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

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 photos of what we predict is the Pixel 9 Professional.

The Google Pixel 8 obtained 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 focus on every thing we all know concerning the rumored 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 can 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 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 almost definitely 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, seemingly timed to comply with 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 seemingly 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.

Traditionally, the launch occurs early within the month, with a launch to markets per week or so later. Following this sample, we anticipate an early October 2024 launch occasion for the Pixel 9 sequence, 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 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 had been trepidatious once we discovered that data because it was so early on. Nevertheless, 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 embody a vanilla Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Professional, and a Pixel 9 Professional XL. There may be 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.

When 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, due to this fact, is a mixture of previous and current methods.

When 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 comparable dimensions (i.e., iPhone 15 Professional), after which a bigger model of that extra highly effective gadget (i.e., iPhone 15 Professional Max). Google is just emulating this technique, which, fairly clearly, has labored out very properly for Apple.

Nevertheless, 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 acquired phrase that what was referred to as the Pixel Fold 2 could 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 title Google is presently utilizing for it in the mean 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 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. Take a look at 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 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 greater. The publication that leaked the renders famous that this might imply it’s a variable aperture lens. Nevertheless, there’s no concrete data 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, might make a return.

Solely a day after the alleged Pixel 9 Professional XL leaked, Hemmerstoffer launched renders for what is going to seemingly be the Pixel 9 Professional (however, on the time, Hemmerstoffer claimed it because the common Pixel 9). The renders present a smaller gadget with a triple digital camera setup, lining up with our 2022 leak. It additionally seems to have a telephoto lens and probably a thermometer just like the Professional. General, it seems to be 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 is able to make the Pixel 9 Professional greater than the Google Pixel 8 however not practically 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 a great likelihood they’re legit. Nevertheless, 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 seemingly a great 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 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 just 6.03 inches, that means it is going to have a smaller show than the Pixel 9 Professional however in a similar-sized physique. In different phrases, anticipate thicker bezels on the usual mannequin.

You may as well see that this handset has two rear cameras as an alternative of three. This traces up with the iPhone technique. We anticipate the 2 lenses to be a major and an ultrawide, much like what Google has accomplished with each commonplace Pixel for the reason that Pixel 6 sequence.

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 anticipate Google to have some model new updates for the Pixel 9 sequence, and that is what we all know up to now.

Tensor G4

As ordinary, 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 premise for its design. This is likely to be a bit disappointing to some. In any case, rumors instructed that Google would ultimately create its personal Tensor SoC (codenamed “redondo”) completely 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, 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. You may as well anticipate a successor based mostly on this early work to debut with the Pixel 10 sequence 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 might not be conscious, Google refers back to the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 as “zuma.” It doesn’t take Batman to infer that Tensor G4 might 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 supposed.

Our sources declare that Tensor G4 may 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 help 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 just a few enhancements for the Pixel 7 Professional, reminiscent of a 126-degree ultrawide digital camera with macro focus, 5x optical zoom, and 30x Tremendous Res Zoom. Given this sample, it’s extremely seemingly that the bottom Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 may even share the identical digital camera configurations.

The Pixel 8 sequence made the change to the Samsung Isocell GN2, a 50MP shooter with a number of enhancements, together with 35% extra gentle processing, the potential of 8K/30fps video seize, and staggered HDR. It’s very seemingly the Pixel 9 sequence will retain this essential digital camera. It’s much less clear if the getting 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 more durable to foretell. Google usually makes at the least just a few 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 now have no historic proof to make use of for hypotheses.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be shocking if Google determined to improve the selfie digital camera {hardware} throughout all Pixel 9 fashions. It’s because the Pixel 8 household stored 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

Now we have 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 may not be the entry-tier mannequin, it does at the least counsel we might see 16GB of RAM — probably 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.

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 sequence would help 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 function might come to the Pixel 9 line. This function might be much like OnePlus and OPPO’s personal operate, 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 help Android 15‘s Powered Off Finder API. This API will enable appropriate gadgets to be location-tracked even when they’re switched off by letting them use Google Play Companies 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 function, it’s honest to presume that the Pixel 9 sequence will include the {hardware} help wanted to maintain the Bluetooth chip enabled even after the telephone is switched off.

Along with the modem, Google has been engaged on integrating help for satellite-based messaging in Android 15, generally known as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Together with NTN help from the brand new modem, the Pixel 9 sequence would be the first to help Android’s native satellite tv for pc implementation. At first, satellite tv for pc communication will probably be text-based and offered by T-Cellular (in-built collaboration with SpaceX). Nevertheless, different suppliers could be a 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 function known as Emergency SOS. This app will ask just a few primary inquiries to slender down the state of affairs, and also you’ll be given a option to notify your emergency contacts. A few of these questions embody:

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

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

When you’re utilizing the function, you’ll 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 possibly can hook up with. As you try to get arrange, it is going to present a reminder that it’s essential to get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, bushes, and mountains,” for it to work accurately.

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

We’ll make sure 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 sequence.

We will’t see Google jacking costs even increased than this a yr later. If it doesn’t, we’d anticipate 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, 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 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 not possible, both.

With the Pixel 9 nonetheless months away, the choice to attend for it is determined by your present smartphone and preferences. When 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 of the smaller Pixel 9 Professional variant.

What when you have an getting older handset that wants an improve ASAP? There’s actually no purpose to attend. The bounce 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.