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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Pixel 9 series combines improved 5G performance and useful call-noise reduction with a Tensor G4 that feels responsive but does not lead in graphics benchmarks. In HotHardware’s August 27, 2024 review, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL also held up better than the base Pixel 9 in a sustained graphics test. Choose the Pixel 9 for the lower launch price, the Pro for premium cameras in a smaller phone, or the Pro XL for the largest screen and battery.
How well do the Pixel 9 phones handle reception and calls?
HotHardware tested the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL on T-Mobile and reported 5G speeds and reliability in line with leading phone makers. All three support a broad range of sub-6GHz and millimeter-wave 5G bands, according to the review. That is a favorable result for the tested carrier, not a guarantee of identical reception or speeds on every network, in every location or under every signal condition.
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Clear Calling uses AI to reduce background noise during calls. The reviewer found the improvement noticeable, particularly when calling outdoors.
Is Tensor G4 fast enough?
For everyday responsiveness, the review’s verdict is broadly positive: Tensor G4 feels capable, and its Cortex X4 CPU core, clocked at 3.1GHz, helps single-thread performance. The chip retains much of Tensor G3’s architecture, however, and the test results do not put it at the top of its class.
#1 Best Overall
- The power behind AI on Google Pixel - Google Tensor G4 is Pixel’s most powerful chip yet.
- Advanced camera. Next-level amazing - The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main sensor for incredible image and video quality. And a new 48 MP ultrawide camera for stunning Macro Focus.
- The amazing Actua display - The 6.3-inch Actua display is sharp, vibrant, and super bright. It runs fast, up to 120Hz, for smooth gaming, scrolling, and switching between apps
- Powerful performance - Pixel 9 runs fast and smooth with 12 GB of RAM. And it’s designed to handle Google’s advanced AI.
- Give photos a whole new vision - Reimagine photos in Magic Editor, like adding fall leaves or green grass. Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see.
CPU and graphics results
In Geekbench 6, the phones posted respectable single-core results but fell behind current Qualcomm devices in multi-core workloads. GFXBench showed the Mali GPU performing around the level of flagship phones from one or two years earlier. That makes the Pixel 9 series less compelling for buyers who prioritize the highest graphics performance than for those who value a responsive general-purpose phone.
Modem features
The phones use an Exynos 5400 modem. HotHardware notes satellite SOS, Wi-Fi 7 and broad 5G support among its features.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[1]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main sensor for incredible image and video quality, and a new 48 MP ultrawide camera for stunning Macro Focus
- Make your photos better than you can imagine with Google AI; take a picture and be in it too with Add Me[2]; Best Take helps everyone look their best; and with Magic Editor, you can reframe photos, reimagine the scenery, and more[2]
- Get more info quickly with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; instead of typing, use Gemini Live; it follows along even if you change the topic or switch the question[30]; and Pixel Screenshots helps you save things you’ll want to remember later
Does the Pixel 9 throttle when gaming?
It can lose graphics performance during a long load, but the amount varied significantly by model in HotHardware’s 20-run 3DMark Wild Life stress test. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL maintained over 90% stability; the Pixel 9’s performance dropped by almost 30% over the full test. The reviewer also reported that the Pro models did not get too warm during the test.
HotHardware describes the sustained performance as better than the phones’ raw graphics scores might suggest. It also says some high-end Samsung phones can lose about half their speed under sustained load. That comparison is the reviewer’s contextual assessment; the figures above are the Pixel 9 series results reported for the 20-run test.
Rank #3
- Gemini AI Integration: Built-in Gemini AI assistant supercharges your productivity and creativity, helping you accomplish tasks faster, generate content, and unlock new possibilities right from your smartphone without needing additional apps or subscriptions
What are the differences between Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The main trade-offs are size, display resolution, memory, battery capacity and rear-camera coverage. The Pro and Pro XL share the same listed camera system; the XL is the larger-screen, larger-battery option. HotHardware’s comparison lists these specifications and launch prices:
| Model | Display | RAM | Battery | Rear cameras | Launch price | Storage and brightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080 × 2424 | 12GB | 4,700mAh | 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide | $799 | Not stated in HotHardware’s comparison |
| Pixel 9 Pro | 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED, 1280 × 2856 | 16GB | 4,700mAh | 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide and 48MP 5× telephoto | $999 | Not stated in HotHardware’s comparison |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED, 1344 × 2992 | 16GB | 5,060mAh | 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide and 48MP 5× telephoto | $1,099 | Not stated in HotHardware’s comparison |
These are launch prices listed in HotHardware’s August 27, 2024 review, not a statement of current retail pricing. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL also add a 42MP selfie camera, which the base model does not have in the review’s comparison.
Rank #4
- 6.8" LTPO OLED, 486 PPI, 1344x2992 px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 5060 mAh battery, Android 14, with 7 Major Software Updates.
- 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm), Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520), Mali-G715 MC7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 48MP, f/2.8 (telephoto) + 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), Front Camera: 42MP, f/2.2
- 3G: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 5G: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint., Etc. For Developers, Carrier Unlocked models will not allow an Unlocked Boot Loader.
Charging differences
Google’s support specifications list wireless charging of up to 15W for Pixel 9, 21W for Pixel 9 Pro and 23W for Pixel 9 Pro XL when used with Pixel Stand (2nd gen). Google’s one-pager says the Pro XL can reach 70% charge in about 30 minutes with a Google 45W USB-C charger, sold separately. That charging-time figure is specifically for the Pro XL and the named charger.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which Pixel 9 model should you buy?
- Choose Pixel 9 if you want the lowest launch-price tier of the three and do not need a telephoto camera. Its compact 6.3-inch size matches the Pro, but it has less RAM, a lower-resolution display and weaker sustained graphics stability in the reported stress test.
- Choose Pixel 9 Pro if you want the Pro camera system, including the 48MP 5× telephoto and 42MP selfie camera, without moving up to the XL’s 6.8-inch display. Its battery capacity matches the base Pixel 9, while its RAM and display resolution are higher.
- Choose Pixel 9 Pro XL if you prefer the largest display and battery in this group. It shares the Pro camera system and RAM amount, and Google specifies the highest of the three wireless-charging rates for Pixel Stand (2nd gen).
For gaming, the Pro models are the safer choice based on the review’s sustained-load test. None of the reported benchmark results makes the series a graphics-performance leader, so buyers whose priority is top-tier gaming speed should weigh that limitation against the Pixel’s other features.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 128gb of storage
- Includes charging cord and box
- Excellent cosmetic condition
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