Pixel 8 vs Pixel 9
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 2 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The Pixel 9 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: Pixel 8 74 · Pixel 9 72 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
The Pixel 9's screen is the better one — 6.3-inch actua oled, 60–120hz, up to 2700 nits peak.
The Pixel 9's Google Tensor G4 is simply the faster chip.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.
The Pixel 9 is supported until Aug 2031 — 10 months longer than the Pixel 8.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $320 | $449 |
| Display | 6.2-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 60–120Hz, up to 2700 nits peak |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 4,575 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired, 18W wireless | 27W wired, 15W wireless (Qi) |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | 152.8 × 72.0 × 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 187 g | 198 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Oct 2030 | Aug 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.