The spotlight shone on the new Pixel 9 lineup during the Made by Google 2024 event on Tuesday morning. Alongside the introduction of the Pixel 9 Fold Pro, a new size option was also added, featuring the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Pro model now boasts the same display size as the base Pixel at 6.3 inches but with a higher resolution of 1280 x 2856 compared to 1080 x 2424. The new Pro XL version is essentially an upgrade to last year’s 8 Pro, sporting a 6.8-inch display with 1344 x 2992 pixels.
The diversification of the Pro devices allows users to choose a higher-spec device without compromising on size. The displays are approximately 35% brighter than their predecessors, reaching up to 2,700 nits brightness, and are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
A significant highlight is the introduction of Gemini, Google’s generative AI, which now serves as the default assistant in place of Google Assistant on the Pixel 9 lineup. Users can assign the Power button to trigger Gemini, providing a seamless experience.
In terms of design, the new models feature sharper corners and a more prominent rear-facing camera bar. The Pixel 9 boasts dual rear cameras, while both 9 Pro models sport a triple-camera setup. The base model includes a 50-megapixel wide camera with 8x Super Res Zoom and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, while the Pro versions add a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. The Pros also feature 42-megapixel selfie cameras.
Google continues to enhance its AI-based editing tools, introducing features like Add Me, enabling users to merge themselves into group photos, and Magic Editor, offering automatic image reframing and other editing capabilities.
Differentiating itself from Apple, Google equips the Pixel 9 lineup with the new Tensor G4 chip and Titan M2 security chip. The models vary in RAM and storage options, with the base model offering 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage and the Pro models featuring 16GB RAM and storage up to 1TB. The devices are powered by sizable batteries, promising up to 24 hours of use or up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Customers purchasing the Pro models will receive a year of the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes Gemini Advanced features and 2TB of Google Cloud storage. All devices come with seven years of OS and security updates, along with new features included in Pixel drops.
Pricing for the Pixel 9 lineup starts at $799 for the Pixel 9, $999 for the Pixel Pro, and $1,099 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Preorders begin on Tuesday, with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL set to ship on August 22, while the Pro’s shipping date is yet to be determined.
