Here is what’s nice and what’s not

Shopping for a brand new Android cellphone in North America has all the time been harder in comparison with different elements of the world. We do not get almost as many choices, and in terms of shopping for Android flagship gadgets, our decisions typically slim down to only Samsung Galaxy or a Google Pixel telephones.

That stated, even these choices are beginning to really feel a bit uninspiring. The

Galaxy S25 Ultra is utterly boring
, and Google’s Pixel telephones have lengthy been identified for his or her persistent points. Google tried to repair that with the

Pixel 9 series
, enhancing the expertise throughout the board — however how effectively has it held up over time?

I have been utilizing a Pixel 9 Professional for almost a 12 months since its launch, and this is every thing I really like about it (and some issues that also hassle me).

3

The design has aged effectively, regardless of my doubts

I did not love the design at first, however now I do

The Pixel 9 Professional introduced a serious design shift in comparison with earlier Pixel telephones. Google moved to a flat-edged design, with the digital camera visor not mixing into the facet body however as an alternative sitting like a chunky slab on the again. The cellphone additionally has extra rounded corners, giving it a noticeably iPhone-like look.

Once I first noticed the renders of the Pixel 9 collection final 12 months, I used to be fairly disenchanted — however that shortly modified as soon as I received the gadget in hand, and that feeling has caught with me over the previous few months.

The Pixel 9 Professional’s design has positively grown on me. It has been a pleasure to carry, and I nonetheless benefit from the really feel of the cellphone each time I decide it up, particularly after switching from heavier telephones just like the OnePlus 13 or Xiaomi 15 Extremely. The cellphone has additionally held up rather well bodily.

There aren’t any seen scratches or dents, and regardless of what others have reported, I’ve by no means as soon as felt just like the digital camera visor was going to fall off, not like some Reddit users. Take into account, this Pixel 9 Professional has been utterly case-less since day one. At first, I believed the shiny facet rails would simply scratch or lose coloration, however that hasn’t been the case in any respect.

The truth is, this cellphone even went snorkeling with me in Bali, recorded underwater movies, and survived simply high-quality (although I would not suggest attempting that by yourself gadget).

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2

The digital camera remains to be one in every of Android’s greatest

It is the one factor I by no means have to fret about

Android OEMs are consistently experimenting with superior digital camera setups and flashy {hardware} on their “Ultra” smartphones. And whereas Google’s Pixel digital camera processing might have faced some criticism through the years, in order for you a dependable digital camera that simply works in each situation, the Pixel remains to be robust to beat — and that is been the case with the Pixel 9 Professional as effectively.

I’ve taken my Pixel 9 Professional on a number of journeys this 12 months, and I have to say, it hardly ever disappoints. Photographs taken in daylight come out sharp, crisp, and well-balanced, whereas evening pictures continues to impress. The digital camera maintains a pure look in nearly all lighting circumstances and handles shadows exceptionally effectively. Even the 5x zoom lens on the Pixel 9 Professional has confirmed to be fairly spectacular.

Check out a couple of pictures I’ve captured with this cellphone over the previous few months:

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1

There are nonetheless a couple of issues that bug me

Small points that Google actually wants to repair

All issues thought of, there are nonetheless a couple of ache factors on the Pixel 9 Professional that I want Google would lastly handle — and surprisingly, the primary one is said to the software program.

Google (and even Samsung) has made AI the headline function of its telephones recently, and whereas that is nice, the general software program expertise nonetheless feels a bit sluggish in comparison with what another Android OEMs supply. Positive, you get day-one updates, a clear UI, and helpful AI tools, however the software program feels a bit of slower in response and animation velocity when in comparison with the likes of OnePlus or Samsung. Their UIs really feel snappier, with sooner transitions and actions, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional tends to take its time.

However my largest subject needs to be with battery life and charging. The Pixel 9 Professional packs a 4,700 mAh battery, which is ok for every day use and customarily lasts a full day. However after utilizing telephones just like the OnePlus 13 or Oppo Discover X8 Extremely, I’ve began to really feel that the Pixel’s battery endurance is simply okay, not nice.

It will get worse with charging. The Pixel 9 Professional solely helps 27W wired charging, which feels far behind in 2025, particularly when most flagship telephones now supply no less than 45W or sooner. I’ve typically discovered myself needing to depart the cellphone on cost in a single day — this is not a cellphone you’ll be able to simply high up for 10–quarter-hour and anticipate to final the remainder of the day. That stated, regardless of all of this, I’ve nonetheless been genuinely impressed with my total expertise utilizing the Pixel 9 Professional this previous 12 months. Even after testing many thrilling telephones since its launch in August 2024, that is nonetheless the cellphone my important SIM goes into as soon as testing is finished, particularly after I know I will be taking loads of photographs.

Nevertheless, I actually hope Google steps it up with the Pixel 10 series, particularly with battery, charging, and a efficiency leap by way of the TSMC-made Tensor G5.

Pixel 9 Professional

$849 $999 Save
$150

The Pixel 9 Professional is a compact addition to Google’s lineup, providing a smaller type issue much like the bottom Pixel 9, whereas retaining the AI options and digital camera capabilities of the Professional collection. It comes with a 6.3-inch Tremendous Actua show, the Tensor G4 processor, and a triple-camera setup. It is upgradable to Android 15 and can quickly assist Android 16 as effectively.

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