Design & Build
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The Pixel 9 sports a 6.3-inch OLED display with a smooth 60-120 Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals and responsive performance.
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It’s protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, combining durability with a premium feel.
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Built to handle life’s messes, the phone has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Performance & AI Power
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At its core is the Tensor G4 processor, designed specifically for AI workloads.
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The G4 chip enables features like Gemini Live, which lets you have real-time, conversational interactions with Google’s Gemini AI assistant.
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Also powered by on-device AI:
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Call Notes: After a call, your Pixel can generate a private, on-device summary of the conversation.
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Pixel Screenshots: The phone can organize and recall information from your screenshots, making it easier to find things later.
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Magic Editor / Auto-Frame: AI-based editing tools let you reframe, reimagine, or even expand parts of your photos.
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Camera
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Dual rear-camera setup:
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50 MP wide (with OIS) for high-quality primary shots.
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48 MP ultra-wide with a 123° field of view.
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Front camera: 10.5 MP, suitable for selfies and video calls.
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Google’s signature camera features (Night Sight, Magic Editor, etc.) are boosted by the Pixel’s AI capabilities, making it more flexible to edit and enhance on the fly.
Battery & Charging
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4,700 mAh battery, which Google claims can last “24 hours or more” with typical use.
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Charging:
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27 W wired — fast enough to power up reasonably quickly.
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Wireless charging supported (with compatible chargers).
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Reverse wireless charging — the Pixel 9 can charge other devices wirelessly.
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Memory, Storage & Software
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Comes with 12 GB of RAM.
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Storage options: 128 GB or 256 GB.
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Runs on Android 14, with 7 years of OS, security, and feature updates promised by Google
Connectivity & Extras
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5G, Wi-Fi (including newer standards), Bluetooth, NFC, GPS.
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Satellite SOS support for emergencies.
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In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlock.
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Google VPN included, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Strengths
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AI-Driven Experience: The Gemini-based features make the Pixel 9 feel more like a smart assistant than just a phone.
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Long-Term Value: With 7 years of updates, it’s very future-proof.
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Camera Quality + Flexibility: The dual camera and AI photo tools make it great for both casual snapshots and more creative edits.
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Premium Build: Solid materials, good protection, and a sleek modern design.
Considerations / Trade-Offs
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Charging Speed: While 27 W is decent, it’s not the fastest among flagship competitors.
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AI Feature Availability: Some advanced AI tools depend on subscription-level access (e.g., Gemini Advanced).
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Thermal Performance: As with many AI-heavy chips, sustained load (especially on AI tasks) might lead to heating — users have reported this in some contexts. > “The Tensor G4 … often heats up … Everything seems slow …”
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Region Limitations: Certain AI features (like Pixel Studio or Call Notes) may not be available in all countries.