Google Pixel 9 Pro test: our full opinion –

For several years, there have been only two choices at Google: either an ultra-efficient, but large smartphone, or a smaller, but less well-equipped one.

The ninth generation of Pixel is reshuffling the cards and Google is operating with it a return to basics, a return to what the Pixel 3 or Pixel 4 could offer, namely all the technology of a very high-end in a compact format.

Exit the 6.8 inches of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Here, 6.3 inches is enough. There are other differences between these two models and we have detailed them in our test of its big brother:

• a smaller screen,
• a smaller battery,
• slower charging.

Here are the differences between the two devices. But for the rest, it’s absolutely identical. Also, we have decided not to rewrite our test of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The software, photo, audio and networks and communication aspects are common and can be found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL test.

We aim here to deal with the notable differences that there may be between the two Pixels, those mentioned above, but also the performance and screen data.

Is it really an almost carbon copy of the Pixel 9 Pro XL or is this Pixel 9 Pro a step below. Answer in this test.

Finally a more compact top of the range!

This is undoubtedly the most distinctive point of this Pixel 9 Pro. Is it the compact version of the Pixel 9 Pro XL or is it the one that fell into a creatine bath? We won’t have the answer, but finding a totally high-end Pixel with measured measurements is excellent news for the diversity of Pixels.

Until the Pixel 4 we were entitled to two versions of different sizes, without compromising on technical characteristics. Google then chose to only take the largest of its Pixels, the Pro version, as its flagship.

The Pixel 9 Pro revives the old practice and it is very good for those who do not want to have a huge smartphone in their pocket while wanting to benefit from all the latest technological advances, and especially in photography.

Yes because it is this component which was mainly truncated on the Pixel 6, 7 and 8. Gone is the telephoto lens reserved for the largest models. The Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t ignore it.

The handling of this smartphone is simply the same as with the Pixel 9, both sharing strictly the same dimensions, the only difference being 1 gram in weight.

We therefore have flat edges and more rounded corners, compared to the Pixel 8. The grip is not as pleasant, the latter falling perfectly in the palm of the hand, but we get used to it. I will add that while the matte back is a good idea, the glossy edges are less so. They grip fingerprints and slide easily. A shell is not too much.

And as with the entire 2024 range, this Pixel 9 Pro is adorned with Google’s new “signature” photo module. Oblong, in polished metal, it gives a real identity to the Google smartphone which makes it recognizable among all. If Google has given in to the fashion for “Apple-style” flat edges, it marks its difference with this very successful lens strip.

Watch your eyes, it’s bright

Smaller than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the 9 Pro obviously has a more restricted diagonal. From 6.8 inches, we go to 6.3 inches. It’s not what you could call a compact smartphone, but with current trends, it’s one of the most compact.

Small advantage for this Pixel 9 Pro, since its definition does not vary, it has a better resolution than the Pixel 9 Pro XL: from 486 ppi, we go to 495 ppi. The difference isn’t immediately obvious, but it’s still interesting to note.

Concerning the calibration, as one might have expected, it is very similar to that of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, or even a bit better in places.

This is particularly the case for the average DeltaE, i.e. the colorimetric accuracy which here is 3.05 for a target of 3. That’s in SDR, for HDR content, we climb to 6.36 for a target of 3. 6. It’s very good either way.

What we also appreciate, and which goes hand in hand, is the colorimetric temperature which is a few points from the desired 6500K. Neither too hot nor too cold. The Pixel 9 Pro screen transmits true colors.

As for brightness, it reaches 2000 nits in SDR and exceeds 2500 nits in HDR. Suffice to say that we have no problem using this screen in direct sunlight.

Let us specify that all these values ​​are valid for the mode Adaptive. Google also offers a mode Natural in its settings, but it is less accurate.

The power of a Pixel 9 Pro XL in a small format

The Pixel 9 Pro has a Tensor G4 chip as well as 16 GB of RAM. A configuration identical in every way to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, the latter being larger, it has a more comfortable steam chamber.

We wanted to check if the Pixel 9 Pro could be less efficient than its predecessor because of this handicap.

Put through the benchmark mill, it does wonderfully. At least it is as efficient as its big brother. No bad surprises here, therefore.

On the other hand, we remind you that the Tensor G4 is not the most efficient of current high-end SoCs. In game, for example, it gets by, but will not maintain 60 fps on a Genshin Impact.

Add to this some heating issues which quickly hamper the chip, further limiting its performance.

Of course, all this is in the context of a stress test. In typical use, the Pixel 9 Pro remains fluid and never hesitates to juggle between several applications. Even if its SoC is not a Ferrari, it remains a high-end model and, as such, sufficiently efficient.

Photo

Common photo test, to be found here in our Pixel 9 Pro XL test.

Software

Common software test, to be found here in our Pixel 9 Pro XL test.

As autonomous as a foldable

Here is the last difference maintained between the Pixel 9 Pro: autonomy. Different sizes, they are not in the same boat:

• Pixel 9 Pro : 4700 mAh
• Pixel 9 Pro XL : 5060 mAh

And yes, 360 mAh difference is a drop of around 8%. If the Pixel 9 Pro’s screen is smaller, this is the only component that differs from the XL version. Not enough to really optimize the discharge of the device.

And our custom SmartViser testing protocol acts as the ax. This follows a generic usage pattern for the smartphone with calls, GPS, various applications, streaming or even video games. And with this process, we go from 100% to 10% in 11h56, almost two hours less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

In the 1000-1300 euro range of smartphones that we tested this year, if it is not in last position, it finds itself neck and neck with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6… which is a foldable ( and therefore much less comfortable independently).

Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, it’s a drop, the latter totaling 13:49 on the same test.

Does this mean that the Pixel 9 Pro is a phone with poor autonomy? Everything will depend on your use. Let me explain.

If you are a frenzied user who frantically glances at your smartphone every 30 seconds, you play Fortnite 24 hours a day or you are a photographer all the time: yes, the Pixel 9 Pro battery will melt like snow in the sun . Autonomy day? In these conditions, it can go over the wire. In game, impossible.

But if, like me, you use your smartphone with an average screen time of three hours per day, well this Pixel 9 Pro is capable of lasting a little more than a day. I have never been afraid of going home without a battery, but every evening I charge it.

Transition all find to evoke the charge of the Pixel 9 Pro. This is the last singularity of this model compared to the XL. If the latter benefits from relatively fast charging at 37 Watts (while the official power supply is at 45 Watts…), the Pixel 9 Pro caps at 27 Watts. To refuel, allow 1h30. That’s a long time in 2024, but we can imagine that it also contributes to the durability of the battery.

Wireless, with a Pixel Stand, we have 21 Watts, compared to 23 Watts for the XL and 15 Watts for the Pixel 9. A difference which only seems to be there to justify the move upmarket.

Audio

Common audio test, to be found here in our Pixel 9 Pro XL test.

Networks and communication

Common network test, to be found here in our Pixel 9 Pro XL test.

Price and release date

The Pixel 9 Pro has been available since August 22, 2024. Here are its official prices:

• Pixel 9 Pro 128 Go : 1099 euros
• Pixel 9 Pro 256 Go : 1199 euros
• Pixel 9 Pro 512 Go ; 1329 euros

It comes in four finishes: porcelain, rose quartz, sage green and volcanic black.