Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Google Pixel 9 Pro & Pixel 8 Pro 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 Pro rather than the Pixel 8 Pro. 

Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 9 Pro

  • The Pixel 9 Pro features the advanced Tensor G4 chip that delivers faster processing speeds, improved AI performance, and smoother app responsiveness, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3.
  • Pixel 9 Pro has 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM that enables better multitasking, faster app switching, and improved stability during high-load tasks, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB RAM.
  • It includes a triple 50MP rear camera system that enhances consistency across wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots for sharper, more detailed images, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s mixed 50MP and 48MP setup.
  • The Pixel 9 Pro supports a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate that provides smoother scrolling, reduced input lag, and a more fluid gaming experience, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Pixel 9 Pro has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits that improves screen visibility in bright sunlight and enhances HDR content display, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 2,400-nit peak.
  • It includes Gemini Nano AI that enables faster on-device translation, smarter photo editing, and improved live captioning, while the Pixel 8 Pro has earlier AI suite.
  • The Pixel 9 Pro features 40W wired charging that reduces charging time and allows quicker top-ups during short breaks, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W charging speed.
  • Pixel 9 Pro has a titanium frame that adds premium durability, reduces weight, and increases resistance to bending or drops, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s aluminum frame.

Maybe the Pixel 8 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 9 Pro. 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 9 ProPixel 8 Pro
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G3
RAM16GB LPDDR5X12GB LPDDR5X
Storage Variants256GB / 512GB / 1TB128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Cooling SystemVapor chamber cooling systemStandard graphite cooling
Rear Cameras50MP wide + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP telephoto50MP wide + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto
Front Camera13MP front camera10.5MP front camera
Camera FeaturesAI Zoom Enhance, Live HDR+ V2Magic Editor, Super Res Zoom
AI FeaturesGemini Nano, Live Translate 2.0Original AI suite with Magic Eraser
Display Brightness3,000 nits peak2,400 nits peak
Refresh Rate1Hz – 144Hz adaptive1Hz – 120Hz adaptive
Touch Sampling RateUp to 360HzUp to 240Hz
Battery Capacity5,150mAh5,050mAh
Wired Charging Speed40W wired30W wired
Operating System at LaunchAndroid 15Android 14
Wi-Fi VersionWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6E
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)UWB 2.0UWB 1.0
Face UnlockSecure with IR and depth sensorsSoftware-based
Frame MaterialTitanium frameMatte aluminum frame
Back MaterialPolished Gorilla Glass Victus 2Matte Gorilla Glass Victus 2
PriceCheck Pixel 9 Pro PriceCheck Pixel 8 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 6.7-inch QHD+ Super Actua OLED Display: Both phones feature the same sharp and vibrant LTPO OLED panels with high brightness, excellent color reproduction, and adaptive refresh rate technology.
  • 50MP Main Camera with OIS and Laser Autofocus: Each device includes a high-end 50MP main sensor that captures rich detail and stable shots thanks to built-in optical image stabilization and fast laser-assisted focusing.
  • Triple Rear Camera Setup: Though the exact sensors differ, both phones carry three rear cameras for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots—providing versatile photography options.
  • 4K 60fps Video (Front & Rear): Both models record high-quality 4K video at 60fps on both the front and rear cameras, making them strong choices for content creators.
  • AI Photography Tools: Features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone are present on both devices, enhancing images with on-device AI processing.
  • 23W Wireless Charging & Battery Life: Wireless charging via the Pixel Stand delivers the same 23W speed on both models, and battery life estimates for standard use are nearly identical (24+ hours).
  • IP68 Water Resistance: Durable in wet and dusty environments, both phones are built to survive submersion and splashes with their IP68 rating.
  • Biometric Security: Each device provides Face Unlock and an under-display fingerprint scanner, allowing users to choose their preferred unlocking method.
  • Pixel-exclusive Software Features: Both run the clean Pixel UI with Material You, Call Screening, Hold For Me, Live Translate, and other smart Google AI-powered features.
  • 7 Years of Software Updates: Google has committed to 7 years of OS and security updates for both, ensuring longevity and access to new Android features.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Both include 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and eSIM + physical SIM compatibility, supporting modern networks and accessories.
  • Security Hardware: Each has the latest Titan M security chip, helping protect sensitive on-device information like passwords and biometric data.

Common Features

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9 ProPixel 8 Pro
Display Size6.7-inch LTPO OLED6.7-inch LTPO OLED
Display ResolutionQHD+QHD+
Display TypeSuper Actua OLEDSuper Actua OLED
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Main Rear Camera50MP Octa PD wide50MP Octa PD wide
Laser Autofocus + OISYesYes
Rear Camera CountTriple camera systemTriple camera system
Video Recording4K @ 60fps (rear/front), 10-bit HDR4K @ 60fps (rear/front), 10-bit HDR
Front Camera Video4K @ 60fps4K @ 60fps
Photo Editing ToolsMagic Eraser, Photo UnblurMagic Eraser, Photo Unblur
Wireless Charging23W23W
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
Battery Life (Estimated)24+ hours24+ hours
Extreme Battery SaverUp to 72 hoursUp to 72 hours
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68IP68
BiometricsFace Unlock + Under-display FingerprintFace Unlock + Under-display Fingerprint
Google AssistantBuilt-in with voice and AI controlBuilt-in with voice and AI control
Call Screening & Hold For MeYesYes
Live TranslateYesYes
Android Version Support7 years OS & security updates7 years OS & security updates
Connectivity Features5G, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC5G, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
eSIM & Dual SIM SupportYesYes
Titan M Security ChipYesYes
Material You UIYesYes
Price Check Pixel 9 Pro Price Check Pixel 8 Pro Price

FAQ

Does the Pixel 9 Pro have better camera hardware than the Pixel 8 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro features a triple 50MP camera setup (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto), whereas the Pixel 8 Pro has a 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto, meaning the 9 Pro brings more consistency across all sensors.

Is the display brighter on the Pixel 9 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro has a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 2,400 nits, making it easier to view in direct sunlight.

Do both phones support the same screen resolution and size?
Yes, both devices have a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rates, but the Pixel 9 Pro supports up to 144Hz while the Pixel 8 Pro caps at 120Hz.

Is battery life significantly different between the two?
Both phones offer similar real-world battery life, but the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly larger 5,150mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5,050mAh, with faster 40W wired charging.

What AI features are exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro?
The Pixel 9 Pro includes Gemini Nano for enhanced AI tasks, Live Translate 2.0, and more advanced image processing features, while the Pixel 8 Pro lacks these latest-generation tools.

Do both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging?
Yes, both support 23W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand and can reverse wirelessly charge accessories like earbuds.

Is the face unlock more secure on the Pixel 9 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro uses an upgraded IR and depth-sensing system for more secure face unlock, while the Pixel 8 Pro uses 2D image-based recognition.

What materials are used in the frame and body of each phone?
The Pixel 9 Pro features a premium titanium frame with a polished Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, while the Pixel 8 Pro uses a matte aluminum frame with a matte finish glass back.

Do both phones have IP68 water and dust resistance?
Yes, both devices are rated IP68, meaning they are resistant to dust and can survive submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Is the software experience different between the two?
Both run stock Android with Google’s Pixel UI and feature the same core apps and features, but the Pixel 9 Pro launched with Android 15 and supports newer AI features.

Will both phones receive the same software update policy?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro are eligible for 7 years of Android OS, security, and Feature Drop updates from Google.

Do both models support eSIM and dual SIM functionality?
Yes, both phones support one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, allowing for dual SIM use.

Is there a difference in connectivity options between the two?
The Pixel 9 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and UWB 2.0, while the Pixel 8 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E and UWB 1.0, giving the newer model better wireless and proximity performance.

Which device is better for gaming or high refresh content?
The Pixel 9 Pro is better due to its 144Hz refresh rate, improved cooling system, and more powerful Tensor G4 chip paired with 16GB RAM, which together deliver a smoother and more stable experience.

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