This year's Pixel Pro update came with a twist: Google unveiled two different versions, the $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro and $1,100 Pixel 9 Pro XL, with the key difference being a bigger screen and larger battery capacity on the latter.
The move reflects Google's apparent desire to replicate the success of Apple's iPhone Pro lineup, which offers customers a choice between a standard size and a larger Max configuration. While the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL share many key characteristics, including camera resolution, people may be willing to pay that extra $100 for minor upgrades in battery capacity and display size.
If you'd rather opt for the standard Pixel 9 Pro, here's how the phone compares to last year's 8 Pro (which debuted with the same price tag).
Smaller display on the Pixel 9 Pro
Google is saving its larger, 6.8-inch display for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, leaving the standard Pixel 9 Pro with a 6.3-inch OLED display -- smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro's 6.7-inch display. Both the 9 and 8 Pro have a 120Hz variable refresh rate.
Not surprisingly, the 9 Pro also has smaller overall dimensions, measuring 6 inches tall, 2.8 inches wide and 0.3 inches deep. The 8 Pro is 6.4 inches tall, 3.0 inches wide and 0.3 inches deep. The 9 Pro weighs 199g, while the 8 Pro weighs 213g.
Both phones have an under-display fingerprint sensor.
Matching cameras -- with one key difference
The Pixel 9 and 8 Pro share the same 50-megapixel wide, 48-megapixel ultrawide and 48-megapixel 5x telephoto cameras. The key difference is the 9 Pro has a 42-megapixel front-facing camera, while the 8 Pro has a 10.5 megapixel front-facing camera. We'll have to see how these stack up in CNET's camera tests, since more megapixels doesn't necessarily mean better photos.
Both can capture 4K video.
Batteries, memory and storage
The 9 Pro has a 4,700 mAh battery, while the 8 Pro sports a 5,050 mAh battery. It's worth noting that while a higher mAh rating may equate to a larger battery capacity, it doesn't always mean better performance; power efficiency is also a key factor in determining how long a phone's battery lasts.
Both devices feature a USB-C port, and neither comes with a charger. The 9 Pro supports 45W fast wired charging, while the 8 Pro supports 30W charging. You can also charge wirelessly; the Pixel 9 Pro supports15W wireless charging with the 2nd gen Google Pixel Stand, as well as 12W wireless Qi-charging. The 8 Pro supports 13W Qi wireless charging.
When it comes to memory and storage, the 9 Pro has 16GB of RAM, while the 8 Pro comes with a lower 12 GB of RAM. Both devices have options for 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB of internal storage. There's no expandable storage.
Processors, software and OS updates
The Pixel 9 Pro takes a step up from last year's Tensor G3 chip, packing the latest G4 processor.
Like the 8 Pro, which came out later last year, it also comes equipped with Android 14, though 15 is right on the horizon. Both phones come with seven years of OS and security updates, which should help to make up for that sticker price.
Check out the chart below for more spec comparisons.
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856 x 1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.7-inch OLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 495 ppi | 489 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 199g (7 oz.) | 213g (7.5 oz) |
| Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 42-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM/storage | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 5,050 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None |
| Special features | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | 5G (Sub 6 and mmWave); VPN by Google One; 7 years of OS, security and Feature Drop updates; front-facing camera has autofocus; 13W Qi wireless charging; 30W wired charging; USB-3.2 speeds via USB-C; IP68 dust and water resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back |
| US price starts at | $999 (128GB) | $999 (128GB) |
| UK price starts at | Converts to £783 (128GB) | £999 (128GB) |
| Australia price starts at | Converts to AU$1,514 (128GB) | AU$1,699 (128GB) |