With their exceptional cameras, cutting-edge AI features, and long-lasting software support, Google’s Pixel phones are among the best Android handsets you can buy.
After collaborating on Nexus devices with other phone makers for years, the big G decided to go it alone and manufacture its own phones, starting with the first Pixel in 2016.
Since then, the company has gradually pumped out more models each year, offering would-be upgraders more choice across a range of budgets.
As the clock ticks down to Google’s big Pixel 9 reveal, we’ve collected the essential info you need to know about the new phones, which have been laid bare in a series of massive leaks.
How many Pixel 9 phones will there be?
Google could be about to unleash a Pixel phone bonanza, with rumours suggesting a bumper crop of four new devices coming this month.
A phone built for the Gemini era.
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) July 18, 2024
It can do a lot—even let your old phone down easy.
Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/PUmAUi4YBe pic.twitter.com/I3EEXOkq3I
Leading the pack is the standard Pixel 9 and its souped-up sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro.
But the tech giant may not stop there, with a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL and a foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold also reportedly in the line-up. And for those on a tighter budget, the Pixel 9a is expected to arrive next year, following the main Pixel 9 launch this August.
When is the Pixel 9 range coming out?
Google has already teased the appearance of both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro Fold at its upcoming Made by Google event on August 13, where it’s almost guaranteed to unveil the entire line-up of four new models.
Going on past releases, the Pixel 9a should arrive between spring and summer next year.
A foldable phone built for the Gemini era.
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) July 18, 2024
Out with the old. In with the Fold.
Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/7zTWktAvWk pic.twitter.com/UZDudLiUWB
How to watch the Made by Google event
As usual, you’ll be able to watch all the announcements from the Made by Google event live on the day.
The festivities will kick off at 6pm UK time on Tuesday, August 13, with the entire presentation available on YouTube (or below) and Google’s dedicated website.
There will also be an after-party hosted by actor Keke Palmer (of Nope and Scream Queens fame) at 7.20pm, indicating that the main event will last 80 minutes.
Alongside the Pixel 9 range, Google is expected to unveil a new smartwatch at the show: the Pixel Watch 3, which could come in two sizes (41mm and 45mm). Don’t be surprised if the Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds Pro also arrive with the other devices. And, if they all work with Gemini AI, even better.
Google Pixel 9 specs
Pixel 9
Display: 6.3-inch "Actua" display
Processor: Tensor G4
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB and 256GB options
Main camera: 50MP / Ultrawide camera: 48MP
Selfie camera: 10.5MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Pixel 9 Pro
Display: 6.1-inch or 6.3-inch "Super Actua" display
Processor: Tensor G4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options
Main camera: 50MP / Ultrawide: 48MP / Telephoto: 48MP
Selfie camera: 42MP
Dimensions: 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Display: 6.8-inch "Super Actua" display
Processor: Tensor G4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options
Camera: Same as Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Outer display: 6.3-inch "Actua" display
Inner display: 8-inch "Super Actua Flex" display
Processor: Tensor G4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB and 512GB options
Main camera: 48MP /Ultrawide: 10.5MP / Telephoto: 10.8MP
Selfie camera: 10MP
What are the biggest upgrades this year?
Google looks set to ditch its signature camera bar design with the Pixel 9 range. The distinctive horizontal strip, which has been a hallmark of recent models, is reportedly being replaced with a shorter, rounded camera module.
Although Google touts the Tensor G4 chip powering the entire series as "game-changing” in leaked promotional materials, in reality, it may be a more incremental improvement over last year's version.
AI galore
However, the real star is the memory upgrade. The standard Pixel 9 will up its RAM to 12GB, likely to accommodate the demands of Google's AI features. The Pixel 9 Pro duo and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will go even further with a hefty 16GB of RAM.
Speaking of AI, the new Pixel phones could feature a suite of new machine learning tricks, including a tool that could rival Microsoft's controversial Recall function. This feature, dubbed Pixel Screenshots, reportedly allows users to search through their screenshots using AI, similar to how Recall works with documents.
Additionally, Google is introducing a new perk called Add Me, designed to enhance group photos, much like the divisive Best Take feature on Pixel 8 that can change people’s expressions and merge images with different people in them. Meanwhile, a tool called Studio could be a potential photo-editing powerhouse.
More broadly, Google’s teaser footage has shown the Pro 9 running Google Gemini, the company’s ChatGPT-style large language model, which was shrunk down to fit on the Pixel 8. That’s hardly a surprise as generative artificial intelligence has become a flagship feature on premium phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the upcoming iPhone 16.
An even better camera
Camera improvements are also on the cards. The Pixel 9's main camera is still a 50MP sensor, but the ultrawide jumps to 48MP. The Pro models will boast a triple camera setup with two 48MP sensors alongside the 50MP main shooter.
They’re getting bigger
Display sizes are also growing, with the Pixel 9 offering a slightly larger screen than its predecessor, and the brand new Pixel 9 Pro XL stretching to 6.8 inches. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, will feature a 6.3-inch cover screen and an 8-inch inner display (which could be the largest for a foldable).
What about Android 15?
Google is bucking its own trend by launching the Pixel 9 series on Android 14, rather than the upcoming Android 15 operating software, according to Android Headlines.
The unorthodox move means the new Pixel phones will probably need an update shortly after release.
While this might disappoint some early adopters, Google's commitment to seven years of software support for the Pixel range should ensure the phones receive regular updates and security patches well into the future.
How much will the Pixel 9 range cost?
Once again, Google is having a hard time keeping the lid on Pixel 9 leaks in the leadup to the new range’s launch. The latest tidbit involves the phone’s UK prices and apparently comes from a very reliable source.
Vodafone reportedly revealed the cost of all four models on its website, along with their pre-order bonuses. The page detailing all the info was quickly removed, but not before leaker Roland Quandt shared it on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the listing, the Pixel 9 will start from £750 (slightly less than the £799 iPhone 15), the Pixel 9 Pro will cost £914, the Pro XL will be £1,022 (undercutting the £1,099 iPhone 15 Pro Max), and the Pro Fold an eye-watering £1,670.
Vodafone UK Google Pixel 9 launch offer: twice the storage!https://t.co/kTXDujFVa9 pic.twitter.com/IqnWQQ3ru5
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) August 9, 2024
As usual, you can expect to pay more for extra storage – that is unless you pre-order the phones. That’s because Vodafone plans to offer double the storage for each phone at no extra cost if you purchase them in advance.
As a result, you could get 256GB on the Pixel 9 for the same price as 128GB (the same goes for the Pro). Meanwhile, for those hoping to snap plenty of photos and videos, the Pro XL comes with a monstrous 1TB of storage for the price of 512GB.
Although Google hasn’t confirmed these prices, they don’t sound wildly off the mark compared with prior years.
