The Google Pixel 9 price in Kenya is Ksh 106,500. The Google Pixel 9 runs on the Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) processor with Mali-G715 MC7 GPU. The phone has 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage which is not expandable. The Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424 pixels display with a pixel density of 421 ppi. It has Gorilla Glass protection as well. Coming to cameras, it has a 50 MP rear camera and a 10.5 MP front camera for selfies. It has a USB Type-C port for data syncing and charging. There is a fingerprint sensor on the Google Pixel 9, along with a magnetic field sensor (compass), gyroscope sensor, proximity sensor, and accelerometer sensor. It is a single SIM smartphone with support for 3G, NFC, and Wi-Fi too. The Google Pixel 9 runs on Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades, which is powered by a 4700 mAh battery. It measures 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (height x width x thickness) with a total weight of 198 grams including battery. Buy the Google Pixel 9 at Phones Store Kenya.
Google Pixel 9 Specifications
Brand
Google
Model
Pixel 9
Status
Available
Release Date
2024, August
BODY
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)
Weight
198 g (6.98 oz)
Colors
Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
Body Material
Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm Jack No
Sensors
Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Satellite SOS service
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
GPS
GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
USB
USB Type-C 3.2
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
NFC
Yes
Design and Build of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is a testament to refined engineering and thoughtful design, setting a new standard for flagship smartphones. Google has combined premium materials with practical design choices to create a device that is not only visually appealing but also built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Premium Materials and Aesthetic Appeal
The Pixel 9’s design harmoniously blends elegance and durability. The satin-finish metal chassis is a standout feature, offering a sleek and sophisticated look that immediately catches the eye. This satin finish not only enhances the phone’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a pleasant tactile experience, making the device feel great in hand. The choice of materials reflects Google’s commitment to delivering a premium product that appeals to users who value both form and function.
The flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel seamlessly integrates with the metal frame, contributing to the phone’s overall sleek profile. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is known for its superior scratch resistance and improved drop performance, ensuring that the Pixel 9 remains pristine even with regular use. This glass panel also adds a touch of modernity to the design, complementing Google’s minimalist aesthetic.
Robust Build and Durability
The Pixel 9 is not just about looks; it’s built to last. The device comes with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, offering protection against dust particles and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This makes the Pixel 9 a reliable companion for those who are often on the go, as it can withstand accidental spills, splashes, and even brief submersion.
Adding to the durability is the aluminum frame that surrounds the device. This frame not only enhances the phone’s structural integrity but also provides a premium feel that is often missing in devices with plastic or lower-grade metal frames. The aluminum frame serves as the backbone of the Pixel 9, ensuring that the device can endure drops and bumps while maintaining its shape and functionality.
Ergonomics and Size Considerations
At 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm (6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 inches), the Pixel 9 strikes a balance between being large enough to offer an immersive display experience and compact enough for comfortable one-handed use. The phone’s 198g weight gives it a substantial feel without being overly heavy, which adds to the perception of quality and robustness.
The Pixel 9’s design is well-considered for users who prefer a device that feels substantial in hand. While some may find the weight on the heavier side compared to other smartphones, it’s a necessary compromise for the added durability and premium materials. The slightly thicker profile at 8.5 mm is a reasonable trade-off for the phone’s ruggedness and the inclusion of advanced components like a larger battery and enhanced camera system.
Display of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is equipped with a display that stands out not only for its visual quality but also for its advanced technology and durability. Google has clearly invested significant effort into making the Pixel 9’s display one of the best in its class, ensuring that users have a premium experience whether they are watching videos, gaming, or simply browsing the web.
Vibrant and Immersive OLED Technology
At the heart of the Pixel 9’s visual experience is its 6.3-inch Actua OLED display. OLED technology means that users are treated to vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an overall dynamic visual experience. The color accuracy and richness offered by OLED displays are unparalleled, making everything from everyday tasks to media consumption a joy. Whether you’re watching movies, viewing photos, or playing games, the display brings content to life with its vivid color reproduction and high contrast.
The display has a 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution with a 20:9 aspect ratio, which provides a perfect balance between sharpness and screen real estate. This resolution ensures that images and text are crisp and clear, while the aspect ratio allows for a more immersive viewing experience, especially when consuming widescreen video content.
High Brightness and Versatile Refresh Rate
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9’s display is its impressive brightness levels. The display can reach up to 1800 nits when displaying HDR content and up to 2700 nits peak brightness. These brightness levels are exceptional, ensuring that the screen remains visible even in the brightest of environments, such as direct sunlight. This makes the Pixel 9 a great companion for outdoor use, where many other displays might struggle to remain readable.
In addition to its brightness, the Pixel 9 supports a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz. This adaptability allows the phone to deliver smoother animations and interactions when needed, such as during gaming or scrolling through content, while also conserving battery life by lowering the refresh rate when high performance isn’t required. The result is a display that feels incredibly responsive and fluid, enhancing the overall user experience.
Exceptional Contrast Ratio
The Pixel 9’s display boasts a contrast ratio of over 2,000,000:1, which significantly improves the visual clarity and definition of on-screen content. A high contrast ratio means that there is a greater distinction between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites, making images appear more detailed and text easier to read. This is particularly beneficial when viewing photos or videos, as it enhances the depth and realism of the content, making it more engaging and visually appealing.
Durability with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
While the Pixel 9’s display’s visual performance is impressive, Google has also ensured that it is built to last. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is renowned for its durability. This protective layer offers superior resistance to scratches and drops, which are common threats to any smartphone display. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 means that users can enjoy the Pixel 9’s stunning visuals without worrying as much about accidental damage that could mar the viewing experience.
Versatility
The Pixel 9’s display isn’t just about what you see on the phone itself. Google has integrated support for display output over USB-C, allowing users to connect the Pixel 9 to an external display with ease. This feature adds a layer of versatility, enabling the Pixel 9 to be used in a desktop-like environment or for presentations without the need for specialized equipment. It’s a nod to the increasing need for smartphones to function as multipurpose devices in both personal and professional contexts.
Camera of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 has been designed with an exceptional camera system, showcasing impressive hardware and software capabilities that set it apart in the competitive smartphone market. From the detailed main camera to the versatile ultrawide and front-facing lenses, the Pixel 9 delivers a comprehensive imaging experience that caters to a variety of photographic needs.
Main Camera
At the heart of the Pixel 9’s camera setup is the 50MP Samsung GNK sensor, which represents a significant leap in camera technology for Google’s flagship device. This primary sensor is equipped with a range of features designed to capture high-quality, detailed images with exceptional clarity.
50 MP Octa PD Wide Camera: The main camera features an f/1.68 aperture and an 82° field of view, which allows for excellent light intake and a broad perspective for capturing various scenes.
Image Sensor Size: The 1/1.31″ image sensor size contributes to better low-light performance and more detailed images.
Super Res Zoom: This capability enables up to 8x digital zoom, allowing users to get closer to their subject without significant loss of image quality.
Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization: The combination of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensures that photos and videos remain sharp and steady, even in dynamic shooting conditions or when capturing moving subjects.
The high-resolution 50MP sensor ensures that every shot captures rich detail and vibrant colours, making it ideal for various photography scenarios, from landscape photography to close-ups.
Ultrawide Camera
The 48MP Sony IMX858 sensor provides an expansive view with its ultrawide lens, making it perfect for group shots, landscapes, and wide-angle photography.
48 MP Quad PD Ultrawide Camera: Featuring an f/1.7 aperture and a remarkable 123° field of view, this camera is designed to capture more of the scene in a single frame.
Image Sensor Size: The 1/2.55″ image sensor size supports improved low-light performance and overall image quality.
Single-Zone LDAF: The Laser Detect Autofocus (LDAF) sensor helps in quickly and accurately focusing on subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Spectral and Flicker Sensor: These sensors work together to manage lighting conditions and prevent flickering, which can be particularly useful in artificial lighting environments.
The ultrawide lens enhances versatility in photography and ensures that even wide-angle shots are captured with precision and clarity.
Front Camera
The 10.5MP Samsung 3J1 sensor on the front of the Pixel 9 brings notable improvements over previous models, focusing on both clarity and stability for selfies and video calls.
10.5 MP Front Camera: With autofocus, the front camera ensures that selfies are sharp and well-focused, enhancing both photo quality and video chat performance.
Autofocus: This feature provides clear and stable shots, making it ideal for self-portraits and video conferencing.
The improvements in the front camera sensor address previous limitations, providing a better experience for users who frequently take selfies or engage in video calls.
Overall Camera Performance
The Google Pixel 9’s camera system is a testament to its commitment to delivering superior imaging performance. The combination of high-resolution sensors, advanced stabilization techniques, and comprehensive features results in a versatile and powerful camera setup. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments, exploring wide landscapes, or taking detailed close-ups, the Pixel 9’s cameras are equipped to handle it all with impressive results.
Performance of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 represents a significant leap in smartphone performance. It combines advanced hardware with the latest software to deliver a high-quality user experience.
Operating System
The Google Pixel 9 runs on Android 14, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. As with all Pixel devices, the Pixel 9 benefits from Google’s commitment to timely updates, including:
Seven Years of Updates: The Pixel 9 is promised seven years of OS updates, security patches, and Pixel Drop updates. This extended support ensures that users will have access to the latest features, security improvements, and enhancements well into the future, making the device a long-term investment in terms of software longevity.
Android 14 Features: Android 14 brings new features and optimizations that enhance user experience, including improved privacy controls, advanced customization options, and a more streamlined user interface. These updates ensure that the Pixel 9 remains current with the latest technological advancements and software innovations.
Chipset
At the heart of the Google Pixel 9 is the Google Tensor G4 chipset, a powerful processor designed to provide exceptional performance and support for advanced AI features. Key aspects of the Tensor G4 chipset include:
Octa-Core CPU: The Tensor G4 features an Octa-core configuration with:
1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4: The high-performance core is designed for demanding tasks and applications, providing a boost in processing power for intensive activities.
3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720: This mid-tier core balances performance and efficiency, handling everyday tasks and multitasking smoothly.
4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520: These efficiency cores ensure optimal power usage for less demanding tasks, contributing to longer battery life.
Mali-G715 MC7 GPU: The integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) is optimized for gaming and graphics-intensive applications, delivering smooth performance and high-quality visuals. This ensures a fluid gaming experience, whether you’re playing high-end titles or engaging in casual gaming.
The Tensor G4 chipset’s combination of high-performance and efficient cores, along with advanced AI capabilities, allows the Pixel 9 to handle a wide range of tasks seamlessly, from multitasking and gaming to advanced photography and machine learning applications.
Storage Specifications
The Google Pixel 9 offers generous storage options and ample RAM to support its powerful performance capabilities:
RAM: With 12 GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 provides more than enough memory for smooth multitasking. Users can effortlessly switch between multiple open apps, run demanding applications, and handle intensive tasks without experiencing slowdowns or performance hiccups.
Internal Storage: The Pixel 9 is available in 128 GB and 256 GB storage options. This ample internal storage ensures that users have enough space for apps, media, and files. However, it is important to note that the Pixel 9 does not support additional memory via MicroSD. While this may be a limitation for users who require expandable storage, the built-in options are typically sufficient for most users’ needs.
Connectivity of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 stands out in the connectivity domain with a range of advanced features and support for modern network standards.
Cellular Connectivity
The Google Pixel 9 is designed to offer robust cellular connectivity, ensuring that users have access to high-speed network options and compatibility with major carriers:
SIM and eSIM Support: The Pixel 9 supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM technology. This dual support provides flexibility for users, allowing them to choose between traditional SIM cards or the convenience of eSIM for easier carrier switching and multiple number management. Compatibility with specific carriers may vary, so users should check with their carrier for detailed support and band information.
Network Bands: The Pixel 9 supports a wide range of cellular bands, ensuring global compatibility. This extensive band support facilitates reliable connectivity across various regions and networks, making the Pixel 9 a suitable choice for frequent travelers.
Satellite Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 is its integration of satellite connectivity, thanks to the embedded Samsung Exynos 5400 modem within the Tensor G4 chipset:
Satellite Connectivity Capabilities: The Exynos 5400 modem adheres to the 3GPP Release 17 non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards. This advanced technology allows the Pixel 9 to access satellite networks, broadening its connectivity options beyond traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Emergency Communication: The Pixel 9’s satellite connectivity includes features like the Satellite Gateway app, which enables users to send messages and notify contacts during emergencies when conventional cellular networks are unavailable. This feature enhances safety and provides peace of mind in situations where standard communication methods may be compromised.
Security and Privacy
The Google Pixel 9 offers an added layer of security with Google’s VPN service, available at no extra cost. This integrated VPN provides end-to-end encryption for secure browsing and data protection, enhancing user privacy and security.
Other Connectivity Features
In addition to its advanced satellite connectivity, the Google Pixel 9 includes a suite of standard connectivity features:
Cellular Standards: The Pixel 9 supports a comprehensive range of cellular technologies, including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G. This broad support ensures high-speed data access and seamless communication across various network generations.
Wi-Fi: The device features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, supporting tri-band connectivity. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6e and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 standards provides enhanced speed, efficiency, and reduced latency, making it ideal for high-bandwidth tasks like streaming and gaming.
Bluetooth: With Bluetooth 5.3, the Pixel 9 supports A2DP, LE, and apt-X HD. This latest Bluetooth version ensures high-quality audio streaming, efficient connectivity with various peripherals, and improved energy efficiency.
Positioning Systems: The Pixel 9 is equipped with multiple positioning systems, including GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC. This extensive support ensures accurate and reliable location tracking, enhancing navigation and location-based services.
NFC: Near-field communication (NFC) is included, allowing for convenient contactless payments and quick pairing with other NFC-enabled devices.
Radio: The Pixel 9 does not include an FM radio feature, which may be a drawback for users who rely on traditional radio broadcasts for entertainment or information.
USB: The device features USB Type-C 3.2, providing fast data transfer and charging capabilities. This modern USB standard ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories and devices.
Battery and Power Management of Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 has a robust power management system and a well-rounded battery setup, making it a dependable companion for users who require long-lasting battery life and efficient charging options. Here’s a detailed look at the Pixel 9’s battery performance and charging capabilities.
Battery Capacity and Performance
The Google Pixel 9 has a 4,700mAh battery, marking an improvement over the 4,575mAh battery found in the Pixel 8. This increase in capacity provides users with enhanced battery life, ensuring that the device can handle more demanding tasks and extended usage throughout the day.
With this upgraded battery, the Pixel 9 delivers impressive longevity. It can easily power the device for 24+ hours under typical usage conditions, which include activities such as browsing, streaming, and social media use. For users who require even more extended battery life, the Extreme Battery Saver Mode offers up to 100 hours of operation. This mode significantly limits background activity and non-essential functions, making it an excellent option for situations where charging opportunities may be limited.
Charging Capabilities
The Pixel 9 is designed to offer versatile charging options, catering to both traditional wired charging enthusiasts and those who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.
Wired Charging
The device supports 27W fast wired charging, which is on par with its predecessor, the Pixel 8.
Using Google’s 45W USB-C charger, you can charge the battery up to 55% in just 30 minutes. This rapid charging capability is particularly useful for users who need to top up their battery quickly during short breaks.
The efficiency of wired charging ensures that even with a brief charging session, the Pixel 9 can be ready to go for several more hours of use.
Wireless Charging
The Pixel 9 also supports wireless charging at 15W when using the 2nd Gen Google Pixel Stand. This option is ideal for users who prefer a clutter-free charging experience and want to avoid the hassle of dealing with cables.
Additionally, the device is compatible with 12W Qi wireless charging using any Qi-compatible charger. This flexibility allows users to charge their Pixel 9 with a wide range of wireless chargers available on the market, providing convenience whether at home, in the office, or on the go.
Reverse Charging
The Pixel 9 includes a reverse wireless charging feature, which allows it to act as a power source for other devices that support wireless charging. This feature is particularly handy for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
While reverse charging is not as fast as traditional wired or wireless charging, it adds a layer of versatility to the Pixel 9, making it a useful tool in situations where other devices need a quick boost.
Power Management
The Pixel 9’s power management system is designed to optimize battery usage and extend the device’s operational time between charges:
The Pixel 9 features Google’s Adaptive Battery technology, which learns your usage patterns over time and prioritizes power for the apps and services you use most frequently. This intelligent management helps to conserve battery life by reducing power consumption for less-used apps.
Google has also focused on maintaining battery health over the long term. The Pixel 9’s charging algorithms are designed to prevent overcharging, which can degrade battery health over time. By intelligently managing charging cycles, the device helps ensure that the battery retains its capacity for a longer period.
Pros and Cons of the Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 continues the Pixel series’ tradition of delivering a blend of innovative features, clean software, and top-tier camera performance. However, like any flagship device, it comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
Sleek Aesthetics: The Pixel 9 features a sleek, premium design that stands out in the crowded smartphone market. Its satin-finish metal chassis blends seamlessly with the flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel, creating a device that is not only visually appealing but also feels great in hand.
Durability: The aluminium frame adds an extra layer of protection and durability, making the Pixel 9 resilient to daily wear and tear. Additionally, the IP68 rating ensures that the device is both dust and water-resistant, offering peace of mind for those who want a phone that can withstand the elements.
Advanced AI: The integration of Google’s AI capabilities, including the new Gemini features, significantly enhances the user experience. These AI-driven features offer smart optimizations across the device, improving everything from photo processing to app suggestions. This makes the Pixel 9 not just a smartphone but an intelligent assistant in your pocket.
Impressive Photography: The Pixel 9 is equipped with a powerful camera setup that excels in various shooting conditions. Whether it’s capturing high-quality 4K videos or taking detailed selfies, the Pixel 9 delivers impressive results. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), laser autofocus, HDR, and gyro-EIS ensures that your photos and videos are sharp, stable, and vibrant.
Feature-Rich Camera: The camera also includes features like panorama, zoom capabilities, and portrait mode, making it versatile enough to handle a wide range of photography needs.
Pure Android: As a flagship Android device, the Pixel 9 runs a clean, unaltered version of Android 14. This means no bloatware, a smooth user interface, and timely software updates directly from Google. The promise of 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates ensures that the Pixel 9 will remain up-to-date and secure for years to come.
Vibrant Screen: The Pixel 9 boasts one of the brightest displays in its class, featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display with a peak brightness of 2700 nits. This makes it excellent for outdoor visibility and enhances the viewing experience for videos and photos.
Smooth Interactions: The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth animations and interactions when scrolling through social media, playing games, or browsing the web.
Battery Life: The Pixel 9 comes with a 4700mAh battery, which provides ample power for over 24 hours of regular use. Additionally, with the Extreme Battery Saver Mode, users can extend the battery life up to 100 hours, making it a reliable device for long trips or days without easy access to a charger.
Multiple Charging Options: The Pixel 9 supports 27W wired charging, 15W wireless charging with the 2nd Gen Google Pixel Stand, and reverse wireless charging for powering other devices. This flexibility ensures that you can charge your device quickly and conveniently in various situations.
Cons
Portrait Mode Limitations: Despite the Pixel 9’s strong overall camera performance, portrait photography might not meet the expectations of users who demand perfect edge detection and background blur effects. While the camera does a good job, it doesn’t quite match the portrait capabilities of some other flagship competitors.
Not the Fastest: While the Pixel 9 supports 27W wired charging, this is not as fast as what some other flagship smartphones offer. For users who prioritize extremely fast charging, the Pixel 9 might feel a bit slower in comparison, particularly when charging from zero to full.
High Price Tag: The Pixel 9, being a flagship device, comes with a premium price tag. Some users might find that its price is less competitive compared to other options in the market, especially considering some of the areas where it falls short, such as charging speed and portrait mode quality.
Outlook
The Google Pixel 9 is a compelling flagship smartphone with a lot to offer. Its premium design, powerful camera setup, AI enhancements, and clean software experience make it a standout choice for Android enthusiasts and those who prioritize a pure, intelligent user experience. The bright and smooth display, coupled with a long-lasting battery and versatile charging options, further solidifies its position as a top-tier device.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The slower charging speed and underwhelming portrait photography might be deal-breakers for some users, particularly those who expect perfection in these areas. Additionally, the high price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, the Pixel 9 is a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market, particularly for users who value software updates, security, and a seamless integration of AI features. If you’re in the market for a premium Android device that’s built to last and offers a great all-around experience, the Pixel 9 is definitely worth considering.
