Google is launching its Pixel phone in August instead of October and is making some changes to its Pixel product lineup. The classic phone remains in place, but it has fallen in the rankings as the company launches a similarly sized Pro model.
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch OLED display and a 120Hz FHD+ panel. Google has ditched the optical fingerprint sensor and switched to the more reliable ultrasonic type.
The small bump in the diagonal of the screen makes the phone slightly larger than last year's model, although it is still among the smallest Android phones. Compared to the new Pixel 9 Pro, it is essentially the same size. And if you want to go big, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to get (well, that one or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold). Here's a size comparison:
Externally, the notable difference between the two is that the Pro has a periscope. The regular 9 sticks to the classic dual-camera setup (wide + ultrawide), but it doesn't let itself down when it comes to hardware: it uses the exact same hardware as the other two hardshell models for the cameras it has.
The main camera is the same as last year, a 50MP module based on the Samsung GNK 1/1.31″ sensor (1.2µm pixels) and an OIS-compatible lens. The punch-hole selfie camera on the front is almost the same as before with a 10.5MP Samsung sensor, but now with an autofocus lens.
The ultra-wide angle module gets a notable upgrade with a 50MP sensor (Sony IMX858, 1/2.51″), compared to the 12MP module (1/2.8″) of the 8 series. Another important change: Google has finally enabled 8K video recording (GNK's main sensor was still capable of it).
Inside, the notable upgrade is in processing power. The Tensor G4 features a main Cortex-X4 core, along with three A720 cores and four A520 cores (yes, that’s 8 cores, one less than last year). It’s important to note that it’s equipped with a more efficient Exynos 5400 modem. The Mali-G715 GPU appears unchanged, save for a small bump in clock speed.
Perhaps more importantly, this year even the Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM, which is the same amount the 8 Pro had last year (and the standard model had 8GB). As you may recall, 8GB was a bit tight for running Gemini Nano on the device — Google made it work, but more RAM is essential for local AI performance.
Like last year, Google will support these phones for 7 years with software updates (both OS and security patches). This is a good thing since this Pixel series breaks with tradition and launches with the outgoing Android version, v14. This is most likely because the launch has been moved up, Android 15 will be ready in a few months and the Pixel 9 phones will be among the first to get it.
Google may be reluctant to fast charge, but the Pixel 9 is faster than its predecessor: it can reach 55% in 30 minutes, up from 50% previously (those are the official numbers; the Pixel 8 actually reached 56% in 30 minutes in our test).
The phone comes in four colours at launch: Porcelain, Pink, Green, and Obsidian. The mid-frame is made of aluminium, while the front and back are made of Gorilla Glass. The phone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is available for pre-order in the US and Europe now, with India launch details to be revealed tomorrow. If you pre-order, Google will upgrade your storage for free. In the case of the Pixel 9, that means you'll get the 256GB model instead of the 128GB one.
Here are the prices for both:
| Google Pixel 9 | 12/128 GB | 12/256 GB |
|---|---|---|
| WE | $900 | $1,000 |
| UNITED KINGDOM | £750 | £895 |
| EU | 900 € | 1,000 € |