery, both the 9 and 9 Pro feature a 4,700 milliampere-hour battery, while the Pro XL features a 5,060 mAh battery.
All devices will feature a USB-C port, and none will include a headphone jack – no surprises there.
That’s all the basics out the way, so now let’s dive a little deeper!
Google Pixel 9
Launching at £799, the base model of the Pixel 9 series is the perfect entry point for those looking to make the switch from Apple to Google.
So, the display.
The Pixel 9 will feature a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080×2424. The refresh rate will move smoothly between 60-120Hz, depending on what’s being displayed. You’ll also be able to get a great picture in low light settings thanks to full HDR support and up to 2,700 nits at peak brightness.
The phone will also come with a nice 12 GB of RAM, a boost on the iPhone 15, and even the iPhone 15 Pro Max! And if the rumours are to be believed, this should surpass even the 16 Pro Max.
But how about the camera. After all, that’s where the Pixel truly shines.
The Pixel 9 will have a dual rear camera system, capable of 50 MP on the wide, and 48 MP on the ultra-wide lens with macro focus and a Super Res Zoon up to 8x. Add to this the incredible AI features you’ve likely seen advertised, and you’ve essentially got a full professional camera and editing studio all contained within your phone.
If Mobile Phone Photography is your thing, then you might want to check out this recent blog post.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Of course, all mobile phone ranges have a “Pro” model these days, and Google is no different.
So, what does the Pixel 9 Pro do differently to the base model that justifies the extra £200 you’ll need to spend to pick one up?
The Pixel 9 Pro keeps the 6.3-inch display size but features an LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1280×2854, meaning a slightly better image. The refresh rate will move smoothly between 1-120Hz, depending on what’s being displayed. Full HDR support remains, but with up to 3,000 nits at peak brightness. So overall, a decent upgrade.
The phone will also come with a whopping 16 GB of RAM, doubling the 15 Pro Max’s output. You’ll also be able to pick this device up with a few more storage options. Those are 512 GB, and 1TB, whereas the base 9 only offered 128 GB and 256 GB.
In terms of the camera, this model features a triple rear camera system. This maintains the specs already discussed with the Pixel 9 but adds an additional 48 MP telephoto lens. Thanks to this addition, the Super Res Zoom is boosted to 30x.
In addition to the rear camera improvements, the front camera is also massively boosted here. The base 9 has a 10.5-megapixel camera, whereas the Pro has a very nice 42 megapixels. So, if you’re a big fan of selfies, this might be the option for you.
If you’re more interested in shooting video than photos, this model also allows you to capture 8K footage at 30 FPS, in addition to the base models 4K|60 recording capabilities.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
For an additional £100, you could opt to buy a Pixel 9 Pro XL over the standard Pro. So why should you?
Well, much of what we’ve discussed so far remains the same. The RAM, storage options, processor, and even camera are largely identical. The key difference, if the name didn’t give it away, is the size.
This model has a screen with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1344×2992. So, by far the best of the lot.
But… that’s pretty much it. Of course there are some very specific, nitty-gritty specs that you can delve into if you want, but for the sake of this blog, we’ll leave it at that!
The verdict.
So, should you upgrade to a Pixel and forget about the launch of the iPhone 16?
Our recommendation would of course be to wait until all options are available and clear. However, if we were to recommend a particular model, the standard Pixel 9 offers incredible value. With more RAM than even the top range iPhones, an incredible screen, and phenomenal camera, you get the best of the Pixel 9 Pro models for £200 less!
So, if that’s swayed you at all but £799 is still feeling pretty expensive, why not sell your old phone and upgrade for less. We’ll offer you same-day cash for your old device, allowing you to pick up the Pixel 9 whenever you’re ready, without burning a hole in your wallet.
So go ahead, sell today!
