Description
Google Pixel 9 Review: A Flagship with Stunning Design and Performance
The Google Pixel 9, officially announced on August 13, 2024, and released on August 22, 2024, is a standout flagship smartphone that combines cutting-edge features, a sleek design, and powerful performance. Whether you’re looking for an excellent display, robust camera system, or an overall premium experience, the Pixel 9 aims to deliver. Here’s a closer look at its key features and performance. See also the Pixel 9 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 specs and price in Kenya
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Launch | Announced: 2024, August 13
Status: Available, Released 2024, August 22 |
Body | Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)
Weight: 198 g (6.98 oz) |
Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame | |
SIM: Nano-SIM + eSIM
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
|
Display | Type: OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak) |
Size: 6.3 inches, 94.7 cm² (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution: 1080 x 2424 pixels (~422 ppi density) |
|
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Always-on display | |
Platform | OS: Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
GPU: Mali-G715 MC7 | |
Memory | Card slot: No
Internal Storage: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM (UFS 3.1) |
Main Camera | Dual: 50 MP, f/1.7 (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide), 123˚ (1/2.55″) |
Features: Single-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take | |
Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR | |
Selfie Camera | Single: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF |
Features: HDR, panorama
Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
|
Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm Jack: No |
Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band |
Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | |
Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC | |
NFC: YesRadio: No
USB: USB Type-C 3.2 |
|
Features | Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
Satellite SOS service, Circle to Search | |
Battery | Type: Li-Ion 4700 mAh
Charging: 27W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 55% in 30 min15W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand) |
12W wireless (w/ Qi-compatible charger)Reverse wirelessBypass charging (w/ “Limit to 80%” option) | |
Miscellaneous | Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony |
Models: G2YBB, GUR25, G1B60 | |
SAR EU: 0.99 W/kg (head), 1.40 W/kg (body) | |
Price | KSh 87,000 |
Performance Tests | AnTuTu: 1224020 (v10)
GeekBench: 4489 (v6) 3DMark: 2587 (Wild Life Extreme) |
Display Brightness | Max Brightness: 2232 nits (measured) |
Loudspeaker Quality | -25.0 LUFS (Very good) |
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 9 comes with a sophisticated design that exudes a premium feel. The device features a glass front and glass back (both protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2), with an aluminum frame that adds durability and elegance. The IP68 rating for dust and water resistance means the phone can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, offering peace of mind in harsh conditions.
- Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
- Weight: 198g
With a slightly heavier build, the phone feels sturdy in hand, offering a balanced grip. The colors available include Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony, catering to a variety of personal tastes.
Display
The 6.3-inch OLED display on the Pixel 9 is one of its strongest features. Offering a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, the display delivers smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The peak brightness reaches 2700 nits, making it incredibly bright and visible even in direct sunlight. With a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, it provides sharp, detailed visuals, while the 20:9 aspect ratio ensures an immersive viewing experience.
- Type: OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
- Size: 6.3 inches (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 1080 x 2424 pixels (~422 ppi density)
Whether you’re watching high-quality content or simply browsing, the display’s vivid colors and smooth refresh rate enhance the overall experience.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, built on a 4nm process, the Pixel 9 offers exceptional performance. With an octa-core CPU featuring a 3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 and Mali-G715 MC7 GPU, the phone can handle demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and video editing with ease. The 12GB of RAM ensures smooth app transitions and a lag-free experience.
Running on Android 14, the Pixel 9 offers a clean, fast, and intuitive user interface. Plus, Google promises up to 7 major Android upgrades, meaning the phone will remain updated with the latest features and security patches for years to come.
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
- GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
- Internal Storage: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM (UFS 3.1)
Camera
The dual-camera system on the Google Pixel 9 is designed to capture high-quality photos and videos. The 50 MP wide-angle lens and 48 MP ultrawide lens are both equipped with dual-pixel PDAF for fast focusing and optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady shots. With Ultra-HDR, Pixel Shift, and Best Take features, the Pixel 9 ensures that you always get the best shot in every scenario, whether you’re capturing stills or recording videos.
- Main Camera:
- 50 MP, f/1.7 (wide), 1/1.31″ sensor
- 48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide), 123˚ field of view
- Video: 4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240fps with 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, and OIS
For selfies, the 10.5 MP front camera captures sharp and vibrant shots, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its large sensor and wide field of view.
- Selfie Camera:
- 10.5 MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide)
- Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Battery and Charging
The 4700 mAh battery on the Pixel 9 is designed to last through a full day of use, even with intensive screen time. Charging is fast, with support for 27W wired charging that can charge up to 55% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the phone supports 15W wireless charging (Pixel Stand), 12W Qi wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging to power up other devices.
- Battery: Li-Ion 4700 mAh
- Charging: 27W wired, PD3.0, PPS; 55% in 30 min; 15W wireless (Pixel Stand); 12W Qi wireless; Reverse wireless
Sensors and Additional Features
The Pixel 9 features a fingerprint scanner under the display, offering convenient biometric security. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and Satellite SOS service, making the phone equipped for a wide range of use cases.
Circle to Search is another standout feature that allows users to search for information by simply circling an image or text, bringing Google’s AI capabilities directly to the forefront.
- Fingerprint: Under-display, ultrasonic
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Satellite SOS, Circle to Search
Price and Availability in Kenya
The Google Pixel 9 is priced at KSh 87,000 in Kenya, making it a competitive choice in the premium smartphone market with its high-end features and performance.
Pros:
- Stunning 120Hz OLED display with HDR10+ support
- Powerful Google Tensor G4 chipset for fast and efficient performance
- Excellent dual-camera system with 4K video recording
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Fast 27W wired charging and reverse wireless charging
- Up to 7 years of Android updates
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 is a fantastic flagship device that combines excellent performance, an amazing display, and an exceptional camera system. Whether you’re a power user, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates quality, the Pixel 9 delivers on all fronts. With its long software support and premium build, the Google Pixel 9 is one of the best Android smartphones you can buy in 2025.
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