Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9, 1 year apart.
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you
The Pixel 9 is 1 year newer than the Pixel 8, and the BeastScore rises from 82.0 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, 125 mah bigger battery, 0.1" larger screen. Trade-offs to know: 3w slower wireless charging, 11 g heavier.
What you gain with the Pixel 9
- +Performance rated 10 points higher
- +125 mAh bigger battery
- +0.1" larger screen
- +700 nits brighter peak display
- +4 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −3W slower wireless charging
- −11 g heavier
- −Launched $100 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 82.0 | 84.9 | +2.9 (4%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 90 | +10 (13%) |
| Camera score | 88 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery score | 78 | 78 | No real change |
| Display score | 88 | 90 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,575 mAh | 4,700 mAh | +125 mAh (3%) |
| Wired charging | 27W | 27W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 18W | 15W | −3W (17%) |
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.3" | +0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,700 nits | +700 nits (35%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | +4 GB (50%) |
| Weight | 187 g | 198 g | +11 g (6%) |
| Launch price | $699 | $799 | +$100 (14%) |
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
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 9: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9?
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you. The Pixel 9 is 1 year newer than the Pixel 8, and the BeastScore rises from 82.0 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, 125 mah bigger battery, 0.1" larger screen. Trade-offs to know: 3w slower wireless charging, 11 g heavier.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9?
Performance rated 10 points higher: 80 on the Pixel 8 vs 90 on the Pixel 9.
Does the Pixel 9 have a bigger battery than the Pixel 8?
The Pixel 9 has a 4,700 mAh battery versus 4,575 mAh on the Pixel 8 (+125 mAh (3%)).
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.