Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro changes the game by providing flagship power and performance in a rare smaller, 6.3-inch form factor without sacrificing any of the excellent photographic prowess Google is known for. Plus, it has a new Tensor G4 chip that’s more efficient and optimized for Gemini and Google’s other AI features.
- Excellent design that’s more pocketable than ever
- Improved thermal performance and battery life
- Cool AI tools that are actually useful
- Some AI features are still of dubious value
- Charging speeds haven’t improved
- Still lags behind other flagships in gaming performance
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google’s Pixel 7 Pro still holds its own after two years. While the older Tensor G2 chip won’t win any performance contests, the top-notch camera system and expansive 6.7-inch screen could make it worth considering if you can get it at the right price.
- Camera system remains impressive two years later
- Solid fit and finish
- Good AI-focused performance
- Curved display and glossy glass make for an awkward hold
- Tensor G2 heats up under load
- Disappointing battery life
Google has been making the best camera phones on the market for at least three years. While this year’s Pixel 9 Pro is no exception, the company has done something refreshingly different by bringing all the power and photographic prowess of its flagship smartphone to a much more pocketable form factor.
As far as we’re concerned, the Pixel 9 Pro is the “Goldilocks” phone many folks have long awaited. Its no-compromise smaller design fills a gap in the Android market that’s previously tempted some to see how the other side lives (i.e. Apple). Android fans will no longer need to compromise between size and performance, and we hope that Google’s move encourages others to follow suit.
Still, some folks like larger screens, and while Google has the Pixel 9 Pro XL to fill that need, it arrives with a higher price tag. That might leave owners of older Pixel Pro models wondering if the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is worth the upgrade, and even those on the fence curious about whether they should opt for Google’s latest and greatest or if it’s worth saving a few bucks by going for Google’s Pixel 7 Pro — a leading flagship phone of its era that can still hold its own today. Let’s take a look at how these two compare.
Price, availability, and specs
As its latest flagship, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro isn’t too hard to find, even if it doesn’t have quite the same broad appeal as phones from rivals like Samsung and Apple. It’s available from all the major US carriers and MVNOs, including Google Fi, naturally. You can also get it unlocked from Amazon or Best Buy. It starts at $999 for the base 128GB model and is available in the usual capacities up to 1TB for $1,449. The full slate of colors for this year’s model is Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quart. Although the last shade is only available in the 256GB version, and you’ll have to settle for Obsidian if you want the 1TB model.
The Pixel 7 Pro was officially discontinued with the launch of the Pixel 9 lineup. But while it’s no longer on Google’s front page, the company is still selling it while supplies last, starting at $899 for the 128GB version. You can find it on Amazon at similar prices. While that’s a hard sell for a two-year-old phone, you may be able to find some deals from your mobile provider as carriers try to get rid of old stock.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 7 Pro
SoC Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor G2
Display type LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz
Display dimensions 6.3″ 6.7″
Display resolution 1280 x 2856 1440 x 3120
RAM 16GB 12GB
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery 4,700mAh 5,000mAh
Charge speed 27W wired, 21W wireless 23W wired with Google 30W USB-C charger, up to 23W wireless with Pixel Stand, 12W wireless with compatible Qi chargers
Charge options USB-C wired, Qi wireless Wired, Wireless
Ports USB-C USB-C
SIM support Nano-SIM and eSIM Dual SIM (nanoSIM + eSIM)
Operating System Android 14 Android 13
Front camera 42MP, f/2.2 10.8MP, f/2.2, 92.8° FoV
Rear camera 50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto 50MP wide (f/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 125.8° FoV), 48MP telephoto (f/3.5, 5x optical zoom)
Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm
Weight 199g 212g
IP Rating IP68 IP68
Colors Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz Obsidian, Snow, Hazel
Price From $999 $899 USD
