Google Pixel 9 rumors: The whole lot we all know to date

Replace: July 1, 2024 (4:30 AM ET): We’ve got up to date our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with obvious display-related particulars.

It’s not even been too lengthy for the reason that Google Pixel 8 acquired right here final October, however we’re already nearing the launch of the Pixel 9 sequence. Let’s leap proper in and focus on every part we all know concerning the Google Pixel 9 sequence!

The Google Pixel sequence is presently in its eighth technology, and Google’s dedication to its smartphone lineup is obvious. There’s no indication that this may change within the close to future. Moreover, we’ve already heard lots concerning the Pixel 9, additional solidifying this dedication.

Way back to December 2022, Android Authority completely reported a leaked roadmap, suggesting the discharge of three fashions in 2024. Alongside the anticipated Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional, the roadmap indicated the existence of a second, smaller Professional mannequin. This selection caters to people preferring a smaller show whereas nonetheless needing the identical Professional-level specs.

Since then, we’ve seen leaked renders, details about the upgraded processor, and different tidbits of information that corroborate our earlier leak. And now, Google has formally introduced a launch occasion and confirmed that the Pixel 9 sequence is certainly coming.

What’s the almost certainly Google Pixel 9 launch date?

• Google Pixel 8 — October 4, 2023
• Google Pixel 7 — October 6, 2022
• Google Pixel 6 — October 19, 2021
• Google Pixel 5 — September 30, 2020

The Google Pixel line has nearly all the time arrived in October, probably timed to comply with up the most recent iPhone launch, which often occurs in September. The one exception to this was the Pixel 5 launching in late September, however that probably needed to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s clear that October is Google’s most well-liked month for a brand new Pixel launch.

Following this sample, we anticipated an early October 2024 launch occasion for the Pixel 9 sequence. Nonetheless, Google has shaken up its Pixel launch schedule this 12 months, formally confirming a Pixel 9 launch occasion for August 13. Traditionally, the launch occurs early within the month, with pre-orders beginning that very same day and shipments coming shortly thereafter. We count on Google to comply with the same availability technique for the Pixel 9 sequence.

As we talked about earlier, we leaked the Pixel roadmap in late 2022. In that leak, we posited that there can be three Pixel 9 telephones, which might be an enormous shake-up for the sequence. Though Google has had a number of completely different methods for Pixels through the years, it has by no means launched three telephones in a single mainline household.

We have been trepidatious after we realized that info because it was so early on. Nonetheless, now we’re very assured that, for the primary time, there might be greater than two Pixel telephones for the ninth iteration within the sequence. This might embrace a vanilla Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Professional, and a Pixel 9 Professional XL. There’s additionally proof to counsel the follow-up to the Pixel Fold might be the Pixel 9 Professional Fold — giving the Pixel 9 sequence a whopping 4 telephones.

Should you bear in mind, the final time Google launched an “XL” telephone was in 2019 with the Pixel 4 XL. It deserted launching a big telephone altogether with the singular Pixel 5 after which launched “Professional” fashions with the Pixel 6 sequence. The Pixel 9 Professional XL, subsequently, is a mix of previous and current methods.

Should you’re questioning why Google would push three slate telephones like this, there’s a one-word reply: iPhones. The iPhone sequence has a small vanilla mannequin (i.e., iPhone 15), a extra highly effective variant of that with the identical or related dimensions (i.e., iPhone 15 Professional), after which a bigger model of that extra highly effective machine (i.e., iPhone 15 Professional Max). Google is just emulating this technique, which, fairly clearly, has labored out very effectively for Apple.

Nonetheless, Apple doesn’t have a foldable telephone but, so Google’s technique might be fairly completely different if current leaks are to be believed.On April 15, 2024, we obtained phrase that what was referred to as the Pixel Fold 2 might have been rebranded to the “Pixel 9 Professional Fold.” Codenamed “comet,” the moniker Pixel 9 Professional Fold isn’t ultimate, however our sources say it’s the title Google is presently utilizing for it for the time being.

Let’s get into the leaked designs of the telephones so we are able to let you know extra about what to anticipate!

The primary design leak for the Pixel sequence was the Pixel 9 Professional XL, which got here through dependable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka “OnLeaks.” On the time, although, Steve stated it was the Pixel 9 Professional. Regardless, this would be the largest mannequin within the household. With reported dimensions of 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, it’s about the identical measurement because the Google Pixel 8 Professional. Try the renders under:

The pictures present a telephone that appears fairly completely different from earlier variations. Firstly, it has a completely flat look, just like the Galaxy S24 Extremely. The digicam bar on the again can also be altering and appears extra compact than earlier than.

The first digicam sensor additionally seems to be a lot larger. The publication that leaked the renders famous that this might imply it’s a variable aperture lens. Nonetheless, there’s no concrete info to share concerning the telephone’s cameras simply but. Do be aware that it seems to be just like the temperature sensor, first launched with the Pixel 8 Professional, may make a return.

Solely a day after the alleged Pixel 9 Professional XL leaked, Hemmerstoffer launched renders for what is going to probably be the Pixel 9 Professional (however, on the time, Hemmerstoffer claimed it because the common Pixel 9). The renders present a smaller machine with a triple digicam setup, lining up with our 2022 leak. It additionally seems to have a telephoto lens and presumably a thermometer just like the Professional. Total, it seems to be similar to the Pixel 9 Professional XL, simply smaller:

In response to Hemmerstoffer, the Pixel 9 Professional’s dimensions are 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm, and it has a 6.1-inch flat show. This is able to make the Pixel 9 Professional larger than the Google Pixel 8 however not almost as large because the Pixel 8 Professional.

Later, on April 19, we noticed the primary alleged real-life photographs of the Pixel 9 Professional:

These photographs strongly align with the leaked renders, so there’s a very good likelihood they’re legit. Nonetheless, given how early this telephone leaked — very early, even for Google’s requirements — we’re approaching them with some skepticism. Nonetheless, if these don’t present an actual Pixel 9 Professional, they’re very probably a very good illustration of what to anticipate.

In late March 2024, we noticed renders for the third mannequin, prone to launch as the usual Google Pixel 9. Try renders for that right here:

The telephone additionally measures 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm, giving it about the identical dimensions because the Pixel 9 Professional. Apparently, Hemmerstoffer claims the show is barely 6.03 inches, which means it is going to have a smaller show than the Pixel 9 Professional however in a similar-sized physique. In different phrases, count on thicker bezels on the usual mannequin.

It’s also possible to see that this handset has two rear cameras as an alternative of three. This strains up with the iPhone technique. We count on the 2 lenses to be a major and an ultrawide, much like what Google has performed with each normal Pixel for the reason that Pixel 6 sequence.

Russian web site Rozetked later leaked extra photographs of the Pixel 9 sequence. Nonetheless, this time the positioning shared extra than simply the Pixel 9 Professional. We get a take a look at the three slab-style handsets as compared to one another, in addition to different units. A number of the photographs even present the display operating Android 14. The positioning additionally reaffirms some particulars from earlier leaks.

Lastly, we have to speak concerning the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, the alleged title of the anticipated follow-up to the Pixel Fold. If Google goes with this title, then the brand new foldable telephone would formally be part of the Pixel 9 lineup. Listed here are leaked renders of that:

It wouldn’t be a brand new Pixel launch and not using a slate of {hardware} upgrades. We count on Google to have some brand-new updates for the Pixel 9 sequence, and that is what we all know to date.

Tensor G4

As traditional, the 2024 Pixels ought to see the debut of the 2024 Google chipset, tentatively referred to as Tensor G4. Our sources inform us that Tensor G4 will proceed Google’s custom of using Samsung Exynos chips as the idea for its design. This is likely to be a bit disappointing to some. In any case, rumors prompt that Google would ultimately create its personal Tensor SoC (codenamed “redondo”) solely from scratch and primarily based on a TSMC processor node.

In response to The Info, Google had initially deliberate to launch that customized chip in time for the Pixel 9, but it surely missed inside deadlines. Consequently, it’s now too late to incorporate it within the Pixel 9. Google will proceed creating the customized chip for testing functions. It’s also possible to count on a successor primarily based on this early work to debut with the Pixel 10 sequence as Tensor G5 in 2025 (except, after all, Google faces extra delays).

Regardless, Tensor G4 will now be primarily based on a chip codenamed “zuma professional.” For individuals who is probably not conscious, Google refers back to the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 as “zuma.” It doesn’t take Batman to infer that Tensor G4 may simply be a barely higher Tensor G3. Whereas the Tensor G4 is prone to introduce some helpful enhancements and options, it’s unlucky that Google couldn’t present its absolutely customized chip as initially supposed.

Our sources declare that Tensor G4 can even introduce a brand new modem — the Samsung Modem 5400. This modem is predicted to be sooner and extra energy environment friendly than the Exynos Modem 5300 that seems within the Pixel 8. It’s stated the software program stack has been up to date to enhance stability in addition to present assist for 3GPP Rel. 17 — which helps 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in different phrases. This received’t be unique to the higher-end mannequin, both, because it’s believed it is going to come to all units with Tensor G4.

Cameras

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 had similar digicam {hardware}. The one actual distinction was the digicam’s software program enhancements. The identical development continued with the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional, sharing the same digicam setup however with a couple of enhancements for the Pixel 7 Professional, reminiscent of a 126-degree ultrawide digicam with macro focus, 5x optical zoom, and 30x Tremendous Res Zoom. Given this sample, it’s extremely probably that the bottom Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 can even share the identical digicam configurations.

The Pixel 8 sequence made the swap to the Samsung Isocell GN2, a 50MP shooter with a number of enhancements, together with 35% extra gentle processing, the opportunity of 8K/30fps video seize, and staggered HDR. It’s very probably the Pixel 9 sequence will retain this fundamental digicam. It’s much less clear if the ageing ultrawide lens can even see an improve on the bottom Pixel 9. The digicam programs of the Pixel 9 Professional, Professional XL, and Professional Fold, although, are even more durable to foretell. Google typically makes no less than a couple of modifications to its Professional lineup yearly, so odds are we’ll see enchancment to both the ultrawide lens, telephoto lens, or each. However, even then, there’s no telling if there might be distinct variations between the programs on these three telephones or if Google will make all of them the identical. Google has by no means launched this many Pixels earlier than, so we’ve got no historic proof to make use of for hypotheses.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be shocking if Google determined to improve the selfie digicam {hardware} throughout all Pixel 9 fashions. It is because the Pixel 8 household saved the identical Samsung 3J1 (11 MP) sensor because the Pixel 7 household, which means that it’s time for an improve in 2024.

Different Pixel 9 sequence specs

We’ve got few particulars on specs and different internals. We did see within the leaked Pixel 9 Professional photographs talked about earlier that it has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM from Micron and 128GB of inside storage from Samsung. Whereas this may not be the entry-tier mannequin, it does no less than counsel we may see 16GB of RAM — essentially the most we’ve ever seen in a Pixel telephone. Do be aware that it’s extremely unlikely the vanilla Pixel 9 would see this a lot RAM.

The leak from Rozetked seems to indicate that the Pixel 9 may land with 12GB of RAM. Whereas the Pixel 9 Professional fashions may have 16GB of RAM. Nonetheless, all three fashions appear to start out at 128GB of inside storage.

Elsewhere, the Wi-fi Energy Consortium (WPC) has introduced that the Qi2 wi-fi charging normal has accomplished certification testing, and there’s a robust likelihood the Pixel 9 sequence would assist it. That’s as a result of a senior Google {Hardware} engineer is a board member of WPC and is “presently main the investigation and design of next-generation wi-fi charging platforms for future Pixel merchandise.”

In the meantime, a report by Android knowledgeable Mishaal Rahman on March 11 means that an Adaptive Contact characteristic may come to the Pixel 9 line. This characteristic might be much like OnePlus and OPPO’s personal perform, which delivers extra correct and dependable contact enter with moist fingers.

The Pixel 9 sequence may be one of many first few telephones to correctly assist Android 15‘s Powered Off Finder API. This API will permit appropriate units to be location-tracked even when they’re switched off by letting them use Google Play Companies to proceed sending Bluetooth alerts to broadcast their location to different close by units on Android’s upgraded Discover My System community. To allow this characteristic, it’s honest to presume that the Pixel 9 sequence will include the {hardware} assist wanted to maintain the Bluetooth chip enabled even after the telephone is switched off.

Along with the modem, Google has been engaged on integrating assist for satellite-based messaging in Android 15, generally known as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Together with NTN assist from the brand new modem, the Pixel 9 sequence would be the first to assist Android’s native satellite tv for pc implementation. At first, satellite tv for pc communication might be text-based and offered by T-Cell (inbuilt collaboration with SpaceX). Nonetheless, different suppliers might be a part of someday sooner or later.

Moreover, a particular Satellite tv for pc Gateway app will permit for straightforward communications with emergency providers through a characteristic known as Emergency SOS. This app will ask a couple of primary inquiries to slim down the scenario, and also you’ll be given a option to notify your emergency contacts. A few of these questions embrace:

As soon as the questions are answered, you’ll be capable of converse with emergency providers to get the make it easier to want. Because of the nature of satellite tv for pc connectivity, cellular units usually want exact alignment to attach. Google has designed animations to assist this course of, such because the one under:

The interface Android may use for this animation was found by X (previously Twitter) consumer Nail Sadykov. It seems this UI — which may be seen under — is a part of the Adaptive Connectivity Companies app, which is a Pixel-exclusive app.

Should you’re utilizing the characteristic, you may be prompted to maneuver your telephone to “heart the satellite tv for pc within the circle.” This may coincide with you dealing with and pointing to the closest energetic satellite tv for pc you may hook up with. As you try to get arrange, it is going to present a reminder that you have to get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, bushes, and mountains,” for it to work appropriately.

This UI will also be minimized right into a floating window with the PiP button on the prime left. You possibly can see an instance within the picture under.

Korean outlet ET Information reported that the Pixel 9 sequence will get screens primarily based on Samsung’s upcoming M14 show materials. Against this, the S24 sequence apparently shipped with M13 screens. The outlet explains that M14 screens could have higher brightness and an extended lifespan, however we’ve additionally seen new display supplies bringing improved effectivity. Both method, it seems to be just like the Pixel 9 vary may get higher shows on paper than the Galaxy S24 sequence.

We’ll remember to replace this information as extra leaks and rumors hit.

• Pixel 8 and eight Professional — $699/$999
• Pixel 7 and seven Professional — $599/$899
• Pixel 7 and seven Professional — $599/$899
• Pixel 5 — $699

Google has established itself because the cheaper different to dear flagships from Samsung, Apple, and others. Sadly, nowadays could also be coming to an finish following the value will increase for the Pixel 8 sequence.

We will’t see Google jacking costs even greater than this a 12 months later. If it doesn’t, we’d count on the Pixel 9 to return in at $699, the Pixel 9 Professional at $899, the Pixel 9 Professional XL at $999, and the Pixel 9 Professional Fold at $1,799. That’s simply hypothesis, but it surely appears fairly believable.

It’s not completely out of the query for Google to match iPhone pricing, although. If Google went that route, the Pixel 9 would price $799, the Pixel 9 Professional would price $999, and the Pixel 9 Professional XL would price $1,099 and even $1,199. We’ve got our fingers crossed that Google doesn’t do that, however given the corporate’s efforts to imitate the iPhone technique, it’s not inconceivable, both.

With this new August launch date, the Pixel 9 sequence launch is only some weeks away, so except you’ve a urgent want to purchase a brand new smartphone instantly, it’ll be advisable to attend and see what Google has to supply with the Pixel 9 sequence.

What when you’ve got an ageing handset that wants an improve ASAP? There’s actually no purpose to attend. The leap from the Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) to the Pixel 9 might be comparatively minor, although the Pixel 8 Professional ($999 at Amazon) was a giant leap from earlier Professional Pixels.