Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 9: Key Differences

The Google Pixel 9 was released in August of 2024, arriving alongside the Google Pixel 9 Pro, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As the base model in the series, the Pixel 9 is aimed at the everyday Android user who wants an excellent overall flagship phone that doesn’t break the bank. 

By all accounts, the Pixel 9 serves this market perfectly, although it may not be the technological leap forward from the Pixel 8 that some were expecting. This begs the question: is it worth upgrading to the Pixel 9 from the Pixel 8? In this article, we’ll compare the two devices to help you decide. 

Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 9: Specs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro specs. 

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Price: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9

Google seems to have embarked on a trend of raising the price of its Pixel phones with each generation. The 128GB Pixel 8 was launched with a starting price of $699, up $100 from the Pixel 7. The new 128GB Pixel 9 goes for $799, which is, you guessed it, $100 more than the Pixel 8. 

With this recent price hike, the Pixel series is in iPhone territory now—the iPhone 15 was also priced at $799 upon its release. Clearly, Google has positioned its new phones as premium alternatives to Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices.

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Design: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9 

Each generation of the Google Pixel has featured subtle design differences from its predecessor, but the Pixel 9 feels like a more significant break from the Pixel 8. 

Whereas the Pixel 8 could easily be mistaken for the Pixel 7, the Pixel 9 does away with the wraparound camera band for a blocky look that feels more in line with other premium smartphones. The Pixel 9 is also slightly bigger and heavier than the Pixel 8. 

One design feature both phones share: a range of pleasing colors. The new wintergreen and peony (essentially pink) shades that the Pixel 9 comes in are particularly striking. 

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Display: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9 

The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch Actua display capable of 2,000 nits of peak brightness, along with a 120Hz refresh rate. Upon its release, it was one of the brightest smartphone displays on the market. 

Google has further upped its screen game with the Pixel 9. The device sports an even brighter 6.3-inch display, offering a stunning 2,700 nits of peak brightness. That represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. 

Processors: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9

Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 are driven by Google’s own Tensor processors. While the Tensor G3 that powers the Pixel 8 has been revealed to be somewhat inferior to the industry-leading A17 chipset in the iPhone 15 according to performance benchmarks, the company itself has said that the chip is designed primarily around making the most of the many Gemini AI features that the Pixel phones offer. 

The Pixel 9 is driven by the latest generation of the Tensor chip, the Tensor G4. Google calls it the company’s “fastest and most efficient” processor yet, with upgrades that make it ideal for everyday use cases. It’s also purported to consume less battery life while performing processing tasks. 

Cameras: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9

The Pixel 8 features a 50 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens in the back, while the front is outfitted with a 10.5 MP selfie camera. It’s a capable setup that’s likely to be more than enough for the average smartphone picture-taker. 

The Pixel 9 offers moderate upgrades over the Pixel 8’s camera arrangement. Specifically, the ultrawide camera in the back has jumped from 12 MP up to 48 MP. This should make for more detailed photos, and don’t forget that Pixels feature best-in-class AI features like Best Take and Add Me that can step your photos up even further.

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Battery Life: Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 9

The battery that’s housed inside the Pixel 9 is slightly larger than the one in its predecessor—4,700 mAh to the Pixel 8’s 4,575 mAh—but the phone itself is purportedly more efficient as well. All of this amounts to what the company says is a 20% improvement in battery life. 

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The Bottom Line

It’s hard to stand out in the highly competitive smartphone market, but Google has carved a niche for itself by making devices that offer top-of-the-line cameras, brilliant displays, one-of-a-kind AI tricks, and attractive designs. The Google Pixel 8 was very much in this tradition, as is the more refined Google Pixel 9. 

If you already own the Pixel 8, rest assured the upgrades in the Pixel 9 won’t represent a major leap forward in your experience, so you may want to wait for the next generation if that’s what you’re after. However, if you have an older Pixel—or a device from a different manufacturer—the Pixel 9 should have just enough cool new features to justify making the jump to it. This includes:

• A bright Actua display that offers 4,000 nits of peak brightness
• A professional-grade dual camera arrangement 
• Gemini AI features
• A 4,700 mAh big battery
• Google’s top-of-the-line Tensor G4 processor

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