As a longtime Pixel user, I’ve always been impressed by Google’s ability to deliver exceptional camera experiences and clean software on their smartphones. With the upcoming Pixel 9 series just around the corner, leaks and rumors have been swirling about its design, performance, and camera capabilities. So, I decided to take a deep dive and explore everything we know so far about these highly anticipated devices.
Google Pixel 9 Series (Rumored Specifications)
| Feature | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETWORK | GSM/CDMA/LTE/5G | GSM/CDMA/LTE/5G | GSM/CDMA/LTE/5G |
| PROCESSOR | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| LAUNCH | May 2024 (Expected) | May 2024 (Expected) | May 2024 (Expected) |
| BODY | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back (Glossy) | Glass front, aluminum frame, matte glass back | Glass front, aluminum frame, matte glass back |
| GAMING PERFORMANCE | Unannounced | Unannounced | Unannounced |
| DISPLAY | 6.24″ 120Hz AMOLED | 6.34″ 120Hz AMOLED | 6.73″ 120Hz AMOLED |
| PLATFORM | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| MEMORY | 12GB RAM, 128GB Storage | 16GB RAM, 128GB Storage | 16GB RAM, 128GB Storage |
| MAIN CAMERA | Dual: 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) | Triple: 50MP (wide), 50MP (ultrawide), 50MP (telephoto) | Triple: 50MP (wide), 50MP (ultrawide), 50MP (telephoto) |
| SELFIE CAMERA | Unannounced | Unannounced | Unannounced |
| CAMERA PERFORMANCE | Expected to be excellent, details on Pixel 9 Pro XL unconfirmed | Expected to be class-leading | Expected to be class-leading |
| SOUND | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| COMMS | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB (Pro & XL) | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB (Pro & XL) |
| HARDWARE QUALITY | Expected to be high | Expected to be high | Expected to be high |
| HARDWARE PERFORMANCE | Expected to be excellent | Expected to be excellent | Expected to be excellent |
| FEATURES | Fingerprint sensor, Face unlock (unconfirmed) | Fingerprint sensor, Face unlock (unconfirmed) | Fingerprint sensor, Face unlock (unconfirmed) |
| SENSORS | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass |
| BATTERY | Unannounced | Unannounced | Unannounced |
| CHARGING | Fast wired charging, Wireless charging | Fast wired charging, Wireless charging | Fast wired charging, Wireless charging |
| MISC | IP68 water resistance | IP68 water resistance | IP68 water resistance |
| TESTS | Not available yet | Not available yet | Not available yet |
| VIDEO EDITING | Unannounced, but Google Tensor chips typically perform well in this area | Unannounced, but Google Tensor chips typically perform well in this area | Unannounced, but Google Tensor chips typically perform well in this area |
Please note that these are rumored specifications and should be taken with a grain of salt. The official specifications will be revealed at Google I/O 2024 or when Google announces the Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel 9 Lineup: A Trio of Choices
The Pixel 9 series is expected to follow Google’s recent trend of offering multiple phone options to cater to different user preferences. This time around, rumors suggest a trio of devices: the standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the newcomer, the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The base Pixel 9 is believed to feature a 6.24-inch display, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more compact phone. The Pixel 9 Pro might come in slightly larger at 6.34 inches, offering a sweet spot between size and screen real estate. Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro XL takes the crown for the biggest display, rumored to be a whopping 6.73 inches, perfect for those who love immersive multimedia experiences.
Design and Display: A Shift in Style?
Based on leaked images, the Pixel 9 series might be sporting a design refresh. The iconic edge-to-edge camera bar seems to be replaced with a more traditional setup that sits horizontally on the back panel. This could be a welcome change for some users who weren’t fans of the previous design.
The leaked images also hint at different finishes for the back panel. The Pixel 9 might retain a glossy finish, while the Pro models could adopt a more premium-feeling matte texture. All three models are rumored to boast 120Hz AMOLED displays, promising smooth scrolling and excellent visuals.
Performance and Internals: The Engine Within
The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and the Pixel 9 series is expected to be powered by the next generation Google Tensor chip, the Tensor G4. This new chip promises significant performance improvements over its predecessor, the Tensor 3. Leaks suggest the base Pixel 9 might come with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the Pro models could boast a bump to 16GB of RAM, offering users more multitasking power and storage flexibility.
While specific performance benchmarks are yet to be revealed, the combination of the Tensor G4 and increased RAM should translate to a noticeably faster and more responsive user experience, especially when handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.
Camera System: Pixel Perfect?
Google Pixel phones have consistently ranked among the best camera phones on the market, and the Pixel 9 series is poised to continue this legacy. However, the camera setups might differ between the models. The standard Pixel 9 is rumored to feature a dual-camera system, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL could boast a triple-camera setup.
The Pro models might come equipped with a 50MP main sensor, a 0.5x ultrawide lens for capturing expansive landscapes, and a powerful 5x periscope zoom lens for bringing distant subjects closer. This combination offers incredible versatility, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos in various scenarios.
Of course, Google’s exceptional camera software plays a crucial role in Pixel phones’ photography prowess. We can expect the Pixel 9 series to come with new software features that leverage the capabilities of the new hardware, potentially offering improved low-light performance, enhanced Night Sight capabilities, and innovative computational photography features.
Price and Availability
While there’s no official confirmation yet, Google I/O 2024, happening today, might be the stage where the company unveils the Pixel 9 series. Pricing and availability details are still under wraps, but based on past launches, we can expect the Pixel 9 to be the most affordable option, followed by the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Previous Pixel launches have typically taken place in October, so we might see the Pixel 9 series hit store shelves sometime around that timeframe.
Google Pixel 9 Series (Expected Launch Prices)
| Country/Region | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $799 | $999 | $1,099 |
| UK | £749 | £899 | £949 |
| Canada | CA$1,049 | CA$1,249 | CA$1,349 |
| Australia | AU$1,249 | AU$1,449 | AU$1,549 |
| Dubai | AED 3,299 | AED 3,899 | AED 4,299 |
| Singapore | S$1,199 | S$1,399 | S$1,499 |
| Europe | €849 | €999 | €1,099 |
| Malaysia | RM3,599 | RM4,299 | RM4,599 |
Disclaimer: These are expected launch prices based on typical pricing for Google Pixel phones and current market trends. Google has not officially announced pricing for the Pixel 9 series. The actual prices may be higher or lower.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Pixel Fans
The Google Pixel 9 series, based on the leaks and rumors, appears to be shaping up as a compelling upgrade for Pixel enthusiasts and Android users alike. The potential for a refined design, a powerful new processor, and an even more versatile camera system is exciting.
If you prioritize exceptional camera performance, clean and bloatware-free software, and a smooth user experience, the Pixel 9 series is definitely worth keeping an eye on. With the official announcement expected at Google I/O 2024, we won’t have to wait much longer to learn more about these exciting new devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many phones are there in the Pixel 9 series?
Based on leaks, there are expected to be three phones in the Pixel 9 series: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
2. What are the rumored screen sizes for the Pixel 9 series?
- Pixel 9: 6.24 inches
- Pixel 9 Pro: 6.34 inches
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.73 inches
3. What processor will power the Pixel 9 series?
The Pixel 9 series is rumored to be powered by the next-generation Google Tensor chip, the Tensor G4.
4. What are the rumored camera specifications for the Pixel 9 series?
- Pixel 9: Dual-camera system (specifics unknown)
- Pixel 9 Pro & Pixel 9 Pro XL: Triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, 0.5x ultrawide lens, and 5x periscope zoom lens (rumored)
5. When will the Pixel 9 series be released?
There is no official confirmation yet, but based on past launches, the Pixel 9 series might be unveiled at Google I/O 2024 and potentially hit store shelves around October 2024.
6. How much will the Pixel 9 series cost?
Pricing details are yet to be revealed. However, we can expect the Pixel 9 to be the most affordable option, followed by the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL based on past Pixel launches.
7. What are some of the potential improvements in the Pixel 9 series?
Leaks suggest a redesigned camera bar, different back panel finishes, a faster Tensor G4 chip, potentially increased RAM, and an even more versatile camera system.
8. Who is the Pixel 9 series a good fit for?
The Pixel 9 series could be a great choice for users who prioritize camera performance, clean software, a smooth user experience, and potentially prefer a variety of screen size options.
9. Will the Pixel 9 series have the same stock Android experience as previous Pixel phones?
There is no official information yet, but Google Pixels are known for their clean and bloatware-free software experience based on stock Android. We can expect the Pixel 9 series to continue this tradition.
10. Where can I learn more about the Pixel 9 series?
Stay tuned for official announcements from Google, likely at Google I/O 2024. You can also follow tech news websites and blogs for the latest updates and leaks about the Pixel 9 series.
