Google's Pixel 9 series may include three models and satellite connectivity
It’s been a while since Google have pulled the covers off its latest flagship phones, so work is surely under way on their successories.
As good as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, there’s still room for improvement, so there’s plenty of excitement regarding the upcoming Pixel 9 range.
Here’s all we know so far about it, including the rumours of a brand-new third model.
When will the Google Pixel 9 be released?
At this early stage, there’s no official release date for the Pixel 9 phones.
But Google has a pretty regular routine when it comes to its hardware launches. October is the usual slot, as you can see from the previous models listed below:
We don’t see any reason why this pattern would change in 2024, so there’s a very good chance that the Pixel 9 models will make their debut next October, despite rumours of a potential third device being added to the roster.
However, we sometimes see the phones teased at Google’s I/O developer conference, which is confirmed to take place on 10 May in 2024.
How much will the Google Pixel 9 cost?
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both saw price increases over their predecessors to the tune of $100/£100 per model.
As Google held the previous versions’ prices for a few years, we’d expect to see the same with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. So, you should be looking at $699/£699 and $999/£999 respectively, though there’s no concrete evidence for this year.
Here are the starting prices for the last few generations:
Google Pixel 8: $699/£699
Google Pixel 8 Pro: $999/£999
Google Pixel 7: $599/£599
Google Pixel 7 Pro: $899/£849
Google Pixel 6: $599/£599
Google Pixel 6 Pro: $899/£849
However, if the rumours of a brand-new second Pro model are true, it’s anyone’s guess as to how much it’ll cost.
What features will the Google Pixel 9 have?
The Pixel 9 series isn’t due to appear until near the end of 2024, but there are already a lot of key leaks and rumours.
New models
According to Android Authority, the upcoming Pixel 9 series will consist of three devices for the first time.
At first, it was thought that the lineup might include the 6.2-inch Google Pixel 9, the 6.7-inch Pixel 9 Pro, and a smaller Pro model, with Android Authority initially suggesting a 6.3-inch screen.
However, recent renders from leaker OnLeaks tell a different story. It is now expected that Google will introduce a bigger Pro XL model instead.
The strategy is likened to Apple’s iPhone launches, with the Pixel 9 comparable to an iPhone 15, the Pixel 9 Pro model to an iPhone 15 Pro, and the new Pixel 9 Pro XL model to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Of course, Apple has a fourth model, the iPhone 15 Plus, which Google doesn’t seem to planning an equivalent for.
According to another Android Authority article, Google is also rebranding the Pixel Fold 2 as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. But we’re still covering the news regarding that device in our separate Pixel Fold 2 guide.
Design
According to OnLeaks renders (via MySmartPrice) the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL will feature a smaller 6.5-inch display compared to the Pixel 8 Pro‘s 6.7-inch panel, contradicting an earlier rumour which suggested it’d be even bigger.
The front features a centred punch-hole cut-out for the selfie camera, surrounded by slim bezels on all sides.
The smartphone will sport a flat frame with the power button and volume rockers located on the right side, while the left side remains clean except for antenna markings. The bottom of the device will house the USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card tray as usual.
On the top, expect to find the mmWave antenna cover and a microphone.
Notably, the rear camera setup will supposedly feature a triple camera configuration, including a periscope telephoto sensor alongside the standard wide and main lenses. The presence of a large sensor suggests potential support for variable aperture.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL will apparently measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, increasing to 12.0mm with the camera bump included.
The Pixel 9 Pro, though resembling the Pixel 9 Pro XL, will supposedly be more compact, featuring flattened sides akin to the iPhone 15. OnLeaks renders (via 91Mobiles) shown below also depict a redesigned rear camera module, though it’s still unmistakeably a Pixel.
The rear camera visor protrudes slightly but is shorter compared to the Pixel 8 and doesn’t extend edge-to-edge. The regular Pixel 9 Pro will apparently sport a 6.1-inch display with a centre punch-hole camera, and dimensions measuring 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm (up to 12.0mm with the camera bump included).
In terms of colours, blue and black are the only which have been revealed, but there are likely to be alternatives.
OnLeaks has also released renders (via 91Mobiles) which are supposedly of the regular Pixel 9.
Those renders reveal a similar design to those we have seen previously, featuring a flat metal frame, albeit with a new oval design for the camera bar.
Just like the Pixel 8, it looks like the Pixel 9 will be sticking with two rear cameras – likely main and ultrawide.
Moreover, Google seems to be moving towards flatter sides, departing from the rounded edges seen in recent Pixel models. It remains to be seen if this will be true, or applied to all Pixel 9 models.
Display
According to the leaks above, the Pixel 9 will boast a 6.03-inch display, likely a 120Hz OLED, compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 9 Pro and the 6.5-inch display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Performance
While it’s a pretty safe bet that the Tensor G4 will power all the the Pixel 9 phone, it’ll probably follow earlier models in being based on Samsung Exynos chipsets.
According to The Information, earlier rumours of Google making a brand-new chipset from scratch won’t materialise. Now, this is unlikely to happen until the Tensor G5 arrives with the Pixel 10.
Android Authority reports that all three phones of the Pixel 9 range will feature the Tensor G4 chipset (based on the Exynos 2400) and also claims that it will be closer to the refinement we saw between the G1 and G2, rather than a big leap forward.
Cameras
Google tends to keep its camera hardware around for a while and refine it rather than upgrading every year. As the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both benefited from a new 50Mp main sensor that the company claims has 21% more light sensitivity than the Pixel 7 series, it could be software where any strides are made in the Pixel 9 cameras.
The Pixel 8 Pro did get a few more upgrades, with 48Mp ultrawide and 48Mp telephoto lenses that were more sensitive to light. There may be further improvements in this area, helping to make night photography even better.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Before the launch of the Pixel 8 series, 9to5 Google published a breakdown of some new features that it found in the code of a Google APK, which suggested it might appear in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
They didn’t, but that could be because Google is perfecting them to launch with the Pixel 9 models. These include Video Unblur, which works in the same way as Photo Unblur but for video. This would allow you to sharpen footage where it isn’t quite in focus. There’s also overlay filters for video, which appear to be filters for film-style effects.
Connectivity
Android Authority has obtained insights from a Google insider regarding upcoming modem upgrades for the Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel line has faced connectivity issues since adopting Tensor chips in 2021, primarily due to using Exynos modems. Despite improvements over time, problems persist, with recent reports from Pixel 7 and 8 users after a March 2024 update.
According to the source, the Pixel 9 series will likely introduce the Tensor G4 chipset with a new Samsung Modem 5400, promising enhanced speed, efficiency, and stability. Notably, the modem supports 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), facilitating satellite-based communication.
This modem will feature in all cellular-enabled Tensor G4 devices, including the Pixel 9 series and potentially the Pixel Fold 2, which can debut this year as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google is also reportedly working on a 5G tablet, codenamed “clementine,” equipped with the same modem, although it’s still at its early stages of developing.
Software
It’s Google, so at this point it’s pretty obvious that the phones will run Android 15 out of the box.
The Tensor chip’s big strength lies in its AI capabilities, such as call screening and photo editing on current Pixel 8 phones. Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, launched with the Galaxy S24 range, offer similar functions but some unique additions.
Expect Tensor G4 to receive neural engine upgrades enabling additional software features leading up to the Pixel 9’s launch.
And as for software updates, expect the Pixel 9 phones to continue Google’s class-leading promise of seven years of OS and security updates.
We’ll update this article once more is revealed about the Pixel 9 range. In the meantime, read our round-ups of the best smartphones and best Android phones to see what they’ll be up against.