Over All Rating 4/5
Price Starts From ₹ 79,999/-
PROS 👍
- Good Build quality
- Best Camera
- Stock Android
CONS 👎
- No Telephoto camera
- Back glass is fingerprint magnet
Google has launched its new Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 is the base variant in this lineup. With a price tag of Google pixel 9 ₹79,999 In India , this device positions itself as an entry point for those who want to experience the Google ecosystem without diving into the Pro versions. It’s designed for those who want the best of Google’s innovations without going overboard with spending. However, with stiff competition in the premium smartphone category, does the Pixel 9 manage to stand out and justify its price tag? After using it for over a month, here’s a complete review to see if this is the entry-level Pixel you should be eyeing.
Google Pixel 9 One Month Experience Review
Design and Build of Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 has evolved from the design language of the Pixel 8 series, showcasing a more angular and boxy form factor. This boxy design instantly reminds you of Apple’s iPhone, especially with its flat edges, making it feel both modern and familiar. Despite this, Google retains its signature design elements that distinguish the Pixel series. The recognizable horizontal camera bar on the back and the minimalistic “G” logo are the only features that scream “Pixel,” ensuring brand recognition without going over the top.
The power button and volume rockers remain on the right side, and the buttons are tactile with solid feedback. The phone’s matte aluminium side rails offer a premium feel, similar to the base iPhone models. However, while looking sleek and adding to its premium feel, the glossy glass back is highly prone to smudges. If you’re someone who cares about aesthetics, carrying a cleaning cloth or slapping on a case will be necessary.
The Pixel 9 earns its flagship badge in terms of durability. It’s IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. I tested its resilience during Mumbai’s monsoon season, using the device in heavy rain without any anxiety about water damage. Even with constant exposure to water, the phone performed seamlessly.
The front of the Pixel 9 features a gorgeous 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and a more fluid user experience compared to the 90Hz of older models. The display has a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 442ppi. This density, combined with the vibrant colours and deep blacks typical of OLED panels, ensures that media consumption—whether it’s YouTube, Netflix, or gaming—is a visually rich experience. The uniform bezels on all sides give the phone a balanced look, making the front of the device aesthetically pleasing and immersive.
Performance of Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is powered by Google’s latest in-house Tensor G4 chipset, which is built to handle everything from everyday tasks to high-performance gaming. Combined with 12GB of RAM, the phone never felt sluggish during my month of use, even when juggling multiple apps or running demanding applications. The UI is incredibly smooth, largely thanks to Google’s optimized stock Android experience, which runs on Android 14 out of the box. While it’s slightly disappointing that Google launched the phone with Android 14—essentially last year’s operating system—it is slated to be among the first devices to get the Android 15 update.
In terms of gaming performance, the Pixel 9 delivers a satisfying experience. I extensively played titles such as BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt, and the Tensor G4 handled them easily. There were no noticeable lags, frame drops, or stutters, even during extended sessions of over an hour.
The phone stays relatively cool during these sessions, though it does warm up slightly when pushed to its limits in games or heavy multitasking scenarios. Overall, if you’re looking for a phone that handles both daily tasks and gaming smoothly, the Pixel 9 won’t disappoint.
Camera of Google Pixel 9
Google’s Pixel series is known for offering great cameras, and the Pixel 9 maintains this reputation. While it lacks the telephoto lens found in the Pro variant, the dual-camera system on the back still performs exceptionally well in most scenarios. The primary sensor, a 50MP shooter, captures excellent detail with balanced colours. The skin tones, in particular, are reproduced naturally, staying true to Google’s heritage of accurate and balanced colour reproduction.
In good lighting conditions, the Pixel 9 shines. Landscapes look sharp and detailed, with a broad dynamic range and no signs of over-saturation. Portrait mode works wonders with subjects, isolating them beautifully from the background while retaining fine details. The AI-powered computational photography helps enhance the images, producing a professional-looking shot with minimal effort.
While the ultra-wide 48MP camera is adequate for capturing wide shots, it shows some limitations, especially in low-light environments. In less-than-ideal lighting, the ultra-wide shots can lose detail and produce noise. Night Sight, Google’s night mode, works well with the primary sensor, producing bright, detailed images in low-light conditions. However, the ultra-wide lens doesn’t perform as well under the same conditions.
One of the new camera features worth mentioning is the “ADD me” mode. This clever addition allows you to include yourself in group photos even if you take the shot. The software will intelligently blend you into the frame, making it a great feature for those group selfies at events.
On the front, the 10.8MP selfie camera captures decent selfies with good details and natural skin tones. However, compared to the rear cameras, the front shooter sometimes struggles with low-light conditions, producing grainier results.
AI Feature of Google Pixel 9
AI is deeply embedded in the Pixel 9’s DNA, with several innovative features designed to make life easier. While Google has showcased some ambitious AI features during the launch, not all of them are available yet, but there’s still plenty to explore.
One of the standout AI features is the revamped Google Photos app, which allows AI-driven editing. Whether removing unwanted objects from photos or adding new elements, the process is simple and intuitive. Google’s AI’s accuracy in detecting objects for removal is impressive, allowing for seamless edits that don’t feel forced.
The Pixel Studio app takes AI to the next level, letting users generate creative designs using text inputs. While niche, this feature opens up new possibilities for creatives who want to experiment with AI in their design workflows.
A more practical AI feature is found in the Screenshot app. We often take numerous screenshots only to forget about them later. This app scans your screenshots, organizing and categorizing them for easier access. For instance, if you take a screenshot of your flight booking, the app will automatically suggest adding the event to your calendar, making it a handy feature for people who need better organization.
The updated Weather app is another example of AI helping in everyday tasks. It provides concise weather updates, summarizing the data into human-readable formats. This might seem like a small thing, but for those who rely on quick and accurate information, it’s a nice touch.
We compared Google AI with Samsung Galaxy AI to decide the best smartphone AI option. Check out the full video on YouTube.
Google Pixel 9 Battery
The Pixel 9 has a 4700mAh battery, providing solid endurance. During my time with the phone, I consistently got through a full day on a single charge with moderate usage, which included social media browsing, photography, watching videos, and gaming. Even on heavier days, the phone comfortably lasted from morning to evening without needing a top-up. We even tested the 4K video and found that while watching a 30-minute 4K video on YouTube, the battery dropped by 11%.
While the battery life itself is solid, charging is a bit of a mixed bag. The Pixel 9 only supports up to 27W wired charging, which feels a bit slow in today’s fast-charging landscape. It took about 39 minutes to go from 0% to 50%, which is decent but not outstanding. The phone also supports 15W wireless charging, though it takes longer to reach a full charge.
One potential downside is that Google, like other premium manufacturers, no longer includes a charging brick in the box. You’ll have to purchase it separately, which might feel like an additional expense on top of an already pricey device.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 is a solid choice for those looking to step into the Google ecosystem without opting for the Pro models. It offers a premium design, smooth performance, and the best of Google’s AI and camera software. The device excels in photography, with natural colour reproduction and smart features that make it a joy for everyday shots. The AI-driven tools, while not fully available at launch, are a glimpse into the future of how we’ll interact with our devices.
That said, there are some minor drawbacks. The lack of a telephoto lens, the decision to launch with Android 14, and the slower charging speeds compared to rivals might leave some potential buyers hesitant. However, if you’re after a device that offers a clean Android experience, solid performance, and impressive AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 should be at the top of your list in the sub-₹80,000 range.
Specification of Google Pixel 9
| Display: | 6.3-inches OLED |
| Camera: | 50MP primary sensor; 48MP ultrawide |
| RAM: | 12GB |
| Processor: | Google Tensor G4 |
| Battery: | 4700 mAh |
| OS: | Android 14 |
2 Comments
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