Google Pixel 9 At INR 74,999: Forgotten Gem Or Forgettable In 2025?

Is the Google Pixel 9 a forgotten gem or just forgettable? Hang around to find out.

The Pixel 9 has been around for over half a year and unlike the equivalent Apple iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy S flagship, it hasn’t received as much attention. While the reasons behind that are largely unknown, Google has tried its best to keep it appealing with a minor price cut and that left us wondering – is it worth buying now?

Because on paper, the Pixel 9 seems to be a generation old when compared to the other big boys of the phone industry. The iPhone 16, which sells for a somewhat similar price as the Pixel 9, utilises a new generation 3nm chip to offer a better experience. The same goes for Samsung’s fresh-off-the-oven Galaxy S25, which doubles down on AI features and a lot of bling factor to draw crowds. 

And then there’s the usual crop of Chinese ‘wannabe’ flagships. The OnePlus 13, Vivo X200 and Oppo Find X8 offer more bang for buck as far as features are concerned. 

So where does the Pixel 9 fit into the flagship phone picture?

Pixel 9: A forgotten gem?

Although the media might have forgotten the Pixel 9 ever since the newer boys from the US and Korea arrived, Google’s poster boy still ends up being a great pick and here’s why.

- Google’s Pixel phones consistently receive high praise for their camera capabilities and the Pixel 9 is no exception. It misses out on a dedicated telephoto camera system but the 50-megapixel main and 48-megapixel ultrawide shooters offer a comprehensive package for non-professional users. Based on all professional reviews, the Pixel 9’s cameras excel at day and night photography challenges. Computational photography remains a significant strength, with Google's AI enhancing image processing.

- Pixels also center around software and user experience. The Pixel UI experience with clean Android and advanced AI features make the Pixel 9a a joy to use. Compared to iPhones, there are a lot of nifty features at your disposal to provide solutions to mundane digital issues at hand. A deep integration with Gemini chatbot and Live voice assistant makes the Pixel 9 a lot easier to live with. 

- The 4nm Tensor G4 chip might be a generation older than Apple’s A18 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip but you can count on Google’s superior hardware-software optimisation to make the user experience smooth and consistent. Even those who like to play video games won’t find the Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 incapable by any means. 

- The 6.3-inch display relies on a 1080p OLED panel with a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 1,800 nits in high brightness mode. Whether you love to devour web shows and movies or simply want a vibrant screen for scrolling through Instagram, most of you will be pleased to stare at the Pixel 9’s display. 

- Although the Pixel 9 takes loads of design inspiration from the modern iPhones, the signature camera bar element along with the high levels of fit and finish and the chic colours make the Pixel 9 a great accessory for fashion-conscious consumers. 

Doesn’t Pixel 9 have forgettable elements too?

Like all phones, the Pixel 9 also has its fair share of limitations. 

- As much as the camera system is impressive, the lack of a dedicated telephoto sensor restricts the photography and videography possibilities – something that all its Android contemporaries offer. The flagships of Chinese origin even offer advanced periscope lens setups with high-resolution sensors. The Pixel 9’s digital zoom simply doesn’t hold up to these optical magnification experts.

- The 4,700 mAh battery isn’t known to provide reliable all-day stamina for power users. Combined with a slow 27W wired charging system and a 15W wireless charging solution, you will need to spend a lot of time at the sockets. You don’t need to do that with a OnePlus 13 or Vivo X200. 

Verdict?

For those who seek a feature-packed high-end Android phone that holds fewer compromises in key areas like user experience and photography. Just like its predecessors, the Pixel 9 will be a fun phone to live with.