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Amazon is already rolling out early Black Friday deals, and Google’s unlocked Pixel 9 just dropped to $499—a solid $300 off its original $799 price.
It’s not the newest in the lineup (that would be the Pixel 10 series), but as Lifehacker associate tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt put it, the Pixel 9 is “so good, you don’t need a Pro.” Released last summer alongside the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, this model sits neatly in the middle of the range, offering the premium Pixel experience without the premium price. At this discount, it’s also the lowest price the phone has seen since launch, according to price-tracking tools.
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, powered by Android 14. It’s fast, responsive, and built to handle Google’s growing suite of AI tools, even if those features still have the occasional hiccup. The 6.3-inch OLED display runs at up to 120Hz, offering a smooth, crisp experience for everything from scrolling to gaming. As for its battery life, its 4,700mAh battery lasted almost 12 hours in PCMag’s video test, meaning it should comfortably get most users through a full day. The Pixel 9 supports 27W wired charging (no charger in the box) and up to 15W wireless charging with Google’s Pixel Stand. You also get reverse wireless charging, which can top off earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch.
Camera-wise, the Pixel 9 holds its own even against pricier flagships. It features a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide lens with a 123-degree field of view, the same as its Pro siblings. It doesn’t have the Pro’s multi-zone autofocus system, sticking instead with a single-zone LDAF sensor, but the image quality remains exceptional, especially in good lighting. Plus, the phone’s IP68 rating means it’s protected against dust and water, while its aluminum frame and matte finish give it a sturdy, premium feel. Add in seven years of software updates, support for 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual SIM (physical and eSIM), and you’ve got a smartphone built for longevity.
What do you think so far?
If you don’t need the bleeding edge of Google’s Pixel 10 series, the Pixel 9, especially at this price, feels like a smart, balanced buy.
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