Discover the Google Pixel 9 review, specs, UK price, camera features, battery life, and software updates. See how it compares with Pixel 9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25, and iPhone 16 in 2025.
Google’s Pixel 9 has officially launched in 2024, bringing a fresh wave of innovation, especially in AI-powered photography and user experience. Positioned as a true flagship, the Pixel 9 moves beyond its budget roots to compete directly with top-tier devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16. With the latest Tensor G4 chipset, a brighter OLED display, an upgraded camera system, and up to seven years of software support, the Pixel 9 is designed to deliver a seamless, future-proof Android experience.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every detail — from design and performance to camera capabilities, battery life, pricing, and how the Pixel 9 stands in the competitive smartphone landscape of 2025.=
Google has significantly refined the Pixel 9’s design compared to its predecessors. The handset features sharp, straight edges with a glossy glass back and matte metal sides, reminiscent of the iPhone 15’s premium aesthetics. This design upgrade marks a shift from the softer, plastic-backed Pixel 8 and sets the Pixel 9 apart as a more sophisticated flagship device.
Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight: 198 grams
Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back
Water Resistance: IP68 rating, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
Colors Available: Wintergreen, Porcelain, Peony, and Obsidian
The Pixel 9 feels well-balanced in hand, comfortable for one-handed use, and notably durable — Google claims it is twice as durable as the Pixel 8. The redesigned camera bar has evolved into a pill-shaped island that protrudes slightly but blends well with the overall aesthetic.
The Pixel 9 sports a vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, delivering crisp visuals with deep blacks and vivid colors. The new Actua display panel is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8’s screen, peaking at an impressive 2700 nits. This brightness ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight, making outdoor usage seamless.
Screen Size: 6.3 inches
Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels (422 PPI)
Refresh Rate: Adaptive 60-120Hz for smooth scrolling and better battery efficiency
Display Type: OLED (Actua display)
While the default color profile tends to be a bit saturated, Google offers a Natural color preset for users seeking more color accuracy. The display supports HDR content and maintains excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
One of the Pixel series’ hallmarks is its camera system, and the Pixel 9 continues to push boundaries with a powerful blend of hardware and AI-driven software features.
Main Camera: 50MP sensor with f/1.7 aperture, Dual Pixel PDAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and laser autofocus
Ultrawide Camera: Upgraded 48MP sensor, f/1.7 aperture, offering a wider 123-degree field of view
Zoom: Google’s Super Res Zoom offers up to 8x digital zoom with decent sharpness between 2x and 4x
Selfie Camera: 10.5MP sensor, f/2.2 aperture, PDAF, delivering crisp and vibrant selfies even in low-light environments
Magic Editor: AI-powered photo editing with automatic reframing, cropping suggestions, and scene expansion
Add Me Mode: Allows you to seamlessly insert yourself into group photos by stitching two images together
Best Take: AI selects the best shot from multiple photos
Real Tone Skin Mapping: Accurately renders natural skin tones across diverse users
Low-light Performance:Exceptional detail and clarity in challenging lighting conditions
Supports 4K recording at 24, 30, and 60 FPS
Slow-motion video capture options for creative filming
Overall, the Pixel 9 offers one of the best camera experiences in the smartphone market, suitable for casual users and photography enthusiasts alike.
The Pixel 9 runs on Google’s custom Tensor G4 chipset, delivering significant performance gains over its predecessor. Coupled with 12GB RAM, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, AI computations, and photo editing smoothly.
Processor: Tensor G4
RAM: 12GB
Storage Options: 128GB and 256GB (non-expandable)
Connectivity: 5G (mmWave + Sub6), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Thanks to improvements in core architecture and modem technology, the Pixel 9 offers faster app launches (17% faster) and improved web browsing speeds (20% faster). The device runs cool under heavy loads and efficiently manages power consumption.
The Pixel 9 features a 4700mAh battery, slightly larger than the Pixel 8’s 4575mAh cell. In real-world testing, this translates to reliable all-day usage for average users, with moderate gaming and media consumption included.
Battery Capacity: 4700mAh
Charging: 27W wired charging (50% charge in ~30 minutes with Google’s 45W charger)
Wireless Charging: 12W Qi-certified wireless charging, with faster speeds supported via Pixel Stand
Battery Saver: Extreme Battery Saver mode extends battery life up to 100 hours but limits functionality
While the battery life is improved, charging speeds lag behind competitors like OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14, which offer faster wired charging options. For power users, this might be a drawback.
Pixel 9 ships with Android 14 out of the box, promising a clean, bloatware-free experience. Google commits to seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Feature Drop updates, making the Pixel 9 a future-proof investment.
Operating System: Android 14
AI Integration: Gemini AI assistant with advanced conversation features (subscription required)
New Apps: Pixel Studio (AI image generation), enhanced screenshot management with AI text recognition
Security: Titan M2 chip, regular security patches
Google’s commitment to regular feature drops means the Pixel 9 will continue to gain new functionalities and refinements, unlike many competitors.
The Google Pixel 9 starts at £699 in the UK for the 128GB model, with the 256GB variant costing around £799. This represents a noticeable price increase compared to earlier Pixel generations, reflecting its flagship positioning.
Where to Buy:
Official Google Store
Amazon UK
Argos
Currys
Zextons Tech Store
This price puts the Pixel 9 in direct competition with Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16, both of which offer strong alternatives with different strengths.
The Pixel 9 delivers about a full day of typical use, with moderate screen-on time and background activities. Extreme Battery Saver mode can extend battery life up to 100 hours.
Yes, it supports both mmWave and Sub6 5G bands for fast connectivity.
No, the Pixel 9 does not support microSD cards. Choose your storage capacity carefully.
The phone has an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant but not waterproof for extended submersion.
Google promises seven years of OS, security, and feature updates, ensuring longevity and new features.
The Google Pixel 9 successfully elevates the Pixel line into true flagship territory, blending AI innovation, stunning design, and a top-tier camera system. Its brightest display and powerful Tensor G4 chipset deliver a smooth, immersive experience.
However, the premium price tag and relatively slow charging speeds may give some buyers pause. If you want the very best camera and a larger display, the Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL are worthy alternatives but at a higher cost. Meanwhile, if budget is a concern, the Pixel 9a offers a similar experience at a lower price.
For Android enthusiasts looking for a reliable, stylish, and future-proof phone with outstanding AI-powered photography, the Google Pixel 9 is an excellent choice in 2025.