Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: Compact, Smart, and Almost Perfect—But Not for Gamers

Introduction

2024 marks a big year for Google in India. For the first time, the company launched its full lineup of Pixel 9 phones—Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The series starts at ₹79,999 for the base Pixel 9 and goes all the way up to ₹1,72,999 for the foldable model.

At first glance, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL may seem almost identical, differing mainly in display size and battery capacity. But in daily use, the 9 Pro feels like a completely different device—it’s compact, comfortable, and easy to handle with one hand. Google has essentially packed all the power of the XL into a smaller body, much like Apple’s approach with the iPhone 16 Pro. Let’s see if the Pixel 9 Pro is truly the perfect compact flagship or if there are better alternatives for the price.

Design: Small Size, Big Comfort

Dimensions: 152.8mm × 72mm × 8.5mm
Weight: 199g
Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance

Google has finally ditched the signature bar-style rear camera design and introduced a cleaner, island-style layout. The new camera module looks more refined and less bulky, giving the Pixel 9 Pro a fresh yet familiar look. The matte glass back feels premium and resists fingerprints, though it’s a bit slippery. Despite a few accidental drops during testing, the phone showed no damage—thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides.

At under 200 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro feels well-balanced and comfortable for everyday use. The IP68 rating adds peace of mind, and the new design doesn’t wobble when laid flat on a table. Available in Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian, and Porcelain, the phone looks sleek and understated.

In short, this is the Pixel design done right—clean, minimalistic, and built to last.

Display: Bright, Smooth, and Beautiful

Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1Hz–120Hz
Resolution: 1280×2856 pixels
Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2

The Pixel 9 Pro’s screen is a visual treat. With its crisp Full-HD+ OLED panel and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, everything from scrolling to streaming feels ultra-smooth. The 3,000-nit peak brightness makes it easy to use even under harsh sunlight.

The compact size also makes it ideal for watching movies or browsing social media. Colors appear vibrant yet natural, and HDR content looks stunning. Google’s shift to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is another welcome move—it’s fast and far more reliable than optical sensors.

Performance: Smooth but Not a Powerhouse

Chipset: Google Tensor G4
Security: Titan M2 coprocessor
RAM/Storage: 16GB RAM, 256GB storage

When it comes to raw power, the Pixel 9 Pro isn’t the fastest in its class. The Tensor G4 handles everyday tasks like browsing, multitasking, and AI features effortlessly. But when you push it with heavy gaming or video editing, it starts to lag behind Snapdragon-powered flagships.

That said, Google’s optimizations ensure smooth performance in day-to-day use. The phone also stays cool during demanding tasks. Benchmark scores confirm it performs well—but not at the very top of the flagship charts.

What really sets the Pixel apart is software. It runs on Android 14 out of the box, with an update to Android 15 bringing new features like Theft Detection Lock, Private Space, and App Archiving. The UI is clean, fluid, and free from bloatware—pure Android at its best.

The typing experience is excellent too, thanks to tight haptics and responsive feedback. The stereo speakers are loud enough for a medium-sized room, and call quality is crystal clear on both Jio and Airtel 5G networks.

AI Features: Google’s Smartest Pixel Yet

The Pixel 9 Pro comes loaded with Google Gemini AI, which understands voice, text, and even images. You can talk to it naturally and get contextual responses—like showing what’s on your screen and explaining it.

Other AI highlights include:

• Add Me: Ensures you never miss group photos by automatically including your face in the frame.
• Super Res Zoom (up to 20x): Delivers sharper and more detailed zoom shots.
• Pixel Studio: A new AI image generator powered by Google’s Imagen 3 model.
• AI-powered Weather and Keep Notes apps.

These features make the Pixel 9 Pro not just a smartphone, but a truly smart assistant.

Camera: Still the King of Photography

Rear Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto
Front Camera: 42MP

Photography has always been Pixel’s biggest strength, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues that legacy. Daylight photos look realistic with excellent dynamic range, sharp details, and natural skin tones. Portrait mode is stellar, and the telephoto lens delivers crisp 5x zoom shots.

Low-light photos also shine, capturing great detail and accurate colors. The AI processing ensures every image looks professionally tuned without losing authenticity.

Verdict: The Perfect Pixel for Everyday Users

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the most balanced Pixel yet—compact, powerful, and loaded with smart features. It offers the same camera system and AI magic as the larger 9 Pro XL but in a more pocketable form. Battery life is solid, design is premium, and software is pure bliss.

However, if you’re a gamer or someone who needs extreme processing power, the Tensor G4 might disappoint. For everyone else—especially photography lovers—the Pixel 9 Pro is an easy recommendation.

At ₹1,09,999, it’s a bit pricey, but what you’re really paying for is the best of Google’s AI and camera tech wrapped in a stunning, compact flagship.

Alternatives:

• Pixel 9: A more affordable option with slightly fewer features.
• Samsung Galaxy S24+: A strong all-rounder with better gaming performance.
• iPhone 16 Pro: Pricier, but offers more raw power and longer ecosystem support.

Bottom line: If you want a phone that thinks smarter, shoots better, and fits comfortably in your hand—the Pixel 9 Pro is your perfect match.