Pixel 9 Is Here and Pro Is Finally Available in Two Sizes
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are here, and following a lesson learned from Apple, Google is finally making the Pro in different sizes. There’s also a new chip that, like previous Pixel models, is used in all versions of the Pixel 9, as well as improved cameras and some nifty new AI features to take advantage of its extra power.
Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL?
By far the most interesting hardware change for the Pixel 9 is that there’s finally a smaller Pro model. Unlike the Pixel 8, which had a 6.2-inch base model and a 6.7-inch Pro model, the Pixel 9 lineup gives you more options. The base Pixel 9 is slightly larger (6.3 inches), but the Pro model is now available in standard or XL.
This means that people chasing premium performance won’t have to settle for something that comes out of their pockets – previous Pro models simply gave you something in XL size by default. The Pixel 9 Pro XL measures 6.8 inches diagonally, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 8 Pro, but if that seems too big, you can opt for the regular Pixel 9 Pro, which is the same size as the base Pixel 9.
In fact, when comparing it to previous models, it’s more similar to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Mini, as the Pro XL is closer to what Pixel loyalists can expect and the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than any previous Pro models. I typically go for smaller models, so this change is long overdue in my book. Anyone worried about the performance hit of the smaller model can rest easy, too. Google says the only differences should be the screen and battery size.
New chip
On the inside, all Pixel 9 phones feature Google’s new Tensor G4 chip. It always seemed a little generous of Google to give its base phones the same chip as the pro models, while base users of the iPhone 15 are so far behind the pro users that they won’t even get Apple Intelligence at launch . However, detailed performance metrics will have to wait for reviews.
Google’s Tensor chips have received mixed reactions since their introduction in 2021, as they tend to outperform Google’s own capabilities and artificial intelligence, but don’t hold up as well in benchmarks or third-party applications like games. Whether the Tensor G4 will be able to move the needle is up in the air—leaked benchmarks reviewed by Android Authority seem to hint that it won’t—so keep that in mind if you’re looking to game or use a lot of non-Professional apps. Google.
At the very least, the Tensor G4 should still be better than previous models, with Google promising 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launching. If you were happy with the Pixel 8, you should be happy here too. Google also promises high energy efficiency: “battery life of more than 24 hours” and fast charging up to 70% in half an hour. There’s also a new vapor chamber for better cooling, which should improve performance and comfort, and all models get 4GB more memory than before.
Improved autofocus
As the name suggests, Google Pixel is putting a lot of emphasis on cameras. That’s true again this year, although the changes are a little more subtle.
The biggest improvement on paper is actually on the base Pixel 9, which bumps the resolution of the rear ultra-wide camera from 12MP to 48MP, bringing it almost up to par with the Pro models if not for the lack of a telephoto lens. Unfortunately, its front camera is still 10.5MP rather than the Pro’s 42MP, but that actually brings us to the next biggest change.
Autofocus is getting better across all Pixel models. Google is adding additional LDAF (laser autofocus) sensors across the board, and while improvements to the Pro models are mostly incremental, the base Pixel 9 finally gets autofocus on its 10.5MP selfie camera for the first time. While this isn’t the first time Google has used autofocus in a selfie camera, it’s a major upgrade over the base model’s modern lens.
Other than improved autofocus, the Pro models aren’t much different from last year’s. This isn’t too much of a shame considering how good the Pixel 8 Pro was , but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering upgrading.
Looks better
All Pixel 9 models have four color options, although one of my favorites, jay blue, is no longer available. Instead, you’ll be able to choose from black, white, green, and pink, although the specific shades of green and pink are slightly different on the base model and the Pro, and the Pro’s green looks almost more grey. The Pro also has a more matte finish, so expect the base Pixel 9 to look shinier (but also a little more prone to fingerprints).
However, all the options look different, and the smaller Pixel 9 Pro may actually use the same bodies as the Pixel 9, so you have plenty of customization options.
As for the phone itself, Google promises 15% thinner bezels and 35% more brightness for the base model. Having seen them in person, I can say that they look great and feel premium, although I haven’t been able to compare them to the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro yet.
New AI
Smartphone launches are no longer just about the hardware, but also about the artificial intelligence and software that comes with them. This is especially true for the Pixel, which fans colloquially call “the smartest smartphone.” That’s thanks to a host of Google features like the Magic Editor and Best Take , but with Apple Intelligence on the horizon, the battlefield looks tighter than ever.
Google isn’t promising a new AI upgrade to the Pixel 9 line that Apple will release later this fall , but rather an improvement to the existing Gemini Nano model.
This means new features like Add Me, which can merge two images together so the photographer can be in the frame too. There’s also a new screenshot app that uses artificial intelligence to add descriptions to your screenshots so they can be searched and categorized more intelligently. Both of these features run entirely on-device, for privacy purposes, using Tensor G4’s ability to generate what Google claims is 45 tokens per second.
There are also some cloud-based features here, including Pixel Studio, which is essentially a full-fledged AI image generator using a combination of Gemini Nano and Google’s cloud-based Imagen 3 model. It still has room to grow – it can’t create emojis like Apple Intelligence , or extrapolate from sketches such as the Samsung image sketch – but its inclusion is another sign of how much AI is becoming embedded in our daily lives.
It’s unclear whether audiences will perceive them as useful tools or more of a novelty, especially since AI appears to finally be experiencing an economic downturn . But expect features like this to be the focus for at least a few more generations of phones.
Even if the flashy new apps aren’t your thing, Google is also promising small improvements to older apps like Magic Editor, which uses AI to frame photos, and a new Pixel Weather app that will use AI to summarize data. weather for the day for you. This smaller, more informed choice does leave the company with some room to move if its larger investments in AI don’t pay off. Additionally, Google is also expanding its efforts to emulate its competitors: a new Call Notes feature will use artificial intelligence to create transcripts and summaries of your calls, just as the iPhone will do later this fall .
How to buy Pixel 9
All Pixel 9 models are now available for pre-order : the base model costs $799 (and will ship on August 22), the smaller Pixel 9 Pro model is $999 (and will ship on September 4), and the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be a hit sales a respectable $1,099 (and shipping August 22). There’s also a new foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which, despite its name, is more of a follow-up to last year’s Pixel Fold. You can read more about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold here . The Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds Pro also received updates, which you can read about here .