August's Made by Google launch event has concluded, and we’ve been introduced to four brand new phones — but which one is right for you?
We’ve tested them all out already, and made this quick guide that’ll explain the reasons why you might want to order a Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – and whether you should think about an upgraded model.
If you want to complete the new Google Pixel tech setup you can also check out our hands-on Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review and hands-on Google Pixel Watch 3 review for our thoughts. For now, let's talk about the phones.
Google Pixel 9 specs comparison
Google Pixel 9
- Best for AI fun on a budget
- Impressive specs for a ‘base model’, Gemini AI is great
- $799 / £799 / AU$1,349 is pricier than Pixel 8 launch price
Starting with the base model, our hands-on Google Pixel 9 review said this device “sets a new standard for ‘base model’ flagship phones” because it offers “all of the best features of the Pixel 9 Pro, including the same great cameras and AI-ready specs,” with it being twice as durable as the Google Pixel 8 to boot
It also packs in plenty of new features powered by Google’s Gemini AI. ‘Add Me’ lets you snap a picture then pass it to someone else, enter the frame, and watch as your Pixel 9 stitches you into the original picture, while another AI tool can listen to your phone calls and make notes – just to name a couple of the software additions.
Because of this AI-focus the Google Pixel 9 packs 12GB of RAM so it can handle these tasks – this is the same amount of RAM as you’d find in a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, these improvements come at a price, with the base 128GB model coming in at $799 / £799 / AU$1,349 which is pricier than what the Pixel 8 launched at. But what would you get if you got the Pro?
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Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Best overall and for hardcore users
- Small but very powerful, could actually last you for seven years of updates
- $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 for only 128GB is a shame
In our hands-on Google Pixel 9 Pro review we found it’s the regular-sized phone powerhouse we've been waiting for. You get all the great specs and features – including 16GB of RAM, a 5x Zoom lens, and all of the new Gemini AI smarts – with a manageable 6.3-inch display (the same as the base Pixel 9).
Speaking of AI, the new Gemini Live feature will be a Pixel 9 Pro exclusive. With it you can talk to Google Gemini in a more natural way, and you can interact with Gemini via text, audio, or using photos to get answers to your queries.
Plus, at $999 / £999 /AU$1,699 the Pixel 9 Pro isn’t actually that much more expensive than the Pixel 9. So if you’re intrigued by the Pro’s improvements then you might want to splash out on this upper-tier model, especially if you’re looking to take Google up on its promise of seven years of updates, where that extra 4GB of RAM could help a lot.
The only major disappointment we’ve found is you’ll only get 128GB of storage for the price, “which is shameful” to quote our reviewer Philip Berne. Oh, it’s also launching later than the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL coming on September 4 instead of August 22, which is a knock against it if you’re desperate to get your preorder in your hands ASAP.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Best for those who want a large screen
- Bigger display and battery than Pixel 9 Pro
- Otherwise it’s identical to smaller Pixel 9 Pro
There’s only two differences of note between the Google Pixel 9 Pro and its larger Google Pixel 9 Pro XL sibling: the display and battery.
Instead of a 6.3-inch screen the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch display, though while it’s technically ‘better’ because it packs in more pixels our reviewer found it was only “marginally sharper” – and in every other regard the displays are the same with a 3,000 nits peak brightness and LTPO technology for a low-power always-on display.
You’ll also get a bigger battery out of the 9 Pro XL, coming in at 5,060mAh rather than 4,700mAh. Both batteries support 45W charging, though Google claims the 9 Pro XL is somehow faster because it refills 70% of its charge in 30 minutes instead of just 55% in 30 minutes for the Pixel 9 Pro.
For these upgrades you’ll pay $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849 so an extra $100 / £100 / AU$150 compared to the smaller Pixel 9 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Best for people who want an ultra portable tablet
- 8-inch foldable screen is huge,
- $1,799 / £1,749 / AU$2,699 for an IPX8 phone still feels risky
Last but by no means least is the new Folding phone from Google, and as we highlight in our hands-on Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review it “renders the original Fold a prototype at best” – it’s just that great.
The outer 6.3-inch screen is the same as the Pixel 9 Pro so it promises you a full-flagship-sized display even before you unfold it; when you do open it up however you’ll get a massive 8-inch screen that “might have the best crease in the business” that’s as close to unnoticeable as our reviewer has seen – it’s also the biggest folding screen on the market. So it’s extra shocking how thin and light this thing is; folded it’s just 2mm thicker than the Pixel 9.
It does well to live up to the ‘Pixel 9 Pro’ part of its name too, with 16GB of RAM and 256GB for its base $1,799 / £1,749 / AU$2,699 model (more on that cost in a second). However, you will lose out on some camera quality, getting only a 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto cameras on the back instead of the base Pixel 9 Pro’s 50MP wide; 48MP Ultrawide; 48MP 5X zoom setup.
At its starting price, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is cheaper than Samsung’s newly launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (that costs $1,899.99 / £1,899 / AU$2,749) though it’s far from affordable. What’s more it only boasts an IPX8 dust and water resistance rating, with the X meaning it makes zero promises of how much dirt or dust it can keep out. The Z Fold 6 at least has an IP48 rating, though that can only stop dirt bigger than 1mm, which is enough to make anyone think twice before splurging on a phone that a short trip to the beach could ruin.
Folding phones are very fun to use, you just have to be conscious that they require extra care compared to what you might be used to if you choose to upgrade to this Pixel 9 model.
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Verdict
The ‘best’ Pixel 9 model will be a little subjective based on your personal needs and wants for a phone, but if we had to choose the one we’d recommend to most people it’d be the Google Pixel 9 Pro – especially if they’re willing to wait for a sale.
The base Pixel 9 would certainly serve you well, especially at its $200 / £200 / AU$350 lower price. But given the upgrades the Pro model offers (mainly that incredible 16GB of RAM), and the fact that the cost gap between the base and Pro models has shrunk this generation, you should definitely give the 9 Pro some attention.
And if it is a little too expensive for you right now, you could be served well by waiting until Black Friday sales time before upgrading your current phone to one of these new devices. In previous years we’ve seen the latest Pixel phones shave hundreds of dollars and pounds off their price thanks to deals, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t repeat this year.
As for the Fold and XL, those upgrades will be best for people who like big phones, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being especially for people that wish they always had a mini tablet on them – provided they’re willing to pay a fair bit, and take care where they take their foldable.
