If you’re looking for a decent replacement for an older phone or a backup, and the Pixel 9 looks eerily similar to the Pixel 10, is it still worth it? Well, of course it is, but let’s get into why in this deep dive.
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The same as its siblings
One of the best things about the Pixel 9 is that it looks almost identical to the Pixel 10, so you’re not getting an out-of-date design. Hey, that doesn’t matter to most people, but it could be important to you. You can even use a few of the Pixel 10 cases if you really want to, not that we’d recommend it, because they don’t quite look right, even though functionally you lose nothing, just a weird gap below the camera bar.
Using the same formula might be stale to some people, but it works, so why change it for the sake of it?
The best news is that this finally shows Google is confident, given its success with the Pixel 9 design. The company has finally settled on a physical form factor that works after years of fiddling, and it’s no secret that the goal is to make the switch from iOS to Android as “easy and painless” as possible. A familiar design goes a long way to calming the nerves of a potential switcher. The Pixel 9 is a perfect example of this philosophy. The Pixel 10 essentially proves that too.
While I might grumble about minor details, such as the power button size on the Pro XL not increasing to match the new, boxier frame, the overall experience of holding the phone, even with a case, remains fantastic. Another bit of good news is that there doesn’t appear to be any major hardware fault to speak of. Like any phone, some people have their own foibles, but Pixels have been plagued with widespread problems. After a year, the Pixel 9 series doesn’t seem to have that.
This is something we’ve craved for years, and you’re catered to well. It bodes well for the long-term, more so than older generations.
All the Android flavor
Material 3 Expressive bleeds new life into the Pixel 9 in a way that Android 15 and the base Android 16 were unable to. This is where Google is truly able to differentiate its hardware from everything else on the market. Samsung might dominate the market in terms of sheer volume, given that it accounts for almost one in four Android phones sold globally. Still, most Galaxy phones can’t replicate the distinct Google software experience.
New animations, improved visuals, and marginally improved performance. The QPR1 launch bleeds yet more life into the Pixel 9. At its core, this update is identical to the software build found on the Pixel 10, too. You may miss out on some of the extra AI functionality, but none that is yet groundbreaking enough to be drastically upset about.
Sure, the competition might offer a faster processor or more RAM, but can they offer the fluidity of a system that is fully integrated into all parts of your digital life? That’s what the Pixel 9 delivers.
The Pixel 9 has already seen multiple updates, fixing things like audio delay problems in certain video apps, or stability issues when switching between camera lenses. These monthly security patches and Pixel Drops are a testament to the fact that your phone is a constantly evolving product.
With more updates due very soon, the prospect of an even more optimized experience, and many of the best bits of Google all rolled into one handset, it’s a damn good buy, especially as other OEMs are really struggling to get their own Android 16 updates out in a timely fashion. We’re almost 5 months on from the full launch, and barely anyone outside of Samsung has offered a wide rollout. Of course, all Pixel 9 devices get day-one updates.
A great, familiar camera
Yes, the core setup on most of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 lineups is similar enough that photos are going to look great. In fact, the base Pixel 9 has a better dual camera system than the Pixel 10 due to the newer device shipping with the same wide and ultra-wide as the Pixel 9a. If you don’t care about a dedicated telephoto lens – which is admittedly a big selling point – then you’ll get arguably better photos.
The only major differences in the end results pertain to the tuning. A little bit of color tweaking here, some tonal changes there, but for the most part, you’ll have difficulty deciphering which camera took which photos unless you love zoom shots with your Pro phone. Yes, the 10 Pro has better zoom, but it’s powered by AI upscaling, so at least in theory, a third-party app might offer some of that functionality. The cameras are still very good on the Pixel 9 and are backed by Google’s excellent updates, too.
Even video quality stacks up, though I will say Google’s reliance on Video Boost as a workaround for lower quality footage is a bit of a cop-out. However, it’s a good workaround, and the resulting footage is still excellent, even if I’m hoping for better on-device processing in future Pixel generations.
Ultimately, the camera is a prime example of the Pixel value proposition. You don’t need the absolute latest, greatest, multi-lens Pro Max Ultra setup to take world-class photos. You need a Pixel. The camera on the 9 is still right up there with the best from Samsung, OnePlus, and others. It’s doing just as much with technically less.
Even better, buy it now price.
The biggest reason that many people who are looking for a new phone might want to consider at least the Pixel 9 lineup is that, with discounts, you’re getting a great deal. Sure, bigger, better, faster, and shinier phones exist. They don’t give you the same experience, though. You’re paying for something that others can’t replicate, even at higher price tags.
With more updates due very soon, the prospect of an even more optimized experience, and many of the best bits of Google all rolled into one handset, it’s a damn good buy.
Is the Pixel 9 the best option for a phone right now? Suppose you want arguably the best software and are willing to forgo a few of the bells and whistles. In that case, it is an excellent alternative for anyone looking to save a little money without sacrificing too much. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more compelling mix of software intelligence and hardware value.
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