Google Pixel 9 rumors: Every part we all know thus far

Replace: April 19, 2024 (03:48 PM ET): Now we have up to date our Google Pixel 9 rumor hub with the primary real-life photographs of what we predict is the Pixel 9 Professional.

The Google Pixel 8 bought right here final October, however we’re already listening to rumors about what’s subsequent from Google in 2024. Let’s bounce proper in and talk about every little thing we all know in regards to the rumored Google Pixel 9 collection!

The Google Pixel collection is at present in its eighth era, and Google’s dedication to its smartphone lineup is obvious. There’s no indication that this can change within the close to future. Moreover, we’ve already heard a lot in regards to 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 feature caters to people preferring a smaller show whereas nonetheless wanting 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 most 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 nearly at all times arrived in October, possible timed to observe up the newest iPhone launch, which often occurs in September. The one exception to this was the Pixel 5 launching in late September, however that possible 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 every 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 completely different methods for Pixels over time, it has by no means launched three telephones in a single mainline household.

We had been trepidatious once 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 counsel the follow-up to the Pixel Fold might be the Pixel 9 Professional Fold — giving the Pixel 9 collection a whopping 4 telephones.

In the event you keep 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 collection. The Pixel 9 Professional XL, due to this fact, is a mixture of previous and current methods.

In the event 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 comparable 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 nicely for Apple.

Nonetheless, Apple doesn’t have a foldable telephone but, so Google’s technique might be fairly completely different if latest leaks are to be believed.On April 15, 2024, we obtained phrase that what was generally known 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 last, 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 inform you extra about what to anticipate!

The primary design leak for the Pixel collection was the Pixel 9 Professional XL, which got here by way of 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. Try the renders beneath:

The photographs 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 be altering and appears extra compact than earlier than.

The first digicam sensor additionally seems to be a lot greater. 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 in regards to the telephone’s cameras simply but. Do notice that it appears to be like 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’s going to possible 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 appears to be like similar to the Pixel 9 Professional XL, simply smaller:

In line with 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 might make the Pixel 9 Professional greater than the Google Pixel 8 however not almost as huge 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 an excellent 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 possible an excellent 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. 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. Curiously, Hemmerstoffer claims the show is simply 6.03 inches, that means it should 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 an alternative of three. This strains up with the iPhone technique. We count on the 2 lenses to be a main and an ultrawide, just like what Google has finished with each commonplace Pixel for the reason that Pixel 6 collection.

Lastly, we have to speak in regards to 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 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 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 regular, the 2024 Pixels ought to see the debut of the 2024 Google chipset, tentatively generally known 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 could be a bit disappointing to some. In spite of everything, rumors recommended that Google would finally create its personal Tensor SoC (codenamed “redondo”) totally from scratch and based mostly on a TSMC processor node.

In line with The Data, Google had initially deliberate to launch that customized chip in time for the Pixel 9, nevertheless 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 (until, in fact, Google faces extra delays).

Regardless, Tensor G4 will now be based mostly on a chip codenamed “zuma professional.” For many 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 totally 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 quicker 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 should come to all units with Tensor G4.

Cameras

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 had an identical 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 an analogous digicam setup however with a couple of enhancements for the Pixel 7 Professional, comparable to a 126-degree ultrawide digicam with macro focus, 5x optical zoom, and 30x Tremendous Res Zoom. Given this sample, it’s extremely possible that the bottom Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 can even share the identical digicam 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 possible the Pixel 9 collection will retain this foremost digicam. It’s much less clear if the growing older ultrawide lens can even see an improve on the bottom Pixel 9. The digicam techniques 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 shall be distinct variations between the techniques 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 now we have 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 collection specs

Now we have 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 — probably the most we’ve ever seen in a Pixel telephone. Do notice 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 commonplace has accomplished certification testing, and there’s a robust 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 professional Mishaal Rahman on March 11 means that an Adaptive Contact function may come to the Pixel 9 line. This function might be just like OnePlus and OPPO’s personal operate, which delivers extra correct and dependable contact enter with moist fingers.

The Pixel 9 collection 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 Providers to proceed sending Bluetooth indicators to broadcast their location to different close by units on Android’s upgraded Discover My Gadget community. To allow this function, it’s truthful to presume that the Pixel 9 collection 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 collection would be the first to assist Android’s native satellite tv for pc implementation. At first, satellite tv for pc communication shall be text-based and supplied by T-Cellular (inbuilt collaboration with SpaceX). Nonetheless, different suppliers might be part of someday sooner or later.

Moreover, a particular Satellite tv for pc Gateway app will permit for simple communications with emergency companies by way of a function known as Emergency SOS. This app will ask a couple of primary inquiries to slender 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 to converse with emergency companies 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 beneath:

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

In the event you’re utilizing the function, you’ll be prompted to maneuver your telephone to “middle the satellite tv for pc within the circle.” It will coincide with you dealing with and pointing to the closest energetic satellite tv for pc you may connect with. As you try to get arrange, it should present a reminder that you have to get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, bushes, and mountains,” for it to work accurately.

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

We’ll you’ll want 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 expensive flagships from Samsung, Apple, and others. Sadly, lately 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 increased than this a yr later. If it doesn’t, we’d count on the Pixel 9 to come back 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, nevertheless 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 value $799, the Pixel 9 Professional would value $999, and the Pixel 9 Professional XL would value $1,099 and even $1,199. Now we have our fingers crossed that Google doesn’t do that, however given the corporate’s efforts to imitate the iPhone technique, it’s not unattainable, both.

With the Pixel 9 nonetheless months away, the choice to attend for it relies on your present smartphone and preferences. In the event you already personal a comparatively new telephone, particularly one from the final two years, it would make sense to attend till October this yr. 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 cause to attend. The bounce from the Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) to the Pixel 9 shall be comparatively minor, although the Pixel 8 Professional ($999 at Amazon) was an enormous leap from earlier Professional Pixels.