With the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional having established themselves as a number of the finest Android telephones you should buy in the present day, it is time to stay up for what’s on the horizon. You may decide up final 12 months’s Google flagships — they’re fairly good, particularly on sale — however imagining what’s across the nook is extra enjoyable. The Pixel 9 sequence might be right here earlier than you recognize it, and unsurprisingly, we already know so much about this 12 months’s lineup. This 12 months, that is further thrilling, as we’re taking a look at three completely different telephones coming to a service close to you this fall. This is the whole lot we all know in regards to the Pixel 9 sequence.
Google Pixel 9: Design
Three telephones, one new design
The Pixel 9 Professional XL. Sure, it is complicated.
Alright, let’s not depart you ready. In an effort to discuss in regards to the Pixel 9’s design, we have to set up what the Pixel 9 even is. In contrast to years prior to now, we’re taking a look at three distinctive smartphones this 12 months, which might make the choice on which to purchase extra sophisticated than ever. Then again, small smartphone lovers rejoice — you are lastly getting a telephoto lens on a Pixel gadget that may really slot into your pocket.
And do not mistake this 12 months’s adjustments to Google’s smartphone technique to be some form of Pixel Extremely kerfuffle. We have been listening to in regards to the idea of three Pixel 9 fashions since means again in December of 2022. This is what we wrote then:
In the meantime, the Pixel 9 sequence is about to develop. Alongside the common Pixel 9 (no codename on this) and the Pixel 9 Professional (“komodo”), Google needs to launch a small model of the Pixel 9 Professional. At 6.3″ this mannequin (codenamed “caiman”) would successfully be the dimensions of the present Pixel 7, however with all the extras that always depart customers choosing the bigger mannequin. It is one more Apple-inspired transfer, as Google appears to chase the success of telephones just like the iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max.
Regardless of this roadmap leaking practically two years earlier than the Pixel 9’s deliberate launch, practically each rumor this 12 months has lined up with what we heard means again in 2022. So, let’s take a more in-depth have a look at all three smartphones, beginning with the most recent of Google’s upcoming trio to leak.
Pixel 9
Supply: 91Mobiles
The Pixel 9 appears destined to be overshadowed this 12 months, however relying on the worth level Google is ready to strike right here, maybe it should not be. By all accounts, that is precisely what you’d anticipate the successor to the Pixel 8 to be. It has a brand new search for the digital camera bar — just like what we first noticed on earlier leaks for the remainder of this lineup — however lacks a telephoto lens. This era, it appears in keeping with what we noticed on the Pixel Fold in 2023, presenting a big bump that does not join immediately with the body of the telephone.
One have a look at these renders confirms Google is following within the footsteps of Apple and Samsung in additional methods than one. It is not nearly growing completely different tiers of telephones; the inspiration additionally comes from these flat edges. They have been the iPhone’s signature model because the iPhone 12 in 2020, whereas Samsung adopted absolutely flat sides on the Galaxy S24 and S24+ simply this 12 months. Mixed with the rounded corners — an analogous look to our earliest glances of the Pixel 8a — and the Apple comparisons actually do write themselves.
In any other case, this appears like a fairly normal Pixel. OnLeaks, the supply of our first Pixel 9 glimpse, highlighted its 6.03-inch show, although based mostly on its dimensions — 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm — and the way the leaker measures rounded shows, anticipate one thing nearer to a 6.1-inch show when all is claimed and achieved. That digital camera bump appears fairly chunky in these leaks, by the way in which, with OnLeaks saying it ends in a further 3.5mm being tied to its general thickness.
Pixel 9 Professional
Pixel 9 Professional renders are blue on a light-weight grey background.
In some ways, the Pixel 9 Professional is definitely the brand new telephone this 12 months, regardless of it sounding like a successor to final 12 months’s Pixel 8 Professional. In following Apple’s product construction, the Pixel 9 Professional will tie the extra premium features of Google’s bigger smartphones — particularly the telephoto sensor — to a smaller gadget. This mannequin reportedly measures in at 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm, which, for these readers paying shut consideration, is similar to the rumored measurement of the usual Pixel 9. Anticipate to see a 6.2-inch show right here, due to the Professional’s slimmer bezels.
Except for that further lens, nonetheless (which, we must always add, does not lead to a thicker digital camera bar), the Pixel 9 Professional appears practically unchanged from its un-Professional sibling when it comes to look and elegance. Future leaks might cement extra variations, together with swapping out matte and shiny finishes on the again glass, however general, these two smaller Pixel 9 fashions appear alike in most methods.
Pixel 9 Professional XL
Pixel 9 Professional XL renders are black on a darkish grey background.
Lastly, we’re again on acquainted floor. The Pixel 9 Professional XL is a mouthful of a mannequin identify, however in all different methods, it serves as a successor to final 12 months’s Pixel 8 Professional. Preliminary leaks pegged its dimensions at 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, practically similar to Google’s 2023 flagship in all however thickness. OnLeaks suggests this gadget will use a 6.5-inch show, however as with the earlier two telephones, this possible comes right down to variations in how measurements work. Anticipate one other 6.7-inch display screen, identical as final 12 months.
In any other case, you will discover the identical digital camera bar redesign, the identical triple lens cutouts, and even similar thickness in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional and normal Pixel 9. If this lineup appears somewhat complicated, one factor’s for certain: Google has mixing and matching its design language right down to an actual science.
Google Pixel 9: Specs
One other Tensor era is on its means
Supply: 91Mobiles
With these design variations out of the way in which, it is somewhat simpler to speak about what the lineup could have in frequent, and that begins with specs. The Tensor G4 is all however sure to be the brains behind Google’s subsequent smartphones. Initially meant to be the corporate’s first customized in-house chipset, latest experiences delayed these plans into 2025 with the Pixel 10. The Tensor G4 will function a small bump over the Tensor G3, one thing made obvious by way of its “Zuma Professional” codename. Reasonably than utilizing TSMC’s 3nm node as anticipated, the G4 will proceed to behave as a modified Samsung Exynos chipset, proper right down to utilizing Samsung’s foundry, as we have seen prior to now.
If uncooked efficiency is necessary to you, it may be value holding out to see if the Pixel 10 will get that long-rumored, absolutely customized, in-house chip. Google’s {hardware} has by no means matched the powerhouse efficiency of Apple or Samsung. That might change in 2025 if this present schedule holds out.
Supply: 91Mobiles
It is unclear if the Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL could have variations in storage and RAM, although that is actually a chance. Final 12 months’s Pixel 8 Professional arrived with 12GB of RAM, whereas the usual Pixel 8 included simply 8GB. Contemplating Gemini Nano did not find yourself coming to the smaller, cheaper mannequin — possible as a result of RAM constrictions — we would wish to see all three fashions ship with equal quantities of reminiscence. That mentioned, the Professional branding offers Google a simple means out to maintain its AI options unique to the costlier fashions. We’ll have to attend for future leaks to see simply the way it all shakes out.
2024 is presently set to be the 12 months of Qi2, an enormous improve to everybody’s favourite charging normal that provides MagSafe-style pucks into the equation. We’re nonetheless ready for the primary handsets to reach with an ideal match for Apple’s personal inside {hardware}, however the Pixel 9 seems like an possible contender in that area. If it does arrive, it sounds prefer it’ll be obtainable on all three fashions — not simply the Professional sequence.
Google Pixel 9: Software program
Android 15 obtainable out of the field
Google Assistant on the Pixel 8
Very similar to how the Pixel 8 sequence ushered within the period of Android 14, anticipate the Pixel 9 sequence to be the primary units to launch with Android 15 out of the field. It is too early to know what to anticipate from the subsequent main improve to our favourite cell OS — we’re presently on DP2, although early Android betas all the time give us a greater have a look at what’s coming down the pike — however we must always get loads of clues all through 2024 main as much as the Pixel 9 launch occasion. Anticipate Google to save lots of the perfect options as exclusives for its {hardware}.
One of many areas we actually anticipate to see Google working onerous to show its experience in 2024 is AI, with its efforts already ramping up on the Pixel 8 Professional. The Pixel 9 sequence might soar even additional forward than the competitors, including a new Gemini-powered assistant referred to as Pixie. Early experiences point out Pixie is designed to select up the slack for Assistant, working offline whereas working on-device with Gemini Nano. Simply remember the fact that Google has already held again Gemini Nano from the smaller Pixel 8 as a result of {hardware} restrictions — possible a scarcity of RAM. As talked about within the specs part, if the most affordable Pixel 9 does not embody greater than 8GB of RAM, it’d as soon as once more be neglected of Professional-exclusive options.
As with the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9 sequence appears prone to obtain seven years of OS updates, that means help as much as 2031. That might current a number of the finest worth in smartphones. If you cannot wait a 12 months, Google’s present smartphones assure practically as lengthy of a lifespan.
Google Pixel 9: Cameras
The largest shakeup this 12 months might probably be the addition of a telephoto lens to the newly small Pixel 9 Professional, presumably matching up spec-for-spec with the bigger mannequin for the very first time. Google might observe Apple’s lead right here, utilizing a much less highly effective telephoto lens within the smaller, extra reasonably priced flagship to distinguish these two telephones additional, however we’ll have to attend for extra rumors to seek out out. The precise Pixel 9 — the one with out a Professional suffix — won’t embody this telephoto lens.
The Pixel 9 lineup could get some new {hardware}, however what makes this sequence shine is what Google has cooking within the software program. Search for Google to focus extra on AI-powered processing and software program methods than uncooked {hardware} relating to making a number of the finest digital camera telephones obtainable. Google upgraded the sensor lineup within the Pixel 8 sequence with some slight adjustments. The corporate has been unwilling to debate what’s new in its newest {hardware}, although most experiences level to the most recent foremost digital camera being an ISOCELL GNV from Samsung.
Google Pixel 9: Worth and launch date
Coming to a service retailer close to you this fall
This far out from launch, it is tough to try to guess pricing — Google may not even have it locked in but. Historic tendencies typically assist, however the addition of a second Professional telephone this 12 months complicates the matter. Likewise, the Pixel 8a is rumored to be receiving a value hike as much as $550, so even though the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional had been costlier at launch than their respective predecessors, one other improve is not out of the query.
If the Pixel 8a does launch at $550, the Pixel 9 appears prone to be priced anyplace between $650 and $700. Google must make it clear the Pixel 9 is a step up from its A-series sibling, however on the identical time, ratcheting the worth up too excessive will solely trigger issues with the Professional fashions. The Pixel 9 Professional — that is the smaller of the 2 — appears prone to hit an $800 value level, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional XL will possible follow that $1,000 mark.
Supply: 91Mobiles
Once more, that is hypothesis based mostly on each market tendencies and historic knowledge, although we’re admittedly flying a bit blind for the time being. Anticipate extra concrete leaks to reach on value in late summer season.
The discharge date is less complicated to foretell. Google locked down the primary week of October as its devoted area for launching new Pixel {hardware}. We do not anticipate that to vary any time quickly. Search for an early October date for Made By Google 2024, adopted by availability on retailer cabinets every week after the official announcement. If you cannot wait that lengthy for brand new {hardware} — otherwise you need one thing extra reasonably priced — the Pixel 8a will possible arrive at Google I/O on Might 14th.
One other era of Pixel awaits
This far out, it is onerous to suggest anybody look ahead to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, or Pixel 9 Professional XL particularly in case you want a brand new smartphone proper now. For those who’re rocking a contemporary smartphone that does not have to be changed, it is enjoyable to have a look at what’s on the horizon. In Google’s case, it looks as if it is nothing however blue skies (or, you recognize, at the very least blue telephones) from right here on out.
We have up to date this information to incorporate leaks for the Pixel 9, alongside a brand new format splitting every telephone’s design into its personal section, and updates all through addressing Google’s rumored transfer to a trio of units. In different phrases, this was a fairly large replace.
Google Pixel 8 Professional
If you cannot look ahead to the Pixel 9, the Pixel 8 Professional is a good selection. With its AI-focused Tensor G3 chipset, a improbable digital camera, and 7 years of OS upgrades, it is the most effective Android telephones you should buy in the present day, and can hold you coated for a very long time to return.