Pixel 9 with GrapheneOS review — the latest generation
The Pixel 9 has the Tensor G4 chip, Titan M2 security chip and updates until 2031. Assessed: does the latest generation justify the higher price over the Pixel 8?
Pixel 9 with GrapheneOS review
The Pixel 9 series is the latest generation Google Pixel — and therefore the most current hardware on which GrapheneOS runs. Tensor G4, Titan M2, updates until ~2031. The question: does the latest generation justify the higher price?
What’s new in the Pixel 9 series
Tensor G4: Google’s fourth in-house ARM chip. Better AI performance and slightly higher efficiency than the G3 in the Pixel 8. For daily phone use the difference is small; for heavy on-device AI tasks noticeable.
Longest support period: The Pixel 9 series gets 7 years of security updates — updates until ~2031. That is two years longer than the Pixel 6/7 generation and comparable to the Pixel 8 series.
Titanium frame (9 Pro / XL / Fold): The Pro models have a titanium housing instead of aluminium. Stiffer, lighter per volume, but no security relevance.
The models compared
| Model | Price | Availability | Screen | RAM | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9a | from €349 | ✅ widely available (Coolblue €399) | 6.3” OLED | 12 GB | Best value, no UWB |
| Pixel 9 | from €449 | ✅ widely available (Coolblue €477) | 6.3” OLED | 12 GB | UWB, IP68 |
| Pixel 9 Pro | from €679 | ✅ multiple retailers | 6.3” OLED | 16 GB | Best camera small size |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | from €659 | ✅ multiple retailers | 6.8” OLED | 16 GB | Large screen, longer battery |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | from €899 | ⚠️ limited availability | 6.3” + 8” OLED | 16 GB | Foldable |
Prices: market minimum as of March 2026 (Tweakers Pricewatch). All models: Tensor G4, Titan M2, wireless charging. Exception: Pixel 9a has no UWB and IP67 instead of IP68.
Security-wise identical: The Titan M2 chip and GrapheneOS support are the same on all five models. The choice is purely screen size, camera, UWB and budget.
Specifications (Pixel 9)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chip | Google Tensor G4 |
| Security chip | Titan M2 |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1 |
| Screen | 6.3” OLED, 120 Hz |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh |
| Wireless charging | Yes — 23W Qi / Qi2 |
| UWB | Yes |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Updates | ~2031 |
| GrapheneOS | Fully supported |
| GrapheneOS install | Free — self-install via web installer (15–30 min) |
| Price | from €477 (Pixel 9) — phone only, no pre-installation |
GrapheneOS on the Pixel 9
The installation experience is identical to the Pixel 8. The GrapheneOS web installer supports all Pixel 9 models. Wi-Fi 7 support works fully on GrapheneOS — no limitation compared to standard Android.
The Tensor G4 has an improved Titan M2 implementation with more isolated secure enclave memory compared to the G3. In practice the difference in security level is minimal — the Titan M2 in the Pixel 8 is already excellent.
Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8 — is the upgrade worth the price?
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Tensor G4 | Tensor G3 |
| Updates until | ~2031 | ~2030 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| UWB | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi generation | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Price | €477 | €400–500 (new), less refurbished |
If you already have a Pixel 8: The upgrade is not necessary. Security-wise identical, updates until 2030 still plenty.
If buying new: The Pixel 9 costs more but gives you Wi-Fi 7 and an extra year of updates. If budget allows it’s the better long-term investment.
If budget is a consideration: A Pixel 9a (€399 new at Coolblue) provides the same security level with the same Tensor G4 chip for significantly less money.
Caveats
Price: €477 for the base variant (Coolblue). The Pixel 9a (€399) does the same for security for less — the difference is camera and UWB.
Tensor G4 thermal management: Like the G3, the Tensor G4 runs warm under intensive use (gaming, long video recording). No different from the previous generation.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: from €899 for the foldable model. Niche — not recommended unless the foldable form factor serves a specific purpose.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 is excellent hardware for GrapheneOS. Tensor G4, Titan M2, Wi-Fi 7, updates until 2031, and wireless charging on all models. If price is not an issue, this is the best starting point for a new GrapheneOS installation.
Also look at the Pixel 9a (€399) if budget matters — security-wise identical, same chip.
See also:
- Which phone do you need for GrapheneOS? — full model overview
- Which Pixel for GrapheneOS? — model comparison including 9a
- Pixel 9a review — recommended entry model, €399
- Installing GrapheneOS on Pixel — step-by-step installation guide