The Pixel 8 Pro was known for its exceptional photo abilities and for setting a benchmark in Android updates, and Google wants to one-up that with the Pixel 9 Pro and XL. The latest Google Pixel looks good with a new design, more color options, and upgraded specifications, but is it worth justifying upgrading from a Pixel 8 Pro? You may already know the answer, but stick to the end to find out. Here’s our Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro comparison.
Design and Build Quality
The design of a smartphone can significantly impact user experience. The Pixel 9 Pro features a compact design with dimensions of 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm, making it notably more pocket-friendly than the Pixel 8 Pro, which measures 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm. The smaller size of the Pixel 9 Pro may appeal to users looking for a device that easily fits into their pockets or small bags.
Both models showcase a premium feel, featuring an aluminum chassis and matte glass backs with glossy frames. The Pixel 9 Pro utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2, enhancing its durability compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, which uses the previous generation Gorilla Glass. This upgrade in materials not only improves resistance to scratches but also helps in maintaining the phone's aesthetics.
Visual Appeal
The visual differences between the two devices are noticeable. The Pixel 9 Pro opts for slightly more rounded edges, while the Pixel 8 Pro keeps a boxier design. This design choice may cater to different user preferences; some may find the Pixel 9 Pro's curves more modern, while others might appreciate the traditional feel of the Pixel 8 Pro.
Furthermore, the rear camera design is another point of contrast. The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera bar runs across the entire width of the device, while the Pixel 9 Pro's camera module is more centralized, resembling an island. This change in design might influence consumer opinions on originality and aesthetic appeal.
Display Technology
The screening technology between these two models also varies significantly. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.34-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED display, offering a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels. This results in vibrant colors and smooth visuals, especially for media consumption. It is engineered for a peak brightness of 2,050 nits and can reach 3,000 nits under direct sunlight, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits. While the size may appeal to users who prefer larger screens for gaming or video watching, the Pixel 9 Pro's new display technology aims to deliver a more vibrant viewing experience.
User Experience
In terms of user experience, both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, which means they can provide smoother scrolling and transitions. However, the Pixel 9 Pro's display is built on Samsung’s latest M14 panel, which is said to be more vibrant than its predecessor. Therefore, despite the size difference, it may not be easy for users to choose one display over the other solely based on specifications.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro diverge in terms of hardware capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, which features a 1+3+4 core configuration, providing enhanced performance and efficiency. This chip promises around a 10% performance improvement over the Pixel 8 Pro's Tensor G3 chip, enabling smoother multitasking and better overall performance.
Memory and storage options are also an important consideration. The base model of the Pixel 9 Pro comes with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, while higher variants boast UFS 4.0. The transition from UFS 3.1 to UFS 4.0 is particularly significant, as it offers faster read/write speeds, ultimately improving app load times and system responsiveness.
Gaming and Graphics
The Pixel 9 Pro's enhanced ARM Mali-A715 GPU, clocking at 940 MHz, is designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing, more efficiently than the 890 MHz GPU in the Pixel 8 Pro. This upgrade means users can expect better frame rates and overall smoother gameplay on the Pixel 9 Pro when compared to its predecessor.
Despite these advancements, some users may still worry about potential thermal throttling under heavy loads, as seen with the Pixel 8 Pro. Therefore, while the Pixel 9 Pro shows promising performance improvements, it remains to be seen how effectively Google has addressed these concerns with the new cooling solutions in place.
Camera System Comparison
Another critical aspect where these models differ is their camera systems. The Pixel 9 Pro maintains a 50 MP primary camera, similar to the Pixel 8 Pro, but upgrades the ultrawide sensor from the Sony IMX386 to the new IMX858, providing better light capture and detail. The telephoto lens remains a 48 MP sensor with 5X optical zoom, ensuring high-quality shots regardless of distance.
The front camera has also seen an upgrade in the Pixel 9 Pro, featuring a new 42 MP sensor compared to the previous 10.5 MP. This increase in resolution will allow for sharper selfies and improved performance in low-light conditions, making it a valuable feature for social media enthusiasts.
Image Quality and Low Light Performance
Users can expect improved image quality from the Pixel 9 Pro, particularly in low-light situations. Thanks to the larger sensor sizes and increased pixel count, pictures taken with the Pixel 9 Pro should exhibit better detail and brightness. This enhancement is a significant consideration for anyone who frequently uses their phone for photography.
