Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Biggest differences
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
With the announcement of the Google Pixel 9, there is plenty to be excited about for Google fans. In our review, we praised the Google Pixel 8 for its compact design and host of new features, so Google has its work cut out to improve upon the prior design.
The Pixel 9 comes in at $799 for the model with 128GB storage and comes with a brand new design, improved durability and a host of new AI features that offer improved editing options and the Gemini Nano. However, the question is if there is enough of a difference to convince you to fork out an extra $100 for the new Pixel.
To learn more about what the Pixel 9 is bringing to the table you can check out our hands-on review, alongside hands-on reviews for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know when comparing the Pixel 8 with the Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Specifications
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Release date and price
The Google Pixel 9 starts at $799 / ￡799 for the 128GB version, which is $100/￡100 more than the equivalent Pixel 8 would have cost you last year. A 256GB model is also available, but prices for that haven’t been confirmed just yet. There are three color options available, Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen and Peony. Which are fancy ways of saying black, white, mint green and pink.
Meanwhile, Google launched the Pixel 8 back last fall during its October Pixel event, with a $699 starting price for the base model. Three different color options were available at launch (hazel, obsidian, and rose), but a mint color option was later added — giving you four color options in total.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Design and display
The Google Pixel 9 has a brand-new design with more rounded edges and a reduced camera bump. This will likely make it much more comfortable to hold in the hand. While the two phones are roughly the same size, the new Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover will mean that the Google Pixel 9 is much more durable than the Google Pixel 8.
The Google Pixel 9's new Actua display promises a brighter, and smoother display. According to Google, the new screen has a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, which is a vast improvement over the Google Pixel 8. If accurate, as brightness can vary, the Google Pixel 9 will offer a much better screen experience in any light condition.
Finally, the Google Pixel offers users four color options, Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen and Peony. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 only featured three color options, Rose, Hazel and Obsidian. For the most part, there isn't that much difference, but it's nice to have options.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Cameras
The Pixel 9 comes with two back cameras, a 50MP wide camera with a ?/1.68 aperture and an 8x Super Res Zoom. There is also a 48 MP Quad PD ultrawide camera with autofocus and an ?/1.7 aperture. In comparison, the Pixel 8 has a 50MP main ?/1.68 with 8x Super Res Zoom and a 12MP ultrawide ?/2.2. As you may have noticed, there isn't much difference between the two phones' camera options.
The same goes for the selfie camera, with both coming with a 10.5MP front camera. It is a bit disappointing that Google hasn't fully upgraded all of the cameras, but the improved ultrawide is a nice touch. In all honesty, it appears that the main camera hardware improvements went to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Xl.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Performance
The Pixel 9 comes with the Tensor G4, which Google has stated is designed to focus on AI and comes on every Pixel 9 series. Sadly, we haven't had a chance to fully test the new Tensor G4 to see how it compares to the competition, but we will be able to do so soon.
On the plus side, Google has upgraded the RAM in the phone, with the Google Pixel 9 coming with 12GB of RAM compared to the Google Pixel 8's 8GB. This was likely changed to help the Google Pixel 9 handle the new AI features, but on the plus side will mean that the new phone should be much faster than the Pixel 8.
The memory options haven't seen an upgrade, with the Pixel 9 having the same 128 GB and 256 GB options as the prior phone. It's worrying that with the ability to generate images, and the improved AI editing software, the memory will likely fill up quickly. While we would have rather seen the standard issue memory upgrade to 256 GB, there is still the option to upgrade.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Software
Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 will not come with Android 15, and will instead launch with Android 14. however, that isn't to say that there aren't some great new features for the Pixel 9.
The biggest improvement coming for the Pixel series is the inclusion of the new and improved Gemini Nano. The new AI is stated to work primarily on-device, meaning the phone is safer and faster than any other model. Gemini Nano has also seen an impressive glow-up on the new device, which will help it stand apart from its predecessor.
The new Gemini Nano is multimodal, meaning you can interact with Gemini using images, audio, text and speech. Gemini Assistant also infuses Google Assistant with AI capabilities, while Gemini Live will let you converse with the chatbot in real time. Not to mention a new generative AI feature that will make it easier than ever to create new images on your phone. However, you will have to pay for a subscription to use some of the new features.
The Google Pixel 9 will include several great new AI editing features for the cameras, including the Magic Editor suite. The phone will also come with Best Take, which allows users to easily create the best image by combining different faces into one shot. Another interesting feature is Add Me, which uses AR guidance to snap photos that can swap the photographer into the shot.
There's Audio Magic Eraser for cleaning up video audio, and the ability to summarize large volumes of text. There's also the Screenshot feature, which allows you to quickly save any information you want to remember by simply taking a screenshot.
Essentially this means that the Pixel 9 has all the features that we saw in the Google Pixel 8 Pro and then added more on top.
Both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 8 offer 7 years of software support, which includes software and security updates. Google has also specified that these changes will include any replacement parts, which is great for customers as it will keep devices relevant for a while.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 8: Outlook
There is an argument that, in terms of hardware, there isn't a massive difference between the two Pixels. While the new screen is nice, it likely won't be all that noticeable for many people and the lack of any real camera upgrades will be a turn-off for many, especially with the price increase.
However, the new AI features are the real star of the show with the base model coming with more features than even the Pixel 8 Pro. If you want a phone that can do a little bit of everything then the Pixel 9 is clearly the better and upgrading is well worth it. However, it might be worth waiting until the eventual release of Android 15 to be safe.
For more information, we have a hands-on with the Pixel 9 that will tell you all you need to know. We also have a live blog for the Made By Google event, including everything announced by Google.
