Finally, a smaller Pro phone!
Without a shadow of a doubt, Google makes some of the best Android phones — its handsets are some of the most popular iPhone alternatives and the biggest competition tends to be Samsung’s flagship phones.
So what sets them apart? Pixels offer the most intelligent AI and search features on any phone, killer camera systems and unique designs. What’s great about Pixels is that there are options for every budget, even if you buy an affordable handset like the Pixel 8a you won’t have to make too many sacrifices.
Previously, if you wanted the very best Pixel you would have to buy a Pro phone with a huge screen. While that works for some people, others will inevitably be put off by having a handset that feels more like a mini tablet than a smartphone and will barely fit in your pocket.
Now for the first time, Google has shrunk the size of its Pro handset. The Pixel 9 Pro has the same 6.3-inch screen as the Pixel 9 and Google has launched a separate XL phone for those who do want a big 6.8-inch display. But how else does the latest 9 Pro smartphone compare to its predecessor, the Google Pixel 8 Pro? And which one should you buy?
>>>GUKD8 Battery for Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros
- Now much more affordable
- Similar camera set up to the 9 Pro
- Most of the same software as the latest phone
Cons
- Dimmer display
- 10.5MP selfie camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Pros
- Comes in two sizes: 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch
- Latest Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM
- One year of Gemini Advanced for free
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller battery cell
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Design and display
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two generations is the size, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than its predecessor, a lot smaller. The Google Pixel 8 Pro had a 6.7-inch screen whereas the Pixel 9 Pro is only 6.3 inches. For those who prefer a bigger handset, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch screen but is otherwise a very similar bit of kit.
Another big design change is to the look of the long camera bar on the back, the 9 Pro replaces it with an island that sits in the middle at the top of the phone. Google has also done away with the glossy glass and curves, using polished matte glass and a flat back instead. Which of the two you prefer will be entirely up to you but the latest model undeniably keeps up with the trends, making it look super modern in comparison.
The two devices come in slightly different colours: the Google Pixel 8 Pro is available in obsidian black, porcelain white and bay blue, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro comes in obsidian black, porcelain white, hazel green and rose quartz pink.
Both handsets use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect them from scrapes and both are IP68 water and dust resistant.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels at 489ppi with 2,400 nits of peak brightness, whereas the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels at 495ppi and 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Both are very bright handsets but the Pixel 9 Pro takes things a step further and it’s a noticeable difference especially when you use it under bright sunlight.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Camera
Upgrades to the camera system have been minimal, both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro feature a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. In saying that, the Pixel 9 does widen the aperture of its ultrawide camera from f/2.0 to f/1.7 so it will let more light in and improve the quality of the final photos, particularly in low lighting.
The front camera has had a bigger refresh going from a 10.5MP snapper to a 42MP camera on the Pixel 9 Pro, and it now has a wider field of view and can take in more light.
（Image from Google Pixel 9 Pro） （Image from Google Pixel 8 Pro）
Google’s cameras are so effective because of the selection of camera software to boost the look of photos both pre and post-capture. And every year it adds more of them into the mix.
The Pixel 9 Pro will get all the same features as the Pixel 8 Pro and some of the new tools for 2024 will be available in the eighth generation (but not all of them).
One feature unique to the latest series is Add Me which gets everyone in the photo, even the photographer — you just take a picture, switch photographers and take it again, the phone will then combine the two to create one final image. 8K video recording will also be limited to the newer model.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Performance and battery
Performance has been boosted for the ninth series which will help the phone cope with even more AI features packed into the system.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, boosted from the Tensor G3 processor and 12GB of RAM in the Pixel 8 Pro. Both phones run smoothly but the Pixel 9 Pro is particularly slick, even if it still doesn’t reach the speeds of the most powerful phones on the market.
Because of the smaller body, the battery has shrunk from a 5,050mAh cell in the Pixel 8 Pro to 4,700mAh in the Pixel 9 Pro (the same size as the Pixel 9). But it’s worth remembering that it also has a less demanding phone to power. In practice, both easily last a full day out and about, although both will need charging before you leave the house the next morning.
Charging has had a slight downgrade where the Pixel 8 Pro supported 30W charging, the Pixel 9 Pro only supports 27W charging. In my experience it was a little slower because of it, the Pixel 8 Pro took about an hour for a full charge but the Pixel 9 Pro took about 80 minutes.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Software
Both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro ship with Android 14. The 9 series launch happened earlier than usual so didn’t line up with the release of the next version of the software.
Both came with seven years of software updates which means the Google Pixel 8 Pro will last until 2030 while the Pixel 9 Pro should still be going strong until 2031.
For the most part, the two devices will have the same extensive list of software features. Upgrades to Call Assist will be available on both handsets, with a new tool to transcribe your phone calls. Google’s Gemini AI chatbot is available across both too.
There are a few features that will only be available on the latest version. If you buy a Google Pixel 9 Pro you will get one year of Gemini Advanced for free, it works across Gmail and Drive and comes with 2TB of cloud storage. You’ll also get Satellite SOS to call for emergency help without the need for cellular, and some extra camera tools like Add Me and 8K video.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro: Which should you buy?
If you want Pro features but you’re not keen on having a huge smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro will be a better option than the Pixel 8 Pro. However, it will set you back £1,000 or more unless you can find a good Pixel 9 deal.
In comparison to the Pixel 8 Pro, avid selfie snappers will enjoy the upgraded front camera on the Pixel 9 Pro, mobile gamers will appreciate its speedier performance and AI fans will be pleased with the year of Gemini Advanced that comes included. But ultimately the difference in size will likely be the deciding factor.
If you’d rather keep the price low and you’d prefer to have a big screen, Pixel 8 Pro deals should build momentum in the coming weeks and months.