Google only released its Pixel 9 Pro Series in September but that hasn’t stopped the manufacturer from slashing smartphone prices to an all-time low in order to celebrate Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s not alone, with a few Samsungs following suit, but as a long-time fan of the range starting with the HTC-made original, this is the one mobile deal I’d snap up in an instant had I not just refreshed my contract.
Slipping from four figures, you can currently get a hefty 20% discount on the 6.3in Google Pixel 9 Pro, starting at $799 / £899 / €999 for the 128GB model. Colourways will vary in price depending on your region, but Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (cream) tend to run the lowest, with Hazel costing a slight premium. Rose Quartz is only available in higher capacities, but there are deals across all variants, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Equipped with a powerful G4 Tensor, you can discover the possibilities of Google’s advanced artificial intelligence amd Actua display.
One of the best smartphones on the market, Google’s latest handset packs a G4 Tensor processor, complete with a Titan M2 security co-processor to keep your device locked down with end-to-end security designed in-house. The cherry on top comes in the form of advanced Android 13 software, offering a free Google VPN, anti-malware and phishing protection, and the ability to bat away spam like Marnus Labuschagne.
A treat for the eyes, Pixel 9 Pro carries a 1,280 x 2,856 LTPO OLED screen with 495 PPI (pixels per inch). It’s silky smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate and combats sun glare with up to 3,000nits peak brightness. You can expect this to drop down to 2,000nits when using HDR, but it’s a beautiful experience whether watching movies or playing games. Not that I’d ever recommend dropping it, but tougher Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 should stave off scratches and chips.
As usual, Google prides itself on Pixel 9 Pro’s rear camera. Led by a 50MP Octa PD wide angle lens, the trio also comprises a 48MP Quad PD lens and 48MP Quad PD telephoto with 5x optical zoom or 20x Super Res Zoom. Additional hardware helps with optical and electronic image stabilisation, but the real magic comes from its software. Night Sight is better than ever, enhancing both photos and videos to counter the dark; you can make edits easier with reimagine by adding or removing unwanted elements; and AI features let you superimpose yourself naturally into a photo so nobody has to miss out by standing behind the camera.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Bigger is better, as Pro XL stretches the screen and battery life as far as they’ll possible go, without sacrifice to the remaining components.
My choice would be Pixel 9 Pro XL, which currently starts the bidding at $849 / £999 / €999 with up to 23% off. It’s fundamentally the same as the standard Pro under the hood but suits my hands better with a 6.8in display. However, the pièce de résistance is the battery life. Larger 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm dimensions has allowed Google to wiggle a 5,060mAh battery capable of lightning-fast wired charging from 0% to 70% in 30 minutes flat using a 45W charger. Pixel 9 Pro should already last you more than 24 hours, but XL will go a step further.
The only kicker is that Google doesn’t include a charger in the box, but I have to praise the green initiative here. Both devices lean on USB-C, and the likelihood is that we all have something of the sort lying around. If not, now’s your chance to buy something beefier, like a GaN charger that can handle multiple devices at once or a 12W Qi wireless charger to cut the cord.