The Pixel 9 Pro stands out in today’s smartphone landscape as a rare gem—a compact device that doesn’t compromise on design, specs, or camera quality, matching the prowess of Google’s larger and more premium models. This makes it a strong contender for the best small phone on the market.

With a price tag of £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699), the Pixel 9 Pro is more affordable than its bigger sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but still firmly in the high-end category. The real draw is its 6.3-inch screen, which is much more manageable compared to the massive 6.7-inch or larger screens typically found in high-end smartphones today.

Though it’s not tiny by any means, the Pixel 9 Pro is compact for a modern flagship, joining a select group of competitors like Samsung’s 6.2-inch Galaxy S24 and the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro.

Design and Display

The 6.3-inch OLED display is impressive, offering brightness, speed, and sharpness that can compete with the best screens out there. The striking camera bump on the back adds a distinctive touch, while the flat aluminum edges and frosted glass back give the phone a premium feel.

Despite its smaller size, the Pixel 9 Pro packs a punch. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, it comes with 16GB of RAM and starts with 128GB of storage. This setup ensures smooth performance across most apps, although it doesn’t quite match the raw power of Android phones using Qualcomm’s top-tier processors, especially when it comes to gaming.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a key strength of the Pixel 9 Pro, especially for a phone of its size. It lasts just over 48 hours on a single charge with around seven hours of active screen time, combining both 5G and Wi-Fi usage. While this falls short of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery life, it still outlasts the iPhone 15 Pro by about 10 hours on average.

Charging is quick, too, with a full charge taking just over 80 minutes using a 27W or higher USB-C charger (though you’ll need to purchase the charger separately).

Camera

The camera setup is where the Pixel 9 Pro really shines. It includes a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP 5x telephoto camera. This telephoto lens, in particular, outdoes many of its similarly sized competitors, which often max out at 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 Pro excels in various lighting conditions, capturing detailed images even in challenging environments.

The in-sensor zoom feature on the telephoto lens effectively offers a 10x optical zoom, making it easy to capture distant subjects with clarity. The digital zoom extends up to 30x, delivering surprisingly good results in well-lit settings.

A unique “Add Me” feature allows you to be included in group photos by combining two consecutive shots into one. This augmented reality-based function works well in many cases but might take a bit of practice to perfect.

AI Features and Software

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on Android 14 and is backed by seven years of software updates, including an upcoming upgrade to Android 15. This long-term support ensures the phone remains relevant and secure for years to come.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro is its integration with Google’s latest Gemini Nano AI models. These models power several innovative features, including the Gemini Live experience, which offers a conversational AI assistant capable of maintaining a natural dialogue with users. The assistant remembers the context of conversations, provides relevant information, and even asks follow-up questions to keep the discussion going.

Other AI-driven tools include the Screenshots app, which organizes and makes your screenshots searchable, and the Pixel Studio app, which generates images from text prompts. Google Photos’ Magic Editor uses generative AI to reframe images, expand the canvas, or insert objects based on user input.

Sustainability and Repairability

Google has made significant strides in sustainability with the Pixel 9 Pro. The phone is constructed using at least 18% recycled materials, including aluminum, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Google also offers a detailed breakdown of the phone’s environmental impact and provides free recycling for old devices.

When it comes to repairability, the Pixel 9 Pro is designed to be serviced by both Google and third-party repair shops. Genuine replacement parts will soon be available through iFixit, with the repair specialists giving the Pixel 9 Pro XL a repairability score of five out of 10.

Pricing and Verdict

Starting at £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699), the Pixel 9 Pro is priced similarly to other high-end smartphones like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While it’s not a budget option, its price reflects the premium features and long-term software support it offers.

For anyone in the market for a high-end phone that doesn’t require lugging around a large device, the Pixel 9 Pro is one of the best choices out there. It combines a beautiful 6.3-inch display, top-notch camera system with a 5x optical zoom, solid battery life, and cutting-edge AI features, all in a sleek, compact design.

Pros:

• Seven years of software updates
• Exceptional camera with 5x and 10x optical zoom
• Bright and sharp 6.3-inch display
• Good battery life for a smaller phone
• Use of recycled materials
• Impressive local and generative AI features
• One-year Gemini Advanced subscription included

Cons:

• Pricey
• Face unlock isn’t as secure as Apple’s Face ID
• Raw performance isn’t top-tier compared to other Android phones
• The temperature sensor is limited in its usefulness outside the US

In conclusion, the Pixel 9 Pro is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a compact yet powerful smartphone with the latest tech innovations.