Still thinking an older midrange phone can match a modern Pixel? I tested both the HTC Desire 20 Pro and Google Pixel 9 for over a month in daily Bangladeshi use, heat, traffic, weak signals, and long screen time. The difference was obvious. Pixel 9 felt modern, smooth, and dependable, while Desire 20 Pro showed its age in speed, camera reliability, and network stability. Pricing in Bangladesh also tells two very different stories today. In this comparison, I’ll break down what actually matters, gaming, network, camera, display, and long-term value, based purely on my real experience, not marketing claims.

Let’s talk money first, because that’s where confusion starts. I visited Bashundhara City, Jamuna Future Park, and local shops, and checked online sellers too. The HTC Desire 20 Pro is no longer officially sold, so whatever you find is unofficial stock or refurbished units. That’s why prices vary wildly. 

The Google Pixel 9 is newer and commands a premium, mostly through unofficial imports as well. Unlike Desire 20 Pro, Pixel 9 pricing has stayed stable, reflecting its demand, software support, and resale value in Bangladesh. With Desire 20 Pro, I noticed mismatched accessories and unclear warranty claims. Pixel 9 units were cleaner, but seller reliability still matters.

Gaming quickly exposes a phone’s real strength. I played PUBG, COD Mobile, and Genshin Impact on both phones in long sessions without cooling. The Desire 20 Pro struggles early, smooth settings are necessary, and heat builds up within 20 minutes. Frame drops become noticeable. 

The Gogle Pixel 9 handled the same games more confidently. Higher settings stayed playable, touch response felt tighter, and performance held up longer. Reference benchmarks support this gap, but my hands felt it first. In this price zone, some Poco or iQOO phones beat Desire 20 Pro easily, while Pixel 9 balances power with stability. During gaming, Desire 20 Pro drained faster and felt warmer. Pixel 9 managed heat better and showed steadier battery consumption.

• Daily speed and smoothness: Every time I unlocked the Pixel 9, it felt instantly ready, apps opened without hesitation and multitasking stayed fluid. With the Desire 20 Pro, small delays crept in regularly, especially after a few apps were open.

• Camera confidence: I trusted the Pixel 9 to deliver a usable photo in almost any situation. With the Desire 20 Pro, I often retook shots because exposure and focus felt unpredictable, particularly indoors and at night.

• Software experience: Pixel 9 feels modern and well-polished, with smooth animations and smart background management. Desire 20 Pro feels outdated, with heavier UI behavior and slower response over long use.

• Network reliability: In crowded Dhaka areas, Pixel 9 held signal better and recovered faster when data dropped. Desire 20 Pro struggled more indoors and during movement.

• Long-term usability: Pixel 9 feels built for the next few years. Desire 20 Pro feels like a phone that has already peaked.

Network strength matters more than specs here. I tested both phones using Grameenphone, Banglalink, and Teletalk across Dhaka. On 2G and 3G, call quality was acceptable on both, but data stability differed. Desire 20 Pro dropped signals indoors more often. On 4G LTE, Pixel 9 maintained stronger, more consistent speeds and recovered faster when moving. Call clarity was also better. Pixel 9 is ready for 5G network, while Desire 20 Pro stops at 4G. Wi-Fi stability was noticeably stronger on Pixel, especially during long downloads.

Camera performance isn’t about megapixels, it’s about trust. In daylight, Pixel 9 produced sharp, balanced photos almost every time. HTC Desire 20 Pro sometimes overprocessed or missed exposure. At night, the gap widened. Pixel 9 captured usable, detailed shots, while Desire 20 Pro struggled with blur and noise. Video stabilization on Pixel 9 felt smoother during walking shots. In this segment, Pixel 9 delivers consistent results, while Desire 20 Pro feels unreliable.

Screen quality affects everything you do. Desire 20 Pro’s LCD panel looks fine indoors but loses clarity outdoors. Pixel 9’s OLED display feels sharper, richer, and more readable under bright sunlight. Colors look more natural on Pixel, and scrolling feels smoother. Some newer Chinese phones offer brighter panels, but compared side-by-side, Pixel 9 clearly delivers the better daily viewing experience.

If you want smooth performance, reliable camera, stronger network, and long-term usability, Pixel 9 is the smarter buy. Choose HTC Desire 20 Pro only if budget forces compromise.

After testing both devices, it’s clear that the Pixel 9 better meets the needs of modern users in Bangladesh. While the HTC Desire 20 Pro still works, the Pixel stands out with greater longevity, stability, and reliability.

Does Pixel 9 feel faster in daily use?
Yes. Pixel 9 opens apps quicker and handles multitasking smoothly, while Desire 20 Pro feels dated.

Which phone heats more during gaming?
HTC Desire 20 Pro heats faster and throttles earlier, Pixel 9 stays more stable.

Is Pixel 9 camera really that better?
Yes. Pixel 9 delivers consistent photos and videos, especially in low light.

Which one has better battery reliability?
Pixel 9 maintains steadier battery life; Desire 20 Pro drains faster under load.

Network performance - who wins in Bangladesh?
Pixel 9 holds stronger 4G LTE signals and offers future 5G readiness.

Is HTC Desire 20 Pro worth buying now?
Only at very low prices. Performance and software age limit long-term value.