The Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro have a lot in common. With a $250 difference between the base models of the devices though, which is the better deal, and what sets them apart?
From screen quality, RAM, storage options, and cameras, there are a number of differences to think about for these two excellent Android phones, and it starts with the pricing.
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 pricing
The Pixel 9 is $1,099 for 128 GB of storage, and $1,229 for 256 GB.
On the other hand the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $1,349 Canadian with 128 GB of storage, $1,479 Canadian with 256 GB, and $1,649 for 512 GB of storage.
If storage is important to you, only the Pixel 9 Pro offers 512 GB, making it the best fit for those who care about the amount of files, photos, and videos they can store.
If pricing is more important to you, the Pixel 9 comes in cheaper, by $250 for both the 128 GB and 256 GB models.
Comparing core phone features
Both phones are very similar, but the Pixel 9 Pro stands out in a few ways, starting with the display.
Looking at both phones, they are the same size and weight with a 6.3″ display. However the Pro offers a Super Actua display, versus the Actua display in the base model Pixel 9, and with that, the Pro has slightly higher resolution.
For gamers and those who want to push their phones a little harder, even with video editing, the Pro offers 16 GB of RAM versus 12 GB of RAM in the Pixel 9.
And while both phones charge at up to 45 W with a wired charger, the Pro charges at up to 21 W wirelessly, while the Pixel 9 charges at 15 W wirelessly.
For the extra price, the Pro comes with a few key extras that make a difference for power-hungry users, and especially those who game a lot.
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Cameras
For a lot of us, this is where the biggest differences matter: the cameras. And the Pro does offer a big advantage.
The Pixel 9 has two main rear cameras: a 50MP main, and a 48MP ultrawide, and they are both excellent. On the front of the phone, the Pixel 9 has a 10.5MP selfie camera that’s nearly identical to the one on the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 9 Pro has the same two rear cameras, plus a 48MP telephoto camera with up to 5x optical zoom. And the front selfie camera is an impressive upgrade at 42MP for crisper, better images.
For the camera enthusiasts, the Pixel 9 offers the basics and they work well, but the selfie camera is average at best. The Pixel 9 Pro, however, is an excellent device for capturing photos, videos, selfies, zoom shots, and more. It offers a lot more for those who want to get the best shots on their phone.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro also has access to advanced features that you won’t get with the Pixel 9, and that includes Super Res Zoom Video, Night Sight Video, and Video Boost.
Both phones include a range of the best Pixel camera and editing features though, including Add Me, Night Sight, impressive video stabilization, Pixel Studio, and one of my favourite features, Astrophotography.
Picking the best Pixel phone for you
Between the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro there are a lot of similarities, and the prices are good for the cost conscious. The final decision between the phones comes down to your preference between extra features, and the price.
To save more, the Pixel 9 comes in cheaper, it’s a good deal, and it will still last you over a few years of use. If you want to put the savings to good use, you can buy yourself groceries for a week at that savings, or go out for a nice meal.
For families, kids and teenagers who just need a basic phone, the Pixel 9 is a great choice, and it comes in a few splashy colours, like Peony and Wintergreen, or more standard colours like Porcelain and Obsidian.
If you can spend a little more, I would recommend the Pixel 9 Pro for most users, gamers, photographers, and users who want to multi-task, thanks to the extra RAM. If you store a lot of photos and videos, the 512 GB of storage is also a big upgrade from 256 GB, and that’s only available with the Pixel 9 Pro. I also appreciate having the telephoto camera at concerts, or even for nature photos, and with the digital zoom up to 20x, you can capture a lot more.
All photos by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.
