Table of Contents
With the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional launches out of the way in which, it is time to look ahead to what’s on the horizon. You might decide up this yr’s Google flagships — they’re fairly good, particularly on sale — however imagining what’s across the nook is extra enjoyable. The Pixel 9 might be right here earlier than you recognize it. Contemplating Google’s document for leaks, the potential of seeing a tool within the wild is increased than you may suppose. Here is every thing we all know concerning the Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9: Design and specs
With none leaked renders, all now we have to go by for the Pixel 9’s base design are a handful of rumors and Google’s normal design language. The final three generations of Pixels have carved out a particular look with its iconic digicam bar. Like it or hate it, it is a type that stands out from the pack, and it is powerful to think about this altering.
Our earliest phrase on the Pixel 9 sequence got here in December 2022, when a leaked roadmap dished all of the filth on Google’s handset lineup by way of 2025. Here is what we wrote in our protection of that leak:
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 usually 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.
Except for some pricing inaccuracies, this unique report has confirmed to be true all through 2023. As we get additional into the long run, it is simpler for sure components of telephones to be modified or canceled. There is no phrase on whether or not a smaller Professional mannequin will arrive in 2024, however it’s one thing to maintain an eye fixed out for when renders seem. Contemplating how a lot Google saved unique to the dearer Pixel 8 Professional this yr, a smaller mannequin with out these limitations could be incredible.
For what it is price, Ross Younger — somebody with expertise within the show trade — mentioned that each Pixel successor in Google’s subsequent era may have bigger screens than what got here earlier than, together with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional. Contemplating we praised this yr’s Pixel 8 for its comparatively svelte design, that is a little bit of a disappointment. Solely time will inform if this holds true or what the precise dimensions might be.
As for 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, current 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. Somewhat than utilizing TSMC’s 3nm node as anticipated, the G4 will proceed to behave as a modified Samsung Exynos chipset, proper all the way down to utilizing Samsung’s foundry, as we have seen up to now.
If uncooked efficiency is essential to you, it is perhaps price 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.
2024 is presently set to be the yr of Qi2, an enormous improve to everybody’s favourite charging commonplace 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 inner {hardware}, however the Pixel 9 feels like an early contender in that house.
Google Pixel 9: Software program
Google Assistant on the Pixel 8
Very like how the Pixel 8 sequence ushered within the period of Android 14, count on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional to be the primary two telephones 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 — developer previews often begin in February — however we should always get loads of clues all through 2024 main as much as the Pixel 9 launch occasion. Anticipate Google to save lots of the very best options as exclusives for its {hardware}.
One of many areas we actually count on to see Google working arduous to show its experience in 2024 is AI, with its efforts already ramping up on the Pixel 8 Professional. The Pixel 9 sequence may soar even additional forward than the competitors, including a brand new Gemini-powered assistant referred to as Pixie. Early experiences point out Pixie is designed to choose up the slack for Assistant, working offline whereas operating on-device with Gemini Nano.
As with the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9 sequence appears prone to obtain seven years of OS updates, which means assist as much as 2031. That might current among the finest worth in smartphones. If you cannot wait a yr, Google’s present smartphones assure practically as lengthy of a lifespan.
Google Pixel 9: Cameras
Search for Google to focus extra on AI-powered processing and software program tips than uncooked {hardware} relating to making among the finest digicam telephones obtainable. Google upgraded the sensor lineup within the Pixel 8 sequence with some slight modifications. The corporate has been unwilling to debate what’s new in its newest {hardware}, although most experiences level to the newest foremost digicam being an ISOCELL GNV from Samsung.
The Pixel 9 lineup could get some new {hardware}. What makes this sequence shine is what Google has cooking within the software program. Contemplating the Pixel 8 hasn’t acquired all its new options — we’re nonetheless ready on Video Enhance — guessing what’s subsequent for these telephones is tough.
Google Pixel 9: Value and launch date
With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional receiving $100 value will increase, we count on the Pixel 9 sequence to stay to those value factors for at the least one era extra, as we noticed with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7. Something is feasible, and world inflation raises the danger of upper costs year-over-year. With none proof on the contrary, $700 and $1,000 value factors for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional, respectively, appear to be simple guesses.
The discharge date is simpler to foretell. Google locked down the primary week of October as its devoted house for launching new Pixel {hardware}. We do not count on that to alter any time quickly. Search for an early October date for Made By Google 2024, adopted by availability on retailer cabinets per 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 seemingly arrive earlier within the yr.
One other era of Pixel awaits
Almost a yr out, it is arduous to suggest anybody anticipate the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Professional, particularly when Google’s present lineup is so good. In the event you’re rocking a contemporary smartphone that does not must be changed, it is enjoyable to take 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 least blue telephones) from right here on out.
We have up to date this information with context round Google’s plans for a brand new AI assistant on the Pixel 9 and Qi2 magnetic wi-fi charging.
Google Pixel 8 Professional
If you cannot anticipate the Pixel 9, the Pixel 8 Professional is a good alternative. With its AI-focused Tensor G3 chipset, a incredible digicam, and 7 years of OS upgrades, it is top-of-the-line Android telephones you should purchase at the moment, and can maintain you coated for a very long time to come back.