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DisplayWe put the Google Pixel 9 through our rigorous DXOMARK Camera test suite to measure its performance in photo, video, and zoom quality from an end-user perspective. This article breaks down how the device fared in a variety of tests and several common use cases and is intended to highlight the most important results of our testing with an extract of the captured data.
Overview
Key camera specifications:
- Primary: 50MP, 1/1.31″ sensor, f/1.68-aperture lens, 82° field of view, Octa PD
- Ultra-wide: 48MP 1/1.2.55″ sensor, 1.7-aperture lens, 123° field of view, Quad PD autofocus
Scoring
Sub-scores and attributes included in the calculations of the global score.
Google Pixel 9
Use cases & Conditions
Use case scores indicate the product performance in specific situations. They are not included in the overall score calculations.
Outdoor
Photos & videos shot in bright light conditions (≥1000 lux)
Indoor
Photos & videos shot in good lighting conditions (≥100lux)
Lowlight
Photos & videos shot in low lighting conditions (<100 lux)
Friends & Family
Portrait and group photo & videos
9th
1st
Pros
- Good exposure and wide dynamic range in the highlights for photo and video
- Fairly neutral white balance and nice colors for photo and video
- Pretty low noise levels in bright light and indoors, for photo and video
- High levels of fine detail in bright light and under indoor lighting, including in macro mode
- Nice colors and neutral white balance in ultra-wide images
- Accurate autofocus, quick reaction to subject changes with field of view correction in video mode
Cons
- Dynamic range instabilities across consecutive shots and in video
- Occasional chroma noise in low light and along edges in photos, as well as in the shadow portions of low light video frames
- Frequent depth estimation artifacts in bokeh mode
- Loss of detail in images captured in very low light
- Lack of texture in some ultra-wide shots
- Video stabilization causes sharpness differences between frames when walking during recording, particularly in indoor scenes and low light
The Google Pixel 9 delivered an excellent performance, that was overall on par with other current flagship devices, in the DXOMARK Camera tests. Our sample images and videos featured nice colors and skin tones, accurate exposure and a wide dynamic range, making the Pixel 9 a great option for landscape and portrait photography alike. Our testers were particularly impressed by the camera’s ability to retain detail in the brightest highlight portions of the image frame.
Given the identical main camera hardware, it was no surprise that the overall photo and video performance was similar to the top-of-the-line Pixel 9 Pro XL. Differences were mostly noticeable in terms of tele zoom performance, where the Pixel 9 has to rely on digital zooming, whereas the Pro XL can make use of a dedicated tele camera module. The Pixel 9’s video mode offered a wide dynamic range, pleasant colors, good levels of detail and stable footage in most recording conditions.
Like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 9 is among the best devices in our Friends & Family category. Portraits are nice and accurate for both photo and video, with good face exposure, pleasant colors, and natural skin tones. Motion was also well captured by the ability of the camera to really freeze it, as well as tracking the subject across complex scenes in video mode. The only difference with the Pixel 9 Pro XL was the slight exposure instabilities, which were sometimes visible.
With good exposure, accurate white balance, nice color rendering, accurate autofocus, and a lack of artifacts, the Pixel 9 offers a nice rendering for the low-light use case. Nevertheless, sometimes the texture noise tradeoff was not as good as top score devices.
Test summary
About DXOMARK Camera tests: DXOMARK’s Camera evaluations take place in laboratories and in real-world situations using a wide variety of subjects. The scores rely on objective tests for which the results are calculated directly by measurement software on our laboratory setups, and on perceptual tests in which a sophisticated set of metrics allow a panel of image experts to compare aspects of image quality that require human judgment. Testing a smartphone involves a team of engineers and technicians for about a week. Photo, Zoom, and Video quality are scored separately and then combined into an Overall score for comparison among the cameras in different devices. For more information about the DXOMARK Camera protocol, click here. More details on smartphone camera scores are available here. The following section gathers key elements of DXOMARK’s exhaustive tests and analyses. Full performance evaluations are available upon request. Please contact us on how to receive a full report.
Photo
Google Pixel 9
169
For scoring and analysis, DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate more than 2,600 test images both in controlled lab environments and in outdoor, indoor and low-light natural scenes, using the camera’s default settings. The photo protocol is designed to take into account the main use cases and is based on typical shooting scenarios, such as portraits, family, and landscape photography. The evaluation is performed by visually inspecting images against a reference of natural scenes, and by running objective measurements on images of charts captured in the lab under different lighting conditions from 1 to 1,000+ lux and color temperatures from 2,300K to 6,500K.
Like the flagship device Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 9 did very well in our Photo tests and was one of the best devices in this category. Target exposure was accurate in most conditions, with a very wide dynamic range. The device was better than many rivals at retaining detail in the brightest highlights of a scene. White balance was overall fairly neutral, and colors were enhanced when viewed on an HDR display, allowing for beautiful portrait shots across a variety of light conditions. The autofocus worked reliably, and zero shutter lag technology allowed for instant captures, without any delay after pressing the shutter button.
In addition, high levels of detail and texture benefitted both landscape and portrait shots. While still-image quality was overall excellent, some areas for improvement remained. For example, in difficult backlit scenes or in very low light, chroma noise could creep in. Our testers also observed some dynamic range instabilities, with highlight retention varying between consecutive shots in a series. We observed the same issue on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Sample images from the Pixel 9 were analyzed using an HDR display to take full advantage of the embedded gain map in the images files. With a compatible display, images can be viewed in a browser that supports gain maps. Please note that the Apple iPhone 15 comparison images are in jpg format as Apple’s HEIF format cannot be displayed on a webpage. Apple’s jpg files do not come with an embedded gain map.
Exposure
Google Pixel 9
130
Color
Google Pixel 9
130
Exposure and color are the key attributes for technically good pictures. For exposure, the main attribute evaluated is the brightness of the main subject through various use cases such as landscape, portrait, or still life. Other factors evaluated are the contrast and the dynamic range, eg. the ability to render visible details in both bright and dark areas of the image. Repeatability is also important because it demonstrates the camera's ability to provide the same rendering when shooting several images of the same scene.
For color, the image quality attributes analyzed are skin-tone rendering, white balance, color shading, and repeatability. For color and skin tone rendering, we penalize unnatural colors but we respect a manufacturer's choice of color signature.
In our tests, the Google Pixel 9 generally delivered the same exposure and color rendering as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. White balance was very accurate, and colors were nice and realistic, with good contrast enhancement when viewed on an HDR display. Skin tones were accurate in most shooting conditions, and a wide dynamic range allowed for good detail in the highlight portions of the frame. On the downside, occasional exposure instabilities across a series of consecutive shots could be observed in some scenes.
Autofocus
Google Pixel 9
125
Autofocus tests concentrate on focus accuracy, focus repeatability, shooting time delay, and depth of field. Shooting delay is the difference between the time the user presses the capture button and the time the image is actually taken. It includes focusing speed and the capability of the device to capture images at the right time, what is called 'zero shutter lag' capability. Even if a shallow depth of field can be pleasant for a single subject portrait or close-up shot, it can also be a problem in some specific conditions such as group portraits; Both situations are tested. Focus accuracy is also evaluated in all the real-life images taken, from infinity to close-up objects and in low light to outdoor conditions.
The Pixel 9 autofocus was generally fast and accurate, as well as consistent across consecutive shots. Focus locked on target almost always, even when shooting in difficult conditions. Still, a narrower depth of field meant the Pixel 9 could not quite match the class-leading Huawei Pura 70 Ultra in this category.
Texture
Google Pixel 9
124
Texture tests analyze the level of details and the texture of subjects in the images taken in the lab as well as in real-life scenarios. For natural shots, particular attention is paid to the level of details in the bright and dark areas of the image. Objective measurements are performed on chart images taken in various lighting conditions from 1 to 1000 lux and different kinds of dynamic range conditions. The charts used are the proprietary DXOMARK chart (DMC) and the Dead Leaves chart.
Noise
Google Pixel 9
117
Noise tests analyze various attributes of noise such as intensity, chromaticity, grain, structure on real-life images as well as images of charts taken in the lab. For natural images, particular attention is paid to the noise on faces, landscapes, but also on dark areas and high dynamic range conditions. Noise on moving objects is also evaluated on natural images. Objective measurements are performed on images of charts taken in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux and different kinds of dynamic range conditions. The chart used is the Dead Leaves chart and the standardized measurement such as Visual Noise derived from ISO 15739.
Artifacts
Google Pixel 9
82
The artifacts evaluation looks at lens shading, chromatic aberrations, geometrical distortion, edges ringing, halos, ghosting, quantization, unexpected color hue shifts, among others type of possible unnatural effects on photos. The more severe and the more frequent the artifact, the higher the point deduction on the score. The main artifacts observed and corresponding point loss are listed below.
Bokeh
Google Pixel 9
85
Bokeh is tested in one dedicated mode, usually portrait or aperture mode, and analyzed by visually inspecting all the images captured in the lab and in natural conditions. The goal is to reproduce portrait photography comparable to one taken with a DLSR and a wide aperture. The main image quality attributes paid attention to are depth estimation, artifacts, blur gradient, and the shape of the bokeh blur spotlights. Portrait image quality attributes (exposure, color, texture) are also taken into account.
In our tests, the Google Pixel 9 delivered an accurate and nicely simulated bokeh effect with good blur intensity and well-contrasted background spotlights. When capturing complex scenes, some slight depth artifacts could be noticeable, though.
Preview
Google Pixel 9
93
Preview tests analyze the image quality of the camera app's preview of the image, with particular attention paid to the difference between the capture and the preview, especially regarding dynamic range and the application of the bokeh effect. Also evaluated is the smoothness of the exposure, color and focus adaptation when zooming from the minimal to the maximal zoom factor available. The preview frame rate is measured using the LED Universal Timer.
Zoom
Google Pixel 9
164
DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate over 400 test images in controlled lab environments and in outdoor, indoor, and low-light natural scenes, using the camera’s default settings and pinch zoom at various zoom factors from ultra wide to very long-range zoom. The evaluation is performed by visually inspecting the images against a reference of natural scenes, and by running objective measurements of chart mages captured in the lab under different conditions from 20 to 1000 lux and color temperatures from 2300K to 6500K.
The lack of a dedicated tele camera meant that the Google Pixel 9 could not quite keep up with the Pixel 9 Pro XL in the Zoom category. In our tests, image rendering was very similar up to a 2x tele zoom magnification, but at longer tele zoom settings a lack of detail was more evident on the Pixel 9 because it has to rely on its primary camera and digital zooming methods. On the Pixel 9 Pro XL, image information is fused from the primary camera and the tele module at zoom levels between 3x and 5x. At 5x, the tele module takes over, offering better image detail than the Pixel 9, which has to make do without a tele module.
Our testers found the Pixel 9’s ultra-wide camera to be improved over the Pixel 8, with a wide dynamic range, but slightly lower levels of detail than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Colors were nice, with a fairly neutral white balance.
Wide
Google Pixel 9
122
These tests analyze the performance of the ultra-wide camera at several focal lengths from 12 mm to 20 mm. All image quality attributes are evaluated, with particular attention paid to such artifacts as chromatic aberrations, lens softness, and distortion. Pictures below are an extract of tested scenes.
Tele
Google Pixel 9
120
All image quality attributes are evaluated at focal lengths from approximately 40 mm to 300 mm, with particular attention paid to texture and detail. The score is derived from a number of objective measurements in the lab and perceptual analysis of real-life images.
At medium tele zoom, the Pixel 9 applies digital zoom to the primary camera image, capturing slightly lower levels of detail than the Pixel 9 Pro XL that can make use of its dedicated tele camera to enhance image data captured with the primary module. This said, in terms of color and exposure both devices were quite close.
Video
Google Pixel 9
159
DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate more than 2.5 hours of video in controlled lab environments and in natural low-light, indoor and outdoor scenes, using the camera’s default settings. The evaluation consists of visually inspecting natural videos taken in various conditions and running objective measurements on videos of charts recorded in the lab under different conditions from 1 to 1000+ lux and color temperatures from 2,300K to 6,500K.
In our video tests, the Google Pixel 9 performed almost on the same level as the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a fairly wide dynamic range and nice colors, as well as fast and effective autofocus. In addition, video stabilization worked effectively both when standing still and when walking while recording. The level of recorded detail was fairly high.
Compared to last year’s Pixel 8, video autofocus was a major improvement. Noise was also improved, particularly in low light. This said, some luminance and chroma noise could still be noticeable in some scenes.
The Google Pixel 9’s video mode was tested at 4K resolution and a frame rate of 30fps in HDR mode. With HDR active, 30fps is the maximum frame rate available.
Exposure
Google Pixel 9
116
Video target exposure was good down to low light conditions, with a fairly wide dynamic range. However, we noticed some slight exposure instabilities in some scenes.
Color
Google Pixel 9
120
Video white balance was generally neutral, with nice color rendering and skin tones in most conditions. Colors could look less natural when recording in low light or strongly backlit scenes.
Exposure tests evaluate the brightness of the main subject and the dynamic range, eg. the ability to render visible details in both bright and dark areas of the image. Stability and temporal adaption of the exposure are also analyzed.
Image-quality color analysis looks at color rendering, skin-tone rendering, white balance, color shading, stability of the white balance and its adaption when light is changing.
Texture
Google Pixel 9
118
Texture tests analyze the level of details and texture of the real-life videos as well as the videos of charts recorded in the lab. Natural videos recordings are visually evaluated, with particular attention paid to the level of details in the bright and areas as well as in the dark. Objective measurements are performed of images of charts taken in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux. The charts used are the DXOMARK chart (DMC) and Dead Leaves chart.
The level of captured detail was generally high, and often better than on many rivals in the Ultra Premium segment, when recording in bright light or under typical indoor conditions. Detail remained well preserved in low light where the Pixel 9 applied less heavy-handed noise reduction than the iPhone 15, prioritizing detail retention over a noise-free image.
Noise
Google Pixel 9
120
Noise tests analyze various attributes of noise such as intensity, chromaticity, grain, structure, temporal aspects on real-life video recording as well as videos of charts taken in the lab. Natural videos are visually evaluated, with particular attention paid to the noise in the dark areas and high dynamic range conditions. Objective measurements are performed on the videos of charts recorded in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux. The chart used is the DXOMARK visual noise chart.
Stabilization
Google Pixel 9
119
Stabilization evaluation tests the ability of the device to stabilize footage thanks to software or hardware technologies such as OIS, EIS, or any others means. The evaluation looks at residual motion, smoothness, jello artifacts and residual motion blur on walk and run use cases in various lighting conditions. The video below is an extract from one of the tested scenes.
Video stabilization did a very good job, effectively counteracting camera shake in most situations. This said, slight sharpness differences between individual video frames could be noticeable when recording in low light.
Artifacts
Google Pixel 9
86
Artifacts are evaluated with MTF and ringing measurements on the SFR chart in the lab as well as frame-rate measurements using the LED Universal Timer. Natural videos are visually evaluated by paying particular attention to artifacts such as aliasing, quantization, blocking, and hue shift, among others. The more severe and the more frequent the artifact, the higher the point deduction from the score. The main artifacts and corresponding point loss are listed below.
Video artifacts were overall very well under control on the Google Pixel 9. Our testers only observed some slight ringing or aliasing under some conditions.
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