This is what’s nice and what’s not

Shopping for a brand new Android cellphone in North America has all the time been tougher in comparison with different components of the world. We do not get almost as many choices, and relating to shopping for Android flagship units, our decisions typically slim down to only 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 properly 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 part I really like about it (and some issues that also trouble me).

3

The design has aged properly, regardless of my doubts

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

The Pixel 9 Professional introduced a serious 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 cellphone additionally has extra rounded corners, giving it a noticeably iPhone-like look.

Once I first noticed the renders of the Pixel 9 collection final yr, I used to be fairly upset — however that shortly modified as soon as I bought the machine 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 cellphone each time I decide it up, particularly after switching from heavier telephones just like the OnePlus 13 or Xiaomi 15 Extremely. The cellphone has additionally held up rather 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. Remember, this Pixel 9 Professional has been utterly case-less since day one. At first, I assumed the shiny facet rails would simply scratch or lose coloration, however that hasn’t been the case in any respect.

The truth is, this cellphone even went snorkeling with me in Bali, recorded underwater movies, and survived simply nice (although I would not suggest attempting that by yourself machine).

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2

The digicam continues to be one in every of Android’s finest

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

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

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

Check out a couple of photographs I’ve captured with this cellphone over the previous few months:

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1

There are nonetheless a couple of issues that bug me

Small points that Google actually wants to repair

All issues thought-about, there are nonetheless a couple 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 supply. Certain, 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 quicker transitions and actions, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional tends to take its time.

However my largest problem needs to be with battery life and charging. The Pixel 9 Professional packs a 4,700 mAh battery, which is okay for every day use and usually 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 supply no less than 45W or quicker. I’ve typically discovered myself needing to depart the cellphone on cost in a single day — this is not a cellphone you possibly can 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 total 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 cellphone my essential SIM goes into as soon as testing is completed, particularly once I know I will be taking plenty of pictures.

Nevertheless, I actually hope Google steps it up with the Pixel 10 series, particularly with battery, charging, and a efficiency leap by way of 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 type issue just like the bottom Pixel 9, whereas retaining the AI options and digicam capabilities of the Professional collection. 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 help Android 16 as properly.

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