Google Pixel 9 128GB Obsidian
Uses Three Mobile's Network
£26.99 a monthuntil April 2026then price rises every April in contract by £1.50No upfront cost
£668.76 total cost
100 GBof 5G data
24 month contract
Available from 2 retailers
Google Pixel 9: everything you need to know
The Google Pixel 9 is the entry model into Google's latest lineup and features a sleek new flat design, improved cameras, and a faster chip powering a bunch of great AI tools. However, this has come at a cost with its starting price jumping to £799 — £100 more than the Pixel 8.
Since its launch in August 2024, the Pixel 9 has been updated to Android 15 to give its software and AI performance even more of a boost. The Google Pixel 9 is one of the most advanced handsets on the market.
Price
- 128GB - £799
- 256GB - £899
Camera
- Dual camera set-up
- 50MP main camera
- 48MP ultrawide camera
- 10.5MP selfie camera
Google Gemini
The Google Pixel 9 features the Gemini Assistant and Gemini Nano, which doesn't require data or the internet to use!
Design
- 6.3-inch display
- Google Tensor G4 processor
- 4700mAh battery
Google Pixel 9 specifications
- Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)
- Weight: 198g
- Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminium frame
- Display: OLED 6.3-inch, 120Hz, 2700 nits (peak brightness)
- Resolution: 1080 x 2424 pixels
- Processor: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
- Memory: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
- Main camera: Dual set-up 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide)
- Selfie camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide)
- Battery: Li-Ion 4700 mAh, non-removable
- Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
- Starting price: £799
Pros and cons of Google Pixel 9
Pros
Great range of new AI features
Larger battery
Shares features with the Pro and Pro XL model
Fast Tensor G4 processor
Cons
£100 price increase compared to Pixel 8
Launching with Android 14
Google Pixel 9 camera
The Pixel 9 comes with a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Surprisingly, the Pixel 9 cameras match the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL models, which is unusual since the lower-priced versions usually don't share identical camera hardware. The set-up doesn't include a dedicated telephoto lens, but it does include zooming capabilities, thanks to advanced image processing. It also has a 10.5MP front-facing camera for selfies. You can easily level up your photography game with the Pixel 9, which offers a range of editing features that rival its Pro counterparts.
One of the new AI camera features, ‘Add Me,’ allows you to take a group photo and add yourself in afterwards by combining two photos so that it appears as if both people are standing right next to each other. Another feature is the ‘Reimagine’ feature in Google’s Magic Editor, which does what it says on the tin by allowing you to change a photo by adding objects or erasing/moving parts of the image.
What are the new Google Pixel 9 AI features?
2024 was a big year for AI smartphones following the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy Z series. Google threw its hat in the ring by putting AI at the forefront of the Pixel 9 series launch.
Google has included a wide range of AI features in the Pixel 9 model, including:
- Multimodal Gemini Nano - Fully on-device AI model, giving you access to features offline like Pixel Recorder or Gboard’s smart replies.
- Gemini Assistant - An upgraded version of Google Assitant, Gemini Assitant can help you check if you are free to attend an event by taking a photo of the event poster.
- Pixel Weather AI summary - Alongside a dedicated weather app, AI summaries contextualise the day by letting you know if you need an umbrella or something warm to wear.
- Google Keep Magic Lists - The Keep Notes app can break down what you buy for a particular recipe or what you need for an upcoming trip, alongside your usual reminders.
- Pixel screenshots - Google has made a dedicated space for screenshots, where through the use of AI, you can search for information you may have forgotten if you didn’t note it down.
- Call Notes - The Pixel 9 can transcribe and summarise your phone calls to ensure you don’t forget any important details. It's worth noting that the other user is notified if this feature is in use.
Google Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 8: What's the difference?
Despite it being less than a year between the launches of the Google Pixel 8 in October 2023 and the Pixel 9 in August 2024, the 9 has been handed several notable upgrades. Design-wise, the side-to-side camera strip is no longer connected with the side frame, and a mostly flat design replaces the Pixel 8’s slightly curved design. The Pixel 9 shares the 8’s IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing for submersion of up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes.
The Pixel 9's display size has been slightly increased to 6.3 inches (the same as the Pixel 7), up from 6.2. The bigger display increase comes with better brightness capabilities, which have increased to 2,700-nit peak brightness from 2000-nit in the Pixel 8.
Aside from the jump to a G4 processor from the G3, the Pixel has also seen an increase in RAM to 12GB from 8GB to help with AI’s tasking requirements.
The main camera remains the same 50MP found on the Pixel 8, but the Pixel 9 comes with a new 48MP ultra-wide camera, which finally improves the 12MP one found in its predecessor. The majority of camera improvements are found in the AI features mentioned above.
Another big improvement is the Pixel 9 battery upgrade, which arrives with a solid 4,700mAh battery, an upgrade of the Pixel 8’s 4,575mAh. In terms of charging, things aren't any different. Both the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 9 support 27W of wired charging.
How good is the Google Pixel 9 design and display?
The Google Pixel 9 has the durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and front, polished glass on the rear, and a metal frame. It is also slimmer but slightly heavier (198g) than the Pixel 8 (187g).
The Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 60 to 120Hz. Depending on the need, it can reach up to 2700-nit peak brightness.
How good is the Google Pixel 9 battery?
As mentioned above, the Pixel 9 matches the battery size of the Pro model and has received an upgrade from the Pixel 8. Google claims the 4700 mAh battery will keep you powered for over 24 hours and up to 100-hour battery life.
No need to worry about a lengthy recharge time either, using a Google 45 W USB-C charger, you can expect up to 55% charge in about 30 minutes.
Google Pixel 9 contract options on Uswitch
On Uswitch, you can compare a range of great Google Pixel 9 deals from providers such as Vodafone, Sky Mobile, Three Mobile, O2 and iD Mobile.
Choosing the right contract depends on how much data you need/want each month and how much you can pay upfront.
For a cheaper monthly payment, you will often need to pay more upfront, and the overall cost can be reduced by avoiding high data or unlimited data deals.
The table above has a range of deals, including offers with unlimited data and low monthly and low or zero upfront costs.
Author: Archie Burkinshaw
FAQs
Does the Google Pixel 9 have fast wireless charging?
The Pixel 9 does support fast wireless charging. However, if you want faster charging, you'll need to invest in an official Google Pixel Stand—or make do with a wired USB-C charger.
Is the Google Pixel 9 waterproof?
The Google Pixel 9 isn’t officially waterproof, but it does have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning you can submerge it in up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes.
Does the Google Pixel 9 support dual-SIM and eSIM?
Yes, the Google Pixel 9 series supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards and has dual-SIM capabilities.
What colours can you get the Google Pixel 9 in?
The Google Pixel 9 is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen & Peony colours.
What is the Google Pixel 9 price range for different storage options?
The Google Pixel 9 is available with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The 128GB version costs £799, and the 256 GB £899.
Does the Google Pixel 9 have a headphone jack?
No, none of the Pixel 9 Series come with a headphone jack.
Does the Google Pixel 9 come with any additional accessories?
The Pixel 9 comes with a USB0C to USB-C cable, a SIM tray ejector and a Quick Switch adapter. Any other accessories, such as a case, will have to be bought separately.
How much is the monthly payment for the Google Pixel 9?
Depending on your upfront payment and the data you need, monthly costs can start at as low as £13 and rise to over £50. The cheapest total lowest cost is around £630 spread over 24 months.
Where can I find other mobile phone deals on Uswitch?
In addition to Google Pixel deals, you can find plenty of other deals for phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro on our mobile phones deals page.
For more information about the best smartphones around, see our mobile phone reviews page.
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