Google has announced the imminent release of its next generation of smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 range. The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold feature advanced cameras, new AI features and improved performance.
Sleek design
The new Pixel 9 smartphones have an elevated new look designed to put the camera front and center. They also feature a sculpted design with a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides to give a premium feel. In addition, Google claims that the new phones are twice as durable as the previous Google Pixel 8 models.
Larger screen
In another first, the Pixel 9 series now offers two sizes of the Pixel Pro model. The Pixel Pro 9 has a 6.3-inch screen while the Pixel Pro 9 XL comes with a larger 6.8-inch screen. Google says both models also feature its best and brightest Super Actua displays to date. In addition, the Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch Actua display which is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8.
Cameras
The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL all have the same main and ultra-wide cameras. That’s a big upgrade to 48 MP for the Pixel 9’s ultra-wide camera, compared to the 12 MP on the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 front camera has also been improved with autofocus. In addition, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL both get a new 42 MP front camera. Google says that this gives you sharper and brighter selfies in low light. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL both feature Super Res Zoom Video as well. This boosts the 48MP 5x telephoto camera to give high-resolution 20x zoom videos.
Tensor G4
All four Pixel 9 smartphones are powered by Google’s new custom silicon, Tensor G4. The company says Tensor G4 is its most efficient chip yet. It was designed to improve everyday use cases, like opening apps more quickly or browsing the web. In addition, the Tensor G4 was built for Google’s DeepMind AI. It’s also the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality which helps your phone understand text, images and audio.
AI camera boosts
Google has added several new AI-powered features to improve your photos and video. The Add Me combines two photos so that no one gets left out of a group shot — even the person taking the snap. Google has also rebuilt the Panorama function to give more detailed images, even in low light. In addition, Magic Editor in Google Photos has new editing capabilities. With Auto Frame, you can reframe a photo for better composition. In addition, you can use AI to reimagine your photos by simply typing what you want to add, such as wildflowers on an open field.
Other improvements
To help the AI services on the Pixel 9 range run more smoothly, Google has upgraded the smartphones’ memory capacities. The Pixel 9 now comes with 12 GB of RAM while Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL both have 16 GB. Google says that the Pixel 9 has around 20% longer battery life during active use with the screen on when compared to the previous Pixel 8 model.
What we think
Google has given its Pixel 9 range of smartphones a new look on the outside and AI superpowers on the inside. The phones are already known for their cameras and the imaging options have been improved across all of the models. In addition, it’s great to see the new Pixel 9 Pro XL option for those who want a larger screen. Google has also added a number of useful AI features to improve your photos and video and unleash your creativity. If the quality of the cameras is an important factor when you choose a smartphone, Google’s new Pixel 9 range has a lot to offer.
Pricing and availability
Google’s new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are all available for pre-order now. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will both be shipping from August 22, priced from $799 and $1,099 respectively. If you want the Pixel Pro 9, it will be available from September 4, priced from $999. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will also launch on September 4.
