Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Pixel 9 is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 9 is 3 years newer than the Pixel 6, and the BeastScore rises from 80.4 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, display rated 16 points higher, 86 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 3w slower wired charging, 6w slower wireless charging.
What you gain with the Pixel 9
- +Performance rated 10 points higher
- +Display rated 16 points higher
- +86 mAh bigger battery
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +1,900 nits brighter peak display
- +4 GB more RAM
- +9 g lighter
What you give up
- −3W slower wired charging
- −6W slower wireless charging
- −0.1" smaller screen
- −Launched $200 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 9 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 80.4 | 84.9 | +4.5 (6%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 90 | +10 (13%) |
| Camera score | 88 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery score | 78 | 78 | No real change |
| Display score | 74 | 90 | +16 (22%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,614 mAh | 4,700 mAh | +86 mAh |
| Wired charging | 30W | 27W | −3W (10%) |
| Wireless charging | 21W | 15W | −6W (29%) |
| Screen size | 6.4" | 6.3" | −0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | +30Hz (33%) |
| Peak brightness | 800 nits | 2,700 nits | +1,900 nits (238%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | +4 GB (50%) |
| Weight | 207 g | 198 g | −9 g (4%) |
| Launch price | $599 | $799 | +$200 (33%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Pixel 6 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Pixel 6 vs Pixel 9: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9?
Yes — the Pixel 9 is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 9 is 3 years newer than the Pixel 6, and the BeastScore rises from 80.4 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, display rated 16 points higher, 86 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 3w slower wired charging, 6w slower wireless charging.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 9?
Performance rated 10 points higher: 80 on the Pixel 6 vs 90 on the Pixel 9.
Does the Pixel 9 have a bigger battery than the Pixel 6?
The Pixel 9 has a 4,700 mAh battery versus 4,614 mAh on the Pixel 6 (+86 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 9?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Pixel 6 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.