Google Pixel 9 Review: Best Compact Flagship Phone Compared to iPhone 15

When the Pixel 9 was first announced, it seemed like just another iteration in Google’s smartphone lineup—overshadowed by the Pixel 9 Pro XL. But after some deep discussion among tech experts, one thing became clear: the Pixel 9 might just be the best compact flagship phone in its class. Yes, there are caveats, but in its price segment, this phone delivers a serious punch.

A Compact Flagship with Surprising Power

Many users today are looking for a smaller, premium smartphone—something like the iPhone 15, which starts around ₹70,000 with just 6GB of RAM. The Pixel 9 lands in that same price range but gives you far more for your money.

Right out of the box, the Pixel 9 keeps things simple. Like Apple, Google no longer includes a charger—just a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some paperwork. The phone itself stands out with a flat matte aluminum frame, pill-shaped camera module, and clean lines. Thanks to the matte finish, it’s less prone to fingerprints and slippery edges. It’s durable too, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

Display and Design

The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Full HD OLED display with a peak brightness of up to 2700 nits and HDR support. It’s slightly larger than the iPhone 15 but still compact enough to be comfortable in hand, even for smaller hands. The screen supports 120Hz refresh rate, though you’ll need to activate it manually. Compared side-by-side, both displays are excellent, but while the iPhone uses Ceramic Shield—which scratches easily—the Pixel’s Victus 2 holds up better under daily use.

Performance and Battery Life

While the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip still leads in raw performance and gaming (Genshin Impact at 60FPS, for example), the Pixel 9 isn’t trying to be a gaming phone. Powered by Google’s 4th-gen Tensor G4 chip, it achieves an AnTuTu score of around 1.1 to 1.2 million. It’s great for everyday tasks and AI features, but don’t expect console-level gaming.

Battery life is respectable. With a 3300-3400mAh battery, it offers 5–6 hours of screen-on time. It supports 27W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While the iPhone offers MagSafe for easy accessory use, the Pixel 9 keeps pace in battery performance. For regular users, a single charge should last the day.

Software and Updates

One of the Pixel 9’s strongest points is its software experience. Google guarantees seven years of major Android updates, a bold promise even by iPhone standards. The phone ships with Android 14, and while Android 15 would’ve been a better starting point, the extended update window is reassuring.

Google’s clean UI, combined with deeply integrated AI features, sets it apart. Many of these AI tools aren’t available on Apple’s non-Pro models due to RAM limitations. The Pixel 9 ships with 12GB RAM, which enables features like advanced photo editing, call screening, and more. These AI capabilities make everyday tasks smoother and smarter.

Camera Comparison: Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15

The Pixel series has always had a strong reputation for photography, though recent models like the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 felt underwhelming. With the Pixel 9, there’s a clear improvement—especially in photo clarity and HDR.

In photos, the Pixel often outperforms the iPhone 15, especially in dynamic range and detail. However, for video recording, the iPhone still holds the edge. Both phones struggle a bit with skin tone accuracy, but overall, the Pixel 9 is a photography powerhouse in this segment.

You can check out actual camera samples from the Pixel 9 in our linked Google Drive folder.

Google Pixel 9 Camera Samples : https://bit.ly/4dYmZop

Improvements Over Previous Pixel Generations

Several upgrades make the Pixel 9 stand out from its predecessors. The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is more reliable, unlocking the phone 9 out of 10 times—far better than older models. Face ID still remains a strong point for iPhones, but Pixel users now get a more consistent biometric option.

Connectivity issues—a long-time complaint with Pixel phones—have been significantly reduced. The Pixel 9 offers Wi-Fi 6 in India (Wi-Fi 7 in other markets), Bluetooth 5.3, and improved 5G support. Though it still lags slightly behind some Android rivals in connectivity, it’s a big leap forward from previous models.

Another small but impactful improvement: the Pixel 9 includes USB 3.2, whereas the iPhone 15’s USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. This makes file transfers significantly faster on the Pixel.

Multimedia and Entertainment

The Pixel 9’s display and stereo speakers provide an immersive experience for media consumption. With 120Hz smooth scrolling and crisp visuals, it’s excellent for streaming, reading, and gaming. The iPhone’s Dynamic Island, while visually interesting, takes up more screen space compared to the Pixel’s simple punch-hole.

Verdict: Is the Pixel 9 Worth It?

If performance and video capture are your top priorities, the iPhone 15 may still be your best bet. But for everything else—photography, AI features, clean software, and value—the Pixel 9 excels.

For anyone seeking a compact flagship phone that doesn’t compromise on features, the Pixel 9 is a serious contender. Especially if you’re open to trying something beyond the iPhone ecosystem.

And here’s a tip: if you’re planning to buy the Pixel 9, wait for sales events on Flipkart, Amazon, or Big Billion Days—you’ll likely find it at an even better price.

That said, if you regularly upgrade your phone every year, the iPhone might give you better trade-in value. But if long-term performance and smart features matter more to you, the Pixel 9 could be your perfect match.