The full release of the Pixel 9 lineup is fast approaching, and it seems we know just about everything there is about the upcoming phones. Details have started to emerge after leaks earlier this year revealed a size option that hasn’t existed for five years, and the latest leaks show actual photos of the Pixel 9 Fold Pro, hints at faster charging for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and more. Here’s a look at everything we know so far.
The Google Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are expected to launch on August 13, 2024, at the annual Made by Google event.
Images leaked several months ago showed three cameras on the rear of a Pixel device, and many people thought that meant the triple camera option was heading to smaller Pixels. That said, the leaks show four different sizes, including an XL model, something Google hasn’t done since the Pixel 4 XL in 2019, after which the company switched to the Pro branding:
- Pixel 9 — 6.03 inches
- Pixel 9 Pro — 6.3 inches
- Pixel 9 Pro XL — 6.8 inches
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold — 8 inches (unfolded)
Thankfully, both versions of the Pro have the triple camera arrangement, so if you want that in a smaller package, this may finally be your chance.
If Google rolls out a Pixel 9a, that would mean five varieties of the same phone. It’s also possible that the base Pixel 9 model will essentially be the Pixel 9a, with the Pixel 9 Pro replacing the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL replacing the Pixel 8 Pro.
91mobiles got a hold of some promotional materials for the Pixel 9 lineup that showcase new colors like dark gray, light gray, Porcelain White, and pink. The Fold, however, appears to only be available in obsidian (black) and porcelain (white).
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2024
According to 91mobiles, citing a well known tipster on X, the Pixel 9 will have 12GB of RAM, and the Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold will each have 16GB of RAM. These are all upgrades over the Pixel 8 lineup. In the Pixel 8 series, the base model had 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Fold had 12GB of RAM.
The Pixel 9 should keep the rounded rear camera bump, and — like the Pixel 8 — have a dual-lens setup. Similar to the Pixel 8 series, you’ll have to upgrade to a Pro model to get the additional camera. Also, the Pixel 9 looks to have rounded edges with a flat display and a hole punch selfie camera in the middle.
Camera specs for the new lineup look much like the current lineup. The Pixel 9 could have a 50MP wide camera and a 48MP ultrawide, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL could have a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could have a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto. Leaks from 91mobiles show the same general setup, including the protruding camera bump.
The Pixel 9 series should have improved sensors, Android Authority says, especially for the front-facing selfie camera. Android Authority also reports that Google is moving the inside selfie on the Pixel 9 Fold Pro to the corner of the screen and adding a new square camera arrangement for the rest, deviating from the Pixel camera bar that’s become iconic for the brand.
Google’s foldable smartphone is getting quite an update. A recent leak from a German promotional video, highlighted by GSMArena.com, shows that the Pixel 9 Fold has a bigger screen than its predecessor, but it’s thinner and lighter. Additionally, it opens to a fully flat 180 degrees thanks to a new hinge design. The first Pixel Fold claimed to lay completely flat when opened, but most users couldn’t get it to that point.
91mobiles leaked the charging speeds for the next generation of Pixel phones, and most models are the same as last year – 30W. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a notable exception at 32.67W, meaning it could support 35W charging.
The Pixel 9 phone lineup could have an adaptive touch mode that changes the screen sensitivity depending on the environment, making your phone easier to use in rain or snow.
Pixel Screenshots is another new feature. If you take a screenshot, this feature should use AI to understand what’s important about it and help you find it later.
While the Pixel 8 incorporated plenty of AI, the next generation of Google phones will be designed for AI, Google says in the leaked materials. Google may even include its Gemini Advanced AI model for free for one year to all new Pixel 9 owners.
