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Across successive Pixel generations,Googlehas normalized the idea of an AI phone.
But which Pixel phone represents the best buy?
The Google Pixel 9
If theres just one reason to buy the Pixel 8 over the Pixel 9 right now, its price.
Its a much flatter, sharper, and more industrial-looking phone than the curvy Pixel 8.
Meanwhile, the camera visor no longer tapers away into the frame like on the Pixel 8.
Here it stands alone with a defined frame, although its still unusually wide.
Our reviewer was bowled over by this new design, which looks way sharper than any Pixel before it.
It features a 6.3-inch screen, which is slightly larger than the 6.2-inch Pixel 8 display.
The Google Pixel 9
The newer phone hits a 2,700-nit peak brightness inHDRscenarios and 1,800 nits in high brightness mode (HBM).
By contrast, the Pixel 8 hits 2,000 nits at its peak and 1,400 nits in HBM.
Its an absolute treat to behold, even on sunny days.
The Google Pixel 8(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Both phones pack 10.5MP 1/3.1" selfie cameras, but only the Pixel 9 also gives you autofocus.
Image quality is very good across the board with both phones, though the Pixel 9 has the edge.
As well as those hardware adjustments, Googles new Tensor G4 supplies superior image processing.
The Google Pixel 9(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
But in this particular generational face-off, its the better shooter.
Heres hoping that Google does what Google does best, and sorts both of these phones out with software.
Both run onAndroid 14, withAndroid 15having missed the Pixel 9s early launch date.
The Google Pixel 9(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Both these phones are saturated with AI features, from Circle to Search to real-time translations.
Thats indeed the case, with a 4,700mAh cell topping the Pixel 8s 4,575mAh unit.
We didnt have any issue making either of these phones last a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
The Google Pixel 8(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Theyre both decent performers within their weight class.
That equates to roughly half a tankful, from empty, in 30 minutes of charging.
you could get way faster for the money, or even significantly less.
The Google Pixel 9(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
But aside from that design overhaul, the differences arent what youd call night and day.
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The Google Pixel 8(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
The Pixel 8’s rear camera array
The Pixel 9’s rear camera array
The Google Pixel 8 runs a Tensor G3 chipset
AI features on the Google Pixel 9
The Screenshots app on Pixel 9
The Pixel 8 (above) and Pixel 9 use USB-C
