Some time ago, I denounced my love for the Pixel phones. That was challenging since I’ve had one since the beginning. But, as Google made its plans clear that the Pixel 9 line of phones would be all about AI, I decided I’d had enough. 

Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2024

There were two main reasons I’d decided it was time to jump ship: Too much AI is a bad thing, and bland designs. In that decision, I’d set my sights on the Nothing Phone 3. Since then, however, it became clear that AI would be intertwined no matter which phone I purchased. 

Sad trombone sound.

I get it. I really do. Every tech company believes AI is good for us (whether we agree or not). AI is here to stay, and the only way to avoid it might be to purchase one of the many low-end phones that will be lucky to have Gemini on board as an assistant.

Also: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: I tested both and here are the key differences

So, why did I purchase a Pixel 9 Pro? Outside of throwing my hands up in the air about AI, there were a few reasons. So let me explain.

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1. The new design

I’ve been waiting for Google to finally wake up and realize its designs were blah. The only Pixel device with a smattering of aesthetic taste was the Pixel 4, and that phone was wrecked by the worst battery in the history of Pixel devices.

Also: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 9 model, and this is the best one for most people

Google wanted us to believe the Pixel designs were sleek and elegant, but they were uninspired and couldn’t stand up to the competition. Seriously, look what Carl Pei and Nothing were doing with design. You can’t beat that.

But then, the Pixel 9 was leaked (and finally announced), and I have to say Google finally did it. That hideous edge-to-edge camera hump? Gone. In its place is a more standard camera pill that brings the Pixel phones more in line with modern aesthetics. On top of that, we’re finally getting some fun colorways that rival what Google offered with the Pixel 4. Phones should have a bit of personality, and the Pixel 9 achieves that.

2. The camera

The one thing that had me hesitant to switch phones was the blasted Pixel camera. To say it’s good is a massive understatement. I’ve tried so many different phones and have yet to find one with a better camera. 

Also: Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: The key differences

It’s not that I take a ton of photos with my phone but, when I do, my Pixel 8 Pro has not once let me down. The quality of the Pixel cameras is so much better than the competition that it’s almost unfair, so the idea of using a lesser camera had me questioning my decision from the start.

3. Android, pure and simple

Other than the camera, the one thing I’ve enjoyed the most about the Pixel phones is the version of Android shipped with the devices. There’s no OEM overlay or bloatware to deal with and the Pixel Launcher is hard to beat. Most of the major Android phone manufacturers offer their own takes on Android and I’ve yet to see what that improves on the OG. And with all the bloatware shipped with other devices, it can get very frustrating trying to remove those redundant (and lesser-quality apps).

4. The onboarding

If you’ve ever purchased a Pixel phone to replace a previous Pixel phone, you know how seamless and effortless the onboarding process is. Connect both phones via a USB C cable and let Android do its thing. All the apps are installed for you, your accounts are transferred, and even some configurations are migrated. It seriously doesn’t get any easier than that, and the thought of using a sub-par onboarding process makes me cringe.

5. The trade-in

Google offered me a $700 trade-in value for my Pixel 8 Pro, which brought the price of the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro, including a case, to just under $600. Sure, I could have purchased a mid-level phone at that price, but getting a flagship phone for $600 is a bargain that I couldn’t pass up. 

Also: I went hands-on with Google’s $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and I’m ready to leave Samsung

Google has always been fairly generous with trade-in values, so if you’re considering upgrading, I recommend checking your trade-in value there first.

I’ve been hanging with the Pixel devices for a long time, and they have rarely let me down. Yes, there have been some call quality, battery, and Bluetooth issues over the years, but that’s almost to be expected in this era of release, release, release. Would I have liked to have found another phone that was every bit the equal to the Pixel? Of course. Unfortunately, from my perspective, that phone doesn’t exist.

Ergo, I’m sticking with the Pixel.

For now.