Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: Meet the Compact Powerhouse

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: Meet the Compact Powerhouse

As someone who’s always admired smaller phones—I'm a huge fan of the iPhone 13 mini—I’ve been reluctant to let go of my trusty mini. But with it showing its age, I recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro and frequently use the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (a stunning device). Still, my love for compact phones endures, and with no sign of Apple bringing back the Mini series, I’ve found a new companion in the Google Pixel 9 Pro. For a few days, it even became my secondary device. A high-end, compact phone has been overdue, and while the Pixel 9 Pro brings a lot of excitement, it has its quirks too. Here’s my take on where it shines and where it falls short.

When I unboxed the Pixel 9 Pro, I was struck by its size—it’s noticeably more compact than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which I reviewed recently (you can find that review here). The Pixel 9 Pro slips easily into any pocket and manages to feel compact without compromising screen real estate. It’s not as tiny as the iPhone 13 Mini with its 5.4-inch screen and minimal bezels, but its 6.3-inch, 120 Hz LTPO OLED display is vibrant, bright (up to 3,000 nits), and fast. The screen feels familiar after a couple of weeks, unlike the iPhone 13 Mini, where I was constantly reminded of its small form factor. The 6.3-inch display isn’t massive, but in a world where 6.8-inch displays are common, it feels refreshingly compact.

Like the iPhone 13 Mini, the Pixel 9 Pro excels in one-handed use, which I love. It’s easy to pull from my pocket and handle with one hand, whether I’m texting in a crowded space or capturing photos and videos. For those who appreciate the comfort and convenience of a small phone, it’s a feature that makes the Pixel 9 Pro a delight.

The Pixel 9 Pro’s premium flagship design shines through. It’s one of the most elegant small phones I’ve seen. My review model came in a soft pink shade (called Rose Quartz), a lovely color, though I wish Google would experiment with bolder hues like Apple’s recent iMac lineup. The display is flat, with a squared yet rounded-edge body reminiscent of recent iPhones. On the back, the camera array is set in a raised, oval island. It’s a polarizing design—some will love it, others may not. It protrudes enough to make a case essential for protection, and the phone’s slippery finish calls for care. Despite this, it feels premium, with a distinctive Pixel aesthetic that reinforces its high-end appeal.

Google’s camera expertise remains unmatched, even as computational photography has elevated cameras across all price points. The Pixel 9 Pro’s triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. The camera hardware is impressive on paper, but in practice, it’s Google’s software that really makes the difference, producing images with sharpness, clarity, and lifelike colors that feel as if you’re there in the scene.

After extensive testing, I could pinpoint where the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera outshines and where it trails the iPhone 16 Pro’s. The Pixel excels in bringing out shadows, and skin tones look more natural than on the iPhone. However, it sometimes overcorrects warm tones, leading to less consistent colors. In low light, the iPhone’s 5x telephoto lens has an edge in sharpness, while the Pixel stands out with its 8K video recording and panoramic shots. The Pixel’s night mode and portrait mode are impressive too, though the portrait edges aren’t always as realistic. And with the upgraded selfie camera, users can capture more detailed selfies, with a nice shallow depth-of-field effect—though edge accuracy is still an area for improvement.

In short, the Pixel 9 Pro is a fantastic compact flagship that feels well-suited for users who prefer smaller phones but still want top-tier performance and design. It’s a phone that stands out, though it does have its quirks, making it a compelling choice for fans of compact devices.