Google hasn’t made many noticeable changes to the Pixel 9 compared to its predecessor, but honestly, who cares? It now comes in a vibrant pink!

The standout point about the entry-level Pixel 9, unveiled alongside three other models at Tuesday’s Made by Google event, is that most of its enhancements are internal. Many of these upgrades focus on software rather than hardware. I had a brief opportunity to try out the Pixel 9 during a pre-launch press event, and here’s my take.

Pixel 9 Highlights

While my time with the Pixel 9 was short and primarily focused on its basic features—especially since the demo highlighted the Pro model—there are a few notable upgrades. For starters, the display is noticeably brighter, reaching up to 1,800 nits in HDR mode (up from 1,400 nits on the Pixel 8) and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits compared to 2,000 nits on the previous model. The battery has also received a slight boost, increasing from 4,575mAh last year to 4,700mAh this time. Although storage capacity remains capped at 256GB, the RAM has been enhanced from 8GB to 12GB.

All four Pixel 9 models are powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, which, combined with the increased RAM, is expected to provide better performance than the Pixel 8. The primary rear camera still features a 50MP lens, but the ultra-wide lens has seen a significant upgrade from 12MP to 48MP. While the Pixel 9 doesn’t include a telephoto lens like the Pro variant, it should still deliver impressive photos.

Design and Usability

I didn’t have enough time to explore every aspect of the Pixel 9, so I can’t say exactly how it feels compared to the Pixel 8. However, I can confidently say that its size and weight are ideal for an entry-level device. The display is also a step up, with improved brightness and a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate that outshines most Apple devices.

The design of the rear camera bar has been slightly altered; it no longer spans the entire width of the phone. This change doesn’t particularly bother me, but it might not sit well with some users. Plus, the new pink color is a refreshing update, much prettier than last year’s options.

AI Features

Thanks to the Tensor G4 chip, the base Pixel 9 supports many of the same AI capabilities as the other Pixel 9 models. You can engage in conversations using Gemini, enjoy enhanced photo editing features in Magic Editor, and even use AI to locate specific screenshots from years past. The only notable omission from the Pixel 9, when compared to its higher-end counterparts, is the absence of a third camera lens or a secondary display.