Every October, a familiar ritual unfolds for tech enthusiasts in Pakistan. Google unveils its new Pixel phone, showcasing a camera that seems to bend the rules of physics, and we all watch with a mix of awe and frustration. The Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are now official, and the story is the same: they are arguably the smartest smartphones ever made.
Powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, their main selling point is a suite of mind-blowing “AI Magic” camera features. But for us in Pakistan, the magic is overshadowed by a harsh reality of unofficial imports, inflated prices, and the dreaded PTA tax.
So, the ultimate question is: Is the Pixel 9’s camera brilliant enough to justify the immense cost and hassle of owning one in Pakistan? Let’s break it down.
The Main Event: Google’s New AI Camera Tricks
Let’s be clear: you don’t buy a Pixel for its raw gaming performance. You buy it for the camera, and Google has once again delivered features that feel like they’re from five years in the future.
- “AI Director Mode”: This is a game-changer for video. While you’re recording a scene, the phone’s AI actively suggests better angles and smoother pans. Once you’re done, it can automatically edit the raw footage into a dynamic, shareable short video, complete with music and transitions. It’s like having a tiny film director in your pocket.
- “Generative Zoom”: We all know digital zoom is usually terrible. With Generative Zoom, Google uses AI to intelligently predict and fill in details on subjects at extreme distances. Photos taken at 20-30x zoom on the Pixel 9 Pro look shockingly clear, almost as if they were taken with an optical lens.
- “Audio Magic Eraser 2.0”: The original was great at removing background noise. The new version can isolate a specific person’s voice in a noisy video—like a crowded wedding or a windy day at the beach—and boost their audio while suppressing everything else.
- “Best Take” for Video: You know how “Best Take” could swap faces in photos to make sure everyone was smiling with their eyes open? It now works on short video clips, making it perfect for group moments.
These AI features, powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, are genuinely incredible. They aren’t just specs on a sheet; they are practical tools that solve real-world photography problems.
The Pakistani Problem: Price, PTA, and No Warranty
Here’s where the dream comes crashing down to earth. Owning a Pixel 9 in Pakistan is a logistical and financial nightmare.
1. The Inflated Price: Since it’s not officially sold here, you’ll be buying from an importer who has to factor in their own costs and profit. While the US price for the base Pixel 9 starts at $799, you can expect it to land in Pakistan for no less than PKR 350,000. The Pixel 9 Pro will easily cross PKR 420,000.
2. The PTA Nightmare: This is the real deal-breaker. To use your SIM card, you must pay the PTA tax. Based on the current tax structure for high-end phones, you should brace yourselves. The estimated PTA tax for the Pixel 9 Pro could be a staggering PKR 160,000 or more.
3. Zero Official Support: If your screen cracks, your battery dies, or you have a software issue, you’re on your own. There are no official Google service centers, no warranties, and no official parts. You’ll be at the mercy of local repair shops using non-genuine parts.
How Does it Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro?
When you add the import price and PTA tax together, a Pixel 9 Pro costs more than an officially available iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Camera: The Pixel 9 wins on clever AI tricks and effortless point-and-shoot photos. The iPhone 17 Pro is still the king of professional-grade video (ProRes) and offers a more true-to-life image.
- Ecosystem & Support: This isn’t even a contest. The iPhone is officially supported, has a warranty. It works seamlessly with other Apple products, and has far better resale value in Pakistan.
- Value: The iPhone, despite its high price, is objectively a better value purchase in Pakistan. Due to official availability and support.
The Verdict for Pakistan
The Google Pixel 9 is a technological marvel. It’s a glimpse into the future of photography. Unfortunately, it’s a future that is incredibly difficult and expensive to access in Pakistan.
Is the AI camera worth it? For 99% of people, the answer is a firm no.
The immense final cost (phone + tax), combined with the complete lack of a warranty, makes it a high-risk, low-reward proposition. It’s a phone for the most hardcore of tech enthusiasts who understand the risks and have a lot of disposable income.
For everyone else, your money is far better spent on a flagship from a brand that actually operates in Pakistan. For the price of an imported Pixel 9 Pro and its PTA tax, you could buy an official Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or an iPhone 17 Pro Max. You would still have enough cash left over for a nice holiday. Those phones might not have Google’s latest AI magic. But they come with something far more valuable in Pakistan: peace of mind.