After many months of leaks about the new Pixel 9 smartphones, Google has finally officially unveiled the entire lineup. This lineup consists of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In this article we’ll be focusing on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models.
For the first time ever, Google is releasing its “Pro” model in two sizes. Both Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL will have a 6.8-inch display. All of these are slightly larger than last year’s models. Pixel 8 was 6.2 inches, and the Pixel 8 Pro was 6.7 inches. They all also have slightly larger batteries. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have a 4,700mAh capacity battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh capacity battery inside. As always, all new Pixel 9 models run on the new Tensor G4 processor.
On the regular Pixel 9, Google is including a 50-megapixel primary sensor, but the big camera upgrade here is the new 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. It still does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, but Google is using sensor crop to do a 2x zoom on the primary camera.
Across the Pixel 9 lineup, Google is also including a few new AI features – because of course they are. The first one, is a really interesting one. It’s called “Add Me” and basically you are taking two group photos, one with everyone in it except the one taking the photo. The second photo is for the person that took the first photo, and then Google merges them together so you get a group photo without having to ask a stranger to take your photo.
Google is also adding “Pixel Screenshots” which is basically going to act as a better way to organize your screenshots. Say you took a screenshot of the WiFi password for your AirBnB that you’re staying in. You can ask Gemini for those WiFi details, and it’ll be able to bring up the right screenshot with the information.
All Pixel 9 models will also get 7 years of software updates, similar to the Pixel 8 series.
Pixel 9 Pro comes in two sizes, and a price increase
Google did listen and is finally providing its “Pro” Pixel in two sizes. So you don’t have to sacrifice and go with the larger size just to get the “Pro” model, you can instead get the smaller Pixel 9 Pro that is much easier to use in one-hand.
As mentioned, both models have the exact same specs. The only differences here are the screen size and battery size. In fact, the screens are identical in size. Both are Super Actua Displays with up to 2,000 nits of HDR brightness and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Additionally, they come with 16GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, can charge a bit faster. As Google touts that it can charge up to 70% in 30 minutes, while the Pixel 9 Pro (and Pixel 9) can only get to 55% in 30 minutes. This is likely due to the larger battery and larger space to keep the phone cooler.
While the Pixel 9 is going to have a glossy back and matte sides, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL both get a matte back but glossy sides. Which does include a camera bar. So we urge you to get a case, as the Pixel 8 Pro also had a glossy camera bar which picked up scratches very easy – particularly on the Bay color.
When can I buy the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro?
Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will open today as soon as the keynote finishes. The Google Pixel 9 will start at $799, the Pixel 9 Pro at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1,099. Technically, the only one getting a price increase here is the Pixel 9 Pro XL, another $100 for the second year in a row.
Google will sell the series in four colors. So Pixel 9 will be available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will be available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.
