The Google Pixel 9 may lack a telephoto lens, but its camera system still holds its own with impressive versatility and smart upgrades from previous generations. While the telephoto remains exclusive to the Pro models, the Pixel 9 benefits from enhancements like a new ultrawide camera and autofocus for selfies, making it a solid performer for everyday photography and video.

Main Camera 

The Pixel 9’s 50MP main camera carries over from the Pro models and previous Pixel generations, offering the same high-quality sensor. In daylight, the camera produces outstanding images with remarkable detail, natural sharpening, and virtually no noise. You’ll find the usual Pixel contrast, with excellent highlight retention and slightly deeper shadows than some competitors. Skin tones in portraits are realistic and appealing, making this a great all-rounder for people shots.

One downside of the Pixel 9 is the absence of a telephoto lens, meaning you’ll have to rely on digital zoom. The 2x zoom on the Pixel 9 offers decent quality but can’t quite match phones like the Galaxy S24, which sports a dedicated 3x telephoto camera. Still, for casual zooming, the Pixel 9 holds its own, especially when compared to devices like the iPhone 15.

Ultrawide Camera

The 48MP ultrawide camera is where the Pixel 9 shows real improvement. With a new, larger sensor, it delivers sharper images, particularly in the center, with great dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. The ultrawide also doubles as a macro camera, capable of focusing as close as 15mm, making it a versatile tool for close-ups.

In comparison to the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15, the Pixel 9’s ultrawide camera performs exceptionally well, particularly in low-light situations, where it captures well-exposed, sharp images with minimal noise.

Selfie Camera

Google has finally introduced autofocus to the 10.5MP selfie camera on the Pixel 9, a welcome upgrade over last year’s model. This allows for better-focused selfies even when taken from less than arm’s length. The selfie camera produces great detail, vibrant colors, and natural skin tones, making it competitive with the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15.

While the Pro models have a more advanced 42MP selfie camera, the Pixel 9’s front-facing shooter is more than sufficient for social media, video calls, and casual photography.

Low-Light Performance

In low-light conditions, the Pixel 9’s main camera remains a strong performer. Images are generally well-exposed with good highlight retention and bright shadows. While there is a slight softness in shadow areas due to noise reduction, the overall quality remains high. The 2x zoom in low light is usable, but as expected, the quality drops in darker scenes.

The ultrawide camera continues to impress at night, with bright exposures and sharpness, particularly in well-lit areas. The Pixel 9 easily outperforms both the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 when it comes to ultrawide low-light shots.

Video Recording

The Pixel 9 supports 4K recording at 60fps on all cameras, including the front-facing one, which is a standout feature at this price point. For those seeking cinematic footage, you can also record in 4K 24fps using the rear cameras. Stabilization options are comprehensive, including Standard Mode for general use, Active Mode for action shots, and Locked Mode for zoomed-in recording up to 5x.

However, there’s no 8K recording option on the Pixel 9, a feature available on some competitors.

Competition 

Samsung Galaxy S24: As the Pixel 9’s most prominent competitor, the Galaxy S24 stands out for its compact design, a key differentiator given that the Pixel 9 has grown larger and heavier compared to its predecessor—by a significant 30 grams. While the Pixel 9 offers superior battery life and, in many scenarios, better photo quality, the Galaxy S24 excels in video recording and zoom capabilities. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 is often discounted globally, making it a more affordable choice.

Apple iPhone 15: Priced similarly to the Pixel 9, the iPhone 15 is another contender worth considering. In terms of photography, the Pixel 9 typically delivers better stills, whereas the iPhone 15 shines with superior video recording. Both phones offer comparable battery life and charging speeds. The Pixel 9’s display is a standout feature with its 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 15 lags behind with its 60Hz panel. If you’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, switching to Android might be a significant move, but it’s certainly an option if you’re looking for something new.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: For those already committed to #teampixel, the Pixel 9 Pro might be worth the extra investment. At a price increase of around $200/€200, the Pro model offers zoom capabilities and additional features that are not available on the standard Pixel 9. The choice between the two largely depends on how much value you place on these additional features.

Google Pixel 8: If you’re seeking to save some money, the Pixel 8 is an alternative worth considering. However, the trade-offs include the absence of autofocus for selfies, an older ultrawide camera, and slightly reduced battery life. The Pixel 8 might offer $100 in savings, but the compromises may be too significant for some users.

Motorola Razr 50 and Razr 2024: For those prioritizing compactness and novelty, Motorola’s foldables present an interesting alternative. The Razr 50, priced similarly to the Pixel 9 in Europe, and the Razr 2024, which is $100 cheaper in the US, offer unique foldable designs and excellent speakers. Although their camera performance isn’t as strong, their innovative form factor and features could appeal to those intrigued by foldable technology.

Verdict