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Google Pixel 9 Pro review: The compact premium smartphone excels on all fronts

Google Pixel 9 Pro review: The compact premium smartphone excels on all fronts

The Google Pixel 9 Pro, part of the Pixel 9 lineup, offers a balanced option for users who desire flagship-grade features without the bulk of larger devices. Positioned between the standard and XL variants, it maintains portability while delivering high-end performance and premium functionality.

Design and Build

The Pixel 9 Pro resembles the standard model in size but is slightly heavier, while remaining noticeably lighter than the XL version. Its design stands out with a polished aluminum frame and a matte glass back, contrasting with the rougher metal edges and glossy back of the non-Pro model. This combination gives it a refined and elegant feel. Both the front and rear are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring durability, and like its siblings, it boasts IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

Display

Equipped with a 6.3-inch LTPO panel, the Pixel 9 Pro features a resolution of 1280 x 2856, higher than the standard variant's 1080p display. The LTPO technology enables an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering smooth visuals and energy efficiency. The thin, uniform bezels contribute to a modern and immersive look.

The display delivers exceptional brightness and color vibrancy, making it suitable for various tasks. However, the absence of Dolby Vision means the HDR experience on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video falls short of some competitors.

Audio

While the Pixel 9 Pro skips Dolby Atmos support, it compensates with Google’s spatial audio technology. This feature enhances the listening experience when paired with compatible devices like the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or other supported accessories. The overall audio quality is strong, even if it lacks the surround sound immersion provided by Atmos.

Battery and Charging

The Pixel 9 Pro is powered by a 4,700mAh battery that offers impressive longevity, comparable to many flagship smartphones. The adaptive battery feature gradually optimizes performance by learning usage habits, helping extend battery life over time.

Charging speeds, however, remain a weak point. Wired charging takes over an hour to fully charge the device, and wireless charging, while supported, is noticeably slower and not practical for quick top-ups. Some users may also find the device heating up during charging, which could be an inconvenience.

Camera

The Pixel 9 Pro continues Google’s tradition of exceptional computational photography. Its triple-camera setup, shared with the XL model, delivers outstanding results in HDR, low-light, and portrait photography. The image processing algorithms enhance contrast, dynamic range, and color accuracy, producing visually appealing, share-ready shots. However, aggressive post-processing can sometimes obscure fine details.

On the video front, performance is generally reliable but not flawless. Switching between lenses occasionally causes color shifts, stutters, or frame drops. The "Video Boost" feature mitigates some of these issues, but it relies on an active internet connection to function effectively.

Software

Running on Android 14 out of the box and now updated to Android 15, the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from Google’s regular feature drops. Key additions include theft detection, private spaces for sensitive apps, and satellite-based messaging for emergencies. The Gemini AI platform plays a pivotal role, powering features like expanded app integrations, enhanced AI tools, and support for Hindi in live translation and other services.

These software updates focus on improving privacy, functionality, and user convenience, reinforcing Google’s commitment to delivering a refined software experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM. The chipset excels at handling AI-centric tasks, thanks to its efficient neural processing unit (NPU). Whether multitasking, running demanding apps, or leveraging AI features, the phone delivers smooth and consistent performance without significant overheating.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 109,999, the Google Pixel 9 Pro successfully bridges portability and flagship features, appealing to users who prefer a compact yet premium smartphone. While it shares a few shortcomings with its XL sibling—like the lack of Dolby Vision and Atmos support and relatively slow charging—its advanced AI capabilities, polished design, and exceptional camera performance make it a compelling choice in the high-end smartphone market.



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