Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Does size matter?
by Ted Kritsonis · Android PoliceA Pro in every way
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro takes a more one-handed approach to Google's phone lineup, cutting the screen size down without losing the functionality that makes it a Pro device.
Pros
- Excellent design in a smaller build
- Gorgeous display
- Better performance and battery life
Cons
- Certain AI features need work
- Not a prime mobile gaming device
- Charging maxes out at 27W
Maintains Pro-level quality
Google Pixel 8 Pro
$624 $999 Save $375
The Google Pixel 8 Pro may be the older model, but it still holds up really well as a premium Android phone. Software updates also ensure it will be viable for years to come.
Pros
- Set to receive years of updates
- Superb camera performance
- AI features continue to improve
Cons
- Bugs can still pop up sometimes
- Temperature sensor needs purpose
- Battery life will be affected by software updates
Google has found its stride with its Pixel phones, including design language and finding ways to utilize hardware and software together. The Pixel 9 Pro marks a change; the company's bringing its best features and cameras to a size previously relegated to a more standard option. That was never the case with the larger Pixel 8 Pro, which is the only fully-loaded option of its Pixel generation and the same size as this year's XL. Both phones would easily qualify among the best Android phones, so this is a choice that largely comes down to size and the promise of a newer processor.
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Price, availability, and specs
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is available now and starts at $999. This increases the overall pricing for the latest Pixel 9 lineup, putting the 9 Pro squarely in the middle between the regular Pixel 9 and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. Every Pixel 9 Pro variant comes with 16GB of RAM and either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is also still available. While Google has traditionally retired older models once newer ones launch, that may not be the case here. The 8 Pro could see a price reduction at some point, but as of now, it also starts at $999. It has 12GB of RAM and the same storage options. Both phones are easy to find at various carriers and retailers.
Colors largely stay the same between them, except for a couple of changes. You can get both in Obsidian and Porcelain, but only the 9 Pro also comes in Hazel and Rose Quartz. The 8 Pro offers Mint and Bay as alternatives.
As for specs, the two diverge in some key areas but are otherwise very similar:
Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 8 Pro SoC Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor G3 Display type LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Display dimensions 6.3" 6.7" Display resolution 1280 x 2856 1344 × 2992 RAM 16GB 12GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Battery 4,700mAh 5,050mAh Charge speed 27W wired, 21W wireless 30W wired, 18W wireless Charge options USB-C wired, Qi wireless Wired, Wireless Ports USB-C USB-C SIM support Nano-SIM and eSIM Dual SIM (Nano SIM and eSIM) Operating System Android 14 Android 14 Front camera 42MP, f/2.2 10.5MP Dual PD sel