Google Pixel 9 rumors: Every little thing we all know thus far

Replace: April 19, 2024 (03:48 PM ET): We’ve got up to date our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with the primary real-life photos of what we expect is the Pixel 9 Professional.

The Google Pixel 8 received right here final October, however we’re already listening to rumors about what’s subsequent from Google in 2024. Let’s leap proper in and focus on every thing we all know concerning the rumored Google Pixel 9 collection!

The Google Pixel collection is at present in its eighth technology, and Google’s dedication to its smartphone lineup is clear. There’s no indication that this can change within the close to future. Moreover, we’ve already heard loads concerning the Pixel 9, additional solidifying this dedication.

Way back to December 2022, Android Authority solely 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. All this mixed makes us very sure {that a} Pixel 9 launch is coming in 2024.

What’s the probably 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 virtually all the time arrived in October, probably timed to observe up the most recent iPhone launch, which normally 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 popular month for a brand new Pixel launch.

Traditionally, the launch occurs early within the month, with a launch to markets per week or so later. Following this sample, we count on an early October 2024 launch occasion for the Pixel 9 collection, with pre-orders beginning that very same day and shipments coming shortly thereafter.

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

We had been trepidatious after we discovered 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 collection. This might embrace a vanilla Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Professional, and a Pixel 9 Professional XL. There’s additionally proof to recommend the follow-up to the Pixel Fold might be the Pixel 9 Professional Fold — giving the Pixel 9 collection a whopping 4 telephones.

Should you bear in mind, the final time Google launched an “XL” cellphone was in 2019 with the Pixel 4 XL. It deserted launching a big cellphone altogether with the singular Pixel 5 after which launched “Professional” fashions with the Pixel 6 collection. The Pixel 9 Professional XL, subsequently, is a mixture 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 collection 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 solely emulating this technique, which, fairly clearly, has labored out very properly for Apple.

Nonetheless, Apple doesn’t have a foldable cellphone but, so Google’s technique might be fairly totally different if latest leaks are to be believed.On April 15, 2024, we obtained phrase that what was often called the Pixel Fold 2 could 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 identify Google is at present utilizing for it in the intervening time.

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 collection was the Pixel 9 Professional XL, which got here through dependable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka “OnLeaks.” On the time, although, Steve mentioned 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. Take a look at the renders beneath:

The photographs present a cellphone that appears fairly totally different from earlier variations. Firstly, it has a totally flat look, just like the Galaxy S24 Extremely. The digital camera bar on the again can be altering and appears extra compact than earlier than.

The first digital camera 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 cellphone’s cameras simply but. Do be aware that it seems 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 digital camera setup, lining up with our 2022 leak. It additionally seems to have a telephoto lens and presumably a thermometer just like the Professional. General, it seems 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 may 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 photos of the Pixel 9 Professional:

These photos strongly align with the leaked renders, so there’s likelihood they’re legit. Nonetheless, given how early this cellphone 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 illustration of what to anticipate.

In late March, we noticed renders for the third mannequin, more likely to launch as the usual Google Pixel 9. Take a look at renders for that right here:

The cellphone 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.

You can too see that this handset has two rear cameras as a substitute 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 executed with each normal Pixel because the Pixel 6 collection.

Lastly, we have to discuss concerning the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, the alleged identify of the anticipated follow-up to the Pixel Fold. If Google goes with this identify, then the brand new foldable cellphone 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 with out a slate of {hardware} upgrades. We count on Google to have some model new updates for the Pixel 9 collection, and that is what we all know thus far.

Tensor G4

As standard, the 2024 Pixels ought to see the debut of the 2024 Google chipset, tentatively often called 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 recommended that Google would finally create its personal Tensor SoC (codenamed “redondo”) completely from scratch and based mostly 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, however it missed inside deadlines. Consequently, it’s now too late to incorporate it within the Pixel 9. Google will proceed growing the customized chip for testing functions. You can too count on a successor based mostly on this early work to debut with the Pixel 10 collection as Tensor G5 in 2025 (except, in fact, Google faces extra delays).

Regardless, Tensor G4 will now be based mostly 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 more likely to introduce some helpful enhancements and options, it’s unlucky that Google couldn’t present its absolutely customized chip as initially meant.

Our sources declare that Tensor G4 may even introduce a brand new modem — the Samsung Modem 5400. This modem is anticipated to be sooner and extra energy environment friendly than the Exynos Modem 5300 that seems within the Pixel 8. It’s mentioned 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 gadgets with Tensor G4.

Cameras

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 had equivalent digital camera {hardware}. The one actual distinction was the digital camera’s software program enhancements. The identical pattern continued with the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional, sharing the same digital camera setup however with a couple of enhancements for the Pixel 7 Professional, akin to a 126-degree ultrawide digital camera 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 may even share the identical digital camera configurations.

The Pixel 8 collection made the change to the Samsung Isocell GN2, a 50MP shooter with a number of enhancements, together with 35% extra mild processing, the potential for 8K/30fps video seize, and staggered HDR. It’s very probably the Pixel 9 collection will retain this foremost digital camera. It’s much less clear if the growing older ultrawide lens may even see an improve on the bottom Pixel 9. The digital camera programs of the Pixel 9 Professional, Professional XL, and Professional Fold, although, are even tougher to foretell. Google usually makes no less than a couple of adjustments 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 will probably 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 have now no historic proof to make use of for hypotheses.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be stunning if Google determined to improve the selfie digital camera {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 collection specs

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

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

In the meantime, a report by Android skilled 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 operate, which delivers extra correct and dependable contact enter with moist fingers.

The Pixel 9 collection is also one of many first few telephones to correctly assist Android 15‘s Powered Off Finder API. This API will enable suitable gadgets to be location-tracked even when they’re switched off by letting them use Google Play Providers to proceed sending Bluetooth indicators to broadcast their location to different close by gadgets on Android’s upgraded Discover My System community. To allow this characteristic, it’s honest to presume that the Pixel 9 collection will include the {hardware} assist wanted to maintain the Bluetooth chip enabled even after the cellphone 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 collection would be the first to assist Android’s native satellite tv for pc implementation. At first, satellite tv for pc communication will probably be text-based and supplied by T-Cellular (in-built collaboration with SpaceX). Nonetheless, different suppliers could be part of someday sooner or later.

Moreover, a particular Satellite tv for pc Gateway app will enable for straightforward communications with emergency providers through a characteristic referred to 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 have the ability to converse with emergency providers to get the enable you to want. As a result of nature of satellite tv for pc connectivity, cellular gadgets sometimes want exact alignment to attach. Google has designed animations to assist this course of, such because the one beneath:

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 beneath — is a part of the Adaptive Connectivity Providers app, which is a Pixel-exclusive app.

Should you’re utilizing the characteristic, you’ll be prompted to maneuver your cellphone to “middle the satellite tv for pc within the circle.” This can coincide with you dealing with and pointing to the closest lively satellite tv for pc you possibly can connect 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, timber, and mountains,” for it to work accurately.

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 beneath.

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 various 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 collection.

We will’t see Google jacking costs even larger 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, however it 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 the Pixel 9 nonetheless months away, the choice to attend for it depends upon your present smartphone and preferences. Should you already personal a comparatively new cellphone, particularly one from the final two years, it’d make sense to attend till October this 12 months. That is very true if you are interested in the potential for the smaller Pixel 9 Professional variant.

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