Google Pixel 9 Pro: A Year In - Still Smart or Old Now?
In a time of small updates and fights over specs, some phones try to be different. The Google Pixel 9 Pro was one such phone. With the Pixel 10 soon to come, I took out my Pixel 9 Pro, put my SIM back in, and used it for a long time again. After using it much, some things impressed me more than when it was new, but some problems stood out more. Here's how the Pixel 9 Pro is doing one year later.
What Still Works:
A Super Smart Screen
The first thing you see, mainly outside, is its screen. Its very high brightness is more than just a big number; it's a real help that lets the phone work well even in bright sun. Also, with a very smooth 120Hz LTPO screen, it still gives a great view.
AI That's Very Useful
Google’s AI, powered by Gemini, is key in this phone. It's no trick; it's a set of useful tools built into how the phone works. Magic Editor can clean up a messy, dark photo in a few clicks. The Recorder’s word guessing is right on point, even with a lot of noise around. Things like Circle to Search feel so easy to use that you use them every day. While Apple and Samsung have their AI tricks, Google's work in the Pixel feels more grown-up, handy, and smooth.
A Camera That Knows Its Job
The Pixel camera is famous for how it takes photos, and it keeps that up. It avoids the too-bright "eye candy" look some others have and the too-clean feel of others. The results are clear, real, and true. The 5x zoom lens really works, close-up mode is great for small details, and it’s still a top choice for low light shots. While night videos aren't as good as others, for photos, the Pixel 9 Pro is still among the best simple cameras around.
A Nice, Smart Design
In a world of big phones, the Pixel 9 Pro’s size feels just right. It’s light, slim, and the flat sides make it easy to hold. It doesn’t feel like a big tablet; it feels like a phone made to fit your hand. The fingerprint check is fast and makes everything feel smooth.
Where It Falls Short:
The Tensor Speed Limit
For everyday things—looking at social media, texting, emails, and web surfing—the Tensor G4 chip works with no lag. But it has its limits. With very demanding games on high settings or intense video editing, it can't keep up with top chips from Snapdragon or Apple. It’s fine for many, but those who really push their phones will see a difference.
The Charging Issue
Charging is likely the Pixel 9 Pro's biggest flaw. Google says it charges at 45W, but to really get that, you need the right charger and cable. Often, it charges slower. This is hard when you need a quick power-up. Waking up with 15% battery and needing to leave in 20 minutes is tough, as it won’t charge fast. Wireless charging also works best with Google’s own stand and can be tricky with others.
Okay, But Not Great, Battery Life
The battery life is okay. It will get you through a full day with lots of use, with people seeing 6 to 8 hours of screen time. But it’s not a two-day phone. You will need to charge it each night, especially with slow charging speeds.
Good & Bad: The Last Count
Good Things
- Top AI: Gemini and its tools work well and blend in smooth.
- Great Camera: Gives real, sharp, and bright photos, even in dark places.
- Awesome Screen: Clear, smooth, and great to use, more so outside.
- Clean System: A smooth, united, and simple version of Android.
- Nice to Hold: A shape and size that’s easy to use with one hand.
- Sure Updates: 7 years of OS and safety updates bring great long-term worth.
Bad Things
- Slow Charging: Slow plug-in and picky wireless charging are big flaws.
- Just Okay Speed: The Tensor chip is slow next to others for big games and hard tasks.
- Small Changes: Only small changes from the Pixel 8 Pro, which makes it hard to sell for those with new models.
- High Cost: Costs as much as the best but doesn’t match their speed.
- Bad Night Videos: Still can't match what Apple and Samsung do best.
Overall Thoughts
After almost a year, the Pixel 9 Pro is still one of the sharp, well-thought-out phones out there. It does well in daily use areas, though it's not the best in speed and charging.
Who Should Buy the Pixel 9 Pro in 2025?
Using the Pixel 9 Pro feels more like working with a smart helper than just using tech. It aims to help, not just look good. But it's not for all.
Think about getting the Pixel 9 Pro if:
- You use a Pixel 7 or older, or another Android phone. It will be a big step up.
- You like smart software and good AI tools the most.
- You like your photos to look natural and real, not too bright or colorful.
- You can buy it cheap, which might happen with the Pixel 10 coming.
Maybe don’t buy it if:
- You play a lot of complex mobile games or need the best speed.
- Slow charging doesn’t fit your busy life.
- You have a Pixel 8 Pro. The change is too small to pay more.
The Pixel 9 Pro shows a grown-up idea of what a smartphone can be. It's not the quickest or fanciest, but its smarts, trust, and focus on the user makes it easy to suggest, even a year later.
