The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are a group of Android smartphones designed, developed, and marketed by Google as part of the Google Pixel product line. They serve as the successor to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, respectively. Sporting a redesigned appearance and powered by the fourth-generation Google Tensor system-on-chip, the phones are heavily integrated with Gemini-branded artificial intelligence features.
Developer | |
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Type | Smartphone |
Series | Pixel |
First released |
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Availability by region | August 2024
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Predecessor | |
Related | Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
Compatible networks | |
Form factor | Slate |
Dimensions |
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Weight |
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Operating system | Android 14 |
System-on-chip | Google Tensor G4 |
Modem | Samsung Exynos 5400 |
Memory |
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Storage |
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SIM | Nano SIM and eSIM |
Battery |
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Charging |
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Rear camera |
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Front camera |
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Display |
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Sound |
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Connectivity |
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Data inputs |
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Water resistance | IP68 |
Other |
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Website | |
References | [1][2] |
The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL were officially announced on August 13, 2024, at the annual Made by Google event, and were released in the United States on August 22 and September 4.
History
editThe Pixel 9 series was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 2024.[3] After previewing the Pro model the same month,[4][5] Google officially announced the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL on August 13, alongside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Watch 3, at the annual Made by Google event.[6] Numerous observers noted the unusually early timing of the launch event, which was traditionally held in October after Apple's annual launch of the new iPhone. Commentators described this as an attempt to "outshine" Apple, its longtime rival, and demonstrate its artificial intelligence (AI) prowess.[a] Several also took note of Google's usually frequent veiled attacks targeting Apple.[13][11] All three phones became available for pre-order the same day; the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL were made available on August 22 while the Pro will be available on September 4, the latter alongside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, in 32 countries.[14][15]
Specifications
editDesign
editThe Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature a redesigned appearance while retaining the overall design language that began with the Pixel 6 series, with the edges now flat rather than curved and the camera bar taking the shape of "an elongated, free-floating [...] oval".[16][17] They are each available in four colors:[6]
Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL | |||||||
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Peony | Wintergreen | Porcelain | Obsidian | Porcelain | Rose Quartz | Hazel | Obsidian |
Hardware
editIn a departure from previous generations, the Pixel 9 series was offered in three models: the base model, a "Pro" model, and a new "Pro XL" model. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are near-identical in size, with a 6.3 in (160 mm) screen size, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly larger at 6.7 in (171 mm).[16][18] A key distinction between the base and Pro models lies in the camera setup, with the higher-end models sporting a 48-megapixel telephoto rear camera in addition to the standard 50- and 48-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses; the Pro models also include a 42-megapixel ultrawide front camera compared to 10.5 megapixels on the base.[6]
All three phones are powered by the fourth-generation Google Tensor system-on-chip (SoC), marketed as "Google Tensor G4", and the Titan M2 security co-processor.[19][20] The upgraded Samsung Exynos 5400 modem on the new Tensor chip enhances the Pixel 9's satellite connectivity, enabling the ability to contact emergency services via satellite, similar to the feature introduced by Apple on the iPhone 14 and the first Android phone to be equipped with this technology. Dubbed "Satellite SOS", Google partnered with satellite network provider Skylo and SOS dispatch center Garmin on the feature, which was made available for free for two years.[21][22][23] Tensor G4 is also the first SoC to run Gemini Nano, a version of the Gemini large language model (LLM), with multimodality.[24]
Software
editAs with prior Pixel generations, the Pixel 9 series is equipped with numerous AI-powered features, with the Associated Press calling it a "vessel for the AI technology that is expected to reshape the way people live and work".[11] Google dedicated the first half-hour of its launch event discussing its advances in the field before unveiling its new devices.[25] Gemini, a generative AI–powered chatbot launched in 2023 in response to OpenAI's ChatGPT, was frequently spotlighted, replacing the Google Assistant as the new default virtual assistant on Pixel and heavily integrating into the Pixel 9 series.[26][27] In order to facilitate on-device AI processing, the RAM on the Pixel 9 series was substantially increased.[27][19] Google also debuted Gemini Live, a new voice chat mode powered by the Imagen 3 text-to-image model.[28][29]
Other AI-powered features included Pixel Studio, an image generation app; Pixel Screenshots, a screenshot management and analysis app; Add Me, the ability to retroactively add subjects to photos; Pixel Weather, a new weather forecast app; Call Notes, which summarizes phone calls while running on-device; and miscellaneous camera updates.[30][31][32] Breaking with tradition, the Pixel 9 series was shipped with the year-old Android 14 rather than Android 15, likely due to the earlier-than-usual timeframe;[33][34] the phones were updated with Android 15 via a "Pixel Drop" software update, formerly known as Feature Drops, on October 15.[35] Continuing the Pixel 8's trend, the phones will receive at least seven years of major OS upgrades with support extending to 2031.[6][20]
Marketing
editAn "after party" livestream hosted by actress Keke Palmer and featuring celebrity guest appearances followed the Made by Google event.[36] Days after the phones' launch, Google generated controversy after several social media influencers part of the seven-year-old #TeamPixel marketing program posted screenshots of a new clause stipulating that participants must not show preference for competitors when creating content with the Pixel 9. Missing context led to confusion online regarding the extent of the restriction, which only applied to #TeamPixel influencers. Google later apologized and removed the clause from the agreement.[37][38][39]
Reception
editIn his initial reaction to the Pixel 9 series, Android Police's Rajesh Pandey praised the overall design but disliked the iPhone-esque flat edges and polished metal frame.[17] His colleague Taylor Kerns questioned the absence of an "XL" version of the base model,[40] while Rebecca Isaacs of Forbes welcomed the addition of small-sized Pro model and the enhanced build quality.[41] Pandey and Kerns' colleague Will Sattelberg concurred but had mixed reactions to the AI-powered features.[42] Allison Johnson of The Verge was impressed by the camera features, writing in a headline, "The Pixel 9 Pro XL showed me the future of AI photography".[43] Writing for Mashable, Kimberly Gedeon was drawn to the design of the 9 Pro XL, praising the upgraded Super Res Zoom feature and AI-powered features.[44] PCMag's Iyaz Akhtar called the rear design of the phones "divisive" but "sleek".[45] Kyle Barr of Gizmodo and Philip Michaels of Tom's Guide both found themselves particulary attracted to the Pixel Screenshots app.[46][47] Kerry Wan of ZDNET predicted that the phones would be a "sleeper hit".[48]
The Pixel 9's Tensor G4 processor has also received mixed reviews. While it was praised for its improved AI capabilities and efficiency, some have criticized the performance for not being on par with other current flagship processors, and considered it a small spec bump over the Tensor G3.[49][50] Soniya Jobanputra, a lead member of the Pixel's product management team, told The Financial Express that the G4 was not designed to "beat some specific benchmark that’s out there. We’re designing it to meet our use cases”. [51]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Pixel 9 Tech Specs, Features, Screen Size & Battery Life". Google Store. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ "Tech Specs of Pixel 9 Pro & Pixel 9 Pro XL". Google Store. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ Li, Abner (July 12, 2024). "Pixel 9 series arrives at the FCC, includes Thread". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Chokkattu, Julian; So, Adrienne (August 13, 2024). "Everything Google Announced at Its 'Made by Google' Pixel Hardware Event". Wired. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Love, Julia; Savov, Vlad (August 12, 2024). "Google Looks to Get Jump on Apple With Earlier Pixel Launch". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ Shibu, Sherin (August 13, 2024). "Google Reveals Its AI Smartphone Early at Made for Google Launch Event — And Beats Apple to the Starting Line". Entrepreneur. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ Woo, Erin (August 14, 2024). "Google Beats Apple and OpenAI To the Punch". The Information. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Schoon, Ben (June 30, 2024). "Why is Google launching the Pixel 9 so early?". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c Liedtke, Michael (August 13, 2024). "Google rolls out Pixel 9 phones earlier than usual as AI race with Apple heats up". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Gurman, Mark; Savov, Vlad (August 13, 2024). "Google Launches Pixel 9 Phones, Pixel Watch 3 in Renewed Push to Sell AI". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Roth, Emma (August 13, 2024). "Every time Google dinged Apple during its Pixel 9 launch event". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Grant, Nico (August 13, 2024). "Google Debuts A.I.-Powered Phones in Latest Attempt to Best the iPhone". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ Wilde, Damien (August 13, 2024). "The Pixel 9 series is available to buy in these 32 countries". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Johnson, Allison (August 13, 2024). "Google's Pixel 9 lineup is a Pro show". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Pandey, Rajesh (August 13, 2024). "Google Pixel 9: What I love and hate about its design". Android Police. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Villas-Boas, Antonio (August 22, 2024). "Google's Pixel 9 series is a total evolution, with 4 new models including a foldable phone. Here's how to order". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Skorheim, Amy (August 13, 2024). "The Google Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and everything else announced at the Made by Google Pixel launch event". Engadget. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Heater, Brian (August 13, 2024). "Google's Pixel 9 line offers more size options, better cameras and Gemini by default". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Schoon, Ben (August 16, 2024). "Google's Satellite SOS is available at launch on Pixel 9 series, how it will work". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Chokkattu, Julian (August 24, 2024). "How Google's Satellite eSOS Works During Emergencies on the Pixel 9". Wired. Archived from the original on August 24, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Beaty, Artie (August 14, 2024). "Google Pixel 9 is first Android phone to get satellite SOS messaging". ZDNET. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Lyles, Taylor (August 13, 2024). "Google Officially Announces the Pixel 9 Smartphone Series". IGN. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Peters, Jay (August 14, 2024). "AI overshadowed Pixel at the Pixel event". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Newman, Jared (August 13, 2024). "Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on Pixel phones, and it's a train wreck". Fast Company. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ a b Elias, Jennifer (August 13, 2024). "Google launches first AI-powered Android update and new Pixel 9 phones". CNBC. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Wes (August 13, 2024). "Google Gemini's voice chat mode is here". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Stern, Joanna (September 2, 2024). "Google's Gemini Live AI Sounds So Human, I Almost Forgot It Was a Bot". The Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ Wiggers, Kyle (August 13, 2024). "Made by Google 2024: A few AI features you might've missed". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Wes (August 13, 2024). "All the AI features coming to Google's Pixel 9 series". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Chokkattu, Julian (August 13, 2024). "The Google Pixel 9's AI Camera Features Let You Reshape Reality". Wired. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Washenko, Anna (August 13, 2024). "Google's Pixel 9 series won't launch with Android 15". Engadget. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Li, Abner (August 13, 2024). "Pixel 9 series launches with Android 14". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Peters, Jay (October 15, 2024). "Android 15 is now available for Pixels". The Verge. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Li, Abner (August 8, 2024). "Pixel 9 advertising push kicks off with star-studded 'After Party' following keynote". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Song, Victoria (August 16, 2024). "Google threatened tech influencers unless they 'preferred' the Pixel". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ De Luna, Elizabeth (August 17, 2024). "Google tried to give new Pixel phones to influencers. Then it backfired". Mashable. Archived from the original on August 17, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Eaton, Kit (August 19, 2024). "Google Admits Misstep Over Pressure on Team Pixel Influencers". Inc. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Kerns, Taylor (August 16, 2024). "There's an XL-size hole in Google's Pixel 9 lineup". Android Police. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Isaacs, Rebecca (August 13, 2024). "Hands-On With The Google Pixel 9 Pro And Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold". Forbes. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Sattelberg, Will (August 13, 2024). "The Pixel 9 Pros are the phones I've always wanted from Google". Android Police. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Allison (August 13, 2024). "The Pixel 9 Pro XL showed me the future of AI photography". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Gedeon, Kimberly (August 28, 2024). "Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review: I zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away and saw the color of their clothes". Mashable. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Akhtar, Iyaz (August 13, 2024). "Hands On: Google's Colorful Pixel 9 Lineup Brings Pro XL Model, Runs on Gemini AI". PCMag. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Barr, Kyle (August 14, 2024). "Google Pixel 9 Hands On: Pixels With Extra Size and Extra AI". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Michaels, Philip (August 15, 2024). "The Google Pixel 9 has lots of AI features — but Pixel Screenshots looks like a game changer". Tom's Guide. Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Wan, Kerry (August 17, 2024). "I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 9 phone, and here's my initial buying advice". ZDNET. Archived from the original on August 17, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ Harish Jonnalagadda (August 29, 2024). "Tensor G4 benchmarked: How does it measure up to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?". Android Central. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
- ^ "Google Pixel 9 benchmarks are well behind the iPhone and Galaxy, as expected". Android Authority. August 21, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
- ^ "The Pixel 9's Tensor G4 chip isn't designed for speed or to beat benchmarks, says Google | Exclusive". FE Tech Bytes. August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
Further reading
edit- Chokkattu, Julian (August 13, 2024). "For Google's Pixel Camera Team, It's All About the Memories". Wired. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- Hollister, Sean (August 16, 2024). "Google's head of Pixel 9 design won't apologize for its big, beautiful camera bump". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
External links
edit- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL
- Made by Google 2024 (archived)