Fall has arrived, the days are getting shorter, and the year is winding down. With all the major phone releases out for 2024, you might be eyeing the Google Pixel 9. It’s a great phone, but there are several other fantastic alternatives to consider before you make a decision. Let’s dive into five awesome phones that could be a perfect fit for your needs.
1. Google Pixel 9 Pro:
Google addressed a previous issue with the Pixel series by offering both a standard Pixel 9 Pro and a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you’re drawn to the Pixel 9’s compact 6.3-inch size, the Pixel 9 Pro is worth a look as it’s the same size. Plus, the Pixel 9 Pro boasts a stunning Rose Quartz color, even if it’s not as bold as the Peony Pixel 9.
But the Pixel 9 Pro isn’t just about the color; it’s the superior phone overall. With 16GB of RAM (compared to the base Pixel 9’s 12GB), and the powerful Tensor G4 chip, you’ll have more processing power for all those Google Gemini features. You also get a year of free access to Gemini Advanced (one month free on the Pixel 9), plus more storage options with 512GB and 1TB compared to the base model’s 256GB cap. The Pixel 9 Pro’s screen is also brighter, hitting 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel 9’s 2,700 nits.
The camera system is another highlight. While both phones feature a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens, the Pixel 9 Pro shines with a 48MP telephoto camera offering 5x optical zoom. This telephoto lens is a game-changer when you need to get close to your subject without disturbing it. The selfie camera on the Pixel 9 Pro also outperforms the Pixel 9 with a 42MP sensor and a wider 103-degree field of view (FOV) compared to the Pixel 9’s 10.5MP and 95-degree FOV. The regular Pixel 9 is a solid choice, but if you crave a superior display, a telephoto camera, and more power, the Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go.
2. iPhone 16:
If you’re open to switching to iOS, Apple’s latest iPhone 16 is finally here. And boy, it has one of the most appealing color lineups in recent Apple history. If you’re seeking a pink phone, the iPhone 16 might even beat the Peony Pixel 9. The Teal and Ultramarine colors are also absolutely stunning.
This is arguably Apple’s most impressive base model iPhone yet. The camera module has been redesigned with a vertical layout, boasting a 48MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera with autofocus. Apple introduced Camera Control, making the iPhone 16 feel more like a dedicated camera than a phone with a camera. Press the button to launch the camera app and take photos or videos, and use slide gestures to adjust settings.
The new A18 chip inside the iPhone 16 is a powerhouse, offering 30% faster performance than the iPhone 15 and enabling Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 18.1. The chip provides ample power for the latest Photographic Styles and delivers improved battery efficiency. However, the iPhone 16 still sticks with a 60Hz refresh rate display, which feels outdated in 2024. While this might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s something to consider. Ultimately, you’ll need to be comfortable with iOS instead of Android.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a fantastic small phone option. Compact, lightweight, and with a premium design, it’s a delight to hold and use thanks to its flat edges. It also comes in unique colors like Sandstone Orange. Samsung has equipped the base model Galaxy S24 with a triple-lens camera system, offering more versatility than the Pixel 9’s dual-lens setup. It features a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While the selfie camera is 12MP, it still surpasses the Pixel 9’s 10.5MP.
While the Google Tensor G4 is an improvement over its predecessors, the Galaxy S24 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a considerably more powerful chip. You also get access to Samsung’s Galaxy AI tools, which rival Google’s Gemini features. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is also more power-efficient than the Tensor G4, giving the Galaxy S24 a slightly longer battery life than the Pixel 9, with comparable charging speeds. Furthermore, the S24 integrates seamlessly with Samsung wearables like the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring.
4. OnePlus 12:
For a price similar to the Google Pixel 9, you could consider the OnePlus 12. It boasts a gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a high pixel density of 510 pixels per inch, a 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness reaching 4,500 nits – exceeding most other flagships this year. It’s a fantastic display, but keep in mind that the 6.8-inch screen is quite large and curved, which may require some adjustment if you’re used to smaller or flat screens.
The OnePlus 12 also delivers an incredibly powerful triple-lens camera system powered by Hasselblad. It features a 50MP main camera, a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The selfie camera clocks in at 32MP. On paper, the OnePlus 12 easily outperforms the Pixel 9. And the Hasselblad color tuning is the cherry on top. Battery life is another strong point with a massive 5,400mAh battery, surpassing most competitors. And if you prioritize fast charging, the OnePlus 12 delivers with 80W wired charging speeds in the U.S. (100W globally) and 50W wireless charging. Every other phone charges slowly compared to the OnePlus 12, and its massive battery can easily last around two full days. As long as you can handle a larger phone, there’s plenty to love about the OnePlus 12.
5. Google Pixel 8a:
If you’re considering the Pixel 9 solely because you want a Pixel phone and it’s the cheapest option in the Pixel 9 lineup, consider the Google Pixel 8a. Released a few months ago, it’s still a fantastic affordable Pixel option if you don’t mind missing out on the newest Pixel 9 design. It’s powered by the Tensor G3 chip, last generation’s processor, which may not be the latest and greatest, but still performs well for everyday use. The Pixel 8a supports some Gemini AI features, though not as many as the Pixel 9. You’ll still get features like Magic Eraser and Magic Editor, which are likely the most popular AI features, along with Circle to Search.
The cameras on the Pixel 8a are more than capable. You get a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP fixed-focus selfie camera. It’s not the most spectacular camera setup, but Pixels are known for taking excellent photos without fuss, and the Pixel 8a is no exception. Plus, the Aloe Pixel 8a boasts a gorgeous color we didn’t see on the Wintergreen Pixel 9. The Pixel 8a delivers a fantastic Pixel smartphone experience at a significantly lower price than the Pixel 9. For some, it might be a much better purchase.
