The Google Pixel 9 stands out as the most budget-friendly option in the Pixel 9 lineup. While early rumors hinted that it might be the smallest of the series, the Pixel 9 actually shares its size with the Pixel 9 Pro, offering a compact yet powerful experience. Despite being slightly less advanced than the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 offers an appealing balance of performance, design, and affordability, making it a strong choice for many users.

^{Refined Display and Powerful Performance}

The Pixel 9 comes equipped with a 6.3-inch Actua display, featuring a fullHD+ resolution of 2424 x 1080 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. This ‘Smooth Display’ offers a dynamic refresh rate, ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring a fluid visual experience whether you’re gaming or scrolling. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the screen can reach an impressive peak brightness of 2,700 nits and supports HDR content, ensuring vivid and clear visuals even in bright sunlight.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4 SoC, complemented by the Titan M2 security coprocessor for enhanced protection. The device includes 12GB of RAM and offers storage options of either 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and more.

^{Fast Charging and Extended Battery Life}

The Pixel 9 is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery that supports fast charging, allowing you to achieve up to 55% battery in just 30 minutes using Google’s 45W charger (sold separately). The device supports 27W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, with the added convenience of reverse wireless charging to power other compatible devices.

^{Dual Camera Setup for Stunning Photography}

On the rear, the Pixel 9 features a 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.68 aperture, an 82-degree field of view, and Super Res Zoom up to 8X, along with optical and electronic image stabilization. The secondary camera is a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, providing a 123-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. For selfies, the front-facing 10.5-megapixel camera offers a 95-degree field of view, ensuring you capture more in every shot.

^{Advanced Software and Long-Term Support}

The Pixel 9 ships with Android 14 out of the box, and Google promises 7 years of OS updates, security patches, and Pixel Drop enhancements, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for years to come. Although Android 15 is just around the corner, the Pixel 9’s software experience is already robust and feature-rich.

^{Pricing and Availability}

The Google Pixel 9 starts at $799 in the US for the 128GB storage model, making it slightly more expensive than its predecessor, which debuted at $699. However, the Pixel 9 offers significant improvements and features that justify the price increase.

The Pixel 9 will be available for purchase on August 22, with pre-orders shipping the same day. You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store, as well as through carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

^{Color Options and Market Availability}

The Pixel 9 is available in four distinctive colors: Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), Porcelain (white), and Wintergreen (green). The availability of these colors may vary depending on your region. The device will be released across multiple markets, including North America, Europe, and select regions in Asia-Pacific.

^{Enhanced AI Features and Camera Improvements}

The Pixel 9 is infused with advanced AI capabilities that enhance user experience across various aspects of the device. Notable features include the all-new Pixel Weather app with AI-generated weather summaries, and smarter Google Gemini integration. The camera system benefits from a rebuilt HDR pipeline, improved Night Sight, and the introduction of features like Auto Frame and Reimagine in the Magic Editor.

^{Should You Buy the Google Pixel 9?}

If you’re looking for a compact, high-performing smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, the Google Pixel 9 is an excellent choice. It offers most of the features found in its more expensive siblings, minus a few camera perks, making it a well-rounded option for the average user. Its 7-year software support, AI advancements, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option in the current smartphone market.