Google’s Pixel 9 leaked in all its glory ahead of launch in August

As good as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, there’s still room for improvement, so there’s plenty of excitement regarding what’s coming next. With the Pixel 8a now available, attention is shifting towards Pixel 9 rumors, which hint at changes in screens, design and the processor for the upcoming phones.

Here’s all we know so far about it, including a confirmed launch date and rumours of a brand-new third model.

When will the Google Pixel 9 be released?

In an official teaser video, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 9 range will be launching on 13 August 2024 at a Made by Google event.

It’s clear from the use of ‘IX’, the Roman numeral for nine.

While we see the silhouette of a phone in the video, it’s not clear how many phones will be launching. As mentioned below, the regular Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and all-new Pixel 9 Pro XL could all be on the agenda.

Whatever happens, it’s a surprise to see the new Pixel flagships launch so early in the year. Google hasn’t deviated from its October slot in recent years:

• Google Pixel 8: October 2023
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: October 2023
• Google Pixel 7: October 2022
• Google Pixel 7 Pro: October 2022
• Google Pixel 6: October 2021
• Google Pixel 6 Pro: October 2021

How much will the Google Pixel 9 cost?

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both saw price increases over their predecessors to the tune of $100/£100 per model.

As Google held the previous versions’ prices for a few years, we’d expect to see the same with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. So, you should be looking at $699/£699 and $999/£999 respectively, though there’s no concrete evidence for this year.

Here are the starting prices for the last few generations:

• Google Pixel 8: $699/£699
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: $999/£999
• Google Pixel 7: $599/£599
• Google Pixel 7 Pro: $899/£849
• Google Pixel 6: $599/£599
• Google Pixel 6 Pro: $899/£849

However, if the rumours of a brand-new Pro XL model are true, it’s likely to be even more expensive.

What features will the Google Pixel 9 have?

In announcing the Pixel 9 launch event, Google didn’t reveal anything concrete about what to expect, aside from the presence of AI.

However, there are plenty of leaks and rumours out there – here are the ones you need to know about.

New models

Determining the number of new Pixel models is usually straightforward due to Google’s consistent release patterns. Historically, Google has released two models, differing primarily in screen size, with the larger Pro variant featuring a bigger display, battery and a telephoto lens.

Back in December 2022, a leaked roadmap by Android Authority predicted three Pixel 9 models, including two Pro variants, one of which would be smaller but still feature a telephoto lens. This rumour has gained credibility due to its accurate details about the 2023 Pixel releases.

Recent reports, including those from leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (OnLeaks) and Android Central, suggest that Google plans to release the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, with the latter two featuring three cameras and different screen sizes. Leaked hotos of cases from Thinborne (via Android Central) support these claims, indicating flat sides and rounded corners.

Additionally, there might be a fourth Pixel 9 model. Another Android Authority article suggest that the next foldable Pixel, potentially named the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will join the lineup and feature the new Tensor G4 chip. This would follow the release of the original Pixel Fold last summer.

However, we’re still covering the news regarding that device in our separate Pixel Fold 2 guide.

Design

Pixel 9 Pro XL

According to OnLeaks renders (via MySmartPrice) the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL will feature a smaller 6.5-inch display compared to the Pixel 8 Pro‘s 6.7-inch panel, contradicting an earlier rumour which suggested it’d be even bigger.

The front features a centred punch-hole cut-out for the selfie camera, surrounded by slim bezels on all sides.

The smartphone will sport a flat frame with the power button and volume rockers located on the right side, while the left side remains clean except for antenna markings. The bottom of the device will house the USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card tray as usual.

On the top, expect to find the mmWave antenna cover and a microphone.

The Pixel 9 Pro render

Notably, the rear camera setup will supposedly feature a triple camera configuration, including a periscope telephoto sensor alongside the standard wide and main lenses. The presence of a large sensor suggests potential support for variable aperture.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL will apparently measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, increasing to 12.0mm with the camera bump included.

Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro, though resembling the Pixel 9 Pro XL, will supposedly be more compact, featuring flattened sides akin to the iPhone 15. OnLeaks renders (via 91Mobiles) shown below also depict a redesigned rear camera module, though it’s still unmistakeably a Pixel.

 

The Pixel 9 Pro XL render

The rear camera visor protrudes slightly but is shorter compared to the Pixel 8 and doesn’t extend edge-to-edge. The regular Pixel 9 Pro will apparently sport a 6.1-inch display with a centre punch-hole camera, and dimensions measuring 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm (up to 12.0mm with the camera bump included).

In terms of colours, blue and black are the only which have been revealed, but there are likely to be alternatives.

Pixel 9

OnLeaks has also released renders (via 91Mobiles) which are supposedly of the regular Pixel 9. These renders reveal a similar design to those we have seen previously, featuring a flat metal frame, albeit with a new oval design for the camera bar.

Just like the Pixel 8, it looks like the Pixel 9 will be sticking with two rear cameras – likely main and ultrawide.

Moreover, Google seems to be moving towards flatter sides, departing from the rounded edges seen in recent Pixel models. It remains to be seen if this will be true, or applied to all Pixel 9 models.

The Pixel 9 render

Additional real-life photos of the Pixel 9 range were also leaked by Rozetked:

Rozetked.me

More recently, two hands-on videos of the Pixel 9 retail unit surfaced online.

X user Hani Mohamed Bioud has shared the first hands-on video and images of the Pixel 9 in its new pink colour. Besides that, the video and images also show a prominent camera bar and an iPhone-like squared-off frame with curved corners for better grip.

The second video, shared by Reparation mobile 23 on Facebook, showcased the phone with its screen on, highlighting the symmetrical bezels and a new wallpaper. It appears that the standard Pixel 9 will have a glossy back finish, while the Pro models might feature a matt-finished frosted glass back.

Display

According to the leaks above, the Pixel 9 will boast a 6.03-inch display, compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 9 Pro and the 6.5-inch display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. All of them will likely be a 120Hz OLED displays.

Performance

While it’s a pretty safe bet that the Tensor G4 will power all the phones of the Pixel 9 series, it’ll probably follow earlier models in being based on Samsung Exynos chipsets.

According to The Information, earlier rumours of Google making a brand-new chipset from scratch won’t materialise. Now, this is unlikely to happen until the Tensor G5 arrives with the Pixel 10.

Android Authority reports that all three phones of the Pixel 9 range will feature the Tensor G4 chipset (based on the Exynos 2400) and also claims that it will be closer to the refinement we saw between the G1 and G2, rather than a big leap forward.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The Rozetked team (via Forbes) has also revealed benchmark results of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. These benchmarks show significant performance improvements of 16%, 31% and 34% (respectively) over the Pixel 8 models.

However, the three Pixel 9 variants display different benchmark results, likely due to hardware differences, such as better heat dissipation in larger models. The software’s efficiency is also expected to improve by the launch in three to four months.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

One persistent problem over the last years has been the under-display fingerprint sensor, introduced with the Pixel 6, which has been slow and unreliable.

Early Pixel models had rear-mounted fingerprint sensors, which were more reliable. The under-display optical scanner from Goodix, used in the Pixel 6 and subsequent models, has been problematic due to its slower speed, lower accuracy and sensitivity to moisture, dirt and low-light conditions.

According to Android Authority, Google is set to address this issue with the Pixel 9 series by switching to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, specifically Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008), used in the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Most phones use optical sensors, but ultrasonic ones are generally faster and more reliable. The new scanner is expected to be available in all Pixel 9 variants except the Fold, which is likely to continue with a physical fingerprint sensor built into the power button.

AI features

What’s more, these performance enhancements might support advanced local AI tools, enabling faster and more capable functionalities. The Tensor G4 is also expected to receive a neural engine update, enabling new features.

According to a leak from AssembleDebug to the Google Pixel blog PiunikaWeb, recent code discoveries from Google’s AI Core app and Google Messages beta suggest the Pixel 9 will feature on-device AI for text-to-image conversions, advanced Magic Compose functions, auto-reply suggestions and text categorisation, all without relying on cloud services.

While other brands like Samsung also offer some on-device AI features with its Galaxy AI, Google’s advancements may extend to Samsung devices through their partnership.

Google’s introduction of AI-centric smartphones with the Pixel 8 series has set a trend, with other manufacturers incorporating AI, and Apple possibly joining the movement soon with the iPhone 16 range.

Cameras

Google tends to keep its camera hardware around for a while and refine it rather than upgrading every year. As the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both benefited from a new 50Mp main sensor that the company claims has 21% more light sensitivity than the Pixel 7 series, it could be software where any strides are made in the Pixel 9 cameras.

The Pixel 8 Pro did get a few more upgrades, with 48Mp ultrawide and 48Mp telephoto lenses that were more sensitive to light. There may be further improvements in this area, helping to make night photography even better.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Before the launch of the Pixel 8 series, 9to5 Google published a breakdown of some new features that it found in the code of a Google APK, which suggested it might appear in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

They didn’t, but that could be because Google is perfecting them to launch with the Pixel 9 models. These include Video Unblur, which works in the same way as Photo Unblur but for video. This would allow you to sharpen footage where it isn’t quite in focus. There’s also overlay filters for video, which appear to be filters for film-style effects.

Connectivity

Android Authority has obtained insights from a Google insider regarding upcoming modem upgrades for the Pixel 9 series.

The Pixel line has faced connectivity issues since adopting Tensor chips in 2021, primarily due to using Exynos modems. Despite improvements over time, problems persist, with recent reports from Pixel 7 and 8 users after a March 2024 update.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

According to the source, the Pixel 9 series will likely introduce the Tensor G4 chipset with a new Samsung Modem 5400, promising enhanced speed, efficiency, and stability. Notably, the modem supports 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), facilitating satellite-based communication.

This modem will feature in all cellular-enabled Tensor G4 devices, including the Pixel 9 series and potentially the Pixel Fold 2, which can debut this year as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google is also reportedly working on a 5G tablet, codenamed “clementine,” equipped with the same modem, although it’s still at its early stages of developing.

Software

It’s Google, so at this point it’s pretty obvious that the phones will run Android 15 out of the box.

The Tensor chip’s big strength lies in its AI capabilities, such as call screening and photo editing on current Pixel 8 phones. Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, launched with the Galaxy S24 range, offer similar functions but some unique additions.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Expect Tensor G4 to receive neural engine upgrades enabling additional software features leading up to the Pixel 9’s launch.

And as for software updates, expect the Pixel 9 phones to continue Google’s class-leading promise of seven years of OS and security updates.

We’ll update this article once more is revealed about the Pixel 9 range. In the meantime, read our round-ups of the best smartphones and best Android phones to see what they’ll be up against.