The Google Pixel 9 is available in Australia, and there are already some deals to be had. Pricing for the base model Pixel 9 is $150 steeper than with its predecessor, edging it closer to the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24. So, what do you get for your extra hard earned cash?
This time around Google doubled down on its new, but ultimately underwhelming, AI called Gemini. After running Gemini through its paces, it became clear the tech giant released this intended replacement for Google Assistant too early (don't worry, you can disable Gemini via settings).
But Google didn't forget to make a reliable handset to go along with its new AI. The Pixel 9's real draw cards are the cameras, which we found are probably the best rear cameras of any phone in this price point – though photos don't turn out as natural-looking as with an iPhone 15. As for the rest, it's a good phone.
Google Pixel 9 plans
The Google Pixel 9 is available on mobile plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. All three offer 24-month and 36-month repayments – opting for a 24-month term means you own your Pixel 9 faster, while a 36-month term has the cheapest monthly cost. Whichever you choose, you'll pay the same for the phone in the long run.
36-month Pixel 9 plans
Google Pixel 9 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$76.47/mth
Min. cost $1,387.92
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$86.47/mth
Min. cost $1,397.92
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$88.58/mth
Min. cost $1,413.92
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$92.46/mth
Min. cost $1,403.56
|
|
#5
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$96.47/mth
Min. cost $1,407.92
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$98.58/mth
Min. cost $1,423.92
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$102.46/mth
Min. cost $1,413.56
|
|
#8
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$106.46/mth
Min. cost $1,417.56
|
|
#9
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$122.46/mth
Min. cost $1,433.56
|
|
#10
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$122.58/mth
Min. cost $1,447.92
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 9 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$80.63/mth
Min. cost $1,537.68
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$90.63/mth
Min. cost $1,547.68
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$92.74/mth
Min. cost $1,563.68
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$96.62/mth
Min. cost $1,553.32
|
|
#5
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$100.63/mth
Min. cost $1,557.68
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$102.74/mth
Min. cost $1,573.68
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$106.62/mth
Min. cost $1,563.32
|
|
#8
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$110.62/mth
Min. cost $1,567.32
|
|
#9
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$126.62/mth
Min. cost $1,583.32
|
|
#10
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.74/mth
Min. cost $1,597.68
Link not supplied
|
24-month Pixel 9 plans
Google Pixel 9 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$95.20/mth
Min. cost $1,387.80
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$100.36/mth
Min. cost $1,413.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$105.20/mth
Min. cost $1,397.80
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$110.36/mth
Min. cost $1,423.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$111.19/mth
Min. cost $1,403.56
|
|
#6
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$115.20/mth
Min. cost $1,407.80
|
|
#7
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$121.19/mth
Min. cost $1,413.56
|
|
#8
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$125.19/mth
Min. cost $1,417.56
|
|
#9
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$134.36/mth
Min. cost $1,447.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$141.19/mth
Min. cost $1,433.56
|
Google Pixel 9 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$101.45/mth
Min. cost $1,537.80
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$106.61/mth
Min. cost $1,563.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$111.45/mth
Min. cost $1,547.80
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$116.61/mth
Min. cost $1,573.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$117.43/mth
Min. cost $1,553.32
|
|
#6
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$121.45/mth
Min. cost $1,557.80
|
|
#7
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$127.43/mth
Min. cost $1,563.32
|
|
#8
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$131.43/mth
Min. cost $1,567.32
|
|
#9
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$140.61/mth
Min. cost $1,597.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$147.43/mth
Min. cost $1,583.32
|
Follow these links to compare plans for the rest of the Pixel 9 family:
The 'smaller' Pixel 9 Pro isn't available to pre-order yet. Google says it will launch in Australia sometime during spring.
Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 might be over, but there are still some deals to be had.
Optus: Optus customers who buy a Pixel 9 on a plan will save $600. This is divided by the length of your repayment term. On a 36-month plan, this is a saving of $22.22 per month, and on a 24-month plan it's $31.17 off per month. This deal runs until September 3.
Telstra: If you order your Pixel 9 through Telstra before September 9, you'll save $750. This works out to be a discount of $21.38 per month on a 36-month plan and $31.25 off per month on a 24-month plan.
Customers new to Telstra can get a whole host of streaming offers when they sign up for a Pixel 9 plan. This includes four months of free access to Spotify Premium and two months of access to Binge. There's currently no end date for this offer.
How much does the Google Pixel 9 cost in Australia?
The Google Pixel 9 starts at $1,349 for the 128GB model, up from $1,199 for the Pixel 8 last year. The 256GB Pixel 9 is $1,499.
There's also the Google Pixel 9 Pro, starting at $1,699. This 'smaller' model is the same size as the standard Pixel 9, but with larger storage options, a zoom lens, and some upgrades to its selfie camera, display, and RAM. That said, this phone won't be available in Australia until sometime around spring, according to Google.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the big boy of the bunch, starting at $1,849 and sporting a 6.8-inch screen. Lastly, there's the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for the foldable phone enthusiast in your life. With a $2,699 starting price, this is Google's most expensive phone to date.
As for the competition, the base model iPhone 15 starts at $1,499 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 is available from $1,399.
Here's the full pricing for the Pixel 9 family:
| Phone | RRP |
|---|---|
| Pixel 9a (128GB) | $849 |
| Pixel 9a (256GB) | $999 |
| Pixel 9 (128GB) | $1,349 |
| Pixel 9 (256GB) | $1,499 |
| Pixel 9 Pro (128GB) | $1,699 |
| Pixel 9 Pro (256GB) | $1,849 |
| Pixel 9 Pro (512GB) | $2,049 |
| Pixel 9 Pro (1TB) | $2,399 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL (128GB) | $1,849 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL (256GB) | $1,999 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL (512GB) | $2,199 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL (1TB) | $2,549 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold (256GB) | $2,699 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold (512GB) | $2,899 |
Google Pixel 9 features
The Pixel 9 has a few notable changes. Perhaps the biggest is the attempt to replace Google Assistant with Gemini, a multi-modal model similar to OpenAI's wildly successful ChatGPT.
But it's not all AI. Google has also embraced some new aesthetic motifs, as well as upgrades to its processor, cameras and battery life.
Google Pixel 9 camera
The standard model Google Pixel 9 has a 50MP primary camera lens and a new 48MP ultra-wide lens, as well as a 10.5MP selfie camera.
In our testing, we found it performed very well in almost every respect, particularly at night and in low-light areas. But some photos can come out a tad over-processed, giving them an "AI glean". We've included some samples below so you can decide if it's for you.
Google Pixel 9 camera samples
Check out these camera samples taken on the Pixel 9. Click or tap on any photo to see a larger version.
The two Pro models also have a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a higher resolution 42MP selfie camera.
Google Pixel 9 AI
Gemini is Google's shiny new AI, which you may have already heard of thanks to some early missteps such as advising people to eat one rock per day to stay healthy or that non-toxic glue is a great way to stop cheese sliding off your homemade pizzas.
While it's moved past (some) of these more embarrassing teething errors, we still find Gemini is more limited in scope than Google Assistant. Gemini is a more capable conversationalist, but in terms of performing tasks, it doesn't interface with as many apps as its predecessor and even seems to struggle more with the names on your Contacts list.
Mercifully, Google Assistant is still loaded onto all Pixel 9 phones – you just need to enable it and disable Gemini to get it up and running.
Speaking of conversations, Google is offering a paid version of Gemini, called Gemini Live. This allows the AI to engage in more free-flowing conversations that can make it easier to interact with. But in terms of extra features, there are none.
Gemini Live is only available if you sign up for a Google One AI Premium subscription, billed at $32.99 per month for 2TB of Google Drive storage. But if you buy the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, XL or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you get the first year of Gemini Live for free. The standard Pixel 9 misses out.
There are also some new AI-powered camera features. For example, "Add Me" lets you take group photos without missing anyone out – if you're a person short, one person can take the photo and then swap with someone else, who takes another photo. Add Me can paste the otherwise missing person into the original photo, meaning no one misses out on the memory.
Google Pixel 9 design
Google has moved away from softer edges to go with a flat rim for the new Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. It's a stylish change that makes the phone easier to hold and use, but it's fairly boilerplate choice for a smartphone in 2024.
The new look for the camera bar has a bit more character, though you'd want it to, considering it sticks out about half the width of the phone itself.
The standard Google Pixel 9 is available in black, off white, pink, and green. The same goes for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in black or white.
Google Pixel 9 battery
Google is claiming at least a full day's charge with all the new Pixel 9 phones, citing in particular a 20% improvement between the standard Pixel 8 and Pixel 9. This is welcome news, given we had misgivings about the battery performance of the Pixel 8 family.
We definitely got a full day's charge at heavy use, but no more. Basically, the improvements Google made after the Pixel 8 mean the Pixel 9's battery is fine for daily charging, but it's nothing to write home about.
Google Pixel 9 processor
Top-tier processing has never been Google's focus, but the company reports its new Tensor G4 chip offers 20% faster web browsing, 17% faster app launching, and better battery efficiency.
It's certainly a zippy phone. We had no problems with performance or lag, though we did notice the phone could warm up quite easily from some tasks, such as gaming.
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro Fold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Actua | 6.3-inch Super Actua | 6.8-inch Super Actua | 6.3-inch Actua / 8-inch Super Actua |
| Resolution | 1080p+ | 1280p+ | 1344p+ | 1080p+ / 2076p+ |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz | 60Hz - 120Hz / 1Hz - 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 48MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 48MP + 10.5MP + 10.8MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 42MP | 42MP | 10MP + 10MP |
| Processor | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 |
| Storage | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 1TB | 128GB - 1TB | 256GB - 512GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Battery | 4,700mAh | 4,700mAh | 5,060mAh | 4,650mAh |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 + mmWave |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Thermometer | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | From $1,349 | From $1,699 | From $1,849 | From $2,699 |
| See plans | Plans coming soon | See plans | See plans |
Google Pixel 9 5G
Most of the Pixel 9 family has a notable lack of mmWave 5G support – a type of 5G connectivity that can provide much faster speeds, albeit one that has shorter range and is more easily blocked by obstacles.
Given the small footprint of mmWave in Australia, this likely won't have a noticeable affect for most people. But it's surprising to see this omission, given the Pixel Pro 8 did support it. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold still has mmWave, however.
If you're wondering about 5G in your area, our coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Google Pixel 9 eSIM
Every Pixel 9 model sold in Australia supports eSIM, but also has a physical SIM slot.
eSIM (an electronic SIM or embedded SIM) is a rewritable SIM card that’s built directly into the phone. It never leaves your phone. Instead, you simply download a "software SIM" from your provider of choice.
Learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of eSIM.
Google Pixel 9 plan providers
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all ranging the Google Pixel 9. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
Telstra Pixel 9 plans
Telstra Pixel 9 plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a host of perks.
Telstra lets you pay your Pixel 9 off over 12, 24, or 36 months, and all plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.
Optus Pixel 9plans
Optus Pixel 9 plans come with solid data inclusions.
Higher-end Optus plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan.
All Optus plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.
In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps rather than being billed $10 per gigabyte.
Vodafone Pixel 9 plans
Vodafone Pixel 9 plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but they have bonuses when it comes to bundling.
If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can get most of the telco's internet plans – NBN, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet – at a discounted rate.
Vodafone customers also save 5% on their total mobile bill for each postpaid mobile plan on their account after the first. This discount maxes out at 20% and doesn't include handset repayments.
Vodafone postpaid plans are all free from excess data charges. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps.
You'll also get access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, which is still easily the best way to travel with your Australian phone number.
How to choose the best Google Pixel 9 plan for you
There are a few key factors to keep in mind when picking a Pixel 9 plan:
- Answering "how much mobile data do I use" can help you avoid overspending. Don't pay for more data than you need
- Decide whether you want to pay off your phone shorter on a 24-month plan or get a smaller bill over a longer period of time on a 36-month plan
- If you're a frequent overseas traveller consider any international roaming inclusions
- You may also want to make international phone calls so check if the destinations you may be calling are included in your plan
If you're having trouble deciding or want more information you can compare all of Google's Pixel devices here.
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of mobile phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
