Why would I buy the Pixel 9 Pro?

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The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro may look almost identical, but there are several differences between them. If your budget allows, you should go for the Pro model because it has superior internals. Here are the main reasons why I prefer the Pixel 9 Pro over the Pixel 9.



1 The Pixel 9 Pro has a brighter display.

Pixel 9 phone lying on the side of the window
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The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro come with a 6.3-inch OLED display. But while the former uses an Actua display, the latter has a Super Actua display. So, what’s the difference between the two? The difference is pretty big.

The Pixel 9 Pro's display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, while the regular Pixel 9's range is between 60Hz and 120Hz. This should help the Pixel 9 Pro last longer, as it can lower the 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. By comparison, the Pixel 9 can reach 1,800 nits while playing HDR content, with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits.


2 Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM and storage

The base storage for Google’s entire Pixel 9 series is 128GB. However, the Pixel 9 Pro is available in four versions, with storage options ranging up to 1TB. By 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.

The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM, while the 9 Pro comes with 16GB. You might think the extra 4GB of RAM on the Pro model is overkill, and that 12GB is more than enough for everyday use. However, with AI improvements, seven years of promised OS updates, and Pixel Feature Drops, the extra RAM on the Pixel 9 Pro will come in handy over the years.

3 Pixel 9 Pro camera is superior

Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL on white edge
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The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a more capable camera system than the regular Pixel 9. Both phones have the same primary and ultra-wide cameras: a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.68 aperture with OIS and a 48MP ultra-wide camera with an f/1.7 aperture with autofocus support.

However, the Pixel 9 Pro also features a 48MP telephoto camera with an f/2.8 aperture, offering 10x optical zoom and up to 30x super-resolution zoom. In comparison, the Pixel 9 only offers 2x optical zoom and up to 8x super-resolution zoom.

The Pixel 9 Pro features a multi-area LDAF (laser autofocus) sensor to improve autofocus performance in difficult situations, while the regular Pixel 9 only has a single-area LDAF sensor. Other features missing from the cheaper Pixel include Pro camera controls and the ability to shoot 50MP photos.


In terms of video recording, the Pixel 9 Pro can shoot 8K video with Video Boost, while the Pixel 9 is limited to 4K/60FPS. The standard Pixel also lacks Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom Video, so it won't be able to capture stunning low-light videos like the Pro model.

4 The Pixel 9 Pro offers faster wireless charging

Pixel 9 Pro XL in green on white background
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Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have a 4,700mAh battery. Wired charging is up to 27W. But the Pro lives up to its name with faster wireless charging speeds. It can charge its battery wirelessly at up to 21W, while the regular Pixel 9 is limited to 15W.

To enjoy faster charging speeds, you'll need to use Google's Pixel Stand (2nd gen), and with the best Qi chargers, the phone will only draw 12 watts of power.


In addition to the above, there are some minor differences between the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. The former has 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 feel in the hand and help it resist everyday scratches and scuffs.

The Pixel 9 Pro also has a temperature sensor and an ultra-wideband chip. These may not be very useful for everyday use right now, but they allow the Pro model to live up to its branding and $200 higher price.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro has some major upgrades over the regular Pixel 9. The brighter 120Hz display and superior camera system alone are enough reasons to lean toward the Pro model, as these improvements will be noticeable in everyday use.

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