Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Key Differences

The Google Pixel 8 Pro arrived last year as one of the best Android phones on the market, with a fast processor, impressive camera, brilliant display, and a load of AI features that made it a worthy alternative to the Samsung Galaxy series. 

The new Pixel 9 Pro improves upon the Pixel 8 Pro in most respects, with an even better array of camera lenses, a brighter screen, a faster Tensor G4 processor, and a set of new AI tricks that make it one of the most forward-thinking mobile devices on the market. 

In this article, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 9 Pro with the Pixel 8 Pro to help you decide which device to buy. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Specs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro specs. 

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Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Price

As the premium models of their respective families, the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro offer better specs—and higher price tags—than their standard Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 counterparts. Here how the two phones compare price-wise (note that these are the launch prices and don’t reflect subsequent discounts): 

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With the release of the Pixel 9 series, carriers are looking to clear their shelves of the remaining Pixel 8 models—and this includes the Pixel 8 Pro. That means the Pixel 8 Pro can likely be picked up far less than it was when it was launched last year. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Design

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The Google Pixel 9 Pro is slightly smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro, which makes sense given that there’s now a larger version of the phone (the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL). Beyond that, the Google Pixel 9 Pro trades the wraparound camera band that characterizes the Pixel 8 Pro for a blockier look that feels more in keeping with other premium smartphones. Depending on your tastes, the Pixel 9 Pro’s design may feel like a nice refresh to the Pixel series or an unfortunate step towards conventionality. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Display

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When it was launched, the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s much-publicized 6.7-inch “Super Actua” display stood as one of the brightest displays on the smartphone market, topping out at 2,400 nits (a.k.a. peak brightness). 

The Google Pixel 9 Pro reprises this Super Actua screen technology, but turns the brightness score up to an incredible 3,000 nits, for one of the most vivid smartphone screens on the market.

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Processors

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Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro are powered by Google’s proprietary Tensor chipset. While these processors may appear somewhat lacking according to performance benchmarks when compared to, for example, the A-series chips that power Apple iPhones, in truth Google’s processors are well suited to the many AI features that the Pixel phones are known for. Google says that the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 series is the fastest and most efficient Tensor chip yet. 

Perhaps the more notable difference between the Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro is the amount of RAM the phones come loaded with—the Pixel 9 Pro features a surprising 16 GB to the 8 Pro’s 12 GB, which should help with all manner of memory-hungry AI tasks. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Cameras

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Google is a perennial frontrunner when it comes to the camera technology it puts into its Pixel phones, and the Pixel 8 and 9 lineups are no different. 

The Google Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro feature identical rear camera configurations, with very capable 50 MP wide lenses, 48 MP ultrawide lenses, and 48 MP telephoto lenses. 

The biggest camera upgrade from the Pixel 8 Pro to the Pixel 9 Pro is the front-facing camera, which has gone from a 10.5 selfie lens to a more impressive 42 MP ultrawide lens. This, coupled with Google’s many AI-driven camera features, makes the Pixel 9 Pro one of the best smartphones on the market for serious photographers. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Battery Life

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On paper, the fact that Google has opted to put a smaller battery in its Pixel 9 Pro than the one in its predecessor would seem to be a downgrade. However, Google hastens to note that the new Pixel 9 Pro is actually more efficient overall, providing an increase in battery life of up to 20% over the Pixel 8 Pro

Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: AI features

Google has leaned heavily into AI with its Pixel phones. Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro are designed to take advantage of Gemini AI, which can summarize your phone calls, enhance your photos, generate original designs via Pixel studio, and much more. Since the Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by a faster processor in the Tensor G4, it’s naturally better equipped for these AI tasks. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re after the latest and greatest from Google, then the choice is clear: the Pixel 9 Pro offers specs and features that put it in the upper echelon of Android devices on the market right now. However, it’s not a massive step up from its predecessor, so if you’re looking to save a few bucks and can sacrifice the extra camera lens and slightly slower processor, the Pixel 8 Pro is definitely worth a look. 

Ready to find a great deal on a Google Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 8 Pro? Use our Phone Deal Finder to score your next phone. Simply plug in a few details and we’ll do the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 8 Pro and 9 Pro?

The Pixel 9 Pro takes everything great about the Pixel 8 Pro and makes it even better with a brighter display, a faster Tensor G4 chip, and a sharper 42 MP front camera—perfect for AI features and photos. While the upgrades are nice, the Pixel 8 Pro still holds up and could save you some money. But if you want the newest and best Google has to offer, the Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro?

Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is slightly smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro. The design has also changed between the two, and Google traded the Pixel 8 Pro’s wraparound camera band for a boxier look that aligns more with other premium phones. 

What are the benefits of Pixel 8 Pro?

The Google Pixel 8 Pro packs a fast processor, stunning display, powerful cameras, and AI features. If you’re looking to save, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a solid option with many of the same standout features of newer models but at a lower price.