Quick Links
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro may look almost identical, but they have many differences. If budget permits, you should opt for the Pro model because it packs superior hardware. Here are the main reasons why I prefer the Pixel 9 Pro over the Pixel 9.
1The Pixel 9 Pro Has a Brighter Display
ThePixel 9andPixel 9 Proship with a 6.3-inch OLED panel. But while the former uses an Actua panel, the latter packs a Super Actua display. So, what’s the difference between the two? Quite a bit.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s screen can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, whereas the regular Pixel 9’s range is between 60Hz and 120Hz. This should help the Pixel 9 Pro last longer, as it can lower its refresh rate further when displaying static content to reduce power consumption.
Additionally, Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro has an HDR brightness of 2,000 nits and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. In comparison, the Pixel 9 can hit 1,800 nits while playing HDR content, with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits.
2The Pixel 9 Pro Boasts More RAM and Storage
Google’s entire Pixel 9 lineup has a base storage capacity of 128GB. However, the Pixel 9 Pro is available in four variants, with up to 1TB of storage. In comparison, the Pixel 9 only comes in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. If you plan to use your phone for several years, consider getting the 256GB or 512GB Pixel 9 Pro variant.
The Pixel 9 ships with 12GB RAM, while the 9 Pro packs 16GB RAM. You might think the additional 4GB RAM on the Pro model is overkill, and12GB is good enough for daily use. However, with AI improvements and seven years of promised OS updates andPixel Feature Drops, the additional RAM on the Pixel 9 Pro will be useful over the years.
3The Pixel 9 Pro’s Camera Hardware Is Superior
Living up to its Pro moniker, the Pixel 9 Pro ships with a more capable camera system than the regular Pixel 9. Both Pixels have the same primary and ultrawide cameras: a 50MP f/1.68 primary shooter with OIS and a 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide with autofocus support.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro also features a 5x 48MP f/2.8 telephoto camera, offering optical-quality performance of up to 10x and Super Res Zoom of up to 30x. In comparison, the Pixel 9 only provides 2x optical quality zoom and up to 8x Super Res Zoom.
The Pixel 9 Pro features a multi-zone LDAF (laser-detection autofocus) sensor for better autofocus performance in challenging situations, while the regular Pixel 9 only has single-zone LDAF. Other features missing from the cheaper Pixel include Pro camera controls and the ability to shoot pictures at 50MP resolution.
In video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro can shoot 8K videos using Video Boost, while the Pixel 9 is limited to recording videos at 4K/60FPS. The standard Pixel also misses out on Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom Video, so it won’t be able to capture breathtaking low-light videos as the Pro model.
4The Pixel 9 Pro Offers Faster Wireless Charging
Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro pack a 4,700mAh cell. Their wired charging speed tops out at the same 27W. But the Pro lives up to its moniker with faster wireless charging speeds. It can top up its cell wirelessly at up to 21W speed, while the regular Pixel 9 is limited to 15W.
To enjoy the faster charging speeds, you’ll have to useGoogle’s Pixel Stand (2nd Gen). With thebest Qi chargers, though, the phone will only pull 12W of power.
Besides the above, there are some minor differences between the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro. The former features a polished glass back with a satin finish on the metal frame, while the 9 Pro has a matte glass back with a polished metal frame. This will give the Pixel 9 Pro a better in-hand feel and help it resist daily scratches and scuffs.
The Pixel 9 Pro also has a temperature sensor and an ultra-wideband chip. These might not be that beneficial in daily use right now, but they allow the Pro model to live up to its branding and the $200 higher price tag.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro has some key upgrades over the regular Pixel 9. The brighter 120Hz screen and the superior camera system alone are enough reasons to lean toward the Pro model, as these improvements will be noticeable in daily use.
