Google Pixel 9 & Google Pixel 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 9 rather than the Google Pixel 5.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 9?
- The Google Pixel 9 features the Tensor G4 chip for faster app performance, smoother multitasking, and enhanced on-device AI processing, compared to the Pixel 5’s mid-range Snapdragon 765G.
- Google Pixel 9 has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that enables ultra-smooth scrolling, better responsiveness, and improved visual clarity in dynamic content, compared to the Pixel 5’s 90Hz OLED screen.
- It includes a 50 MP main camera and a 10.5 MP front camera that capture sharper images and record detailed 4K video to enhance photo and video quality for content creation, compared to the Pixel 5’s 12.2 MP and 8 MP cameras.
- The Google Pixel 9 comes with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage that significantly improve app launch speeds, multitasking efficiency, and file transfer performance, compared to the Pixel 5’s 8 GB RAM and UFS 2.1 storage.
- Google Pixel 9 features a 4700 mAh battery with 27W wired and 18W wireless charging that ensures longer usage time and quicker top-ups compared to the Pixel 5’s 4080 mAh battery with slower charging speeds.
- It supports secure face unlock and an under-display fingerprint scanner for faster and more convenient biometric authentication, while the Pixel 5 only has a rear fingerprint sensor without facial recognition.
- The Google Pixel 9 includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless internet speeds and more stable connections to accessories and smart devices, enhancing connectivity beyond the Pixel 5’s Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 standards.
- Google Pixel 9 supports 7 years of software and security updates that extend the phone’s longevity and maintain up-to-date privacy features, while the Pixel 5 only received 3 years of official support.
Maybe the Google Pixel 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 5 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| GPU | Mali Immortalis-class | Adreno 620 |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5X | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage Options | 256 GB / 512 GB UFS 4.0 | 128 GB UFS 2.1 |
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Display Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 90Hz fixed |
| Touch Sampling Rate | 240Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | ~2000 nits | ~700 nits |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+ |
| Main Camera | 50 MP wide | 12.2 MP wide |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12 MP ultrawide | 16 MP ultrawide |
| Selfie Camera | 10.5 MP, 4K 30fps | 8 MP, 1080p |
| Video (Rear) | 4K 60fps, 10-bit HDR | 4K 60fps |
| Video (Front) | 4K 30fps | 1080p 30fps |
| Battery Capacity | ~4700 mAh | 4080 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 27W | 18W |
| Wireless Charging | 18W | 12W |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame + Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Recycled aluminum + Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Biometrics | Face Unlock + In-display fingerprint | Rear-mounted fingerprint only |
| AI Chip | Gemini Nano | None |
| Modem | Integrated G4 modem | Snapdragon X52 |
| 5G Bands | Full mmWave + Sub-6 GHz | Sub-6 GHz |
| OS Version at Launch | Android 15 | Android 11 |
| Software Updates | 7 years | 3 years |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | ~149.7 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm |
| Weight | ~190 grams | 151 grams |
| Speakers | Stereo with spatial audio | Stereo |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check Pixel 5 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Operating System (Pixel UI experience): Both Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 run Google’s clean, bloat-free Pixel UI based on Android. This means users experience smooth performance, timely updates (in Pixel 9’s case, for longer), and exclusive Google features like Call Screening and Live Translate.
- Google Services: Each device comes tightly integrated with Google’s ecosystem—Google Assistant, Google Photos, Maps, and more—ensuring consistent and seamless service access across both devices.
- Water Resistance (IP68): Both phones are IP68 certified, meaning they are dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, providing peace of mind in wet or dusty environments.
- Stereo Speakers: Both include stereo speakers for richer, more immersive audio whether you’re watching a video, playing music, or gaming.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Each phone supports Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing users to power up other Qi-compatible accessories like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone.
- NFC Support: NFC is available on both, enabling Google Pay contactless transactions and fast device pairing with compatible accessories.
- 5G Connectivity: Despite their generational gap, both phones support 5G, giving users access to high-speed mobile internet (although Pixel 9 supports newer bands and mmWave more broadly).
- Dual Rear Cameras: Both models feature a dual-camera setup, maintaining Google’s consistent photography-focused hardware design—though Pixel 9 has higher resolution sensors.
- Titan Security Chip: Both phones are built with Google’s custom Titan security chip (Titan M in Pixel 5, Titan M2 in Pixel 9), enabling hardware-based security for sensitive processes like biometrics and encryption.
- Pixel Design Language: Google’s design approach is evident in both devices, emphasizing minimalism, curved edges, and practical, user-focused ergonomics.
- Always-On Display: Both phones have always-on display modes to show notifications, time, and other useful info at a glance, without needing to unlock the screen.
- Digital Wellbeing: Both models come with tools like Focus Mode, Bedtime Mode, and app usage stats to help users manage screen time and maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.
- Now Playing Feature: Pixel 5 and 9 can identify songs playing in the background and display the name/artist on the lock screen automatically using local recognition—no internet needed.
- Recorder App with Transcription: Both support the Pixel-exclusive Recorder app that can transcribe audio in real-time and search for words inside recordings, even offline.
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 5 |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Google Services | Pre-installed Google apps & Pixel features | Pre-installed Google apps & Pixel features |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust & water resistance | IP68 dust & water resistance |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Rear Cameras | Yes | Yes |
| Titan Security Chip | Yes | Yes |
| Material Design Language | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Wellbeing | Yes | Yes |
| Now Playing Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Recorder App with Transcription | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check Pixel 5 Price |