The Pixel 9 series has finally launched in India and this time, Google announced its latest flagship series a month before Apple’s iPhone event. While the reason is unknown, it is likely to grab all the attention ahead of the launch of the iPhone 16 series. The new devices look quite promising, but they are also priced higher than the previous-generation Pixel 8 series. Interestingly, there are fewer differences between the new Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro, which makes the regular variant better in terms of value proposition, but the Pro model is still worth considering. Before we get into it, it’s worth noting that there is a price difference of Rs 20,000 between the regular Pixel 9 series phones and the Pro version. The Pixel 9 is priced at Rs 79,999, while the Pro variant will cost you Rs 94,999.

Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro: General specifications, key differences explained

Display

The Pixel 9 and its Pro version have the same display size. The devices come with a 6.3-inch OLED screen. Now, the Pro version has a slightly sharper screen with detailed visual content thanks to the 495ppi density and support for 2856 x 1280 pixels resolution. In comparison, the standard model has a 422ppi density and 2424 x 1080 pixels resolution.

Both models have support for 120Hz variable refresh rate. However, the Pro version comes with an LTPO panel with support for 1Hz-120Hz, which automatically adjusts based on the content. The standard version does not have LTPO technology, but Google has at least provided support for both 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates. This segmentation strategy seems similar to what Apple is doing with its iPhone lineup – limiting the high-end experience to the Pro models without lowering the price of the standard models.

There is also a slight difference in terms of brightness. The regular version has 1800nits local and 2700nits peak brightness. At the same time, the Pro has 2000nits local and 3000nits peak brightness. Both models have a 24-bit display with top-end Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass for protection from scratches and damage.

Chipset, Rear Camera, Additional Features

Apart from that, both phones have the same Tensor G4 chipset and rear camera setup. The only thing to note here is that the telephoto lens is only present on the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the third sensor in its rear camera system. The primary 50-megapixel wide and 48-megapixel ultrawide cameras are the same on both phones. So, if you don’t mind having a telephoto sensor, you’re basically getting the same camera experience with the Pixel 9 as the Pro model. The best part is that Google hasn’t limited the new AI features to the Pro variant but offers the same experience on both devices. These include Add Me (option to add more people in a frame), Pixel Studio, phone call transcription, Pixel screenshot, Circle to Search, and many more useful AI features. The Pixel 9 has a 10.5-megapixel front sensor, while the Pro has a 42-megapixel selfie camera.

Both phones have ultrasonic fingerprint and IP68 water-resistant rating. They will also get 7 years of Android OS and security patches. There are stereo speakers as well. The standard version comes with 12GB of RAM, while the Pro sells with a 16GB RAM model.

Battery

The battery is the same, as is the chipset and the rear camera (except for the telephoto lens). The battery is 4,700mAh and supports 45W wireless charging. It also has wireless charging support. Google does not provide a charger with any of its phones, so you will have to buy it separately.

The Pixel 9 Pro is still worth considering

The Pixel 9 Pro has a much better (42MP) front camera, a solid telephoto lens at the back in addition to the two rear sensors, a more high-end display, a bigger 16GB of RAM, and more. The rear camera system is identical on both phones except for the chipset, battery, display size, IP rating, fast charging, and telephoto lens. Now, why is it worth considering the Pro? Well, the extra features I mentioned above make a lot of sense for those who need a more high-end experience in certain areas.

Google has tried to give users an all-rounder flagship experience with the standard model, which is Rs 20,000 cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro. The deal for the standard model is quite attractive due to the features, but those who want the extra features of the Pixel 9 Pro can buy it at a lower price. There is a bank discount offer of up to Rs 10,000 on the Pro model, which will effectively reduce the price by a large extent and if you also add the exchange offer, one will be able to buy it at a price close to the standard model.