Pixel 5 vs Pixel 9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9Google Pixel 5
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G4Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
GPUMali Immortalis-classAdreno 620
RAM12 GB LPDDR5X8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage Options256 GB / 512 GB UFS 4.0128 GB UFS 2.1
Display Size6.2 inches6.0 inches
Display TypeAMOLEDOLED
Refresh Rate120Hz adaptive90Hz fixed
Touch Sampling Rate240Hz120Hz
Peak Brightness~2000 nits~700 nits
HDR SupportHDR10+, HLGHDR10+
Main Camera50 MP wide12.2 MP wide
Ultrawide Camera12 MP ultrawide16 MP ultrawide
Selfie Camera10.5 MP, 4K 30fps8 MP, 1080p
Video (Rear)4K 60fps, 10-bit HDR4K 60fps
Video (Front)4K 30fps1080p 30fps
Battery Capacity~4700 mAh4080 mAh
Wired Charging27W18W
Wireless Charging18W12W
Build MaterialAluminum frame + Gorilla Glass Victus 2Recycled aluminum + Gorilla Glass 6
BiometricsFace Unlock + In-display fingerprintRear-mounted fingerprint only
AI ChipGemini NanoNone
ModemIntegrated G4 modemSnapdragon X52
5G BandsFull mmWave + Sub-6 GHzSub-6 GHz
OS Version at LaunchAndroid 15Android 11
Software Updates7 years3 years
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
Dimensions~149.7 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm
Weight~190 grams151 grams
SpeakersStereo with spatial audioStereo
Bluetoothv5.3v5.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
PriceCheck Pixel 9 PriceCheck 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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9Google Pixel 5
Operating SystemAndroidAndroid
Google ServicesPre-installed Google apps & Pixel featuresPre-installed Google apps & Pixel features
Water ResistanceIP68 dust & water resistanceIP68 dust & water resistance
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
NFCYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Dual Rear CamerasYesYes
Titan Security ChipYesYes
Material Design LanguageYesYes
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Digital WellbeingYesYes
Now Playing FeatureYesYes
Recorder App with TranscriptionYesYes
Price Check Pixel 9 Price Check Pixel 5 Price

FAQ

Does the Google Pixel 9 support face unlock?
Yes, the Google Pixel 9 supports secure face unlock using advanced facial recognition hardware, a feature that was not available on the Pixel 5.

How long will the Pixel 9 receive software updates?
The Pixel 9 is promised 7 years of Android OS and security updates, which is significantly longer than the Pixel 5’s 3-year support window.

Is the Google Pixel 9 more powerful than the Pixel 5?
Yes, the Pixel 9 uses the new Google Tensor G4 chip, which delivers much faster processing, better AI integration, and more efficient performance compared to the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5.

Do both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 support 5G?
Yes, both models support 5G connectivity, but the Pixel 9 supports a wider range of 5G bands including newer mmWave and sub-6 GHz for improved global compatibility and speed.

What kind of display does the Pixel 9 have compared to the Pixel 5?
The Pixel 9 features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, while the Pixel 5 has a smaller 6.0-inch OLED screen with a fixed 90Hz refresh rate.

Is the Pixel 9 camera better than the Pixel 5?
Yes, the Pixel 9 includes a 50 MP main sensor and a 10.5 MP front camera capable of 4K video, which are major upgrades over the Pixel 5’s 12.2 MP main and 8 MP front cameras.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 support Qi wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging to power accessories.

Does the Pixel 9 have better battery life than the Pixel 5?
The Pixel 9 has a larger battery around 4700 mAh and benefits from improved efficiency, leading to longer battery life compared to the 4080 mAh battery in the Pixel 5.

Can both phones be used underwater?
Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 have IP68 water and dust resistance ratings, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Is the Pixel 9 heavier than the Pixel 5?
Yes, the Pixel 9 weighs around 190 grams, making it heavier than the Pixel 5 which weighs 151 grams, due to its larger battery and upgraded materials.

What version of Android do the Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 launch with?
The Pixel 9 ships with Android 15, while the Pixel 5 launched with Android 11 and is no longer eligible for major OS upgrades.

Do both devices support Google’s Recorder app with transcription?
Yes, both support the Pixel-exclusive Recorder app, allowing real-time voice-to-text transcription and searchable recordings without internet access.

Is the fingerprint sensor the same on both devices?
No, the Pixel 5 uses a rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor, while the Pixel 9 features an under-display optical fingerprint scanner for a more modern experience.

Can I use the same charger for both phones?
Both support USB-C charging, but the Pixel 9 uses faster 27W wired charging compared to the 18W maximum on the Pixel 5, so a higher wattage charger is recommended for the newer model.

Do both phones include stereo speakers?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 5 include stereo speakers for immersive audio, although the Pixel 9 enhances this with spatial audio capabilities.

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