The smartphone market has seen some exciting developments this year, especially with the release of the Google Pixel 9 series. Google has made significant improvements to its flagship phone, offering a fresh new design, enhanced performance, and vibrant color options.
If you’re considering the Pixel 9 Pro, you’re making a great choice! However, there are other alternatives to explore at a similar price point or even lower. Before committing to the Pixel 9 Pro, here are five other phones worth considering.
Google Pixel 9
Google launched three Pixel 9 models this year, with the base Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro both featuring a 6.3-inch display. If size is the primary factor driving your interest in the Pixel 9 Pro, you might want to explore the standard Pixel 9 as well.
Despite being the entry-level model, the Pixel 9 offers impressive features. It comes in attractive colors, including a stunning Peony pink, and the lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold. The 6.3-inch Actua OLED display offers a variable refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz and a maximum brightness of 2700 nits.
The Pixel 9 sports a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50MP primary camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The camera system delivers exceptional image quality and incorporates Google’s AI enhancements for optimized photos. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and 12GB RAM, the Pixel 9 ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. With a 4,700mAh battery capacity, the Pixel 9 can easily last a full day on a single charge.
Offering most of the Pixel 9 Pro’s features in vibrant colors at a more affordable price, the Pixel 9 is definitely worth considering.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
If you’re set on the Pixel 9 Pro due to its advanced features like the camera capabilities and increased RAM and storage, the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be a great alternative, especially if you prefer a larger screen size.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL shares many similarities with the Pixel 9 Pro but offers a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua display and a bigger 5,060mAh battery with faster charging speeds. Both devices feature a triple-lens camera setup, Tensor G4 chip, 16GB RAM, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, alongside Google Gemini AI features and Android 14.
For users seeking a larger display, extended battery life, and willing to pay a slightly higher price, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a compelling choice.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
For those willing to spend a bit more, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an excellent alternative to the Pixel 9 Pro. Despite being nearly a year old, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers powerful features and remains a top contender in the smartphone market.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a dynamic refresh rate and an impressive camera system featuring a 200MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in performance and storage capacity.
With integrated S Pen support for enhanced productivity, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a compelling package despite its premium price tag. Look out for deals and discounts to make this flagship device more accessible.
OnePlus 12
For a flagship smartphone without the hefty price tag, consider the impressive OnePlus 12. Offering a unique design and powerful features, the OnePlus 12 stands out among other smartphones in its category.
The OnePlus 12 features a vibrant 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with curved edges, a high refresh rate, and exceptional peak brightness. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus 12 delivers smooth performance and offers storage options up to 512GB with 12GB or 16GB of RAM.
With a robust camera system, including a 50MP main camera, 64MP periscope telephoto, 48MP ultrawide camera, and 32MP selfie camera, the OnePlus 12 excels in photography. Additionally, the device boasts impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price.
iPhone 16 Pro
For users open to trying iOS, the recently released iPhone 16 Pro is worth considering. While maintaining a similar design to its predecessors, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces new features like the Camera Control button for enhanced usability.
Featuring Apple’s A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, and storage options up to 1TB, the iPhone 16 Pro ensures smooth performance and ample storage capacity. With a triple-lens camera system delivering impressive results and improved battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro stands out as a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts.
Priced similarly to the Pixel 9 Pro, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a unique iOS experience and top-notch camera capabilities, making it a strong contender in the smartphone market.
