Google Pixel 9 vs Sony Xperia 1 VIII
Compare Google Pixel 9 vs Sony Xperia 1 VIII side by side: Google Tensor G4 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, 50MP vs 50MP camera, 4700mAh vs 5500mAh…
Pixel 9
$799
4categories won
Sony
Xperia 1 VIII
$1,449
10categories won
4 categories tied · 18 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Sony Xperia 1 VIII takes the overall win
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 9, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Xperia 1 VIII leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Xperia 1 VIII. Choose the Xperia 1 VIII if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 9 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Xperia 1 VIII takes battery honors offering 5,500 mAh alongside 45W charging.
Xperia 1 VIII provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and 16GB RAM.
Xperia 1 VIII takes photography with 50MP optics and 7.1x optical telephoto capabilities.
Pixel 9 provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $799 vs $1449.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Pixel 9 vs Xperia 1 VIII: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.5" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424Winner | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | — |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2700 nits | 2800 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,290,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 4760 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 7.1x |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Selfie camera | 10.5 MP | 24 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | — |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,700 mAh | 5,500 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 27 W | 45 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 20 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 198 g | 192 gWinner |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm | 8.2 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Satin metal frame, polished back glass | — |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 yearsWinner | 4 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 5 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Xperia 1 VIII |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| Launch price | $799Winner | $1,449 |
Google Pixel 9
Upgraded with 12GB of RAM for seamless on-device Gemini AI, an upgraded 48MP macro ultrawide lens, ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking, and a 2700-nit Actua display, the Pixel 9 is Google’s most refined entry flagship yet.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
Sony Xperia 1 VIII
The Xperia 1 VIII builds on Sony cinematic heritage with continuous physical optical zoom from 85mm to 170mm, 4K LTPO OLED panel with Bravia AI remastering, and zero AI overprocessing.
- Display
- 6.5"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,500mAh