Google has made a surprising addition to its flagship lineup with the launch of the Pixel 9 Pro. Alongside the much-anticipated Pixel 9 Pro XL, the tech giant has also introduced a smaller, more compact version of its premium smartphone.
Google Unveils Compact Pixel 9 Pro: A New Era for Flagship Smartphones
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature impressive display technologies. Their Super Actua LTPO panels deliver incredible brightness up to 3,000 nits and adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz for optimal power efficiency and responsiveness. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, these displays deliver a visually stunning experience. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1280x2856px, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch panel with a resolution of 1344x2992px.
One notable improvement is the integration of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, replacing the optical sensors found on previous models. Google claims that this new technology offers a 50% faster unlock speed thanks to its ability to read fingerprints without the need for a bright light source.
The Pixel 9 series design showcases a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, with flat edges and a polished metal frame that contrasts elegantly with the matte finish of the rear panel. Both models have a similar appearance and are distinguished primarily by their size. The iconic camera bar remains a prominent feature on the back, housing the triple camera system.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the improved camera capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both devices feature a 50MP main camera with a large 1/1.31-inch sensor, and a pair of 48MP cameras for ultra-wide and 5x telephoto zoom. Multi-zone LDAF (laser-assisted focusing) provides fast and accurate autofocus performance. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded 42MP front camera, which can take detailed and vibrant selfies.
Powering these flagship devices is the new Tensor G4 chipset built on a 4nm process. This powerful processor includes one Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at up to 3.1GHz. Along with three Cortex-A720 cores and four Cortex-A520 cores for efficient multitasking. The Titan M2 security coprocessor provides an additional layer of protection for user data. Both models are equipped with 16GB of RAM and offer storage options ranging from 128GB to a generous 1TB.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro: A Compact Powerhouse in Your Pocket
Google has improved several aspects of the user experience by integrating its advanced Gemini AI into the Pixel 9 Pro series. The AI-powered Magic Editor lets users effortlessly remove unwanted elements from photos and even create creative scene changes. Additionally, Pixel Screenshots leverages Gemini to identify and extract information from captured images, streamlining the search process. Another AI-powered feature, Circle to Search, lets users search for information right on the phone’s interface.
Battery life is an important consideration for smartphone users. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 5,060mAh capacity. Both devices support fast charging, reaching 70% charge in about 30 minutes.
Google has committed to providing long-term software support for the Pixel 9 series and has offered seven years of Pixel Drops, ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and security updates for an extended period of time.
The Pixel 9 Pro comes in four color options: Obsidian, Hazel, Rose Quartz, and Porcelain. Pre-orders are open now, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL scheduled to launch on August 22, and the Pixel 9 Pro scheduled to launch on September 4 in the US and September 9 in Europe. To sweeten the deal, Google is throwing in a free year of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage with both models.
The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999/£999/€1,099 for the 128GB variant, with higher storage options available. The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099/£1,099/€1,199 for the 128GB model. Limited-time discounts are available on select storage configurations.
With its compact design, powerful performance, advanced camera system and integration of cutting-edge AI features, the Google Pixel 9 Pro offers a compelling option for users looking for a premium smartphone experience without sacrificing portability.