Thanks to their exceptional cameras, advanced AI features, and long-term software support, Google’s Pixel phones are among the best Android devices you can buy.
After years of working with other phone makers on Nexus devices, the giant company decided to go it alone and produce its own phones. In 2016, the first Pixel appeared.
Since then, the company has released more models each year, giving buyers looking to upgrade more choice across a variety of budgets.
As the clock ticks down towards Google’s big reveal of the Pixel 9, we’ve gathered together the essential information you need to know about the new phones, as they’ve come to light in a series of major leaks.
How Many Pixel 9 Phones Will There Be?
Google is set for a Pixel phone boom, with rumors suggesting that as many as four new devices could be hitting the market this month.
The standard Pixel 9 and its upgraded sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro, sit at the top.
But the tech giant might not stop there, with a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL and a foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold also reportedly in the lineup. And for those on a tighter budget, the Pixel 9a is expected to arrive next year, following the Pixel 9’s launch in August.
When will the Pixel 9 series be released?
Google previewed the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro Fold at its upcoming Made by Google event on August 13, where the full lineup of four new models will almost certainly be unveiled.
Judging from previous releases, the Pixel 9a should arrive sometime in spring or summer next year.
Google Pixel 9 Specifications
Pixel9
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Display: 6.3-inch “Actua” display (vs. 6.2-inch before)
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Processor: Tensor G4 (vs. G3)
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RAM: 12 GB (vs. 8 GB)
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Storage: 128GB and 256GB options
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Main camera: 50MP / Ultra wide angle camera: 48MP
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Selfie camera: 10.5 MP
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Battery: 5,000 mAh (vs. 4,575 mAh)
Pixel 9 Pro
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Display: 6.1-inch or 6.3-inch “Super Actua” display
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Processor: Tensor G4
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RAM: 16 GB
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Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options
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Main camera: 50MP / Ultra wide angle: 48MP / Telephoto: 48MP
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Selfie camera: 42MP
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Dimensions: 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm
Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Display: 6.8 inch “Super Actua” display
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Processor: Tensor G4
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RAM: 16 GB
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Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options
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Camera: Same as Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
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Outside screen: 6.3 inch “Actua” screen
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Inner screen: 8-inch “Super Actua Flex” screen
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Processor: Tensor G4
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RAM: 16 GB
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Storage: 256GB and 512GB options
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Main camera: 48MP / Ultra wide angle: 10.5MP / Telephoto: 10.8MP
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Selfie camera: 10MP
What are the biggest upgrades this year?
Google is reportedly planning to ditch its signature camera bar design with the Pixel 9 lineup. The signature horizontal strip that has been a hallmark of recent models will reportedly be replaced with a shorter, circular camera module.
While Google is touting the Tensor G4 chip powering the entire series as “game-changing” in leaked promotional materials, it may actually be a more incremental improvement over last year’s version.
AI in abundance
The real star, however, is the memory upgrade. The standard Pixel 9 will see its RAM bumped up to 12GB, presumably to meet the demands of Google’s AI features. The Pixel 9 Pro duo and foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold go even further with a hefty 16GB of RAM.
Speaking of AI, the new Pixel phones could pack a slew of new machine learning tricks, including a tool that could rival Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature. Called Pixel Screenshots, the feature would allow users to search through their screenshots using AI, similar to how Recall works with documents.
Additionally, Google is introducing a new perk called Add Me, designed to improve group photos, much like the divisive Best Take feature on the Pixel 8, which can alter people’s facial expressions and merge images with different people in them. Meanwhile, a tool called Studio could be a potential photo-editing powerhouse.
More broadly, Google’s teaser images have revealed that the Pro 9 will run Google Gemini, the company’s ChatGPT-style large language model, which has been shrunk to fit on the Pixel 8. That’s hardly a surprise considering that generative artificial intelligence has become a flagship feature on premium phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the upcoming iPhone 16.
An even better camera
There are also improvements planned for the camera. The Pixel 9’s main camera is still a 50MP sensor, but the ultra-wide angle jumps to 48MP. The Pro models will sport a triple camera setup, with two 48MP sensors alongside the 50MP main camera.
They are getting bigger
Screen sizes are also getting bigger, with the Pixel 9 offering a slightly larger display than its predecessor, and the brand new Pixel 9 Pro XL expanding to 6.8 inches. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, will have a 6.3-inch cover screen and an 8-inch inner display (which could be the largest yet for a foldable).
What about Android 15?
According to Android Headlines, Google is bucking its own trend by releasing the Pixel 9 series on Android 14 instead of the upcoming Android 15 operating system.
This unorthodox move means the new Pixel phones will likely need an update shortly after release.
While this may come as a disappointment to some early adopters, Google’s commitment to seven years of software support for the Pixel line should ensure that the phones continue to receive regular updates and security patches going forward.
How much will the Pixel 9 series cost?
Google’s Pixel 9 range could see some significant price hikes this year. Leaked details out of Europe suggest the standard Pixel 9 could cost around £100 more than its predecessor, putting it in line with the £799 iPhone 15.
While the starting price may remain unchanged at £999, the Pixel 9 Pro is expected to see a price hike of around £30 to £40 for extra storage. For comparison, the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL sounds like Google’s answer to the £1,099 iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a price tag to match.
We’re big fans of Google’s first foldable phone, but its successor could be just as expensive. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will reportedly cost almost £1,749 for 256GB of storage. As usual, you’ll have to pay extra for more storage.