Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: What’s New and Improved?

The release of the Google Pixel 9 Pro has sparked a wave of excitement among tech enthusiasts and loyal Pixel fans users. The Pixel series has long been recognized for its exceptional camera performance, clean software experience, and innovative features.  As the successor to the highly acclaimed Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro arrives with several upgrades, new features, and improvements that aim to redefine the Android smartphone experience.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore what’s new and improved in the Pixel 9 Pro compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro. We’ll cover everything from design and performance to camera capabilities and software enhancements, helping you decide whether the Pixel 9 Pro is worth the upgrade.

1. Design and Build Quality

Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro was acclaimed for its high build quality, which included a solid aluminum chassis sandwiched between Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. The design was modest but lovely, with subtle curves that made it easy to handle. The Pixel 8 Pro was offered in a variety of muted colors, making it appealing to users looking for a more sophisticated appearance. It also boasted an IP68 classification, making it resistant to dust and water.

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro follows a similar design philosophy, but with additional tweaks that improve both looks and ergonomics. The phone retains its aluminum and glass design but adds somewhat more prominent curves, particularly along the edges, to improve grip and comfort. The rear camera module, a major component of the Pixel 8 Pro, has been updated to merge more seamlessly into the body, giving the Pixel 9 Pro a sleeker look. New color options have been added, including more colorful and bold alternatives that will appeal to a wider audience.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Enhanced Ergonomics: The slightly more curved design improves comfort and grip.
  • Refined Camera Module: The redesigned camera bump integrates more smoothly with the back panel.
  • New Color Options: Fresh and vibrant color choices add a touch of personalization.

2. Display Quality

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro had a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels at 489 PPI (Pixel Per Inch), which delivered clear and bright graphics. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, the screen let you scroll smoothly and connect with touches quickly. Best color reproduction and contrast were guaranteed by its HDR10+ certification, which made it perfect for watching video. Pixel 8 Pro introduces a 1600 nits (HDR) and up to 2400 nits (peak brightness).

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro slightly decreases the display size to 6.3 inches, sticking with the LTPO OLED technology but with several notable improvements. The resolution lowered at 1280 x 2856 pixels at 495 PPI (Pixel Per Inch), but the refresh rate remains from 1Hz to 120Hz which dynamically adjusts based on the content being displayed. This adaptive refresh rate conserves battery life without compromising on the smoothness of the user experience. The Pixel 9 Pro boasted a massive peak brightness of up to 2000 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak brightness), making it easier to use in bright outdoor conditions.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Slightly smaller display:  From 6.7-inch to 6.3-inch.  Just a thin hair gap.
  • Lighter weight: From 7.5 ounce (213 grams) to 7 ounce (198 grams).  Not a noticeable resize.  
  • Dynamic Refresh Rate: The adaptive refresh rate enhances both battery efficiency and display performance.
  • Increased Brightness: The higher peak brightness improves visibility under direct sunlight.
  • OLED Technology: Both have the same OLED technology.  Though Pixel 9 Pro decreased the resolution compared to Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro has a higher PPI display and peak brightness which results to better color accuracy.

3. Performance and Processing Power

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro was powered by Google’s custom Tensor G3 chip, which provided solid performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and AI-driven features. It came with 12GB of RAM, which made multitasking easy, and storage choices ranging from 128GB to 256BG (at Amazon store). The Tensor G3 performed exceptionally well on AI and machine learning activities, which are essential to many of the Pixel’s unique features.

 

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro introduces the Tensor G4 chip, a more advanced and efficient processor designed to deliver top-tier performance. It came with a slight upgrade of 16GB RAM. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities have made it possible for the Tensor G4 to process complicated tasks like voice recognition, photo editing, and real-time language translation more quickly and accurately. For those who need a lot of space for apps, pictures, and movies, the Pixel 9 Pro also comes with up to 1TB of storage.  Unfortunately, only 256GB is available at Amazon. 

What’s New and Improved?

• • Tensor G4 Chip: A more powerful processor with enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities.
  • 1TB Storage Option: Increased storage capacity for power users. Can be sold at Google Store.
  • Improved Efficiency: An upgrade to 16 GB RAM enhanced performance and better energy management leads to longer battery life.

4. Camera System

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro was equipped with a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP wide sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. This setup delivered exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, where Google’s computational photography techniques excelled. Features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom were standout elements, making the Pixel 8 Pro one of the best smartphones for photography.

Pixel 9 Pro

Google has significantly upgraded the camera system in the Pixel 9 Pro. While the main 50MP sensor remains, it now has a larger sensor size, allowing for better light capture and enhanced image quality across various conditions. The telephoto lens has stayed the same 48MP with 5x optical zoom.  The ultra-wide lens has also seen improvements, with a 103° ultrawide field of view and better low-light performance, compared to Pixel 8 Pro which has a 95° wider field of view.  The Pixel 9 Pro still sporting the Super Resolution Zoom, a computational photography signature of Google, that sharpens and enhances zoomed-in shots without losing detail.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Larger Main Sensor: Enhanced low-light performance and overall image quality.
  • Front Camera: From 10.5MP of Pixel 8 Pro to a big leap of 42MP in Pixel 9 Pro. 
  • Rear Camera:  From 4K video recording to 8K video recording. 
  • Super Resolution Zoom: Enhanced zoom detail through advanced computational photography.
  • Wider Ultra-Wide Lens: From 95° field of view to 103° ultrawide field of view.  Improved versatility in capturing wide-angle shots.
  • Add Me feature:  Effortlessly combine two photographs for a stunning effect. True-to-the-moment photography, AI, and augmented reality let you include everyone who was there.

5. Battery Life and Charging

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro featured a 5,050mAh battery, providing a full day of use for most users, up to 72 hours runtime with Extreme Battery Saver.  It supported 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen) which can be sold separately. While the battery life was adequate, heavy users sometimes found themselves needing a mid-day charge.

Pixel 9 Pro

It is fascinating that the Pixel 9 Pro decreases the battery capacity of 4,700mAh,  but because of the the more efficient Tensor G4 chip, it benefits more and dynamically adjusting refresh rate of the display. These improvements contribute to longer battery life, that can lasts up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver, even during intensive use.

Charging speeds have also been upgraded, with the Pixel 9 Pro now supporting 45W wired charging and a slight slower of 21W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen).  Nonetheless, the Pixel 9 Pro still has the prowess of reverse wireless charging, enabling users to charge other devices, such as earbuds or smartwatches, on the go.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Longer Battery Life: From 5,050mAh to 4,700mAh but with improved efficiency results in longer usage times due to enhanced Tensor G4 chip. 
  • Faster Charging: From 30W to 45W wired with a little bit downgrade of wireless charging speed from 23W to 21W.
  • Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge other devices with your phone’s battery.

6. Software and Features

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro shipped with Android 13 and received timely updates, thanks to Google’s control over both hardware and software. It featured exclusive Pixel capabilities, such as advanced Google Assistant integration, Call Screen, and Magic Eraser for photo editing. Google’s commitment to software updates meant that the Pixel 8 Pro was always among the first devices to receive new Android versions and security patches.

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro comes with Android 14 out of the box, introducing a range of new features and enhancements. One of the most notable is “Adaptive Battery 2.0,” which uses AI to learn your usage patterns and optimize battery performance accordingly.

Another key feature is “Smart Display,” which automatically adjusts the display settings based on the ambient light and the type of content being viewed, enhancing the visual experience while conserving battery. Privacy and security have also been improved, with on-device processing for voice commands and more granular control over app permissions.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Android 14: The latest Android version with new features and improvements.
  • Adaptive Battery 2.0: Smarter battery management for extended battery life.
  • Smart Display: Adaptive display settings for optimal viewing experiences.
  • Enhanced Privacy Features: Improved security with on-device processing and better app permissions control.

7. Connectivity and Networking

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro supported 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering fast and reliable network performance. It was well-equipped to handle the demands of modern connectivity, making it a future-proof device for most users.

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro enhances connectivity with with Wi-Fi 7 and improved Bluetooth 5.3, providing even faster and more stable wireless connections. It also supports both mmWave and sub-6 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of 5G networks globally. Google has upgraded the antenna design, resulting in better signal reception, particularly in areas with weak coverage.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Wi-Fi 7 Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Bluetooth 5.3: Improved Bluetooth performance with lower latency.
  • Enhanced 5G Compatibility: Supports more 5G bands for global use.
  • Better Antenna Design: Improved signal reception in challenging environments.

8. Audio and Haptics

Pixel 8 Pro

The stereo speakers on the Pixel 8 Pro produced audio that was well-balanced, crisp, and had a respectable bass response. Notifications, gaming, and typing were all made easier by the well-tuned haptic feedback technology, which produced accurate and responsive vibrations.

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro is an even better video consumption device thanks to its enhanced stereo speakers, which have stronger bass and higher volume output. To further improve the tactile experience, the haptic feedback technology has been improved, providing more subtle and responsive vibrations.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Upgraded Stereo Speakers: Enhanced sound quality with deeper bass and louder output.
  • Refined Haptic Feedback: More precise and immersive vibrations for a better user experience.

9. Biometrics and Security

Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro featured an under-display fingerprint sensor, which was fast and generally accurate. It also supported face unlock, though it was primarily software-based, making it less secure compared to hardware-based solutions.

Pixel 9 Pro

A better fingerprint reader under the screen makes biometrics better on the Pixel 9 Pro. It responds faster and is more accurate. Face unlock has been improved with hardware-based sensors, making it a safer and more effective way to open the phone. The Pixel 9 Pro also has a new feature called “Privacy Guard” that lets users know when apps access private information like their location, camera, or microphone. This gives users more control over their privacy.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Upgraded Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more accurate fingerprint recognition.
  • Enhanced Face Unlock: More secure and reliable with hardware-based sensors.
  • Privacy Guard: Alerts for unauthorized access to sensitive data by apps.

10. Price and Value

Pixel 8 Pro

When it first came out, the Pixel 8 Pro was priced fairly for a flagship smartphone. It was a great deal for all of its features, speed, and Google’s unbeatable software experience. It was a popular choice for people who wanted a high-end Android phone with a top-tier camera.

Pixel 9 Pro

Given all of the improvements and additional features it offers, the Pixel 9 Pro is priced a little bit pricier when it first hits the market. The Pixel 9 Pro offers notable increases in performance, photography capabilities, battery life, and connection that make up for the price increase, even though some customers may find it unsettling. The Pixel 9 Pro is a excellent value for anyone who appreciate having the newest technology and the best Google experience.

What’s New and Improved?

• • Higher Price Point: Reflects the enhanced features and capabilities.
  • Improved Value: The upgrades in performance, camera, and battery life justify the additional cost.

The Bottom Line

Should You Upgrade?  It’s the real question that worth an answer.  

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a considerable step up from the Pixel 8 Pro, with improvements in almost every element of the smartphone. People who already own a Pixel phone or want to switch to a high-end Android phone will like the Pixel 9 Pro because it has a better design, better speed, longer battery life, and better connectivity.

If you already have a Pixel 8 Pro and are happy with its performance, the decision to upgrade will be based on how much you value the improvements made in the Pixel 9 Pro. Noteworthy are the improvements to the camera, especially the new telephoto lens and Super Resolution Zoom, as well as the longer battery life and faster charge. One more thing that makes the Pixel 9 Pro appealing is its better screen with dynamic frame rate and the extra software features in Android 14.

Hopefully, you have gained a better understanding of the Google Pixel 9 Pro and its changes from the Pixel 8 Pro after reading this review.  We’ll be more happy to help you make an informed decision before buying. 

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

1. How does the camera performance of the Pixel 9 Pro compare to the Pixel 8 Pro?

• The Pixel 9 Pro features a larger main sensor, an upgraded 42MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, and a wider ultra-wide lens, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light, and more detailed zoomed-in shots.

2. Is the battery life better on the Pixel 9 Pro?

• Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from improved efficiency thanks to the Tensor G4 chip and a dynamic refresh rate display, leading to longer battery life compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.

3. Does the Pixel 9 Pro have a better display than the Pixel 8 Pro?

• The Pixel 9 Pro’s display is slightly larger and features a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, improving both battery life and user experience. It also has a higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.

4. What are the major software differences between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro?

• The Pixel 9 Pro comes with Android 14 out of the box, introducing features like Adaptive Battery 2.0, Smart Display, and enhanced privacy controls that are not available on the Pixel 8 Pro running Android 13.

5. How does the audio quality of the Pixel 9 Pro compare to the Pixel 8 Pro?

• The Pixel 9 Pro features upgraded stereo speakers with improved bass and higher volume, providing a better audio experience than the Pixel 8 Pro.