Google’s Pixel 9 series offers some of the most innovative advancements in the Android world, pushing boundaries with AI-driven features, camera performance, and clean software integration. In this article, we will dive into the differences and similarities between the Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 9 XL to help you decide which device fits your needs.

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Design and Display

When it comes to design, Google has kept things simple and sleek across the Pixel 9 series, with some key differences between the three models.

• Google Pixel 9: The standard model features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The flat display gives it a compact feel, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more manageable size. With Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, it’s durable, though slightly smaller compared to its siblings.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: The Pro model boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 3120x1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother and sharper viewing experience. The curved edges give it a more premium feel, and the added screen real estate is perfect for media consumption and gaming.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: The XL version stands out with its large 6.8-inch OLED display at 3200x1440 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Like the Pro, the display is curved, but it’s slightly larger and offers a more immersive experience for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking.

Across all three models, HDR10+ support ensures vibrant color reproduction, and the screens remain clear and bright even in outdoor environments. The design philosophy is consistent—minimalistic, with a prominent camera bar and clean lines.

Performance (Including Benchmarks)

At the core of the Pixel 9 series lies Google’s custom-built Tensor G4 chipset, which focuses on AI and machine learning performance rather than raw power. It’s not the fastest chip in benchmarks, but it excels in smart features like real-time language translation, computational photography, and Google Assistant enhancements.

• Google Pixel 9: With 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, the Pixel 9 is tailored for everyday users who want a reliable, smooth Android experience. On Geekbench, it scores around 1,600 (single-core) and 4,500 (multi-core). While not as powerful as the Pro and XL models, it’s more than capable of handling daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking efficiently.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: With 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, the Pro model is more geared toward power users. On Geekbench, it achieves 1,700 (single-core) and 5,000 (multi-core), showing better performance in gaming, video editing, and other demanding applications compared to the standard Pixel 9.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: Like the Pro, the XL also features 12GB of RAM, but with larger storage options up to 1TB. Its benchmark results are slightly higher due to better thermal management, hitting around 1,750 (single-core) and 5,200 (multi-core). The Pixel 9 XL is designed for those who need top-tier performance, whether for professional tasks or intense gaming sessions.

While Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors (like in the Galaxy S24 Ultra) and Apple’s A18 Bionic chip (in the iPhone 16 Pro Max) outperform Google’s Tensor G4 in raw benchmarks, Google focuses on AI-driven performance rather than trying to be the fastest.

Camera

Google's camera capabilities have always been a major selling point of the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 family is no exception. The hardware is complemented by Google’s renowned computational photography, delivering stunning results in almost any condition.

• Google Pixel 9: Equipped with a 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide lens, the Pixel 9 delivers incredible photo quality in both well-lit and low-light environments. Google's Night Sight and Real Tone features enhance low-light performance and skin tone accuracy. While the Pixel 9 lacks a telephoto lens, it still delivers superb portrait shots with digital zoom up to 7x.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: In addition to the 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide, the Pixel 9 Pro adds a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, giving it an edge in versatility. The Super Res Zoom combines optical and digital zoom for up to 30x magnification, allowing for detailed long-distance shots without loss in clarity.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: Like the Pro, the XL features the same camera setup, but it benefits from improved heat dissipation during extended video recording or photography sessions. Google’s Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Cinematic Blur modes shine on both the Pro and XL models, offering superior results in action shots, group photos, and creative photography.

Overall, Google’s computational photography is unmatched, and all three models outperform rivals like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra in still photography, though Apple remains the leader in video capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 9 series offers respectable battery life across all models, though the larger Pro and XL have an advantage due to their bigger batteries.

• Google Pixel 9: With a 4,600mAh battery, the Pixel 9 comfortably lasts a full day of moderate use. It supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, compared to competitors, the charging speeds are slower.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: The Pro steps up with a 5,100mAh battery, delivering slightly better endurance. It supports the same 30W wired charging, though like the Pixel 9, the speeds lag behind some of its competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 45W charging.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: With its 5,200mAh battery, the XL offers the best longevity of the trio, often lasting up to a day and a half with regular use. The charging speeds are identical to the Pro, but the larger battery means it takes slightly longer to reach full charge.

While the Pixel 9 series offers good battery performance, faster charging could have made a big difference, especially when compared to devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is more efficient in both power management and charging times.

Software and Features

One of the key advantages of the Pixel 9 series is its clean Android 14 experience. Google delivers software updates faster than any other manufacturer, and its Pixel-exclusive features make the devices stand out.

• Google Pixel 9: Offers a pure Android experience with Pixel-exclusive features like Call Screen, Magic Eraser, and Live Translate. Google’s new AI-powered Assistant is also more integrated into the daily workflow.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: In addition to the core software features, the Pro model offers Motion Mode, allowing users to capture long-exposure shots without the need for a tripod, and Face Unblur, which enhances fast-moving subjects in action shots.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: The XL benefits from all the same features as the Pro, but with additional optimizations for its larger display, including split-screen multitasking and enhanced app experiences. The Pixel-exclusive software shines brightest on the XL due to its size and power, making it ideal for users who want to get the most out of Android 14.

Australian Pricing

The Pixel 9 series offers a solid range of options at different price points to suit various users. Here’s the breakdown for the Australian market:

• Google Pixel 9: Priced around AUD 1,299, the Pixel 9 is a great entry point into the Pixel ecosystem, offering strong performance, a great camera, and a compact design.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: Retailing for about AUD 1,599, the Pro is aimed at power users who want more screen space, better performance, and additional camera features.
• Google Pixel 9 XL: The flagship Pixel 9 XL starts at AUD 1,899, offering top-tier performance, the largest display, and a robust camera system for those who need the best Google has to offer.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 XL all offer exceptional Android experiences with smart features, impressive cameras, and clean software.

• The Pixel 9 is perfect for users looking for a compact, affordable option without compromising on essential features.
• The Pixel 9 Pro brings additional performance and camera versatility, making it the sweet spot for those who want more power.
• The Pixel 9 XL is the ultimate flagship, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals who need the best performance, camera features, and display size.

With competitive pricing and strong features, the Pixel 9 series provides an excellent alternative to the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max, especially for those who prefer the Google ecosystem.