Google launches AI-powered Pixel 9 for $799

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Google’s Pixel 9 series is finally here. The base variant, the Google Pixel 9, is small but packs exceptional hardware and AI capabilities at a reasonable price of $799.

The Pixel 9 is the baseline of Google’s new flagship series. It features the powerful Tensor G4 chip, paired with 12GB of RAM, just like the Pro and Fold models.

The Pixel 9 sports a 6.3-inch Actua Display, an OLED panel with a 1080 x 2424 resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back.

Pixel is all about cameras, and this year, Google is highlighting them more than ever. The newly designed camera island is not flat and centered, and the classic Pixel visor design is gone.

The new camera island houses a 50 MP primary camera with 8x optical zoom and a 48MP ultra-wide with improved macro mode.

Battery life has always been a concern for the standard Pixel. However, with the Pixel 9, Google has managed to fit a slightly larger 4,700 mAh battery with wired 27W fast-charging support.

Google claims the Pixel 9 can reach 55% in 30 minutes. It also has fast wireless charging but lacks Qi2 magnets for MagSafe.

Feature	Pixel 9	Pixel 9 Pro	Pixel 9 Pro XL
Display Size	6.3 inches	6.3 inches	6.8 inches
Display Type	Actua	Super Actua	Super Actua
Front Camera	10.5 MP (autofocus)	42 MP	42 MP
Main Camera	50 MP	50 MP	50 MP
Ultrawide Camera	48 MP	48 MP	48 MP
RAM	12 GB	16 GB	16 GB
Battery Life	~20% longer than Pixel 8	Not specified	Not specified
Charging Speed	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Durability	Twice as durable as Pixel 8	Not specified	Not specified
Processor	Google Tensor G4	Google Tensor G4	Google Tensor G4

Google Pixel 9 software

Google has added a few cool camera features. The Night Sight feature, introduced last year, is available. Besides that, Pixel 9 has the new “Add Me” feature, which allows you to merge separate photos with AI’s help.

Google has been sharpening its AI tech for years, and the Pixel has showcased some of its best features in the last few years. The Pixel 9 is no different. It has the new Advanced Gemini powered by the new Tensor SoC.

One of Pixel 9’s most important features is the Satellite SOS. The Pixel 9 can connect to a satellite network to ensure your signal gets broadcast to the desired contacts without coverage.

While it is a paid feature available only in the US, the first two years are free.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 will not launch with Android 15 this year. It will come with Android 14 out-of-the-box, with several years of software and security updates.

Google Pixel 9: Price and availability

The Google Pixel 9, with 12GB RAM and 128GB of storage, is the cheapest flagship this year, available for $799. It comes in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony.

Pre-orders are available now and will include the Google One AI Premium plan. Shipping kicks off on August 22. 

If you’re looking for a deal on a new Pixel 9, Best Buy has one of the best promotions available: With a qualifying trade-in, you can get any of the Pixel 9 phones for as low as $0, plus a $200 Best Buy Gift Card.

What do you think about the new Google Pixel 9 series? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.