The $100 price increase for the Google Pixel 9 is a step too far for me

The Pixel 9 series is here with four models in tow, up from two in previous years. The introduction of the smaller Pixel 9 Pro and the introduction of the second-generation foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold make this Google’s most expansive launch lineup yet. But with the new hardware comes a less welcome addition: price hikes.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 costs $799, which is $100 more than the Pixel8 — the phone directly against the Milky Way S24 and iPhone entry-level devices rather than undercutting them. Likewise, the Pixel 9 Pro XL costs $100 more than the similarly sized Pixel 8 Pro. If you want a big Google flagship, and plenty of people do, you’re now looking at an eye-watering price tag that’s closer to the money of the Galaxy Ultra and iPhone Pro Max.

The good news is that you can still buy Google’s best mobile tech for $999 in the form of the slightly more compact Pixel 9 Pro. It has the same processor, cameras, and other capabilities as the XL model; it’s just smaller. Thankfully, this gives Google fans a way out. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also costs exactly the same as its predecessor, a still steep $1,799. But that’s small mercy for a phone that costs more than my rent.

For me, the hardest part to swallow is the price increase for the entry-level Google Pixel 9. Prices have increased a whopping $200 in just two years, from $599 for the Pixel 6 and 7 to $699 for the Pixel 8, and then again by $100 this year. The days of the bargain Pixel flagship appear to be over for good.

Google says $799 reflects the cost of its hardware upgrades, and it’s true it has more RAM, a Tensor G4 processor, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and a brighter display than last year, but it doesn’t have the breadth of camera hardware improvements as the Pro models. In fact, it’s still a dual-camera system compared to the zoom capabilities you’ll find on the Samsung Galaxy S24.

But the biggest setback: Pixel 9 buyers won't get the same free year Gemini Advanced and 2TB of Google One Google also offers a cloud storage upgrade that Pro buyers do ($240 value). Video Boost is also, again, reserved for Pro model customers, and the base model can’t do 8K video upscaling. Those who don’t splash out for Google’s most expensive Pro models are still left wanting — including some AI-based tools reportedly the Pixel line’s biggest new selling point, which doesn’t look so good considering Samsung is piling its full Galaxy AI suite across its entire lineup.

Luckily, the Pixel 9 still comes with Gemini Live, Pixel Studio, Screenshots, Google Keep's Magic List and other features spread across the Pro lineup. It's not missing much, but tThe question, of course, is whether you'll use these new additions regularly enough to justify spending that extra $100 over last year's model.

If not, you can step up to the more powerful Galaxy S24, complete with a more flexible triple-camera setup. Apple's iPhone 16 series is just around the corner, which is also expected to offer a very powerful processor and some interesting new features iOS 18 features. The lower price of last year’s Pixel 8 kept these rivals within reach, but this year there’s more to think about.

There are also plenty of cheaper entry points into Google's ecosystem that offer a similar hardware formula without the latest AI extras. Last year's Pixel 8 launched at $699 and has been regularly discounted , plus it still has six years of sales left update support on the clock. It’s unlikely to be very future-proof in terms of AI (given the limited RAM), but that’s no loss if you’re not interested in the new Pixel 9 tools. Some of Google’s new features may trickle through, but either way, it’s not a bad buy while you can get it considering it’s $100 less than the newer model.

In the same way, the Google Pixel 8a starts at just $499, saving you a tidy sum of money at $300 less than the Pixel 9. The phone is slightly cheaper in the camera, charging, and durability departments compared to Google's latest entry-level flagship, and we doubt Google will port many of the new AI tools over to the A-series. Still, as a path into the core Pixel ecosystem without all the AI ​​stuff, this is a far more appealing prospect than the Pixel 9.

That's not to say the Pixel 9 doesn't have merit. It's still $200 cheaper than the Pro and comes with most of Google’s latest hardware and software upgrades. Compared to the Galaxy S24 and the upcoming iPhone 16, it’s not bad, but it’s also not the bargain-bin deal we’ve come to expect from an entry-level flagship Pixel. The competition is certainly stronger, even from within its own lineup.

Those who can afford it should spend the extra $200 and get the Pixel 9 Pro. The telephoto camera adds a tremendous amount of photo flexibility, the selfie upgrades are bigger, the Pro models seem to be a rung up the Feature Drop ladder, the phone has the best AI features, and the one-year Google One subscription pays for itself (if you use it). Whether you care about AI or not, the Pixel 9 struggles to stand out next to its siblings.

Like the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9 sits uncomfortably between Google's budget and premium plans. But this $100 price bump has me, for the first time, reconsidering who I recommend this phone to.