Here is what’s nice and what’s not

Shopping for a brand new Android telephone in North America has at all times been harder in comparison with different components of the world. We do not get almost as many choices, and in relation to shopping for Android flagship gadgets, our selections usually slender down to simply Samsung Galaxy or a Google Pixel telephones.

That stated, even these choices are beginning to really feel a bit uninspiring. The

Galaxy S25 Ultra is utterly boring
, and Google’s Pixel telephones have lengthy been recognized for his or her persistent points. Google tried to repair that with the

Pixel 9 series
, enhancing the expertise throughout the board — however how effectively has it held up over time?

I have been utilizing a Pixel 9 Professional for almost a yr since its launch, and this is every thing I really like about it (and some issues that also trouble me).

3

The design has aged effectively, regardless of my doubts

I did not love the design at first, however now I do

The Pixel 9 Professional introduced a significant design shift in comparison with earlier Pixel telephones. Google moved to a flat-edged design, with the digicam visor not mixing into the facet body however as a substitute sitting like a chunky slab on the again. The telephone additionally has extra rounded corners, giving it a noticeably iPhone-like look.

Once I first noticed the renders of the Pixel 9 sequence final yr, I used to be fairly upset — however that shortly modified as soon as I bought the gadget in hand, and that feeling has caught with me over the previous few months.

The Pixel 9 Professional’s design has undoubtedly grown on me. It has been a pleasure to carry, and I nonetheless benefit from the really feel of the telephone each time I choose it up, particularly after switching from heavier telephones just like the OnePlus 13 or Xiaomi 15 Extremely. The telephone has additionally held up very well bodily.

There aren’t any seen scratches or dents, and regardless of what others have reported, I’ve by no means as soon as felt just like the digicam visor was going to fall off, not like some Reddit users. Take note, this Pixel 9 Professional has been utterly case-less since day one. At first, I believed the shiny facet rails would simply scratch or lose shade, however that hasn’t been the case in any respect.

In actual fact, this telephone even went snorkeling with me in Bali, recorded underwater movies, and survived simply high-quality (although I would not suggest making an attempt that by yourself gadget).

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2

The digicam continues to be certainly one of Android’s greatest

It is the one factor I by no means have to fret about

Android OEMs are always experimenting with superior digicam setups and flashy {hardware} on their “Ultra” smartphones. And whereas Google’s Pixel digicam processing could have faced some criticism over time, if you need a dependable digicam that simply works in each situation, the Pixel continues to be powerful to beat — and that is been the case with the Pixel 9 Professional as effectively.

I’ve taken my Pixel 9 Professional on a number of journeys this yr, and I have to say, it hardly ever disappoints. Images taken in daylight come out sharp, crisp, and well-balanced, whereas night time pictures continues to impress. The digicam maintains a pure look in nearly all lighting situations and handles shadows exceptionally effectively. Even the 5x zoom lens on the Pixel 9 Professional has confirmed to be fairly spectacular.

Check out a number of pictures I’ve captured with this telephone over the previous few months:

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1

There are nonetheless a number of issues that bug me

Small points that Google actually wants to repair

All issues thought of, there are nonetheless a number of ache factors on the Pixel 9 Professional that I want Google would lastly deal with — and surprisingly, the primary one is expounded to the software program.

Google (and even Samsung) has made AI the headline function of its telephones recently, and whereas that is nice, the general software program expertise nonetheless feels a bit sluggish in comparison with what another Android OEMs provide. Positive, you get day-one updates, a clear UI, and helpful AI tools, however the software program feels a bit slower in response and animation velocity when in comparison with the likes of OnePlus or Samsung. Their UIs really feel snappier, with sooner transitions and actions, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional tends to take its time.

However my largest difficulty must be with battery life and charging. The Pixel 9 Professional packs a 4,700 mAh battery, which is ok for each day use and customarily lasts a full day. However after utilizing telephones just like the OnePlus 13 or Oppo Discover X8 Extremely, I’ve began to really feel that the Pixel’s battery endurance is simply okay, not nice.

It will get worse with charging. The Pixel 9 Professional solely helps 27W wired charging, which feels far behind in 2025, particularly when most flagship telephones now provide at the very least 45W or sooner. I’ve usually discovered myself needing to go away the telephone on cost in a single day — this is not a telephone you may simply high up for 10–quarter-hour and anticipate to final the remainder of the day. That stated, regardless of all of this, I’ve nonetheless been genuinely impressed with my general expertise utilizing the Pixel 9 Professional this previous yr. Even after testing many thrilling telephones since its launch in August 2024, that is nonetheless the telephone my essential SIM goes into as soon as testing is finished, particularly after I know I will be taking numerous pictures.

Nevertheless, I actually hope Google steps it up with the Pixel 10 series, particularly with battery, charging, and a efficiency leap through the TSMC-made Tensor G5.

Pixel 9 Professional

$849 $999 Save
$150

The Pixel 9 Professional is a compact addition to Google’s lineup, providing a smaller kind issue just like the bottom Pixel 9, whereas retaining the AI options and digicam capabilities of the Professional sequence. It comes with a 6.3-inch Tremendous Actua show, the Tensor G4 processor, and a triple-camera setup. It is upgradable to Android 15 and can quickly assist Android 16 as effectively.

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