Google Pixel 9 Review: Compact AI Powerhouse for 2025?

Milesh Kumar

Publish on: 18 August, 2025

he Google Pixel 9, launched August 22, 2024, is Google’s compact flagship, priced at (128GB, down from ~$699) or ~$799 (256GB) during Black Friday 2025, making it a budget-friendly rival to the Samsung Galaxy S25 ($799) and S25 Ultra ($999). Engineered by Google, it boasts a 50MP camera, Tensor G4, and Gemini AI, delivering a seamless experience on Google Pixel 9 MetroPCS, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 5G. With a sleek design, 7 years of updates, and AI features like Add Me, it’s ideal for photography and productivity fans. Unlike the S25 Ultra’s S Pen, it skips a stylus but shines in compactness. I tested it for two weeks via Google Pixel 9 Best Buy and Amazon. Let’s explore its magic.

Google Pixel 9 Design & Build

The Google Pixel 9 sports a premium, compact design that feels modern and durable. At 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches and 198g, it’s smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S25 slim (7.2mm, 162g) and S25 Ultra (6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches, 218g), making it pocket-friendly. Its 100% recycled aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 scream quality, while IP68 water resistance matches the S25 Ultra’s waterproof rating. Available in vibrant Peony, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Wintergreen, it’s a head-turner, though the glossy back attracts fingerprints. No S25 Ultra S Pen, but its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock are snappy. The Google Pixel 9 unlocked works flawlessly on MetroPCS and major US carriers.

Specific Features:
- IP68 Dust and Water Resistance: Submersible in 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes, like the S25 Ultra. Avoid saltwater.
- 100% Recycled Aluminum: Eco-friendly housing, with 20% recycled materials by weight.
- Fingerprint-Resistant Coating: Reduces smudges, though the glossy back still catches some.
- Colors: Peony, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Wintergreen—vibrant vs. S25 Ultra’s titanium hues.

Google Pixel 9 Display

The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display (1080×2424, 422 PPI, 120Hz), hitting 2700 nits peak brightness—brighter than the iPhone 16 (2000 nits) but smaller than the S25 Ultra (6.9-inch) and S25 (6.2-inch). Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it supports HDR10+ for vibrant streaming. The 60-120Hz Smooth Display ensures fluid scrolling, though it lacks the S25 Ultra’s 1-120Hz LTPO efficiency.

outdoors, but it’s vivid for gaming and media. It’s a compact visual treat, though the S25 Ultra’s QHD+ resolution is sharper.

Specific Features:
- 2700 Nits Peak Brightness: Ideal for outdoor visibility, surpassing iPhone 16.
- 20:9 Aspect Ratio: Tall, immersive screen for videos and apps.
- HDR Support: Enhances Netflix and YouTube with rich colors.
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2: Scratch-resistant front and back.

Performance & Software

Powered by the Google Tensor G4 and 12GB RAM, the Pixel 9 handles apps and gaming smoothly, scoring 10.6K on PCMark Work 3.0, though it trails the S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (1.9M AnTuTu). Running Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15), it promises 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates (to 2031), matching the S25 Ultra. Gemini AI shines with features like Circle to Search and Pixel Screenshots, outpacing S25 Ultra’s Galaxy AI in polish, per user feedback. Google Pixel 9 MetroPCS and 5G support (sub-6GHz/mmWave) ensure fast connectivity.

Specific Features:

Gemini AI Assistant: Handles tasks across Google apps (Gmail, Maps) with one ask.
Circle to Search: Search images/text in any app, faster than the S25 Ultra’s version.
Pixel Screenshots: Saves and organizes info (events, places) for quick recall.
Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.3: Dual-antenna Bluetooth for enhanced audio, plus NFC and UWB.

Read Also: 
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Google Pixel 9 Camera

The Pixel 9 camera is a showstopper, with a 50MP wide (f/1.68) and 48MP ultrawide (f/1.7, autofocus), rivaling the S25 Ultra’s 200MP in low light. The 10.5MP selfie camera with autofocus delivers sharp self-portraits, though the S25 Ultra’s 12MP is slightly better. No telephoto lens (unlike the S25 Ultra’s 50MP 5x), but Super Res Zoom offers 8x digital zoom with 2x optical quality. Features like Add Me and Magic Editor make editing fun, while Night Sight excels for low-light shots. It’s a point-and-shoot king, though the S25 Ultra wins for zoom.

Specific Features:
- Add Me: AI merges two photos to include the photographer in group shots.
- Magic Editor: Reframes, moves objects, or reimagines backgrounds (e.g., adds balloons).
- Night Sight: Sharp low-light photos, including astrophotography for starry skies.
- Real Tone: Accurate skin tone representation in photos and videos.

Battery & Charging

The Google Pixel 9 battery is a 4700 mAh unit, smaller than the S25 Ultra’s 5000 mAh but larger than the S25’s 4000 mAh. The Google Pixel 9 battery life offers 24+ hours, with up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode, hitting 11h 45m of video streaming. It supports 27W wired charging (55% in ~30 min) and 15W wireless (Qi-certified), but no Google Pixel 9 charger is included—budget $20 for a USB-C charger at Amazon. It lags the S25 Ultra’s 45W wired and S25 wireless charging (Qi2). Battery Share enables reverse wireless charging.

Specific Features:

24+ Hour Battery Life: Lasts 1-1.5 days with moderate use, per testing.
Extreme Battery Saver: Extends life to 100 hours by disabling 5G and features.
Fast Wireless Charging: Qi-certified, supports Pixel Stand, unlike S25 Ultra’s Qi2.
Battery Share: Charges accessories like earbuds wirelessly.

Security & Safety

The Pixel 9 prioritizes safety with the Titan M2 chip and VPN by Google, offering end-to-end encryption for calls on Google Fi. Features like Satellite SOS, Car Crash Detection, and Crisis Alerts ensure emergency support, even off-grid. It matches the S25 Ultra’s security but adds unique safety tools, making it a top pick for cautious users.

Specific Features:
- Satellite SOS: Connects to emergency services without cellular/Wi-Fi.
- Car Crash Detection: Calls for help and shares location post-crash.
- VPN by Google: Protects online activity, no extra cost.
- 7 Years of Security Updates: Keeps data safe until 2031.

Comparison between the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Feature	Google Pixel 9	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display	6.3″ OLED, 120Hz, HDR, up to 2,700 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus 2	6.9″ OLED LTPO, 1–120Hz, QHD+, Gorilla Glass Armor 2, ~2,800 nits, anti-reflective
Processor	Google Tensor G4, 3.1GHz Octa-core	Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy), 4.32GHz Octa-core
RAM	12GB	12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB	256GB/512GB/1TB
Rear Camera(s)	Dual: 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultra-wide)	Quad: 200MP (main) + 50MP (ultra-wide) + 10MP (3x telephoto) + 50MP (5x tele)
Front Camera	42MP	12MP
Battery	4,700mAh, 27W wired, 15W wireless	5,000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless
Operating System	Android 14, 7 years updates	Android 15, 7 years updates
Build	Recycled aluminum, IP68, compact	Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor 2, IP68, premium, larger/slimmer
Special Features	Gemini AI, long updates, Extreme Battery Saver, Satellite SOS (US), VPN	S Pen (no Bluetooth in S25U), advanced zoom/AI, ProScaler, better durability
Dimensions/Weight	~8.5mm, ~187g (compact, lightweight)	8.6mm, ~218g (larger, slim, premium feel)
Price (2025 US)	~$799–$899 Amazon	~$870–$900+ Amazon

Conclusion

Choose Pixel 9 if you want a compact, affordable, future-proof phone loaded with Google’s latest AI, top-tier photography, and super-long support.
Choose S25 Ultra for the best display, camera flexibility, pro performance, creative tools (S Pen), premium build, and you don’t mind the larger size or higher price.

Both are top-tier in their segment, each with unique strengths for different user profiles.