Google Pixel 9 Series: The Ultimate AI-Packed Phones That Still Fail Gaming

Hello everyone, today we’re going to dissect Google’s latest pixel-flavored buffet – the Pixel 9 empire and its entourage. Strap in, because while Google’s lineup is finally cohesive for once, it’s also a masterclass in repeating the same sins with prettier packaging and calling it innovation. If this were a video game, it would be the annual sports title franchise – new roster, shinier grass, and somehow, always a few bugs you just can’t ignore.

The Pro Models: Pixel 9 Pro & Pixel 9 Pro XL – Same DNA, Different Calories

Google finally made the decision we’ve been screaming for since the Nexus era – equal specs across sizes. The 9 Pro and the 9 Pro XL are identical, except for screen and battery stats. Revolutionary? No. Sensible? Absolutely. But they’re also armed with the infamous Tensor G4 chip, which, like a raid boss with bad netcode, promises plenty but collapses under relentless gaming pressure. This chip throttles faster than a budget PC trying to run Cyberpunk 2077 at max settings, making it clear – these phones aren’t made for high-octane gaming, but rather for the AI parlor tricks Google insists you’ll love.

• Pros: Same features across both sizes, legendary camera refinements, solid haptics, AI features galore, and a 7-year support window – longer than some relationships.
• Cons: Fingerprint scanner is moodier than a teenager, entry-level storage still a laughable 128GB, mediocre gaming chip, and a price hike that could fund a decent PC upgrade.

These are objectively the best Pixels out there, but also the most expensive, and in true Google fashion, the AI tricks feel like side quests that only half the user base will finish.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold – The Folding Flagship Attempt

Google seemingly tore the first Pixel Fold apart, burned whatever notes they had, and birthed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’s a sharper, slimmer, brighter, better thought-out foldable, and still somehow saddled with predictable Tensor G4 throttling. The design is more sci-fi than conspiracy theory-proof bunker tech, but at least it still looks premium after a year – which is saying something in the rapidly aging foldable scene. Still no stylus support though, meaning artists and note-takers are left on the sidelines, glaring enviously at Samsung’s S Pen like it’s loot from a rival faction they can’t equip.

• Pros: Vibrant displays, slimmer body, great battery life, capable multitasking.
• Cons: No stylus support, outdated camera sensors, intermittent wireless charging compatibility, premium enough to make your wallet scream.

This is Google’s best foldable yet – but that’s like saying a sore throat is your healthiest illness. Improvement doesn’t make it invincible.

Pixel 9a – The Budget “Almost Pro”

Here’s where things get interesting. The Pixel 9a is practically the 9 with some features shaved off, a nostalgic camera design that ditches the bar, and a price tag that feels less like daylight robbery. It runs the same Tensor G4, but with 8GB RAM and a diet AI loadout – “Gemini Nano XXS” to be precise, which sounds like a health drink you didn’t order but were charged for anyway. It’s reliable, has brilliant battery life, and still does the AI party tricks most users care about.

• Pros: Strong performance for the price, great display, seven years of updates, excellent macro photography.
• Cons: Reduced on-device AI set, slower charging, minor low-light compromises.

If you can live without the bragging rights of “full Gemini” and care more about your bank account than AI note-taking fluff, the 9a is the sensible pick.

Pixel 8 Pro – The “Old But Gold” Value Pick

Two years old but still a contender. The Pixel 8 Pro packs a still-brilliant camera suite, Tensor G3 processor, and a solid display. It’s like buying last year’s GPU – slightly less sexy, massively better value. It won’t win any AI arms races against the Tensor G4, but if you’re here for great photography and flagship build quality without the latest AI hoopla, this is THE choice. Gaming? Still not great. Eye comfort? Slightly better than the new shiny ones – assuming you’re sensitive to flicker.

• Pros: Price cuts make it irresistible, cameras are still best-in-class, premium design, long-lasting battery for its era.
• Cons: Older chipset, Tensor gaming weakness still applies, PWM flicker may irritate sensitive eyes.

Pixel 9 – The Mid-Range Misfit

The Pixel 9 lands in a pricing dead-zone – $300 more than the 9a, $200 less than the 9 Pro. It’s not a bad product; it’s just strategically awkward. Great display, strong cameras, 12GB RAM, but still playing second fiddle to its siblings. This is the awkward middle child – too good to be cheap, not good enough to be king. At full price, hard to justify. On sale? Consider it.

• Pros: Premium screen and design, plentiful RAM, strong camera.
• Cons: Lacks some Pro features, slower charging, strange price positioning.

Final Diagnosis: Which Pixel Should You Buy?

As your resident sarcastic tech medic, here’s the prescription:

• If you want maximum AI and camera flex: Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL.
• If foldables make your heart race and you can pay for the surgery: Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• If you value money over novelty: Pixel 9a.
• If you’re a bargain hunter who wants flagship photography: Pixel 8 Pro.
• If you find it 30% off and like balance: Pixel 9.

Overall, this Pixel generation is Google’s most well-rounded lineup yet, but also the most predictable. They’ve mastered the camera, got decent at AI, still can’t make a gaming chip worth its name, and continue to price their best at levels that make enthusiasts wince. My final impression? Good hardware with chronic Tensor-induced mediocrity in gaming – and pricing that makes the budget models the real stars.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is entirely my opinion.

Source: Best Google Pixel phones 2025, https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel/best-google-pixel-phones