I’ve been a fan of small phones for as long as I can remember. There’s something deeply satisfying about having a device that fits comfortably in my hand and doesn’t demand two-handed operation for every little task. My iPhone 13 Mini was the epitome of that ideal: compact, sleek, and powerful. But after a few years of use, it started to show its age. It was time for an upgrade, so I took a leap and switched to Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
If you’re also attached to small phones, you know how rare they’ve become. Today’s smartphone market is dominated by huge screens and hefty designs. So, while the Pixel 9 Pro is a little bigger than my beloved iPhone 13 Mini, it’s still refreshingly compact by modern standards. Here’s what I’ve learned so far about my new device and why I think the Pixel 9 Pro might be the perfect small phone upgrade.
Compact but Powerful: My First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Pixel 9 Pro, the size immediately caught my attention. Coming from the iPhone 13 Mini, I expected the Pixel 9 Pro to feel enormous, but surprisingly, it didn’t. Yes, it’s larger than my iPhone, but at 6.3 inches, it’s still a far cry from the massive 6.8-inch screens that have become so common. The display doesn’t feel cramped, either; it’s bright, sharp, and responsive, thanks to the 120 Hz refresh rate. I found myself instantly enjoying the extra screen space without feeling like I’d moved into tablet territory.
The Pixel 9 Pro is also designed to be compact enough for one-handed use. I can easily hold it, text with one hand, or pull it from my pocket without any trouble. It doesn’t quite match the pocketability of the iPhone 13 Mini, but it’s pretty close—and much easier to handle than the large phones I’ve tried in the past.
How It Compares to the iPhone 13 Mini for Everyday Use
As someone who appreciates small devices, I’m used to the idea of one-handed functionality being a rare find. The iPhone 13 Mini excelled here, and it’s something I didn’t want to sacrifice with an upgrade. Fortunately, the Pixel 9 Pro does a fantastic job. Whether I’m responding to a quick message or snapping a photo, I don’t feel like I need a second hand to manage it. It’s a small but meaningful advantage that keeps my day-to-day usage smooth and convenient.
That said, the Pixel 9 Pro’s screen isn’t quite as tiny as the 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone 13 Mini. But honestly, that’s been a good thing. I love being able to watch videos or scroll through social media on a larger display without needing a giant phone. For anyone looking for a middle ground between small and large, the Pixel 9 Pro really hits the mark.
Design: Elegant, But With a Few Quirks
Google put a lot of thought into the design of the Pixel 9 Pro, and it shows. My unit is the Rose Quartz color—a soft pink that’s subtle and classy. The phone feels premium and has that “Pixel” look that fans of the brand will recognize instantly. It’s got a flat screen with rounded corners, giving it a minimalist vibe that’s reminiscent of recent iPhone models.
One design element I’m still on the fence about is the camera island on the back. It’s raised and oval-shaped, sticking out enough to make the phone wobble a bit when placed on a flat surface. Some people may not mind it, while others, like me, might find it a bit odd. It also makes the phone slippery, so I’d recommend a case for both protection and grip.
The Camera: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance
If there’s one area where the Pixel 9 Pro shines, it’s the camera. Google’s reputation for excellent smartphone photography is well-earned, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues that legacy with a triple-camera setup. There’s a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, giving you plenty of flexibility for different types of shots.
Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro (which I’ve also tried), the Pixel 9 Pro captures more accurate colors, especially with skin tones. Shadows are well-defined, and the overall color profile feels natural. However, I did notice that sometimes it can be overly aggressive with color correction, which occasionally removes some warmth from photos.
How the Pixel 9 Pro Stacks Up Against the iPhone for Photography
Switching between the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, I found that each phone has its own strengths and weaknesses in photography. The Pixel is fantastic at highlighting details in shadows, and it captures skin tones beautifully. On the other hand, Apple’s iPhone tends to perform better in low-light conditions, especially with the improved telephoto lens on the iPhone 16 Pro.
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro surprised me was video quality. Google introduced 8K video recording with this model, which results in some incredibly sharp and detailed footage. It’s also excellent for panoramas, but Apple still has the edge for overall video quality and stabilization. Even with these quirks, the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system is unique, bringing its own character and flair that you won’t find elsewhere.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Besides the camera, the Pixel 9 Pro has some standout features that I’ve come to love. The 120 Hz screen makes everything from browsing to gaming feel smoother, and Google’s AI-driven features—like real-time language translation and call screening—add convenience that’s hard to find on other phones. For a small phone, it packs a lot of functionality into a compact design.
However, one drawback I’ve noticed is the battery life. While it generally lasts through the day with normal use, it’s not as long-lasting as larger phones with bigger batteries. Heavy users might need to top up midday, but fast charging helps mitigate this issue.
What Makes the Pixel 9 Pro a Good Small Phone Choice?
If you’re someone who loves the idea of a small phone but still wants a premium experience, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a well-rounded package. It’s compact enough to satisfy that need for portability, yet powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it. Sure, the battery life could be better, and the camera island design might not be for everyone, but overall, it’s a refreshing choice in today’s big-phone market.
For me, the Pixel 9 Pro represents a kind of perfect middle ground between small phones like the iPhone 13 Mini and the larger flagships on the market today. It’s not as tiny as my old Mini, but it brings so much more to the table with its advanced features, AI-driven functionalities, and camera system.
Final Thoughts: Is the Pixel 9 Pro the Right Upgrade?
If you’re on the fence about upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro, I’d say it’s worth the leap—especially if you’re a fan of smaller phones. It may not be as compact as the iPhone 13 Mini, but it offers a similar one-handed experience while giving you more screen space and features. The phone’s thoughtful design, impressive camera system, and Google-exclusive perks make it stand out as one of the best options for small phone fans looking for a flagship experience.
So, while my love for the iPhone 13 Mini remains strong, the Pixel 9 Pro has proven to be a worthy successor. In a world of increasingly large smartphones, it’s refreshing to find a device that respects the appeal of a compact form while delivering a premium experience. If you’re ready to upgrade without sacrificing size or performance, the Pixel 9 Pro just might be the perfect fit.
