Introduction

When it comes to reviewing phones in 2025, the reality is that almost all phones you’ll find in stores today land on a scale from “really good for day-to-day use” to “amazing.” Gone are the days of phones (especially cheap Android phones) that are so slow with such poor cameras that they’re practically unusable. If you don’t have very specific needs (great camera, gaming, lots of storage), you’ll likely be perfectly happy with almost any modern smartphone.

My first impressions of the Google Pixel 9 Pro center on Google’s evident effort to refine the phone’s design. Most notable are the sharper edges and completely redesigned camera bump. Gone is the iconic “visor” that had been the recognizable design feature of the Pixel line since version 6, replaced by a more rounded camera housing with sharper corners. While this still stands out from other manufacturers’ design languages, I found myself missing the distinctive visor that made Pixels immediately identifiable.

The Size Factor

The trend in recent years has been that the best phones with the highest specs are also the largest phones—a reality many of us have reluctantly accepted. Having used the Google Pixel 8 Pro as my daily driver for the past year, I’ve become accustomed to its larger footprint.

This year, Google has taken a different approach with the Pixel 9 Pro, which features a more manageable 6.3″ screen. For those who still prefer larger devices, Google offers the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8″ display and correspondingly larger battery. The core specifications remain identical between the two models, with size being the primary differentiator.

This shift gives consumers more choice and acknowledges that flagship features shouldn’t be restricted to only the largest form factors. The standard Pixel 9 Pro’s more compact dimensions make it noticeably more comfortable to hold and use one-handed—a welcome change in the premium smartphone segment.

Design & Build Quality

The Pixel 9 Pro takes a departure from Google’s iconic “visor” camera design, adopting a more contemporary aesthetic with square edges that give it a sleeker appearance. While the new camera housing might take some adjustment for long-time Pixel users, it grows on you quickly. Most users will likely use a case anyway, which diminishes the visual impact of this design change.

One of the most notable improvements is the new size option. The standard Pixel 9 Pro now comes in a smaller form factor (matching the regular Pixel 9), while those preferring larger devices can opt for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which maintains dimensions similar to the previous Pixel 8 Pro. The compact size of the regular Pro model feels excellent in hand, offering flagship features without requiring pocket-stretching dimensions.

Android Experience

In 2023, when I reviewed the Pixel 8 Pro, it came with a preview of Android 14, allowing users to test most functionality even before the OS was fully finalized. The release of Pixel 9 presents a more complicated situation, as Android 15 was delayed and is slated for release in mid-October. This timing creates a review dilemma: should one evaluate the phone as it currently exists, or wait for the OS that will define much of its experience?

This delayed OS release puts the Pixel 9 Pro in an unusual position, as many of the AI features and optimizations Google has promoted are tied to the Android 15 update. I opted for waiting a while with review, giving me more time to test out the phone as a daily driver.

Performance

Powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers impressive responsiveness across everyday tasks. The combination of this upgraded chipset with the high refresh rate display creates a consistently snappy experience when navigating the interface, switching between apps, or performing routine functions.

The Tensor G4 appears to have addressed some of the thermal and efficiency concerns of previous generations, though I haven’t pushed it to extremes with extended gaming sessions or lengthy 4K video recording.

Display

The Pixel 9 Pro’s display is a standout feature, offering exceptional brightness that ensures visibility even in direct sunlight. Color reproduction appears accurate and vibrant, making it excellent for photo editing, watching videos, and general use. The high refresh rate further enhances the premium feel by providing smooth scrolling and animations.

Camera System

Building on the already impressive foundation of the Pixel 8 Pro’s cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro takes mobile photography to new heights. In real-world testing during vacation, it captured stunning photos in various conditions:

• Daylight photography is exceptional, with impressive dynamic range and detail
• Night mode continues to be a Pixel strength, delivering remarkable low-light results
• The versatile lens array offers creative flexibility without compromising quality

Battery Life

Despite some mixed reports from other reviewers, my experience with the Pixel 9 Pro’s battery has been consistently positive. The device easily lasts a full day of normal use, even with continuous music and podcast streaming. This all-day endurance comes without enabling power-saving features or adjusting usage habits.

Software & AI Features

Running the latest version of Android, the Pixel 9 Pro showcases Google’s vision for smartphone software. The headline feature is the deeper integration of Gemini AI throughout the system, though the experience varies by region and has notable limitations:

• Many AI features are still pending release in the EU
• The “Add Me” camera feature shows promise but currently feels somewhat unreliable
• Magic Editor can impressively add AI-generated objects to images, though it remains more of a novelty than an essential tool

One significant drawback I’ve found is that Gemini is practically useless if it can’t work on the lock screen with my headsets when I’m out walking or running. This limitation is something that Google has started fixing. The whole point of having AI assistance on a mobile device is being able to take notes and perform tasks hands-free, especially during activities where handling the phone is impractical or unsafe. This limitation significantly undermines one of the phone’s key selling points.

With so much of Google’s marketing focused on AI capabilities that will arrive with future updates, reviewing the current state of the Pixel 9 Pro feels somewhat incomplete—many of its promised features simply aren’t available yet.

Connectivity

In urban environments like Stockholm, the device maintains strong cellular connectivity. Bluetooth performance has shown occasional minor glitches, though these could potentially be attributed to connected accessories rather than the phone itself.

Long-term Value

With Google’s commitment to 7 years of software updates, the Pixel 9 Pro represents a sound long-term investment. This extended support timeline, combined with Google’s control over both hardware and software integration, creates a compelling value proposition compared to other Android flagships.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9 Pro successfully refines the Pixel formula in a more compact form factor. Its exceptional camera system, strong performance, and all-day battery life make it a standout option in the premium smartphone segment. While the AI features don’t yet fully deliver on their promise (particularly in Europe), the phone’s core functionality excels in everyday use. However, this also comes at a price, the Pixel 9 Pro is not a cheap phone. The chepest price for the regular Pixel 9 starts right now at 7 800 SEK while the cheapest Pixel 9 Pro is 9 200 SEK and the XL is starting at 10 300.

For those seeking a premium Android experience with industry-leading photography capabilities and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 Pro deserves serious consideration.

Pros:

• Excellent camera system that performs well in all lighting conditions
• Responsive performance from the Tensor G4 processor
• Bright, high-quality display ideal for outdoor use
• Comfortable, compact design
• All-day battery life
• 7 years of software updates

Cons:

• Regional limitations on AI features
• Some AI capabilities still feel more like novelties than essential tools
• Departure from iconic Pixel camera design may disappoint some fans
• The price