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Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Which one should you buy?
Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro
Google has revealed its newest lineup of phones, the Pixel 9 series, which includes four new devices: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro is Google's flagship phone this year and boasts some of the best specs ever seen on a Google device. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are virtually the same--the XL is just a little larger.
When it debuted less than a year ago, the Pixel 8 Pro had brand new AI features, the best camera ever in a Google phone, and a large 6.7-inch display.
Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9 Pro, Fold, Gemini, Watch 3, and more
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with high expectations, and for the most part, it meets them. It now carries Google's best camera setup ever, a dazzling display, new exclusive AI features, a redesigned camera bump, a new aesthetic, an upgraded processor, and more. But are all the flashy new things right for you?
Here's a breakdown of how the Google Pixel 9 Pro compares to the Pixel 8 Pro and how you can decide which one is the best fit for you.
Specifications
Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | |
Price | $999 | $699 |
Display | 6.3 inch | 6.7 inch |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 5,050 mAh |
| Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Weight | 7 oz | 7.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 6.0 in x 2.8 in x 0.3 in | 6.4 in x 3.0 in x 0.3 in |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Cameras | 50 MP wide, 48 MP ultrawide with Macro Focus , 48 MP 5x telephoto lens, Super Res Zoom up to 30x, 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera | 50 MP wide, 48 MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, 48 MP 5x telephoto lens, Super Res Zoom up to 30x, 10.5 MP Dual PD selfie camera |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits | 2,400 nits |
You should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro if...
1. The best photos are essential, especially selfies
The Pixel lineup of phones has always boasted outstanding cameras, especially on premium models, and this year is no different. The Pixel 9 Pro boasts the best camera setup ever seen on a Pixel phone: a pro triple rear camera (50 MP wide, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP 5x telephoto) and a 42 MP selfie camera. The Pixel 8 Pro has a rear setup that's almost identical, but the front-facing camera is vastly improved. If you take a lot of selfies and you want them to look their absolute best, the Pixel 9 Pro is the easy choice.
2. You want a smaller sized device
When the Pixel 8 Pro debuted with a 6.7-inch screen, it was the largest screen on a Google phone behind the Fold's 7.6-inch one. It was a little too large for some people, with plenty of complaints about the device being hard to hold. This year, Google slimmed down the standard model into a 6.3-inch display model and offered the "Pro 9 XL" for those who still wanted more screen room. If you want the features of the Pro model in the smaller form, you'll want to go with the standard Pixel Pro 9.
3. You're all in on AI
AI is the name of the game in flagship phones these days, and if you're on board with it, you won't find a better option than the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro has plenty, but the Pixel 9 Pro will come with several exclusives like Pixel Screenshots, which helps you organize and find information from screenshots you've taken; Add Me, which lets you take a group photo, swap photographers, and then merge both photos into one; Call Summary, which gives you a detailed overview of a call; and Reimagine for photos that lets you change things with AI--think asking to "add a sunrise" or "make the grass green."
In addition, the Pixel 9 Pro comes with the Google One AI Premium Plan, which includes a year of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage.
Of course, there is a chance that some of the Pixel 9 Pro's AI features will eventually come to the Pixel 8 Pro in a software update, but given that the Pixel 9 Pro has increased RAM (16GB vs. 12GB) specifically to power on-board AI processes, there's a chance not all the features would transfer.
You should buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if...
1. You're upgrading from an older phone because of the camera
I included the camera as a reason to buy the Pixel 9 Pro, but that's only if you want to have the absolute best camera you can find in a Pixel phone. If you're upgrading from an older device to take advantage of the Pixel's highly acclaimed camera in general, you'll want the Pixel 8 Pro. It has a fantastic camera (it's my personal phone, and I chose it mainly for taking pictures) with plenty of settings to play around with. The Pixel 9 Pro does have a better camera, but only for the front-facing selfie. The rear cameras are almost identical between the two.
2. You just want the software experience of a Pixel
If you're brand new to the world of Google phones or upgrading from an older model, Google's latest devices have some pretty appealing features. But the Pixel 9 Pro isn't necessarily a massive upgrade from the Pixel 8 Pro. There are some new AI features, a moderately upgraded camera, and a slight redesign, but it's not a total overhaul by any means. If you're jumping to a Google phone for the first time, the Pixel 8 Pro will more than meet your needs. Right now, both devices sit at $999, as the Pixel 8 Pro hasn't seen a price drop. That's on the way soon, though, meaning you'll be able to scoop up a very impressive phone at a discount from when it debuted less than a year ago. If you choose the Pixel 8 Pro, you're technically getting last year's device, but it was only released 10 months ago.
With a price tag under $500, the Pixel 8a brings you into the world of Google's phones more affordably than any other option. It has a wealth of AI features, a solid camera, large screen, and wireless charging.
The Pixel 8 offers a flagship-level experience with Google's latest AI and machine learning features plus fast performance and a great camera.