If you’ve been keeping up with the latest tech news, then you might be aware that the Pixel 9 series is finally available for pre-order, and for Pixel fans looking to switch over from a much older device, there are some neat upgrades with the new phones. If you’re not familiar with Google’s latest Pixel phones though, here’s a quick summary: the Pixel 9 series consists of a “regular” Pixel 9 model, a similarly sized Pixel 9 Pro, a larger Pro XL, and a foldable 9 Pro Fold. Out of the four however, the Pixel 9 Pro appears to be the most balanced one thanks to a combination of size and specs.
Previously, Google’s better-equipped Pro models only came in a single size that was larger than the regular version. If you wanted a device that packed more of a punch, you needed to grab the larger phone for extra features such as increased RAM, a third telephoto camera, Pro camera app controls, and so on. Obviously this is no longer the case with the Pixel 9 Pro, as it shares the same overall design profile with the regular Pixel 9. In fact, most cases for the Pixel 9 are also advertised as being compatible with the non-XL Pro model.
CHECK OUT: The Pixel 9 Features New Upgrades, but Should You Really Buy It?
The smaller Pro also comes with a lot of the same features as on the larger variant – there’s the same trio of 50-48-48 MP cameras, the same 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the same amount of RAM, and of course, the same Tensor G4 chipset. Of course, there are some differences such as the larger display and larger battery on the XL, but in the grander scheme of things they are essentially the same phone, size differences aside.
For people who have long yearned for a “small” Pixel phone with better specs, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a great value proposition as you’ll no longer have to sacrifice hardware and performance just to get a more pocket-friendly handset. It’s a strategy that’s worked well for rivals like Apple, and we can only hope that Google stays in this trajectory moving forward.
With all that being said though, there is an important factor to consider, at least at this point in time. For some strange reason, it seems that the Pixel 9 Pro will be shipping out at a later date. While the regular Pixel 9 and the XL arrive in stores on August 22, it looks like Google has chosen to delay the Pixel 9 Pro’s market availability to later in September. Of course you can pre-order now, but there’s a significant waiting period involved before you can sink your teeth into the 9 Pro.
The 9 Pro is also understandably expensive – at £999 it’s not exactly cheap, and folks on a tight budget might want to pass on this one, at least until we get more promos and price drops. Google’s decision to continue raising prices is not something a lot of buyers will agree with, and we don’t see this changing anytime soon. Again though, if you’re willing to wait – and spend – that much on a compact Pixel phone without the usual array of hardware limitations, then the Pixel 9 Pro might be the best option for you.
