I don't plan to upgrade to the new Google Pixel 9 Pro — here's why
And it's not just the price hike
![Google Pixel 9 Pro held in the hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ikZKmUprrJu3VhRhzESMdD-320-80.jpg)
The Pixel 8 Pro is already going down as the longest Google device I’ve held onto as one of my daily drivers, only eclipsed by the Nexus 4 from way back. I’ve explained innumerable times why it’s one of the best phones, made better by the robust set of Google AI features it introduced. And while its successors in the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have new upgrades and more AI features, I don’t plan on making the upgrade.
In fact, I might end up holding onto the Pixel 8 Pro — despite how the standard Pixel 9 could be a tempting option. While every successive phone is expected to be better, I think it boils down to how much more value they’re offering to convince shoppers.
Here’s why I’m reluctant about making the upgrade.
You get a smaller screen
Google makes it a bit more complicated this time because you’d think that the Pixel 9 Pro is technically the successor to the 8 Pro, but that doesn’t turn out to be the case. As I’ve explained in my Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL comparison, you get a smaller 6.3-inch Super Actua display instead of the larger 6.7-inch in my Pixel 8 Pro — which clearly makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL more of a direct successor because of its 6.8-inch screen.
For those used to the larger screen, I think it’s a hard sell for the Pixel 9 Pro to convince people to accept its smaller size.
It costs more this time
Adding to the confusion with the Pixel 9 lineup is the price hike they’re all getting. If I’m going to compare apples to apples here, you’ll have to fork over $1,099 to pick up the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you plan on upgrading from the current Pixel 8 Pro. But again, this is a $100 price hike over the $999 starting cost that Pixel 8 Pro owners paid for the phone last year.
I get that price increases are inevitable, but it’s rare for them to happen year-over-year. Usually phone makers wait a couple or so generations before pulling the trigger, but Google has technically increased its pricing for the last three models of the largest sized Pixels.
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No major camera spec upgrade
When I was taking a closer look at the cameras in my Pixel 9 Pro hands-on review, I noticed that the camera specs weren’t all that different from the Pixel 8 Pro. The only exception is the upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera of the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, which is an improvement due to its better f/1.7 aperture (versus f/1.95 with the Pixel 8 Pro). However, its 123-degree field of view is narrower than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 126-degree one.
Even though it doesn’t top the list, I still think that the Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best camera phones around — more so when the main and telephoto cameras appear identical on the Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL. I don’t anticipate the quality to be insanely better, but at least a marginal improvement in areas like low light and dynamic range.
New AI features could end up coming to the Pixel 8 Pro
AI’s been the hottest trend in the phone space for the last year, so it’s no surprise for Google to announce new AI features with its Pixel 9 lineup — like the ability to generate custom images and sketches with Pixel Studio, the augmented reality help of Add Me to include the picture taker in the snapshot, or how Pixel Screenshots can remember stuff for you. While I was impressed by them all, there’s always the possibility of these features rolling out to the Pixel 8 Pro.
I only need to look at Samsung, who I think proves how newer AI features could be rolled out to older phones. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra introduced me to all the benefits of Galaxy AI, most of the same features were subsequently rolled out to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. If that’s not enough to convince me that Google will do the same, I’ve already seen first hand how Pixel 8 Pro exclusive AI features like Best Take and Magic Editor were available with the lower spec’d Pixel 8a.
Bottom line
After using the Pixel 8 Pro for nearly a year, it’s hard for me to say that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is worth the upgrade. Unless it somehow overperforms in areas like the battery life and processing performance, it’s hard to recommend making the upgrade — more so when it’s more expensive.
It also comes down to whether those AI features do end up coming to older phones like my Pixel 8 Pro. Perhaps it could happen in the months after the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL’s release? If that ends up happening, the Pixel 8 Pro will essentially gain the best parts about the new phones.
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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
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jimv71883 I just order a Pixel 9 Pro to replace my Pixel 8 Pro. I wasn't originally planning to. My past two upgrades have been after three years. The fact that the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro is the sole reason I'm trading in. I got the Pixel 8 Pro for the additional camera and camera features but for the entire nine months I've owned it I've never liked how big it is.Reply -
the4realpsych To be honest, I literally just purchased the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a for my wife and I literally 2 weeks ago. This was before I realized that the Pixel 9 series was on its way to release. I sincerely look forward to us using the phones - especially since we've been with our Samsung phones for the past 5-6 years and need to upgrade. I just hope that the Pixel 8 series receives the latest AI features - is this guaranteed?Reply -
RayRayy4528 For me, picking up a Pixel 9 Pro XL was a no brainer. Free storage upgrade and $1100 trade in offer on a Note 9 from ATT.Reply
I get a new Pixel and my grandmother gets my S22 Ultra in return for sacrificing her Note 😆 -
KJSS Smaller is better for me too to fit in tight spaces. But the main thing is the new phones are except the 9 have a vapor chamber to help keep the phone cooler. That is reason enough.Reply -
Mos Chops The only reason I would get one would be the upgraded radio modem which brings satellite connectivity. That is convenient to me when I'm out of cellular range which in the vastness of unpopulated Nevada and when out hiking or backpacking is useful to me. But I've lasted all these years without one - I have a Garmin inReach anyway. The smaller screen is tempting but not enough to upgrade before my usual 2 year cycle.Reply -
awilliams1986 I just ordered the 9 pro XL to replace my 8 pro. I wasn't planning to upgrade however, with trading in my current device I get 699 off the top, then with the 200 dollar Google store credit, plus 10% "cash back" that's another 109 in Google store credit. For a grand total of effectively 1008 dollars in savings. So out of pocket I'm spending 170 dollars to upgrade. The 309 in store credit doesn't expire and I can use it towards next year's upgrade.Reply -
Toksin You realise you don't have to upgrade to every new product right? I'm still on the 7 pro, I didn't feel the need for the 8 pro, but now I'm ready for the 9 pro XL. Just ordered it. It'll probably last me until the 11 range comes outReply
So yeah, well done, you don't feel the need to upgrade from 8 to 9... A fairly standard decision to make 🤦🏻 -
awilliams1986
Yes I do, and yet you missed the point, one of the main points of this article was not upgrading because of the cost. As I described, the cost can actually be minimal based the available incentives Google is offering. Which is what inevitably got me to change my mind.Toksin said:You realise you don't have to upgrade to every new product right? I'm still on the 7 pro, I didn't feel the need for the 8 pro, but now I'm ready for the 9 pro XL. Just ordered it. It'll probably last me until the 11 range comes out
So yeah, well done, you don't feel the need to upgrade from 8 to 9... A fairly standard decision to make 🤦🏻
Do I need the upgrade? Of course not, but since I buy my devices unlocked, and with the credits and trade in incentives, economically it makes sense to upgrade. New flag ship for under $170.00 and the ability get the next flagship for possibly free based on the rewards from this cycle alone. -
KJSS
The credit is only good for 1 year. It does expire.awilliams1986 said:I just ordered the 9 pro XL to replace my 8 pro. I wasn't planning to upgrade however, with trading in my current device I get 699 off the top, then with the 200 dollar Google store credit, plus 10% "cash back" that's another 109 in Google store credit. For a grand total of effectively 1008 dollars in savings. So out of pocket I'm spending 170 dollars to upgrade. The 309 in store credit doesn't expire and I can use it towards next year's upgrade.