Google’s Pixel 9 line was packed with firsts when it launched in late August, including two different size options and a foldable, but those were largely reserved for the Pro models. When it comes to the base phone, there’s not much flash. But beneath the surface, it feels nearly as good as its more expensive cousin. Thanks to a redesigned camera bar and some updated camera specs, it’s Google’s best base phone in a while, putting it neck-and-neck with the Pixel 9 Pro, which I’d wager some less discerning eyes wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Consider shelling out the $999 or more for the Pro and opting for the regular Pixel 9 instead . You might be surprised.

This year, most of the aesthetic changes are reserved for the Pixel 9 Pro, which now comes in two sizes and a foldable version. But that doesn't mean there's nothing new about the standard Pixel 9.

The most noticeable update is the redesigned camera bar, which Google also added to the Pro. Unlike previous models, the Pixel 9’s camera bar no longer stretches across the entire width of the phone, instead being housed in its own little oval. That doesn’t mean much from a functional standpoint, but it does make everything look a little tidier, if only because it’s a bit smaller and rounder. It’s also now a bit easier to hold the phone horizontally without accidentally brushing against your camera lens, too.

Otherwise, the Pixel 9 still uses the typical “candy bar” format. There are no extra buttons, the corners are still rounded, and the dimensions and weight are the same as on the Pixel 8: 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches, weighing in at 7 ounces. The speakers on the bottom of the phone have been merged into a single hole, but their capabilities remain the same.