Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: Is It the Best Android Camera?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has arrived, and with it comes the bold claim of having the best camera on an Android smartphone. Google’s Pixel lineup has long been synonymous with stellar photography, thanks to its computational photography prowess. But does the Pixel 9 Pro live up to the hype, and is it truly the king of Android cameras in 2025? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build: Premium, Yet Familiar
The Pixel 9 Pro sports a refined design with a sleek, flat glass back and polished aluminum rails. It feels premium in hand, with a slightly more compact form factor compared to its predecessors, making it easier to wield. The IP68 water and dust resistance remains, and the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures durability. The new color options—Hazel, Porcelain, and Obsidian—add a touch of elegance, though the design doesn’t stray far from the iconic Pixel aesthetic with its signature camera bar.
Display: Bright and Beautiful
The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display is a stunner, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Whether you’re scrolling through X posts or watching HDR content, the screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth performance while conserving battery, and the slimmer bezels make for an immersive experience.
Camera System: The Heart of the Pixel
The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system is where Google aims to shine. It features a triple-lens setup:
- 50MP Main Sensor: With an f/1.68 aperture and improved low-light performance.
- 48MP Ultrawide: Now with a wider field of view and macro capabilities.
- 48MP Telephoto: Offering 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom.
Google’s computational photography, powered by the Tensor G4 chip, is the real magic. Features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and the new Add Me mode (which seamlessly inserts the photographer into group shots) continue to impress. The AI-driven processing delivers crisp, natural-looking photos with accurate colors and exceptional dynamic range.
Photo Performance
In daylight, the Pixel 9 Pro produces stunning images with sharp details and vibrant yet realistic colors. The main sensor handles complex scenes effortlessly, balancing highlights and shadows with ease. Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13, the Pixel’s color science leans toward natural tones, avoiding the oversaturation some rivals favor.
Low-light photography remains a Pixel stronghold. Night Sight captures bright, detailed shots in near-darkness, with minimal noise. The ultrawide lens performs admirably in low light, though it’s slightly less sharp than the main sensor. The telephoto lens, with its 5x optical zoom, delivers crisp images even at higher zoom levels, though it lags slightly behind Samsung’s 10x periscope zoom in extreme telephoto scenarios.
Video Capabilities
Video recording has seen significant upgrades. The Pixel 9 Pro supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with improved stabilization and HDR. The new Video Boost feature enhances clarity and color in post-processing, making it a strong contender for vloggers. However, while the video quality is excellent, it still doesn’t quite match the cinematic polish of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Selfie and AI Features
The 42MP front camera is a massive leap, delivering sharp selfies with natural skin tones. The AI-powered features, like Best Take (which combines multiple shots for the perfect group photo) and Audio Magic Eraser (for removing background noise in videos), are practical and fun. These tools make the Pixel 9 Pro a versatile choice for content creators.
Performance and Software: Smooth and Smart
The Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM, ensures snappy performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven tasks. While it’s not the fastest chip compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it’s optimized for Google’s ecosystem. Running Android 15, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a clean, bloat-free experience with seven years of guaranteed updates—a huge win for longevity.
Google’s AI features, like Circle to Search and the enhanced Google Assistant, integrate seamlessly, making everyday tasks more intuitive. The software feels polished, though some may find the interface less customizable than competitors like OnePlus’ OxygenOS.
Battery Life: A Step Forward
The 5,050mAh battery is a welcome upgrade, offering all-day performance even with heavy use. Fast charging at 37W is decent, though it trails behind competitors like Xiaomi’s 120W. Wireless charging at 23W is reliable, and the reverse wireless charging feature is handy for topping up accessories.
Is It the Best Android Camera?
The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera is undeniably exceptional, excelling in photography thanks to its AI smarts and versatile lens setup. It outshines most Android competitors in still photography, particularly in low light and portrait modes. However, for video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and even the Galaxy S25 Ultra edge it out slightly in stabilization and dynamic range.
Pros
- Outstanding photo quality with natural colors
- Industry-leading low-light performance
- Innovative AI features like Add Me and Best Take
- Seven years of software updates
- Bright, vibrant display
Cons
- Video quality slightly behind iPhone
- Charging speeds lag behind some Android rivals
- Tensor G4 isn’t the fastest chip
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a photography powerhouse that lives up to its reputation. It’s not perfect—video recording and charging speeds could improve—but it’s hard to beat for still photography among Android devices. If you prioritize camera performance, a clean software experience, and long-term support, the Pixel 9 Pro is a top choice. However, if video is your focus or you need the absolute best zoom, you might glance at Samsung or Apple.
Is it the best Android camera? For photos, absolutely. For everything else, it’s a close race.
