Google Pixel 9 review: not your traditional flagship smartphone

The Google Pixel 9 review you're been waiting for is here. I've spent more than a week with the latest flagship device from Google and I have to admit that I'm still torn on if I recommend this phone or not. It has the fit and finit or a true flagship device along with an amazing camera system, but it does lack the sheer power that you expect from a device in this category. Google's traded raw horsepower for AI power. But I'm not convinced that it was the right move.

Check out our Pixel 9 versus iPhone 15 Pro Max camera comparison

[xaviera]

I have an iPhone 15 pro max as a personal phone and went with the pixel 9 for my business phone and haven't had any regrets. I love the phone and didn't want to spend the extra money to get to the pro. The pixel 9 is a wonderful device and is way enough for 95% of the general population. I'm pretty impressed by android so far since I was using only iPhones. AI is pretty impressive. Overall I recommend the phone a 100%.

[crazyfun]

People obsess so much over raw power and benchmark scores. However, in real world usage, it doesn't matter. There are videos on YouTube showing the 9 pro xl beating the iphone 15 pro max and s24 ultra on the stress test for gaming. Kind of ironic considering all the whining and complaining about raw power.

[Lansky]

Phone of the year! Bench marks don't mean nothing unless you're a gamer which I'm not.

[Salty_Biscuitz]

People need to use the pixel phones to understand what it is all about. If they dont even want to try it because of the benchmarks then they are missing out alot on the best of Android. Pixel is beyond the spec sheets and benchmarks

[HeyMarkL]

Incredible video man! Worth the edit for sure.

[yanni]

The only Android flagship that has the full package. It does feel like the iphone of the android. I wouldn't even consider another phone if I was switching from my iphone.

[ozzzyz]

I was intent on upgrading from the standard 8 to the 9 Pro. But, at approximately $600 with trade-in of my 8 and ALL pre-order bonuses, I simply cannot justify the upgrade.

[TheUnknownSpiderMan]

I picked up this phone in the Hazel version and I'm absolutely loving it. I'm thinking about replacing my iPhone 15 pro Max with this, but I'm holding off just a bit to see what Apple announces at their event. If I'm not impressed, I will be replacing my iPhone with another pixel 9 series phone.

[kpehe]

The companies are not the one that brought about the flat screen business. It is we the users. We told them we were tired with the curve screen and they're now bringing it, no criticism

[arunsannakki]

This year, pixel phones are on the higher side. Should have kept on last year prices.

[mackmccord]

Can't wait to receive my Rose Quartz P9P!

[sengyiplee]

I'm really digging the new design approach here.

[rpaulpate]

An almost 19-minute review and no mention of the upgraded fingerprint sensor. I have suffered through the 6A and 8 versions with a horrible fingerprint experience. if I overlooked that mention, my apologies. I've ordered the 9 and am hopeful with the ultrasonic version.

[edwin.pushparaj]

Very straightforward and honest. Always loved your camera comparisons. kudos to you.

[johnboy]

Hey Nick, great review. I really like what Google did with the pixel 9 series. I'm coming back from Apple too android lol. Just waiting in my pixel 9 pro.

[mattlamb]

Based on the definition of flagship... This is not the flagship, the 9 pro XL is the flagship. People need to stop making up new definitions to things. SMH.

[JedEckert]

I bought the Pixel 9 base model. I also have an iPhone 15 base model and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.
The Pixel 9 is my favorite. Not because it's new, but because of the android experience it offers and the device performance.

[Lansky]

Wish they would have kept the price down but I definitely love this phone as I did the 8 pro. Tensor ain't the strongest but for me and what I do it's plenty. It's the true "Smart" phone

[montekgamer]

That's true banch mark antutu doesn't, it's just brain wash

[ricardospinola]

What game are you playing at minute 5:56? Does anyone know?