The Best Android for AI – The Google Pixel 9 Pro introduces a bold new design while continuing the Pixel legacy of powerful AI features, excellent cameras, and one of the best smartphone displays in the industry. Beyond its fresh appearance, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers meaningful upgrades that make it an exciting Android flagship—especially if you’re curious about the future of AI on mobile devices.
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro replaces the familiar camera bar with a sleek, modern raised camera pill. It feels more refined, rounded, and premium than previous generations. Durability also gets a major upgrade thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering top-tier scratch and crack resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are nearly identical aside from size, so choose based on hand comfort and screen preference.
Display
Google continues to dominate the display category with its Super Actua screen. The Pixel 9 Pro features the brightest and most vivid display you can get on an Android phone, performing especially well under harsh sunlight. Its LTPO technology allows the refresh rate to shift between 1–120Hz, enabling an Always-On display without draining excess battery. If you often shoot photos outdoors or simply love stunning visuals, this display won’t disappoint.
Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system produces outstanding photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. Video quality has taken a big leap forward thanks to AI-powered enhancements from Video Boost. While some competitors may edge out the Pixel in overall camera flexibility or advanced features, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a powerful foundation paired with exclusive Google Photos AI tools for editing—something no other phone provides.
Performance
The Google Tensor G4 chipset still lags behind rivals in raw power, and this gap is noticeable in daily use. Occasional stutters and slowdowns appear when multitasking heavily—something phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra handle with ease. Google promises seven years of Android updates, but long-term performance remains uncertain.
Battery Life
Battery performance on the Pixel 9 Pro is solid, easily lasting through a full day of normal use. However, charging speeds remain slower than competitors, leaving room for improvement. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers slightly faster charging, which may be appealing for users who frequently top up throughout the day.
Value for Money
With its higher price tag and weaker performance compared to other flagships, the Pixel 9 Pro may feel expensive at first. However, Google sweetens the deal with a free year of Google One AI Premium, which includes 2TB of cloud storage. As always with Pixel phones, watch for seasonal discounts—Google often drops prices near major holidays.
Specifications
General
- Weight: 199g
- Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
- OS: Android 14
Display
- Screen size: 6.3 inches
- Resolution: 1280 x 2856
Performance
- CPU: Google Tensor G4
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery
- Capacity: 4,700mAh
Cameras
- Rear cameras: 50MP (main), 48MP (5x telephoto), 48MP (ultrawide)
- Front camera: 42MP
Closing Thoughts
The Google Pixel 9 Pro stands out as the best Android phone for AI-powered experiences. With a brilliant display, impressive camera enhancements, and exclusive AI features, it’s a compelling choice for users who want cutting-edge software capabilities. While performance remains the Pixel’s weak spot, the overall package remains strong—especially if you value AI innovation over raw speed.
