As is often the case, there are numerous rumors about the new Google Pixel smartphones months before sales start. You can find out what is predicted for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro here.
- The ninth generation of Pixel smartphones is expected to be presented at the MadeByGoogle keynote in October 2024.
- In addition to new features in the processor, changes in the design are also expected.
- For the first time, Google could introduce a third, smaller Pixel variant that has the same specs as the Pro model.
Passionate Google Pixel fans often find out what the Android developer’s next smartphone might look like months before sales start. Rightly so, because there are already a number of exciting rumors – the design of one of the possible smartphone variants has already been leaked. Below we summarize all the rumors about the upcoming Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
When will the new Pixel smartphones be released?
Traditionally, new Pixel products are presented at the so-called #MadeByGoogle keynote between the end of September and the end of October each year. Google presents the new devices to the public there, and sales start a few weeks later. In the case of the new Pixel 9 series, a release is also expected in October 2024.
How much will the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro cost?
Unfortunately, no solid statements can be made about the price at the moment. Since the price of the Pixel 8 devices has already increased by 150 or 200 euros compared to the previous models, it is difficult to imagine that Google will again decide to increase the RRP for this year’s model. We are also expecting a starting price of 1,099 euros for the Pixel 8 Pro (or 899 euros for the Pixel 9) – but more justified leaks and rumors remain to be seen here.
What innovations are being introduced for the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro?
There are currently many different rumors about the new Pixel 9 devices. The most interesting leak at the moment is probably the one that relates to the design. The online magazine The Verge recently published images from leakers OnLeaks that are supposed to show one of the new Pixel 9 models. We see some radical design changes, both in terms of the frame and the back with the camera bar.
This is what one of the new Pixel 9 smartphones could look like, according to a leaker. (Source: OnLeaks)
The render image reveals: The new Pixel 9 could be based on the design language currently trending in the industry, which features flat edges with a shiny metal frame. The now traditional camera bar could also be over – the images show that Google could create a camera island on it that would be in a similar position to the cameras in the previous models.
New processor and three models?
According to OnLeaks, the render image probably shows a new, third Pixel model that will be released alongside the regular Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro. The flagship specifications of the Google Pixel 9 Pro are to be installed here, but in an overall smaller device. This should please many users who previously had to compromise on performance when choosing a smaller cell phone.
The new processor will most likely be the new Tensor G4 – a chip that was developed specifically for Google smartphones, but is manufactured by Samsung using Exynos SoCs as a basis. It was to be expected that Google would finally decide to use chips entirely from its own production for the Pixel 9 series – but according to Android Authority, internal deadlines were missed. Customers will therefore have to be content with Samsung processors for another year. It’s a shame – Google chips were thought to have a lot of potential in advance, while the performance of the Tensor chips was rated rather negatively in the past.
Few innovations in the camera
A pattern that we already know at Google: In the past, the manufacturer often decided not to make any significant changes to camera hardware for two years. It is therefore likely that the Pixel 9 (Pro) will use the same cameras as the Pixel 8 (Pro). However, it is possible that Google will update the selfie camera, as the lens has remained the same since the Google Pixel 7.
At least, according to Androidpolice, several reports indicate that the main camera will consist of an ISOCELL GNV sensor from Samsung.
It is also to be expected that the display sizes of the new devices will remain relatively the same, at least between the models. Google has no reason to make major changes here. The exact size of the new “Mini-Pro model” will be unclear. It is still too early to speculate or make any statements regarding other specifications, such as battery life, memory sizes and others.
Androidpolice also reports that Google may want to add a telephoto lens to the Pixel 9 Pro. The basic model, on the other hand, should do without a telephoto lens.
AI-powered features and Android 15
According to Androidpolice, the Pixel 9 series will probably be the first devices to come with Android 15 installed ex works. In addition, the release of the Pixel 9 series is primarily expected to bring AI-powered features from Gemini and Google’s latest AI assistant Pixie.
More smartphones expected for 2024/25
Note: This constantly updated article is based on leaks, analyst statements, internal editorial assessments and rumors, the truth of which is difficult for us to verify from a distance. Until the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are formally presented, you should view the information with a certain degree of skepticism.