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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 9 is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its superior 2,700 nits peak brightness versus the Pixel 8's 2,000 nits. If you're considering a purchase in 2026, the Pixel 9's 12GB RAM also crushes the Pixel 8’s 8GB, making it better for multitasking and gaming. This means you can push your phone a little harder without worrying about running out of juice during the day. Plus, with 7 years of updates on both, you're set for the long haul regardless of your choice.
📱 Display: 6.3" vs 6.2"🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 4575 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.98 oz vs 6.60 oz
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Google Pixel 9
★4.5
(1,044)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Google Pixel 9
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 9
★4.5(1,044)Amazon
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,044)Amazon | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.0 oz (198 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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Google Pixel 9
Rating:★4.5(1,044)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR
Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
- • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
- • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
- • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
- • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
- • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
- • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 9 is the better buy for most people - its peak brightness of 2,700 nits crushes the Pixel 8's 2,000 nits. That said, grab the Pixel 8 if you want to save a few bucks - it's lighter at 6.60 oz compared to the Pixel 9's 7.0 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need the brightest display for HDR content, you multitask heavily with apps, or you want the best longevity with 12GB RAM.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you want a slightly lighter phone, you're looking for a budget option, or you primarily use your phone for calls and texts. (6.2" display, 4575 mAh battery)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 excels if you value compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. Google Pixel 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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