Google Pixel 9: All the rumors we know so far

The Google Pixel 9 series is set to launch on Aug. 13 at the Made by Google event, but the question is, how will they differ from the previous generation?

I don’t know about you, but I want to see Google step it up with a new set of features that will blow competitors away. According to leaks and rumors, however, it appears that the Pixel 9 series series will be playing “catch up” with some of the biggest players on the market.

I won’t keep you in suspense for long, so here’s the scuttlebutt we’ve been hearing about the Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro — and even a possible new Pro XL model that may be added to the Pixel family.

Quick look at Google Pixel 9 rumors

Google is unveiling the Pixel 9 series on Aug. 13 at the Made by Google event, which is unusual because it typically holds its Pixel-related event in October.

Instead of the typical two-model series, the Pixel family is getting a third phone: the Pixel 9 Pro XL .

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be the successor to the first-gen Google Pixel Fold.

All devices will be packed with a newer, faster Tensor G4 chip.

The Google Pixel 9 will get an ultrawide camera upgrade while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will get upgrades all across the board.

Google Pixel 9 release date

The Google Pixel 9 series will get announced on Aug. 13 at the search-engine giant’s Made by Google event.

This is a surprising because Google typically rolls out its Pixel phones in the fall.

For reference, here are the release dates for the previous device launches:

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro – Oct. 4, 2023

Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro – Oct. 6, 2023

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro – Oct. 19, 2023

The only time Google did not launch in October was in 2020, the year when the pandemic shook up the tech hardware industry. (Even Apple didn’t launch their iPhone until October that year, even though they typically unveil their new handsets in September.)

Google Pixel 9 price

There aren’t any credible rumors on pricing, however, Google already increased the price tags of both devices last year, bumping them by $100.

As such, we doubt that Google will instate yet another price hike for 2024. That being said, the expected price tags for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the following:

Pixel 9 – $699

Pixel 9 Pro – $999

Interestingly, however, according to 91Mobiles, Google may consider bringing a third phone into the mix, offering a trio of devices similar to the Galaxy S24 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL will reportedly be the most expensive tier of the Google Pixel 9 lineup.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro — and a Pixel 9 Pro XL?

As mentioned, 91Mobiles claims that Google is launching a Pixel 9 Pro XL in addition to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.

This wouldn’t be the first time the Google introduced an “XL” phone into the mix. The last time we saw an “XL” device was the Pixel 5 series — and we haven’t seen it since.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL will reportedly have the following specs:

6.5-inch, QHD+, OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

Triple-camera setup

Interestingly, if these specs are accurate, Pixel 9 Pro XL will feature a slight reduction from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch display.

You may be wondering, “What does it look like?” Funny story. So popular leaker @Onleaks, also known as Steve H.McFly on X, revealed what they thought was the Pixel 9 Pro on Jan. 24.

Tweet may have been deleted

As it turns out, the Pixel 9 Pro renders are actually the Pixel 9 Pro XL, according to clarification from @Onleaks via 91mobiles.

Finally, thanks to the YouTube channel @pixophone, it looks like we have a video leak of the new Pixel 9 Pro XL.

But in late July, Google stole some of the aforementioned leakers’ shine and leaked its phone, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro, ahead of the Aug. 13 Made by Google event.

Here’s a snapshot of the Pixel 9 Pro:

And yes, you can find this photo directly on Google’s “Made by Google” event page.

Google Pixel 9 design

Unlike the current generation, which has rounded edges, the Pixel 9 series will reportedly have flat edges, similar to the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 series.

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According to 91mobiles, here’s what we know about the Pixel 9:

6.03-inch display

152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm

Offers a black colorway, similar to the rumored Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, will sport the following:

6.1-inch display

152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm

Offers a blue colorway

Interestingly, according to a leak from Rozekted, the Pixel 9 Pro still sports a temperature sensor, a feature Mashable’s Alex Perry found to be quite useless while reviewing the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

We’re also hearing that the Google Pixel 9 will come in pink, according to a leak discovered on Instagram.

Google Pixel 9 camera

Both phones will sport a hole-punch selfie camera, just like their predecessors.

The Pixel’s distinctive camera visor design is getting a change, too, apparently. Instead of a rectangular-esque visor extending from edge to edge, the new visor will have more of a pill-shaped design.

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The Pixel 9 will have a dual-camera rear setup. The Pixel 9 Pro, alongside the Pixel 9 Pro XL, will reportedly have a triple-camera setup. For a long time, rumors on the Pixel 9 series’ cameras were sparse — until Android Authority dropped an exclusive recently.

Here are the reported camera specs for the Pixel 9:

Ultrawide – 50MP

Wide – 50MP

Selfie – 10.5MP

Telephoto – N/A

And here’s the information we have on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL:

Ultrawide – 50MP

Wide – 50MP

Selfie – 50MP

Telephoto – 50MP

For reference, here are the specs for the entry-level Pixel 8:

Ultrawide – 12MP

Wide – 50MP

Selfie – 10.5MP

Telephoto – N/A

And the Pixel 8 Pro:

Ultrawide – 48MP

Wide – 50MP

Selfie – 10.5MP

Telephoto – 48MP

To sum these specs up, the entry-level Pixel 9 is bumping its ultrawide camera up to 50MP. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL devices are getting 50MP sensors all across the board.

The entry-level Pixel 9 will continue to lack a telephoto lens, which is useful for anyone who enjoys taking portraits and zoom-in photos.

Google Pixel 9 specs

According to Rozetked and 91mobiles, you’ll find the next-gen Tensor chip inside the Pixel 9 series, likely the Tensor G4 processor.

Per the former, the Pixel 9 Pro will sport 16GB of RAM, a step up from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB of memory. As more companies take deeper plunges into the world of AI, this isn’t surprising. While running AI in the background, these devices are going to need all the memory they can get.

Other specs you’ll reportedly find across the Pixel 9 series:

New Qi2 charging technology, which increases wireless charging up to 15W and offers better alignment (similar to MagSafe)

New “Adaptive Touch” feature, which lets you adjust the display’s sensitivity based on your surroundings

Satellite connectivity via a Samsung modem upgrade

As mentioned, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro (and perhaps a Pixel 9 Pro XL) are dropping on Aug. 13. Stay tuned for our coverage on the Made by Google event.